Transcript Highlights:

• Two, construction costs.
• I know, I know, but construction costs go down, inflation goes down, and things kind of get back to where
• IBHS fortified standards are recognized as the gold standard for constructing durable residential commercial
• HB 3306 would add utility contracting for installation, construction of vegetation management for electric
• So I'm trying to incentivize you that you can step up to a higher standard of construction by embracing

Transcript Highlights:

• Additional funding is needed to provide regulatory support for constructing and operating SAF facilities
• permitting backlogs are a priority both from a From a regulated party standpoint, they may want to do construction
• I don't have any specifics on how that happened other than we constructed our new Bena Community Center
• , it was land that we believed we owned, and it wasn't until later on when we wanted to actually construct
• While we may disagree on a few provisions here and there, we look forward to constructive dialogue at

Bills: HF1587, HF2293, HF2218, HF1208, HF1482

Keywords: HF1587, Cass County, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, condemnation, eminent domain, state land, surplus land, public waters, tribal land transfer, federally recognized Indian Tribe, tribal ownership, land conveyance, no consideration, land appropriation, natural resources, U.S. Highway 2, Section 27 Township 145 North Range 28 West, land return, Tribal sovereignty

Transcript Highlights:

• Important segments of the Kihei Mala Road will be constructed by the developments you will pass through
• Important segments of the Kihei Mala Road will be constructed by the developments you will pass through
• Important segments of the Kihei Mala Road will be constructed by the developments you will pass through
• Important segments of the Kihei Mala Road will be constructed by the developments you will pass through
• Important segments of the Kihei Mala Road will be constructed by the developments you will pass through

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation and Culture heard a series of resolutions covering cultural preservation, civic education, dark-sky protection, Taiwan relations, aviation safety reporting, waterborne cargo subsidies, and Maui transportation planning. Testimony on the Hawaii Theatre resolutions (SCR 131/SR 110) came from the Hawaii Theatre Center in support, with a question about whether acquisition funding was in the current budget; the witness said he was not aware of any such funding. The state archivist strongly supported SCR 169/SR 138 on expanding public outreach and civic engagement, and a student testifier supported the measure while urging stronger language to include Indigenous culture and closer work with Native communities. On STR 12/SR 8 recognizing International Dark Sky Week, testimony emphasized light pollution’s effects on birds, marine life, human health, and astronomy, and suggested stronger lighting ordinances and possible dark-sky reserve efforts. STR 31/SR 17 on Taiwan received support from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, while STR 180/SR 150 on aviation safety reporting drew support from Blue Hawaiian Helicopters but opposition from the Department of Transportation, which said much of the requested information falls under FAA jurisdiction and would be voluntary at the state level. STR 150 on waterborne cargo subsidies was supported by DOT, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, with DOT asking that the working group be smaller to speed a report to the 2026 session. STR 37/SR 21 and STR 38/SR 22 on Kihei road planning drew support from the Kihei Community Association, which described severe congestion and safety concerns in South Maui. In decision-making, the committee advanced SCR 131/SR 110 on the Hawaii Theatre as introduced. SCR 169/SR 138 was advanced with amendments to address comments about Indigenous culture. STR 12/SR 8 on International Dark Sky Week was deferred for further discussion until the following Tuesday. STR 31/SR 17 on Taiwan was advanced with technical, non-substantive amendments. STR 180/SR 150 and STR 150 were both deferred to the same later decision-making date to allow further work on possible amendments and jurisdictional issues. STR 37/SR 21 was passed as introduced, and STR 38/SR 22 was passed with technical, non-substantive amendments. In each vote taken, the measures were adopted without recorded opposition from the members present.

Transcript Highlights:

• Construction of homes destroyed by disasters was about $43 million of that.
• Construction of homes destroyed by disasters was about $43 million of that.
• current part of that fixed infrastructure development process where we have architects, engineers, construction
• Probably in the next four or five months, the expectation is that those facilities will start construction
• One proposal was that they accelerated the construction of the I-4 corridor.

