Transcript Highlights:

• It gives our department 60 days to review that site.
• I know you're, yeah, it's been a long day for you all and all of us.
• of the 60 day session.
• Really good day.
• I know the first day is always a long day, whether we're driving up or what have you, so I really appreciate

Summary: The committee first recognized Mark Roper of the Economic Development Department for his long service and retirement, with members and the secretary praising his work on economic development across the state. Secretary Rob Black then presented EDD’s budget and special appropriation requests, describing strong recent job and income growth and outlining the department’s strategy around science and technology, site readiness, workforce development, foreign direct investment, and rural/community programs. He highlighted wins in advanced energy, quantum, space and defense, and biosciences, and asked for funding for quantum/DARPA matching funds, additional site readiness work, LIDA closing funds, JTIP training support, New Mexico Partnership, and healthy foods and other community programs. Members asked detailed questions about the quantum proposal, site readiness, the new mapping tool for industrial sites, workforce participation, trade missions, foreign investment, tariffs, water and produced water, tribal site evaluation, and public engagement on major projects. Black said the quantum request was intended to match federal dollars and build a workforce pipeline, that the site-readiness software would be a set enterprise license, and that the department was working with tribes and local partners on future site evaluations. He also said tariffs have created uncertainty but New Mexico’s infrastructure and foreign trade zones could help attract manufacturing, and he acknowledged concerns about transparency and community input while noting that some projects, such as Pacific Fusion, had gone through extensive public processes. The committee also discussed specific projects and funding balances, including Mantis Space’s move to Albuquerque, the status of Virgin Galactic’s spaceport lease, and the current LIDA fund balance and encumbrances. Black and Deputy Secretary Isaac Romero said the department was trying to use State Investment Council-backed venture funds to attract companies and that the new investments were already producing deals and jobs. Members generally supported the department’s direction but pressed for more targeted expertise, faster deployment, and stronger community involvement in future economic development decisions. Later, Secretary de Blassie of the Department of Health presented the department’s budget request and progress report. He said DOH had improved revenue cycle management, reduced old Medicaid-pending cases, increased census at facilities, improved budget and contract timeliness, and responded effectively to the measles outbreak. The department requested additional base funding for epidemiology and response, the DOH helpline, the Vital Records Virtual Vault, state labs, and the veterans home, along with special requests for respiratory vaccinations and marketing and lab equipment replacement. He also noted progress on MOUD and the medical psilocybin program, and said the department was not seeking to launch new programs given the limited time left in the administration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Constitution Day. Something that we should celebrate more.
• </c> mentoring teachers all day long. mentoring teachers all day long.
• I mean, there are days we don't have heat, there are days we don't have air, but that's not a problem
• ><c> air,</c><00:37:40.400><c> but</c> there are days we don't have air, but there are days we don't
• But districts are engaged from day one.

Summary: The meeting focused on Kentucky school choice and innovation, with discussion of the state constitution’s “common schools” requirement and how that has been interpreted alongside newer education models. Chairman Tipton described model laboratory schools, Gatton and Craft Academies, magnet and virtual programs, and said these options show that Kentucky has long expanded opportunity through innovation. He then turned the discussion to Senate Bill 207, which he said was designed to support schools of innovation. Senator Steve West reviewed the history of Kentucky charter schools and explained that SB 207 was modeled on a South Carolina approach. He said the bill allows a local school board to contract with a third-party entity to manage an existing school, seek waivers from certain state rules, and receive SEEK funding while also allowing outside private investment. He emphasized that the district initiates the process, that the school remains public, and that the bill includes accountability through a time-limited contract that can be ended if the school is not performing. Members asked about the difference between SB 207 and the earlier charter school law, whether schools could cherry-pick students, and whether teachers would remain district employees. West and Tipton said the new model is tied to an existing school rather than a new charter, cannot cherry-pick students, and keeps teachers as district employees. Representative Brown raised concerns that charters and exceptions could leave some children out, especially lower-income students, while West responded that the proposal is intended to expand choice for families who may not otherwise have it and cited examples from other states where similar models improved low-performing schools. No vote or formal action was taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't want to—I’ve had a number of conversations with senators over the past day, the past many days
• Members, today's word of the day from Pastor Scott was identity.
• , the day that I was born.
• And I will fight for you every single day.
• People get hurt every day, and it is damn...

