Transcript Highlights:

• There are the Internal Revenue Code.
• We adopted the Internal Revenue Code of 1987.
• We adopted the Internal Revenue Code of 1987.
• We adopted the Internal Revenue Code of 1987.
• We adopted the Internal Revenue Code of 1987.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Senator Cleary, we previously moved for at least 10 legal interns, law school interns, and
• , for the law student interns, because I think everyone here knows that we typically do... ...interns
• I mean, we're not looking at Sergeant-at-Arms interns.
• You know who I'm assuming the intern is?
• I actually interned at the Capitol in the ag department.

Summary: The Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then took up a draft bill to make legislators’ and candidates’ residential addresses confidential in public records. Legislative Council and the Secretary of State explained the proposal was prompted by security concerns and would protect residential addresses while still allowing election officials to verify residency and keep candidate names and offices public. Members raised concerns about unintended consequences, transparency, and how the change would affect rural districts and residency enforcement. The Secretary of State suggested an amendment to end the confidentiality when a candidate’s term ends, and the committee agreed to hold the bill over for further discussion at the next meeting. The committee also reviewed follow-up materials on legislator security and best practices, including advice on situational awareness, internet hygiene, varying routines, and reporting threats, along with NCSL materials comparing capitol security practices in other states. Members discussed a recent security incident and the need to keep alert contact information current, and staff said they would continue working with the Highway Patrol on legislative-specific notifications. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to Garrity Consulting’s final report on mitigating the effects of legislative term limits. The consultants summarized survey, focus group, and stakeholder input showing concerns about loss of institutional knowledge, leadership turnover, onboarding demands, and workload pressures, while also noting public support for term limits and annual sessions. Recommendations included considering annual sessions or shifting biennial sessions to even-numbered years, restructuring organizational session and interim committee work, creating office hours and more structured orientation and mentorship, expanding ongoing training and staff support, improving public communication and virtual testimony rules, and addressing barriers to service such as employer support and travel costs. Members discussed the tension between making the legislature more effective and preserving a citizen-legislature model, and the report was received as a roadmap for future implementation rather than immediate action.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:39.200><c> Um</c> International Institute of Minnesota.
• Um International Institute of Minnesota.
• </c> International Institute in Minnesota International Institute in Minnesota helps<00:01:46.320><c>
• </c> told me that about the international told me that about the international institute<00:07:31.120
• So that's like international institute.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Ian Wood for Pacific Shipyards International, in support.
• This is urging the International Code Council to extend the time frame between model code updates and
• the International Code Council that<00:37:00.000><c> are</c><00:37:00.079><c> not</c><00:37:00.240><
• </c><00:37:08.960><c> Association</c><00:37:09.520><c> for</c> the International Association for the
• Brian Mai with the International Code Council.