Summary: The committee met to review agency program funding as it prepared to build the budget, hearing brief presentations from six agencies and then taking member questions. Florida Division of Emergency Management highlighted its role in response, preparedness, recovery, and mitigation, describing a largely federal pass-through budget, major technology investments, and large disaster and preparedness grant activity. The Department of Commerce, Department of State, Florida Housing Finance Corporation, Department of Transportation, Department of Military Affairs, Florida State Guard, and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also summarized their budgets, staffing, and major programs, including workforce and economic development, elections and arts funding, housing assistance, transportation work programs, military readiness, state guard expansion, and highway safety and motorist services. Members focused questions on several issues: arts and library grant funding and whether award criteria had changed; Commerce’s rural infrastructure and job growth grants and why funds were not being disbursed faster; Florida Housing’s use of SAIL, Live Local, Hometown Heroes, and SHIP funds and how smaller agencies learn about and access funding; and DOT’s work program gap between agency and governor proposals. The most extensive questioning was directed to Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles about long DMV lines, vacancies, overtime, staffing shortages, and the ability to shift funds between divisions. The department said staffing and pay constraints, especially in South Florida, were driving service delays and vacancy rates, and that overtime was being used because troopers were leaving for better-paying jobs. The Florida State Guard was also questioned about its spending and procurement pace, including aircraft purchases and facilities. Its director said long procurement timelines explained the low initial spending and that obligations had risen sharply as contracts matured. Members also asked about the department’s public opposition to Amendment 3 and whether agency resources were used in that effort; the director said no contracts or purchases were made to influence the vote and said the colonel’s comments were made off the clock. The meeting ended with the chair asking agencies to respond promptly to unanswered questions, and the committee adjourned without any recorded votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, I'm Rebecca Price with my construction company, Affordable Housing, and I'm in support of
• We will build offsite construction, so I'm in support of this bill because affordable housing affects
• lower income, but just making it more affordable than otherwise would be, or lowering the cost of construction
• review or reduced regulatory barriers would also be examples where you're decreasing the cost of construction
• When it comes to this, does it encourage building affordable but quality construction?

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, I'm Rebecca Price with my construction company, Affordable Housing, and I'm in support of
• We will build off-site construction, so I'm in support of this bill because affordable housing Affects
• income, but just making that more affordable than it otherwise would be, or lowering the cost of construction
• Those would also be examples where you're decreasing the cost of construction for all housing, as opposed
• When it comes to this, does it encourage building affordable but quality construction?

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, we're seeing construction and product installation permit approval the times rising in many
• We're trying to get construction.
• We have things this is gets stone gravel, sand, cement, limestone, mostly for construction gypsum, mostly
• Well, we have great bulk cargo biomes of steel coils used for manufacturing, rebar for construction,
• as well as lumber for construction.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have the Department of Health with comments on Zoom. and additional bedrooms constructed on
• and additional bedrooms constructed on the<00:55:28.880> same<00:55:29.040> parcel<00:55
• of affordable housing or or construction of affordable housing or clean<00:58:47.760> energy<
• of affordable housing or or construction of affordable housing or clean<00:58:58.000> energy<
• <00:59:38.559> to note the bill is narrowly constructed to note the bill is narrowly constructed

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1531, HD1, which would require the governor or county mayors to provide American Sign Language interpreters during official emergency announcements broadcast on television or the internet, ensure the interpreter is visible, and provide a primary pool feed with picture-in-picture so rebroadcasters would not need to add the feature themselves. Testimony from the Disability and Communication Access Board and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities strongly supported the bill, emphasizing effective communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents and noting that interpreter placement and size can make broadcasts inaccessible. The council requested an effective date of July 1, 2027 to allow implementation time. Members raised concerns about interpreter availability and emergency logistics on Hawaiʻi Island, but the chair moved to pass the bill with amendments reflecting the picture-in-picture recommendation and the later effective date. The committee adopted the motion, with several members voting aye and others voting with reservations. The committee then heard House Bill 1880, HD2, which would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2027, the use or application of pesticides containing 1,3-dichloropropene, such as Telone. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that pesticides are already regulated at both the federal and state levels, with EPA risk assessments and state enforcement of label restrictions, reporting, and school-buffer requirements. The Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the bill, citing cancer and respiratory risks and arguing that safer alternatives exist. In opposition, Dole Food and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said Telone is important for controlling nematodes in pineapple production, that it is applied underground under EPA conditions, and that no comparable registered alternative exists for pineapple; they also said the bill’s 2027 start date is too short for growers to adjust. A representative from the Y Alliance for Progressive Action and Support supported the measure, citing statewide usage data and concerns about drift and chronic health impacts. Committee members questioned both sides about drift monitoring, groundwater impacts, alternative methods, and whether a transition period or research into resistant varieties could reduce reliance on the chemical.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:35:00.320> cost,<01:35:01.120> and fees, full road construction cost, and fees,
• full road construction cost, and ongoing<01:35:02.000> road<01:35:02.320> maintenance.
• Under the bill, homeowners may receive a rebate equal to 50% of construction or installation cost, up
• By incentivizing the<01:43:07.040> construction<01:43:07.680> of<01:43:07.800> shelters
• <01:43:08.400> and the construction of shelters and the construction of shelters and encouraging