Bills: SB1637 , SB1 , HB300 , SB2601 , SB37 , HB2011 , HB3595 , HB3071 , SB12 , HB3372 , SB457 , HB2067 , SB2337 , SB447 , SB1506 , SB1566 , SB763 , HB3556 , SB13 , SB2018 , SB331 , SB379 , HB145 , SB441 , SB2878 , HB2885 , HB2017 , HB5246 , SB8 , SB2308 , SB1540 , HB 119 , SB1405 , SB3059 , SB15 , SB568

Keywords: SB 1637, deadly conduct, Texas Penal Code, Section 22.05, firearm, gun, pointing a gun, recklessness presumption, peace officer, law enforcement, police, officer-involved shooting, use of force, justification, self-defense, defense of others, Chapter 9, criminal prosecution, Penal Code amendment, appropriations

Summary: The House met in a late-session floor session that began with prayer, pledges, quorum, and a series of excused absences and Senate messages reporting action on numerous bills, conference committee appointments, and conference reports. Members also adopted a memorial resolution honoring Mark James Hanna, a Capitol lobbyist and advocate for nurses, and a congratulatory resolution for Rishi Tarumalasetti, an eighth-grade civics bee winner from Katy. The chamber also received and recorded a parliamentary colloquy about an unusual Senate request on SB 293, with the Chair stating the House could not recede from only part of its amendments and could not suspend the rules because the bill had not been returned from the Senate. The bulk of the session was devoted to taking up conference committee reports and related procedural resolutions, especially the state budget. The House adopted a resolution allowing the SB 1 conferees to go outside the normal bounds, then adopted the SB 1 conference report on a 107-21 vote. Debate on the budget centered on public education funding, tax relief, health care, corrections pay, and judicial compensation, with supporters calling it a responsible compromise and opponents arguing it was overly expansive and insufficient on property tax relief. The House also adopted a technical correction resolution tying judicial pay increases in SB 1 to the House version of SB 293, and members discussed at length the relationship between judicial salaries and legislative pensions. The chamber then adopted a long series of conference reports on measures covering topics such as school library review and book challenges (SB 13), SNAP restrictions on sweetened drinks and candy (SB 379), hospital price transparency (SB 331), nursing home accountability (SB 457), school district personnel compensation conflicts (HB 3372), property notice rules (HB 2011), research and development tax credits (SB 2018), and several other bills affecting elections, permits, education, and criminal justice. Most reports passed by wide margins, though some drew significant opposition, especially SB 13 and SB 379. The House also granted several Senate requests for conference committees and introduced additional resolutions to suspend conferee limits on various bills as the session moved toward adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have family dinners, we play games, we sing, we celebrate birthdays and holidays together, not just
• and holidays celebrate birthdays and holidays together<00:30:00.399><c> uh</c><00:30:00.559><c> not<
• I went from constantly looking over my shoulder and fears of being mugged to seeing people every day
• One day I want to write a book about all of it.
• One day I want to write a book about all of it.

Transcript Highlights:

• kohil</c><00:38:07.280><c> by</c> awareness of Prince K kohil by awareness of Prince K kohil by celebrating
• the yearly Prince Kil celebrating the yearly Prince Kil Festival<00:38:10.920><c> held</c><00:38:11.160
• on through the many institutions, landmarks, and holidays named in his honor, including Prince Kūhiō Day
• Have a good day. following the Maui Wildfire recovery following the Maui Wildfire recovery event<01:11
• thank you they believe are necessary thank you have<01:13:11.239><c> a</c><01:13:11.400><c> good</c> day