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The joint committees heard three resolutions first. STR 32/SR 18 asked the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to work with the Department of Transportation to use inmate work furlough programs for state roadway and highway maintenance. Testimony was generally supportive of the intent, but the Correctional System Oversight Commission raised concerns about using work furlough for maintenance and emphasized that participants should be paid at least minimum wage, be able to meet restitution and support obligations, and not have their release timing affected. The measures were later recommended and adopted by both committees with no amendments in the joint portion. STR 199/SR 179 concerned increased caution regarding foreign infrastructure. There was no public testimony. In decision-making, the committees split the measures: STR 199 was deferred because of a similar measure, while SR 179 was passed with amendments. The amendments were described as clarifying Hawaii’s goals of self-sufficiency, local self-reliance, and self-determination, and encouraging scrutiny by departments and agencies to reduce dependence on imports. STR 231/SR 207, which would direct DOT to install electronic equipment at state airports and harbors to scan for illegal fireworks, drew mixed testimony, including support from the Oahu Filipino Community Council and comments from Matson Navigation. DOT said it supported the intent. The committees adopted amendments to address Matson’s concerns by moving inspections to a place outside the immediate loading and unloading area, and both committees passed the measures as amended. The Public Safety and Military Affairs committee then took up additional resolutions. STR 113/SR 94, designating Hawaii as a Purple Heart state on August 7, 2025, received no testimony and was not discussed further. STR 204/SR 164, asking the Department of Law Enforcement for information on disposal, detonation, and destruction of explosive fireworks and similar hazardous materials, also drew no testimony in the excerpt. STR 107/SR 88, urging military branches in Hawaii to provide hurricane-resistant shelters for active and retired personnel and families, likewise received no testimony. STR 148/SR 119, supporting construction of a floating dry dock at Pearl Harbor, drew broad support from industry, military, and state economic development representatives. STR 149/SR 120, creating a vegetation management working group to address wildfire risk, received extensive testimony in support and comments, with speakers from DCCA, PUC, Hawaiian Electric, IBW 1260, Hawaiʻi Telecom, and Kamehameha Schools discussing wildfire hazards, responsibility for vegetation near utility infrastructure, and the need to include workers and landowners in the process. STR 126/SR 105, calling for an incremental reduction in the number of inmates housed in private out-of-state facilities, prompted a lengthy discussion with DCR. The director said Hawaii’s out-of-state incarceration is driven by overcrowding and security needs, not a quota, described the per-person-per-day cost of CoreCivic housing, noted that Hawaii pays about $96 per inmate per day out of state versus about $37 in-state, and said the department is working on a master plan and future facility needs. The committee also discussed the need for a new prison and possibly a new jail. The excerpt ends with the committee still in discussion, without showing a final vote on STR 126/SR 105.

Transcript Highlights:

• When they are even pulling the FBI off the investigation and handling it internally.
• When they are even pulling the FBI off the investigation and handling it internally.
• When they are even pulling the FBI off the investigation and handling it internally.
• When they are even pulling the FBI off the investigation and handling it internally.
• When they are even pulling the FBI off the investigation and handling it internally.

Transcript Highlights:

• But eventually we came up with the Pisces, the Pacific International Space Exploration Systems, part
• But eventually we came up with the Pisces, the Pacific International Space Exploration Systems, part
• </c> the Pisces the Pacific International the Pisces the Pacific International Space<00:43:13.920><c>
• partners to establish this brand new international space station.
• </c> partners to establish uh international partners to establish uh international partners<00:45:19.040

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on economic development, tourism, business climate, and related policy areas. On HB 1943, which would support a DBEDT office in Korea, DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in support, emphasizing Korea’s importance as a market for investment, trade, and tourism and the value of helping small and midsize Hawaii businesses access Asian markets. A later witness also tied the proposal to broader free-trade and APEC-related goals. The committees heard no opposition on that measure. The committees then heard HB 1612 and HB 1614, both supported by multiple organizations and agencies. Testimony for HB 1612 stressed Hawaii’s weak business climate and the need for policies that improve economic growth and competitiveness; the Hulamua Collaborative cited survey results showing only 19% of respondents viewed Hawaii as a good place to do business. HB 1614 also drew support, with HTC saying its focus is on economic growth. For HB 1968 and HB 1967, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the University of Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce, and Hulamua Collaborative largely stood on written testimony in support; the hearing notes reported nine supporters and one opponent on HB 1968, and seven supporters with one comment on HB 1967. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 1589, a bill to create dementia training and recognition for businesses. Testifiers included a private citizen sharing a personal family story, the Alzheimer’s Association, and DBEDT. Supporters said the measure would help families affected by dementia, reduce stigma, and make businesses more dementia-friendly. DBEDT said the issue would be better handled by an agency with dementia expertise, while the Alzheimer’s Association said it could provide training at no cost and suggested amendments to shift implementation toward the Executive Office on Aging and to use the term “dementia business champion.” The final major topic was HB 1608, involving a space-related project and financing. Phoenix Space testified that the bill would help launch responsive space access operations at Hilo International Airport, create local jobs, and support partnerships with Hawaii institutions, while another supporter said the project could diversify the economy. A committee member raised a timing concern, noting bond cap capacity was already allocated through 2028, and the witness said they were willing to work on a solution. The hearing also included HB 1850 on capital gains taxation, where supporters argued the bill would make the tax system fairer by increasing taxes on investment income, while the Chamber of Commerce opposed it. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• continuing to review the actual report in more detail and determine next steps that we can take internally
• And then internal and external tabletop exercises taking place with law enforcement and all of our other
• uh regarding that that take internally uh regarding that that report.<00:03:57.840><c> Also,</c><00:
• And then internal<00:04:04.319><c> and</c><00:04:04.560><c> external</c><00:04:04.879><c> tabletop</c
• ><00:04:05.439><c> exercises</c> internal and external tabletop exercises internal and external tabletop