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I am the director of construction for CBRE and Turner and Townsin.
• Uh, I am the director of construction for CBRE and Turner and Townsin.
• Um, you have a unique background<00:58:15.760> in<00:58:16.079> construction<00:58:16.640
• > and background in construction and background in construction and construction<00:58:17.359>
• So, how do you construction management.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology met on February 25, 2026, to consider gubernatorial nominees to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council under GM 630, GM 628, and GM 631. The chair explained hearing procedures, noted backup reconvening plans in case of technical failure, and said decision-making would occur after testimony if time permitted. Testimony on all three nominees was overwhelmingly supportive, including from Department of Labor and Industrial Relations officials, Workforce Development Council representatives, and various outside supporters. For GM 630, Carrie Miro described decades of work on career pathways and emphasized applied learning, internships, and stronger links between education and employers. Senators questioned how to restore hands-on trade and career education and how to connect students to real workforce opportunities; Miro said businesses should help shape training and that students need both credit and employment incentives. For GM 628, Rona Fukumoto said her experience leading Lanakila Pacific and working in homeless services would help the council better understand the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable populations, and she stressed educating employers and the public. She also said youth programs, apprenticeships, and early intervention for “opportunity youth” are important, and noted that college-based programs like those at HCC can still provide effective hands-on pathways. For GM 631, Keith Dlo, who is seeking reappointment, said the Workforce Development Council should help create a future in Hawaii for younger generations by aligning schools, agencies, employers, and communities. He said his work on American Job Centers and the council’s convening power show it is an active body, not just a reporting mechanism. Senators pressed him on how to measure success beyond federal compliance, and Dlo said the council needs Hawaii-specific metrics focused on participation, completion, job placement, and retention of young residents, while also adapting to changes like AI. No votes or final confirmations were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, well, we finally got to commence construction through a five-year process of trying to get to construction
• With the cost of construction, it makes it difficult.
• Place in construction relative to that gas line.
• Construction inflation is real, and sadly, that's where this project is at.
• And as Warren Unsicker from the city referred to, temporary construction jobs.

Transcript Highlights:

• And encouraging new construction has, according to the U.S.
• Restriction on whether any dwelling unit is constructed on or off site.
• Restriction on whether any dwelling unit is constructed on or off site.
• Um, also line 24, where it says quote, 'restriction on whether any dwelling unit is constructed on or
• as defined in RSA construction as defined in RSA 67431-<01:24:28.880> but<01:24:29.040> as

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:36:46.400> in department will engage constructively in department will engage constructively
• in any in happy to engage constructively in any in any<00:38:10.480> subsequent<00:38:11.040>
• Um, happy to engage in constructive conversations, but we are administering the law as it is written.
• Um, happy to engage in constructive conversations, but we are administering the law as it is written.
• Um, happy to engage in constructive conversations, but we are administering the law as it is written.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Two of them are built, and two of them are under construction right now.
• Construction right away.
• I mean, it causes lots of accidents, particularly in highway construction.
• Yes, yes, and then through previous projects, our board had constructed...
• GBRA contributed to the construction.

Keywords: flooding, emergency response, communication systems, first responders, disaster management, Texas Water Development Board, regional planning, public safety

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.

Transcript Highlights:

• The total cost for both of those projects came in at $168 million when you had construction engineering
• We are required to start that once we start construction of the last segment north of I-94.
• So that project itself in total is... ...in total is $71 million when you add in the construction costs
• recall, but did we say that you couldn't, wouldn't start the EIS until we've provided funding for construction
• Chairman and Senator Dwyer, it says until we start, enter into the last phase of construction north of