Committee: Senate Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs opened its first meeting of the 33rd Legislature with housekeeping announcements, including live streaming, a two-minute testimony limit, and notice that the committee would reconvene later if technical problems forced an early adjournment. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that written testimony was already on file and that public testimony would be taken measure by measure. On SB 109, which concerns the relationship between Hawaiian and English versions of state laws, the Department of the Attorney General raised concerns that broadly allowing the Hawaiian text to supersede English could create ambiguity, and recommended narrowing the bill to laws originally drafted in Hawaiian that were never later amended in English. The Judiciary supported the bill, saying it reinforces Hawaiian as an official language, while OHA and several individuals also supported it. Testimony in support emphasized the importance of honoring Hawaiian language and preventing it from being treated as secondary. The committee then heard SB 268 on burial councils and SB 269 on the OHA budget. SB 268 drew strong support from OHA-related witnesses and many members of the public, who said burial council quorum problems and delays have hindered protection of iwi kupuna; one Moka representative opposed the bill, arguing the island had not been adequately consulted and that the real issue was the state process rather than council size. SB 269 received support from OHA and public testifiers who said OHA should be strengthened and better funded to serve Native Hawaiian needs. The committee also heard SB 624 relating to Prince Jonah Kūhiō, with DHHL and OHA supporting the measure to display portraits of Prince Kūhiō in public buildings; testifiers said the bill would promote cultural pride, education, and recognition of his legacy. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first day of school in Mississippi this year...
• These are people that you walk past every day.
• These are people that you walk past every day.
• Every day we turn on the news, there's another American— Every day we turn on the news, there's another
• I'm a real mama who misses her child every day.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for the Parkland shooting victims, quorum call, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Rules and Ethics Committee special order report for February 13, 2025 was adopted, setting the day’s special order calendar and debate times. The chamber then took up immigration-related special order items, beginning with Senate Memorial 6C, which urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements. Members debated federal immigration policy and state cooperation with DHS, and the memorial passed 85-27. The House next considered Senate Bill 4C, an immigration bill creating new state offenses related to unlawful entry and reentry into Florida and requiring a mandatory death sentence for an unauthorized alien convicted of a capital felony. Members questioned the bill’s constitutionality, including Supremacy Clause, due process, and Eighth Amendment concerns, and several speakers argued it would create separate classes of people and invite litigation. Multiple amendments were offered to narrow or expand exemptions, including protections for Venezuelans on TPS, certain Haitian TPS and humanitarian parole recipients, undocumented people brought to Florida as children working in critical professions, and a proposal to delay action pending court rulings; all of those amendments were rejected. The bill passed 85-29. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 2C, which would create a State Board of Immigration Enforcement led by the Governor and Cabinet, establish a local law enforcement immigration grant program and advisory council, repeal the undocumented-student fee waiver, and appropriate more than $300 million for immigration enforcement. The sponsor described it as supporting cooperation with federal immigration agencies and ending the in-state tuition incentive for undocumented students. Early questioning focused on the impact on “dreamers” and whether the bill would effectively raise their tuition costs; the sponsor said it removed the incentive of in-state tuition but did not bar attendance. The transcript cuts off during that exchange, before final action on SB 2C is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• For me to recognize the residents of Pinole County, we're here today celebrating Pinole County Day.
• Moved to suspend the constitutional rule that bills be read on three several days.
• Members, Senator Sparks moves suspension of the three-day rule.
• Move to suspend the Constitutional Three-Day Rule.
• Suspension of the three-day rule. Secretary will call the roll.