Summary: The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security met on January 13, 2026, adopted the January 7 minutes, and reviewed the committee’s work on the annual AAST/ACAS security report. The chair emphasized that the committee’s purpose is advisory only, but that its recommendations could guide the governor and legislature on improving security at the Minnesota Capitol complex. She also highlighted prior testimony about security practices in other states and said the committee’s report would likely recommend stronger screening and weapon-ban policies as part of a broader effort to prevent violence in public government spaces. Department of Public Safety advisers reported that they are still reviewing the report in detail and determining internal next steps. They also said quarterly security meetings with building tenants have been held and that internal and external tabletop exercises with law enforcement and other security partners are scheduled for the end of January. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms gave a brief update on operational security changes, including hiring additional staff with security experience, weekly security meetings with DFL and GOP chiefs of staff, installation of two security kiosks, rollout of encrypted keycard ID badges, updated emergency procedure QR-code stickers, and implementation of the State Patrol’s threat matrix and reporting protocol. The Senate also said it is continuing joint training with the House and LCC. The committee then moved into a closed session under Minnesota Statute 13D.05, subdivision 3D, to discuss sensitive security details and non-public findings from the capital security assessment. The chair stated that the closed session would cover confidential vulnerabilities and operational information, and that the committee would later reconvene in public to vote on whether certain provisions from the public executive summary should be included as recommendations in the final report.

Transcript Highlights:

• So at a time of intense national and international competition,... ...economic opportunity.
• Productions are able to hire an intern, and these interns are paid, and they must perform at least 300
• This is one that our international team gets quite regularly because other states do have international
• International offices are quite expensive, very expensive to maintain. I think California...
• International offices are quite expensive, very expensive to maintain.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> actions including strengthening internal actions including strengthening internal payroll<00:24:
• controls are essential strong internal controls are essential for<00:25:39.120><c> maintaining</c><00
• As for recommendation number three, the DNR human resources office will work with our internal audit
• section to examine internal processes and strengthen internal controls to ensure DNR is paying overtime
• I don't know the specifics internally.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have an internal audits department.
• do more internal reviews of our finance procedures.
• And internal reviews. Closing packages.
• Internal reviews: To ensure accuracy, VR establishes internal deadlines two days prior to the CG's deadlines
• Internally, this process actually takes 22 days.