Summary: The Budget Section met to approve prior minutes and receive a series of budget, revenue, and program updates from OMB, the Tax Department, DOT, DMR, and DPI. OMB reported that general fund revenues through May were about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls, though the biennium is still projected to end with a positive balance. OMB also reviewed oil price and production assumptions, the budget stabilization fund transfer above its cap, Legacy Fund performance, federal grant applications, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting that most of the settlement funds had been deposited but a small amount of accrued interest would require a future deficiency request. The committee then considered Emergency Commission requests. It approved requests for Public Service Commission abandoned mine lands federal authority, an Attorney General FTE and related funding for criminal investigator work tied to the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. After discussion, the committee also approved DPI’s request for a $500,000 transfer for the food vendor program, despite questions about the program’s savings and cash-flow structure. Later, the Tax Commissioner presented the primary residence credit program, reporting that current biennium costs are expected to exceed the appropriation by about $22 million and explaining how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran credits and the 3% property tax levy cap. The Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board reported strong returns for both funds, and DOT sought and received approval for two flexible fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. DOT also updated members on Highway 85 construction and said remaining flex fund dollars were essentially fully allocated. DMR reported on the abandoned well plugging and site reclamation fund, noting North Dakota’s relatively small orphan well inventory, current and projected fund balances, rising remediation costs, and a possible need to adjust the fund cap in future sessions. Finally, DPI outlined the new integrated formula gap funding program, explaining that it compensates school districts that cannot reach the assumed 60-mill local contribution because of the 3% levy cap; the first year’s gap funding totaled about $1.8 million, with future costs expected to grow.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in closing, by streamlining CEQA for public higher ed projects, we can accelerate the construction
• And with the last constructed station in Los Angeles resulting in two CEQA lawsuits, a two-year delay
• Judy Ye, with the State Building and Construction Trades Council, in support.
• bill would condition access to CEQA streamlining on a project labor agreement requirement for construction
• , at this point, construction for contracts exceeding $50,000.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The total cost for both of those projects came in at $168 million when you had construction engineering
• We are required to start that once we start construction of the last segment north of I-94.
• So that project itself in total is... ...in total is $71 million when you add in the construction costs
• recall, but did we say that you couldn't, wouldn't start the EIS until we've provided funding for construction
• says until we start, enter into the last It says until we start, enter into the last phase of construction

Summary: The Budget Section approved the March 18 minutes and received an OMB update showing the general fund is still ahead of the budgeted starting point, but revenues through May are now about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls. OMB also reported the budget stabilization fund is above its cap, meaning a transfer to the general fund is expected, and reviewed oil price/production assumptions, noting continued volatility. Members asked about the income tax netting process, the sales tax decline, oil price discounts/premiums, natural gas taxation, and when the executive branch would present its revenue forecast. The committee then acted on several Emergency Commission requests. It approved, as a group, requests for federal mine reclamation funds for the Public Service Commission, an additional criminal investigator FTE and funding for the Attorney General’s office, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. It separately approved DPI request 2164 for $500,000 to support the food vendor program after debate over whether the program’s savings were known and whether the money was simply a pass-through. OMB also reported on federal grants, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, FTE pool usage, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting the settlement funds had been deposited and that a deficiency appropriation may be needed later to cover remaining accrued interest. Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus presented on the primary residence credit program, saying participation has grown sharply and that the current biennium will likely need about $431 million, roughly $22 million above the appropriation. He explained how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran benefits, how the 3% property tax cap works, and why county valuations and mill rates vary. The committee also received a Legacy Fund/Budget Stabilization Fund report showing strong returns, and DOT Director Ron Henke received approval for two Flex Fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. Henke also explained remaining Highway 85 funding and said the department is exploring uses for leftover state dollars. Finally, the Department of Mineral Resources reported on abandoned well plugging and site restoration, noting North Dakota remains in relatively strong shape compared with other states, and DPI began a presentation on gap funding tied to the 3% levy cap, reporting 24 districts received $1.8 million in the first year and projecting higher future needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• stages. ...ensuring that the incarcerated individuals are well aware of where we're headed from a construction
• However, 26 weeks is kind of the treatment dosage that we look for in those constructs.
• Years ago, when I was younger, it was more people would get—they'd come out and work construction jobs
• So that percentage and that recidivism, those are the same constructs in which we're measuring that.
• So that percentage and that recidivism, those are the same constructs in which we're measuring that.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission approved the July 11 minutes and then received a detailed follow-up presentation from the Department of Correction on facility footprint, mission-driven housing, programming, and technology. Commissioner Jenkins and Deputy Commissioner Peterson explained recent and planned facility changes, including the closures of Walpole, MCI Cedar Junction, and MCI Concord, the transition of the Plymouth Section 35/Mass Act program to Health and Human Services, the return of Bay State to DOC control for possible future use, and the Shattuck Hospital move to East Newton Pavilion. Members asked about operational capacity, the exclusion of support beds from occupancy figures, and the status of mothballed or unused facilities. Framingham drew particular attention because of its historically low women’s population and planned renovations; members raised concerns about the cost and the need to consider the broader women’s correctional system. A major portion of the meeting focused on mission-driven units and evidence-based programming. DOC described specialized units for health services, nursing care, clinical stabilization, mental health, residential treatment, protective custody, reentry, emerging adults, education, and substance use recovery, and noted that security threat group support beds are not used. Staff explained the distinction between general population beds and support beds, and between programming and treatment. They said core recidivism-reduction programs are based on risk-need responsivity and COMPAS assessments, with Spectrum Health Systems as the current vendor, and presented recidivism data showing lower reoffending among participants who completed programs such as violence reduction, criminal thinking, and the Correctional Recovery Academy. For women, they highlighted the pathways model at MCI Framingham, which combines trauma-informed, gender-responsive services, and reported strong outcomes for those engaged for at least 26 weeks. Members asked about how needs are identified and counted, how declinations are handled, and how the department distinguishes completion from ongoing maintenance. DOC said participation is voluntary, individuals are re-recommended over time, and completion is recorded in the system when criteria are met. They also discussed educational supports for learning disabilities and trauma, including IEP/504 coordination, tutoring, and a new school psychologist for testing. Questions were raised about family reunification programming, and DOC pointed to family-focused services, mediation, Read to Me Mommy, and the Brave unit for young fathers. Sheriff Cabral and Sheriff Cochie praised the presentation and emphasized the importance of family reunification and the realities of trauma in incarcerated people’s lives. The final section highlighted the expanded use of tablets across all facilities. DOC said tablets now support free phone calls, emails, video visits, surveys, educational content, medical updates, sick-call requests, and an earned-good-time app, while also helping with communication during facility closures and with ongoing programming. Staff said the tablets are used both for learning and recreation, and that more than half of the incarcerated population uses them monthly for educational purposes. Members discussed whether user feedback or “reviews” of programs could help increase participation, and DOC said tablet-based surveys make that possible. The meeting ended with general agreement that the department has expanded programming and technology substantially and is using them to support reentry, communication, and facility operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, I'm sorry, Brad Hauser on behalf of the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council,
• Last year, I'm sorry, Brad Hauser on behalf of the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council
• Last year, the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council was transferred from underneath the
• The treasurer's team has been a constructive partner in getting these details right, and the bill in
• The treasurer's team has been a constructive partner in getting these details right, and the bill in

Summary: The committee took up several House measures. HCR 66, as amended, asked Louisiana Economic Development and the Governor’s Office of Rural Development to study rural parish assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities, and it was moved forward without objection. HB 387, a clarification to allow the fire marshal’s office to review architectural and engineering plans equally, also passed favorably without objection. HB 1223, which would have LED promote Louisiana’s clinical trial capacity and adjust internal review board processes, was amended and moved favorably. HB 950, aimed at helping older adults recognize and avoid fraud through materials and resources from the Office of Elderly Affairs, was reported favorably. HB 975, a routine measure to recreate the Public Service Commission, was also reported favorably. HB 1186, which would create a more uniform statewide building code and licensing system for inspectors, was amended and moved favorably. HB 1222, described as a Grocery Initiative Act to let LED identify ways to address food deserts and food insecurity, was introduced near the end of the meeting. The most extensive debate centered on HB 617, a consumer transparency bill requiring mandatory fees to be included in upfront pricing. The author said the bill was intended to curb hidden fees and help consumers compare prices, with examples such as hotel resort fees and automatic restaurant service charges. Supporters argued it would improve transparency, while opponents from grocery, restaurant, hotel, housing, retail, and business groups said the bill was too broad, vague about terms like “total price,” unclear on enforcement and penalties, and could create compliance burdens and litigation risk, especially for small businesses. Housing advocates opposed the bill’s housing carve-out, arguing it could weaken renters’ ability to bring unfair-practice claims. Senator Morris moved to defer HB 617, and the committee agreed without objection. The committee also heard lengthy testimony on HB 797, which would create a Bayou Gold certification for certain transactional gold vendors that meet state-defined standards such as segregation, insurance, and nearby storage. The sponsor said the goal was to give consumers confidence and encourage vendors to keep gold closer to Louisiana, while critics argued the program would amount to a state endorsement of private companies, create misleading consumer impressions, and expose the state to confusion or liability. The bill drew opposition from the Sound Money Defense League and others, but the committee ultimately reported HB 797 favorably, with the understanding it still had to go to Finance. HB 1228, a hearing-aid cleanup bill updating definitions, contracts, testing periods, and licensing rules, was also moved favorably without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Code Commission, and to provide legislative purpose definitions and decree the Louisiana Uniform Construction
• Representative Borek is an act to amend Titles 48 and 49 relative to the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction
• Relative to the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction, to expand the powers, duties, and responsibilities
• in the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction.
• , House Bill 1072 makes operational reforms to the Highway, to the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction

Keywords: 974, senate, all