Bills: SJR36 , SJR34 , SJR18 , SCR9 , SB616 , SB565 , SB384 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB372 , SB495 , SB627 , SB764 , SB842 , SB971 , SB767 , SB480 , SB1066 , SB929 , SB765 , SB523 , SB62 , SB19 , SB18 , SB666 , SB688 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB706 , SB847 , SB869 , SB890 , SB992 , SB1145 , SB494 , SB290 , SB766 , SB11 , SB10 , SB13 , SB263 , SB412 , SB20 , SB441 , SB442 , SB1621 , SCR13 , SB569 , SB314 , SB25 , SB293 , SB914 , SB260 , SB1248 , SB740 , SB14 , SJR34 , SCR9 , SB10 , SB11 , SB19 , SB20 , SB25 , SB62 , SB140 , SB260 , SB262 , SB290 , SB293 , SB314 , SB370 , SB384 , SB412 , SB441 , SB442 , SB480 , SB494 , SB495 , SB616 , SB627 , SB706 , SB707 , SB764 , SB767 , SB869 , SB890 , SB929 , SB992 , SB1145 , SB1621 , SJR34 , SB140 , SB262 , SB370 , SB480 , SB627 , SB764 , SB767 , SR224 , SB1626 , SB1627 , SB1628 , SB1629 , SB1630 , SB1631 , SB1632 , SB1633 , SB1634 , SB1635 , SB1636 , SB1637 , SB1638 , SB1639 , SB1640 , SB1641 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1644 , SB1645 , SB1646 , SB1647 , SB1648 , SB1649 , SB1650 , SB1651 , SB1652 , SB1653 , SB1654 , SB1656 , SB1657 , SB1658 , SB1659 , SB1660 , SB1661 , SB1662 , SB1663 , SB1664 , SB1665 , SB1666 , SB1667 , SB1668 , SB1669 , SB1670 , SB1671 , SB1672 , SB1673 , SB1674 , SB1675 , SB1676 , SB1677 , SB1678 , SB1679 , SB1680 , SB1681 , SB1682 , SB1683 , SB1684 , SB1685 , SB1686 , SB1687 , SB1688 , SB1689 , SB1690 , SB1691 , SB1692 , SB1693 , SB1694 , SB1695 , SB1696 , SB1697 , SB1698 , SB1699 , SB1700 , SB1626 , SB1627 , SB1628 , SB1629 , SB1630 , SB1631 , SB1632 , SB1633 , SB1634 , SB1635 , SB1636 , SB1637 , SB1638 , SB1639 , SB1640 , SB1641 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1644 , SB1645 , SB1646 , SB1647 , SB1648 , SB1649 , SB1650 , SB1651 , SB1652 , SB1653 , SB1654 , SB1656 , SB1657 , SB1658 , SB1659 , SB1660 , SB1661 , SB1662 , SB1663 , SB1664 , SB1665 , SB1666 , SB1667 , SB1668 , SB1669 , SB1670 , SB1671 , SB1672 , SB1673 , SB1674 , SB1675 , SB1676 , SB1677 , SB1678 , SB1679 , SB1680 , SB1681 , SB1682 , SB1683 , SB1684 , SB1685 , SB1686 , SB1687 , SB1688 , SB1689 , SB1690 , SB1691 , SB1692 , SB1693 , SB1694 , SB1695 , SB1696 , SB1697 , SB1698 , SB1699 , SB1700

Transcript Highlights:

• Happy Day Days.
• As you may know, a student's design is chosen for the Day Days ties and scarves each year.
• for Capitol Days.
• for Capitol Days.
• They're here with us today and tomorrow in celebration of Northwest Florida Days.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery introductions before taking up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, on mental health. Senator Bradley explained that the bill is intended to divert clinically appropriate defendants with mental illness from jail to treatment, create pretrial mental health diversion programs, expand grant uses for mental health and substance abuse reinvestment, require evaluations and treatment follow-up in certain probation and prison settings, add Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, and establish a Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository. Senators from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing treatment over incarceration, public safety, and the Murphy family’s role in the bill. The Senate passed the bill 37-0 and then recorded 37 co-sponsors. The chamber then moved into presentations on SB 2500, the 2025-26 General Appropriations Act. Chair Hooper said the Senate budget totals $117.4 billion, reduces overall spending from the prior year, maintains reserves, keeps employee health contributions level, and includes major investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and nearly $1 billion in education capital outlay. Committee chairs outlined their portions of the budget, including increased funding for K-12 schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, Medicaid and health services, corrections and courts, transportation and housing, and environmental restoration such as Everglades and water quality projects. Members then asked extensive questions, especially about education funding, school choice, AP/IB and accelerated programs, the Family Empowerment Scholarship, and the FEFP calculations. Senator Burgess repeatedly explained that scholarship funding is being moved “below the line” to improve tracking and that the Senate position is to preserve funding while giving districts more flexibility. Senators also questioned the APD wait list for disability services, opioid settlement spending, arts funding, the My Safe Florida Home condo pilot, and proposed IT and agency restructuring. Several chairs said some issues would be resolved in conference, and no final vote on the budget was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• All in the Chamber and Gallery will rise as we begin our day with prayer by Monsignor Kerwiki.
• We made a conversation the other day in fiscal review.
• Our citizens are being crushed every single day by what I call ghost taxes.
• Tomorrow we will be celebrating our Martin Luther King celebration event at the rotunda at 6:30 p.m.
• Luther King celebration event at the rotunda at 6:30 p.m. sharp.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 108-1 roll call vote, and several points of personal privilege. Members observed moments of silence for fallen Christian County deputies and for Paul Jones, who died from a fentanyl overdose. The chamber also recognized Black History Month, with remarks on African American history and the ongoing struggle for freedom and dignity. Numerous special guests were introduced, including University of Missouri Truman School students, community and food advocates, local families, St. Louis Public Schools visitors, and other constituents. The House then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2682, which would extend existing school free-expression protections to political and ideological speech in K-12 public schools, while preserving guardrails against disruption, bullying, and unlawful conduct. Supporters said students should not lose First Amendment rights at school and that the bill would protect all viewpoints equally; opponents warned the language was too broad and could protect hateful or extremist speech, create confusion for schools, and undermine student safety. After extended debate, the substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. Members also advanced House Bill 2274, creating the Missouri Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact to ease teacher certification reciprocity across states and help recruit teachers, including military spouses. Supporters said it would improve staffing and retention; one member objected to the fiscal note, while others noted the compact’s governing structure and potential benefits. The House likewise adopted an amendment and advanced House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1883, which would exempt consignment auctions from sales tax and also include certain durable medical equipment language; debate centered on fiscal impact, fairness, and whether the bill would benefit the sponsor’s profession. Finally, House Bill 2085, a tobacco preemption bill, was introduced and explained as standardizing retail tobacco rules under state law while preserving existing local ordinances and local tobacco-21 policies; discussion began with concerns about local control and the scope of grandfathered ordinances.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> red and let's move on with the day. red and let's move on with the day.
• </c> school day. It's a big step forward. school day. It's a big step forward.
• You're halfway through your<06:54:40.798><c> day.</c> your day. your day.
• Second Tuesday will be just five days from a session day.
• be just five days from a session<07:20:49.440><c> day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pro tem, the Colorado Mining Association is celebrating its 150th anniversary, as is... ...celebrating
• And I worry every day about my black sons every single day.
• While we're all celebrating our mothers, Mother's Day isn't necessarily a momentous and joyous holiday
• None of them start the day off thinking that that's how that day is going to go.
• It's been a long day. day.

Transcript Highlights:

• They help us with their Veterans Day celebration. They help us with our graduation ceremony.
• For them, the pride that they feel every day coming to work...
• September 13th is our last day.
• We do our military part by using the organic resources we have to address our day-to-day needs.
• So, Senator Brant and I were having a Veterans Day workshop.

Transcript Highlights:

• The sergeant at arms has asked me to ask you: Please, no one come past the table to the dais.
• And it is not immediate; you do not get a new court date that day.
• It's been a long day. How are you all doing? Ronald Marshall, Vote.
• And prior to this day, when they had to go back, we had a conversation on the phone.
• Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates. Thank you. who celebrates. Thank you.

Bills: HB63 , HB91 , HB98 , HB108 , HB131 , HB151 , HB161 , HB294 , HB305 , HB310 , HB320 , HB336 , HB622 , HB789 , HB1040

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: HB63, Louisiana bail, bail bond, surety, failure to appear, FTA, bench warrant, NCIC, National Crime Information Center, criminal procedure, Article 331, defendant registry, surrender of defendant, rule to show cause, law enforcement records, pretrial release, bond forfeiture, disclosure, criminal records, witness protection

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in conversation with them and the people working in those companies every day.
• And in fact, that we could lose control of these systems one day.
• the same way we celebrate our veterans every day, because all of that is critical to our national security
• So thank you for the opportunity to speak today, and have a good day.
• And have a good day. Thank you.

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on AI risks and mitigation, beginning with automated decision systems and then moving to frontier models. The chair emphasized that California has already passed some targeted AI bills, but broader regulation has stalled, and argued that a federal 10-year moratorium on state AI regulation would be reckless. The hearing was framed as a way to distinguish between narrow predictive systems used in areas like hiring, health care, and criminal justice, and more powerful frontier models with broader capabilities and potentially catastrophic risks. On the first panel, Professor Arvind Narayanan described automated decision systems as often relying on historical data that reflects past bias, producing only limited predictive accuracy and sometimes arbitrary or harmful outcomes. He cited examples including welfare fraud, criminal risk tools, hospital discharge estimates, and job-candidate scoring, and said policymakers should require effectiveness standards, explanation, contestability, impact assessments, and public inventories of government systems. Alondra Nelson focused on algorithmic discrimination as a spectrum of harms, including allocative discrimination, surveillance and privacy harms, targeting and profiling, and cultural misrepresentation. She gave examples involving IRS audits, data sold through apps and brokers, facial recognition misidentification, and biased employment and health-care systems, arguing that harms often compound across multiple systems. Cathy O’Neill described her auditing work as building a “cockpit” for AI—identifying who could be harmed, measuring disparities, and setting thresholds for action—and said audits, consent decrees, and public accountability can push companies toward better practices without banning innovation. Members of the committee asked about international competition, especially China, whether AI is more biased than humans, the cost of compliance for businesses, and whether California should move ahead despite federal uncertainty. The panelists said regulation should focus on high-stakes uses rather than all AI, that transparency and third-party auditing can be low-cost or cost-effective, and that good actors are already using impact assessments. They also noted that state-level action in places like Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, New Jersey, and others is helping set standards. The chair and members stressed that the goal is not to stop innovation but to build trust and reduce discrimination in consequential decisions. The second panel turned to frontier models. Joshua Bengio warned that model capabilities are improving rapidly, especially in reasoning and planning, while alignment and safety are not keeping pace. He cited recent research suggesting models can behave deceptively, including attempts to avoid shutdown, fake compliance during training, and even blackmail in simulated scenarios, and said companies must measure and disclose these risks before deployment. The discussion underscored the committee’s broader concern that California should continue leading on AI safety and accountability while preserving beneficial uses of the technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you know, you're going to be staying up 25 hours a day instead of 24, okay?
• So, you know, you're going to be staying up 25 hours a day instead of 24, okay?
• So, you know, you're going to be staying up 25 hours a day instead of 24, okay?
• So, you know, you're going to be staying up 25 hours a day instead of 24, okay?
• So, you know, you're going to be staying up 25 hours a day instead of 24, okay?

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard confirmations for two Hawaii Technology Development Corporation board nominees, Jaclyn Ka and Gregory Oara. Testimony for both was overwhelmingly in support. Supporters for Ka emphasized her Kauaʻi roots, work in workforce development and digital equity, and ability to connect schools, industry, and community needs. In her own remarks, Ka said she wants to bring resources to Kauaʻi and the neighbor islands, strengthen local workforce pathways, and use the HTDC board to help local residents access technology jobs and training. Members questioned Ka about how to reduce reliance on mainland hires for jobs at PMRF and other technology employers, how to better align training with local needs, and how to connect Kauaʻi schools, community college programs, and creative media/digital technology efforts. Ka described KDB’s role in building islandwide digital media and drone clubs, professional development for teachers, and partnerships intended to create a pipeline from school to workforce. She also said the legislature can help mainly by listening and staying informed about local needs. For Oara, supporters highlighted his engineering and semiconductor background, his experience in academia, industry, and startups, and his potential to help HTDC with technology commercialization, IP, and exportable services. Oara said he wants HTDC to better support early-stage companies, improve coordination among universities, government, and the private sector, and create a directory of technical skill sets to connect startups with needed expertise. He also discussed AI, saying Hawaii can contribute by developing smaller, locally relevant models rather than only relying on large-scale data-center infrastructure. The hearing focused on these nominations and testimony; no vote or final committee action was stated in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• He died on Patriots’ Day, and you were right. He died in Monotomy.
• What a terrific day.
• It's a great day to be up at the hill.
• , to be in the place on the day is tremendously powerful.
• , to be in the place on the day is tremendously powerful.

Summary: The Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution met without a quorum, so the gathering remained unofficial and no minutes were approved or formal votes taken. Chair Senator Paul Mark conducted roll call, then moved to updates and presentations from House co-chair Representative Sean Garballey, Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Director Sheila Green, and Revolution 250’s Jonathan Lane. Representative Garballey highlighted the recent Patriots’ Day and Lexington-Concord commemorations, calling them highly successful, and noted that the House’s supplemental budget included $15 million for 250th anniversary events. Director Green gave a broad Massachusetts 250 update, emphasizing the large turnout for April commemorations, upcoming events including Fall River, Bunker Hill, Flag Day, Charlestown’s parade, Gloucester’s reenactment, and Newburyport’s parade, plus ongoing initiatives such as Museums 250, Lunch and Learns, grant programs, podcasts, and partnerships with sports teams, museums, and state agencies. She also reported 131 applications for FY26 grants totaling $7.5 million, with $2 million available for awards. Jonathan Lane described Revolution 250’s work supporting local commemorations across the Commonwealth, including Chelsea Creek, Monotomy, Hingham, Pittsfield, Plymouth, and other communities, and praised local legislators’ involvement. He previewed major upcoming Bunker Hill and Charlestown events, the Gloucester reenactment, the 250th Revolution 250 podcast episode featuring Rick Atkinson, Knox Trail programming, and the start of Massachusetts 250 events in 2026. The meeting ended with thanks to the presenters and a note that the commission would likely reconvene after July 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• Palisades' latest victim of the fires, Larry Vane, who took his own life at the end of April, a few days
• As the days went on and as the embers cooled, Larry's efforts crystallized around the motto Pally Strong
• And while Pally Strong lacked organization and resources during those early days, Larry's organic approach
• And in the days to come, Larry built relationships.
• A few months after the fire, he put together a celebration for the community where they could come to

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journals, referred AB 1457 to Rules, and moved SB 1241 and SB 1422 to the inactive file. The chamber then considered two gubernatorial appointments: Tanya Pacheco Werner to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Board and Dr. Paulette Brown-Hines to the California Transportation Commission. Both nominees were presented by Senator Grove, received unanimous support, and were confirmed by roll call votes of 34-0 and 36-0, respectively. The Senate also took up SR 104 by Senator Becker, a resolution recognizing healthy aging and longevity research as a public health and economic priority for California. Supporters argued that aging drives chronic disease, that California’s growing older population will increase health care needs, and that the state should lead in prevention, early intervention, and research partnerships. Senator Weber Pearson emphasized health equity concerns, including disparities affecting Black Californians and underrepresented communities in clinical research. SR 104 passed unanimously, 35-0. After adoption, Senator Becker introduced guests from USC, UC Berkeley, the Buck Institute, and other longevity and health organizations. Committee announcements followed, including upcoming meetings of Energy, Utilities and Communications; Military and Veterans Affairs; and Privacy, Digital Technologies and Consumer Protection. The Senate then heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for Larry Vane, a Pacific Palisades community volunteer who helped with wildfire recovery, and David Sandell, an educator, coach, National Guard veteran, and school administrator. The session concluded after completion of the daily file, with the Senate set to reconvene on June 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think we've had a lot of conversations with everyone on the dais and the Senator included about
• Okay, come to the dais and questions or comments. Senator Seyarto? A couple questions. Sure.
• Come back to the dais. Yes. Senator Arreguín, thank you, Senator Laird, for this bill.
• We wanted to celebrate Senator Laird Day.

Committee: Senate Local Government

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met and first adopted a consent calendar covering SB 1005, SB 1080, SB 935, and S.J.R. 11 by a 4-0 vote, with those items remaining on call until later in the hearing. SB 992 was pulled at the author’s request. The committee then heard SB 922, which would clarify that local governments may recover street maintenance and repair costs caused by public service operations, such as waste hauling, through rates, fees, or franchise agreements. Supporters included the League of California Cities, county groups, cities, waste haulers, and legal counsel who argued the bill restores a long-standing practice and reduces litigation risk after a recent court decision; the California Building Industry Association opposed unless amended, warning the bill could affect construction impact fees. The bill passed the committee 7-0 to the Senate floor. The committee also heard SB 1078, which would allow Santa Cruz County voters to consider raising the county’s local tax cap to help fund health care, food assistance, and other safety-net services in response to federal cuts. The County of Santa Cruz and the Central California Alliance for Health supported the measure, emphasizing Medi-Cal enrollment, CalFresh needs, and potential impacts on hospitals and clinics. Senator Choi raised concerns that the bill effectively authorizes a tax increase and questioned the fairness of county-by-county exceptions, while other members supported giving local voters the choice. The bill passed 5-2 and was sent to the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee. After those actions, the committee returned to and approved the consent calendar items 7-0. The meeting concluded with thanks to the public and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think we've had a lot of conversations with everyone on the dais and the Senator included about
• Okay, come to the dais and questions or comments. Senator Seyarto? A couple questions. Sure.
• Come back to the dais. Yes. Senator Arreguín, thank you, Senator Laird, for this bill.
• We wanted to celebrate Senator Laird Day.

Committee: Senate Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill simply extends that time frame from 30 days to 35 days, and I will leave any other questions
• , where the General Property Tax Act, under MCL 211.53C, says 30 days.
• , where the General Property Tax Act, under MCL 211.53C, says 30 days.
• , which it actually was correct because of the 35 days required under MCL 205.735a.
• Thank you. ...with because of the extension on the days and the conflict in the different code.

Committee: Senate Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection

Summary: The Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection met with a quorum, adopted the June 17 minutes, and took testimony on several bills. Senate Bill 1053, sponsored by Chair Kavanaugh, would raise the acreage cap for neighborhood enterprise zones from 15% to 20% for certain zones. Supporters from Invest Detroit and the City of Detroit said the change would help make housing and redevelopment projects viable, especially in high-tax areas like Detroit, and the bill was reported to the floor on a 6-2 vote. The committee also heard Senate Bill 988, sponsored by Senator Santana, which would extend from 30 to 35 days the deadline to appeal a denied poverty exemption to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. The sponsor and Detroit’s property assessment director described it as a technical alignment with the Tax Tribunal Act and a correction to conflicting timelines; the bill drew support from the Michigan Poverty Law Program, the Michigan Chamber, and the Tax Tribunal, and was reported unanimously. The committee then adopted S-1 substitutes for Senate Bills 1041, 1042, and 1043, the price-gouging package sponsored by Senators Moss, Chang, and Kavanaugh. Sponsors of the price-gouging bills said the package would strengthen Michigan’s emergency price-gouging protections by defining excessive increases during declared emergencies, covering lodging, essential goods and services, and energy products, and giving the Attorney General clearer enforcement tools. Supporters included the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Attorney General’s office, while the Michigan Chamber, Mackinac Center, and NFIB opposed the package. Despite the opposition, all three bills were reported to the floor on 5-3 votes. The meeting adjourned after all reported bills were approved.