Summary: The committee met to receive a detailed financial operations presentation from the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency, with staff walking members through funding sources, budgeting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and grants management. Sabrina Walker explained VR’s blended funding structure, including federal grants, state appropriations, program income, and interagency contracts, and emphasized that state funds are essential to meeting the federal match and maintenance-of-effort requirements. Members asked repeatedly about transparency, audit controls, and the risk that state cuts could reduce federal drawdowns; staff responded that all reports reconcile back to the SCEIS accounting system, are subject to state audits and internal reviews, and that even modest state reductions could significantly reduce total available funding. The committee also discussed pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities, with staff confirming services are offered through school districts, charters, and private schools, and that contracts are monitored for performance and compliance. The presentation then shifted to budgeting and internal controls. Walker described a zero-based departmental budgeting process, monthly monitoring reports, contingency reserves for unexpected expenses, and a formal annual cycle that culminates in board approval. Members asked about facilities tracking, culture, and how the agency maintains accountability; staff said facilities staff inspect buildings and equipment, supervisors justify line-item requests, and the process has become smoother over time as departments learned the system. Cynthia Johnson followed with an accounts receivable overview, describing invoicing, receipting, aging, customer verification, year-end reporting, and the use of cross-training, shared email inboxes, and spreadsheets as checks and balances. She also explained work training center billing, interdepartmental transfers, and the revolving fund used to issue consumer checks more quickly than standard vendor payments. Olivia Perez presented accounts payable operations, including invoice processing through SCEIS and OnBase, the three-way match, travel reimbursements, revolving fund checks, State Treasury Office interactions, and handling of reversals, rejections, and levy notices. She reported that AP processed 67,723 SCEIS payments, 13,670 case management system invoices, 3,379 travel reimbursements, and 15,693 revolving fund checks in fiscal year 2025, with only 70 payment rejections. The final portion of the meeting covered Grants and Funds Management, where Walker explained federal reporting, drawdowns, payroll allocation, asset tracking, lease and IT contract reviews, cost allocation, and closing packages. She noted upcoming system changes such as S/4HANA, Workiva, and SC Pro, but said the agency is receiving training and feedback opportunities. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the presentation portion beyond approval of the prior minutes and a brief recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an internal House resolution. This is to change two rules, 45 and 26.
• Because this is an internal matter... substitute motion to send R.S.33614 and recommend it be sent to
• Committee, this is an internal House resolution. This is to change two rules, 45 and 26.
• Because this is an internal matter, Access to a public trial or public hearing.
• So it's an internal matter. Then there would be no disclosure whatsoever.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• He's an internal medicine resident finishing his last year of residency in Arizona.
• laws on us through the international courts.
• And they constantly try to impose foreign laws on us through the international courts.
• And yes, Jack Smith tried to use international law to convict Donald Trump.
• Yeah, I just want to thank my intern Ashley from the University of Arizona. Today is her last day.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's equally important to document the internal controls put in place to ensure correct operations.
• We found OSPI lacks comprehensive documentation of internal controls and data information flow.
• That allows us to utilize new tools for internal controls. All of that is absolutely true.
• That allows us to utilize new tools for internal controls. All of that is absolutely true.
• We also agree that we've got work to do on internal controls, mostly system internal controls.

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee subcommittee heard a State Auditor’s Office performance audit on the accuracy and reliability of OSPI’s school apportionment system. Auditors said the system, which calculates and distributes K-12 funding using multiple feeder systems and a core apportionment engine, is outdated, unstable, inefficient, and at high risk of failure. They reported weak controls over data input, documentation, oversight, and staffing, and said OSPI relies heavily on manual workarounds, a few knowledgeable staff, and vendor support. In limited testing of three districts, the auditors found the system calculated funding correctly for the 2023-24 school year, but they identified nine small input discrepancies tied to differences between budget materials and state law, which they said could compound into larger dollar amounts. The auditors recommended replacing or modernizing the system and noted that delays in doing so prolong risk. OSPI largely agreed that the current platform needs replacement and said it has been working toward a new system for years. Agency officials clarified that the Legislature requested a feasibility study in 2022, that the study found the system at risk of catastrophic failure, and that funding for a replacement is now in the state IT pool subject to OCIO/OFM gate reviews. OSPI disputed the audit’s characterization of the rounding and budget-law discrepancies, saying the issue was an agency rule and implementation choice, not an error that caused under- or over-allocation. Officials also said the current system is too old to easily absorb future formula changes, but that the planned replacement should be flexible enough to handle a new funding model if the Legislature adopts one. Committee members asked about the amount and timing of the $16 million project funding, whether smaller districts face greater risk, how many times data is entered, and whether the funding formula should be simplified. Auditors and OSPI both emphasized that formula simplification is a policy question for the Legislature, not the audit. Public testimony came from one online witness, who urged full implementation of the audit recommendations and modernization of the system. The subcommittee took no formal vote and adjourned after the presentations and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• controls, and that these internal controls or practices could also be of benefit to regional transportation
• We have a director of internal controls that I created.
• We have a director, a director of internal controls that I created.
• of preparing for this, it does look like there's kind of been some grand jury concerns about the internal
• In addition, one of the things I did want to point out, in addition to the BSCC's own internal controls

Committee: Senate Joint Legislative Audit

Transcript Highlights:

• I've already started investing in domestic and international data to enhance our knowledge of relevant
• I've already started investing in domestic and international data to enhance our knowledge of relevant
• From an international perspective, we're looking at declines within the Canadian market about 22% and
• What I would say, though, is that that international marketing segment needs to increase.
• I would also say, too, direct international flights. It's a really competitive space.

Committee: Senate Director Nominations

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing the decline in the International District is truly saddening, and it has become a haven for crime
• There's no doubt the neighborhood around the fairgrounds, the International District Needs help.
• So I would like it if Folks referred to our community in that because we are the international district
• It's the. international district, and I ask you to call it that.
• International district. International district. I get it.

Bills: SB48 , SB64 , SB100 , HB2 , SB48 , SB64 , SB100

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• A ban on allowing international surrogacy would directly harm them.
• The International Journal of Pediatrics and Neonatal Health tells us that 90, The International Journal
• Of your clients, how many are international? My practice...
• Of your clients, how many are international? My practice, yes, sure.
• The other couple is also international, so two international families. And where's the other?

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 40, by Senator Penzo, to recognize the winners of the IBLA Grand Prize International
• So this resolution is to recognize the winners of the IBLA Grand Prize International Music Competition
• Whereas IBLA Grand Prize International Music Competition and Festival is an annual music competition
• Congratulate them for their success as part of the IBLA Grand Prize International Music Competition and
• president for Sister Cities International, which was started by President Eisenhower in 1956.

Transcript Highlights:

• The only change in the proposed substitute is that it changes the language from International Building
• full International Building Code.
• Building Code to International Building Code as amended by Washington.
• Just to be clear, we never adopt the full International Building Code.
• I think the only thing I really wanted to highlight, when we were having internal conversations with

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several housing, building code, and permitting bills. HB 2228 would direct the State Building Code Council to convene a technical advisory group to recommend code amendments allowing scissor stairs in buildings with more than two dwelling units. Supporters, including architects, builders, and housing advocates, said scissor stairs could improve safety, reduce corridor and stair footprint, lower costs, and allow more efficient and denser housing layouts. The bill was then closed to public hearing. HB 2381 would create a performance-based code pathway for low-rise residential buildings and allow recognition of third-party certifications. The chair described it as a move from prescriptive to performance-based standards, with flexibility for builders and potential alignment with clean building goals. The Building Industry Association of Washington opposed the bill as written, saying the main need is a performance pathway in the energy code rather than the IBC, while FutureWise supported the concept but urged caution about the complexity and timeline of converting code to performance-based standards. The public hearing on HB 2381 was closed after testimony. HB 2418 would change permit review processes, including vesting rules for residential project permits in urban growth areas, pausing review clocks in certain circumstances, extending timelines to other fee-charging reviewing entities, and requiring a single permit responsible official and point of contact by 2027. Builders, developers, and housing advocates generally supported the bill’s coordination and timeline provisions, saying they would reduce delays and costs, though several groups raised concerns about the vesting section and completeness definitions. FutureWise and county representatives warned the vesting changes could create litigation or records issues, while the sponsor said the vesting portion might be reconsidered. The committee also heard HB 2273, which would require embodied carbon reduction standards for larger building projects through reuse, product-based reductions, or whole-building life-cycle assessment. Support came from architects, Commerce, and environmental justice advocates, who said the bill would reduce climate impacts and encourage innovation; opponents from the concrete and aggregate industry and a taxpayer group raised concerns about costs, supply-chain issues, conflicts with other legislation, and exemptions such as for schools. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after closing the public hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's an internal matter. It needs to stay internal.
• It needs to stay internal, and the idea is it stays internal until an action must be taken.
• It's an internal matter. It needs to stay internal. mess it up. It's an internal matter.
• It needs to stay internal and the idea is it stays internal until it's an action must be taken and then
• the executive branch into an internal House matter.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration