Transcript Highlights:

• of of that family, impact on the budget of of that family, especially<00:08:58.800><c> since</c><00:
• Of course, the University of Minnesota bridge connects the University of Minnesota campuses, which is
• Of course serves the state of Minnesota.
• There is a pool of money currently of $240 million.
• There is a pool of money of for.

Bills: HF2438

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, in the interest of time, I'll just speak to the one provision related to the City of Minneapolis.
• Owning a car is a commitment of financial resources and that can turn into a commitment of mental resources
• resources</c><00:36:00.400><c> and</c> commitment of financial resources and commitment of financial
• </c> clear best interest of motans and remove clear best interest of motans and remove the<00:51:19.119
• financial benefits of the GHD forego the financial benefits of the GHD law?

Bills: HF2438

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• the availability of of the dates of of the availability of the<00:25:46.000><c> funds.
• This provides authority to the Department of Transportation to provide grants or other forms of financial
• as the various aspects of the financial information that needs to be found in the report.
• in in having the would be interested in in having the level<01:08:38.400><c> of</c><01:08:38.560><c>
• </c> of different kinds of projects. of different kinds of projects.

Bills: HF2438

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:26:06.399><c> of</c> includes the voices of of includes the voices of of motans<00:26:09.360>
• </c><00:26:23.240><c> our</c> energy Act of of 2007 uh required our energy Act of of 2007 uh required
• of a recognition of at the time so kind of a recognition of uh<00:30:06.159><c> the</c><00:30:06.279
• There's a lot of controversial projects or projects of great interest that come through the Industrial
• </c> projects of great interest that come projects of great interest that come through<00:36:22.000><

Bills: HF276 , HF413 , HF411

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: human services, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, long-term services and supports, LTSS, public assistance, application process, eligibility determination, customer service survey, wait times, form complexity, lead agencies, Department of Human Services, Department of Children Youth and Families, streamlining, administrative reform, case management, reassessment, intake system, adaptive eligibility form

Transcript Highlights:

• We thank you for all the members of this committee and the districts they represent. ...and all of us
• who have the responsibility of paying attention to the needs of the people of our state.
• They've got a representative of the legal division here, the financial portion of the legal division,
• I had intended to get around and get to most of you, so I hope most of you have seen it.
• that is part of it.

Bills: HB30 , HB35 , HB72 , HB89 , HB30 , HB35

Committee: House Ways and Means General Fund

Keywords: elections, post-election audit, election audit, risk-limiting audit, ballot audit, election integrity, voter confidence, Secretary of State, judge of probate, canvassing board, poll watchers, ballot containers, manual tally, recount, county election, statewide election, general election, absentee ballots, provisional ballots, election transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• The whole point of all of this, and I know that this is not, The point of all of this, and I know that
• And we can't stop all of them. We absolutely cannot stop all of them.
• The whole point of all of this, and I know that this is not, point of all of this.
• And we can't stop all of them. We absolutely cannot stop all of them.
• the information, many of you had never heard any of this.

Bills: SB237

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: child welfare, Department of Children and Family Services, mandatory reporting, abuse prevention, investigative teams, child ombudsman, forensic interviews, confidentiality, 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We feel it is not in the best interest of Nebraska.
• Our health care system is, in fact, in a period of intense pressure, and there is some financial peril
• statement, “All provisions of law relative to procedure having been complied with,” and then we passed
• She is the reviser of statutes, and all of our amendments, all of our bills, all of our thoughts go upstairs
• One of the earliest interests I remember having as a young fellow, besides girls, sports, and farming

Bills: LR509 , LR510 , LR511

Keywords: congratulations, Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame, Deloris Marshall Adamson, recognition, achievement, service, retirement, Nebraska Legislature, public service, legislature, Nebraska, 956, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that we don't proceed. uh is was drafted with a lot of people uh is was drafted with a lot of people
• </c> involved in the procurement um if any of involved in the procurement um if any of them<00:01:56.159
• Both areas, speech-language pathology and audiology, require hundreds of hours of clinical clock hours
• Both areas, speech-language pathology and audiology, require hundreds of hours of clinical clock hours
• </c> &gt;&gt; Fourth cup of coffee, please. &gt;&gt; Fourth cup of coffee, please.

Keywords: Due to a technical issue, the first part of the meeting did not stream live. This reupload restores that portion, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard four House bills, adjusting the order to accommodate members’ schedules. House Bill 510, on organ donation procedures, would require health care providers involved in organ procurement to pause the process if any signs of life are observed and restart the process if needed. The bill was presented as a consensus measure, received no opposition, and passed with favorable expression by unanimous vote and consent. House Bill 176 would create a framework for insurers to implement a waiver program reducing prior authorization requirements before care is provided. The sponsor said the language had been worked out with insurers to cut red tape and improve transparency. The committee approved the bill unanimously with favorable expression and then consent. House Bill 266 would add audiology and speech-language pathology to the Kentucky Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund eligibility list. Testimony emphasized that these professions are essential to patient care across the lifespan and meet the fund’s training and licensure standards. The bill passed unanimously with favorable expression and consent. House Bill 393 concerned Alzheimer’s-related statutory cleanup, adding a caregiver council seat and requiring the council to develop and distribute an early detection and diagnosis toolkit for health care providers. The bill was supported as a way to improve Alzheimer’s awareness and care, with one senator explaining a yes vote in memory of a parent who had Alzheimer’s. It also passed unanimously with favorable expression and consent. The chair announced the next committee meeting would be Wednesday, March 25 at 8:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it is a conflict of interest, as the AG has already stated.
• ><c> has</c> is a conflict of interest, as the AG has is a conflict of interest, as the AG has already
• include meaningful protection for the interests and rights of crime victims.
• If so, how will financial recovery of victims be supported?
• </c><01:08:59.240><c> of</c> must not only serve the interest of must not only serve the interest of

Bills: SB2041

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: land court, real property, legal documents, bureau of conveyances, judicial confirmation, property registration, working group, Hawaii Revised Statutes, reform, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees. The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments. Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.

Transcript Highlights:

• furthering the interest of a foreign government or designated foreign terrorist organization.
• benefiting, promoting, or furthering the interest of a transnational crime.
• interest in the safety of our state.
• the United States and of the state of Florida.
• In the interest of time, and also to allow... ...we have one more bill after this one, and also to afford

Bills: S0002

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: retirement, Deferred Retirement Option Program, DROP, pension contributions, Special Risk Class, retirement benefits, cost-of-living adjustment, state officials, 999, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a long agenda of bills, including several claims bills and policy measures. It heard and approved, mostly unanimously, bills on curators of estates (SB 326, as amended), remedies under the Florida Civil Rights Act (SB 1096), a claim for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland (SB 28), a DCF-related claim for L.E. (SB 6), trust administration reform (SB 786, as amended), a Broward County claim for the estate of a deceased minor (SB 18, as amended, 10-1), a DOT claim for the estate of Mark Legata (SB 26), veterans’ courts (CS/SB 50), extracurricular activities in public K-12 schools (CS/CS/SB 538, as amended), and pet sale protections for dogs and cats (SB 1004). The committee also considered the sovereign immunity claims bill (SB 1366), which was presented as a starting point for negotiations with the House and was reported favorably after testimony from local government, hospital, and school representatives who urged the Senate to hold to its current lower cap levels. The committee later approved a claims bill for the estate of Daniel Maudsley against DHSMV (SB 2). The meeting included repeated roll calls and favorable reports on each measure, with the only recorded no vote on SB 18 from Senator Osgood. Several bills drew testimony from supporters and, in some cases, objections. SB 50 on veterans’ courts received broad support from veterans’ groups, criminal justice organizations, and community advocates who said it would expand problem-solving court options for veterans dealing with service-related issues. SB 538 on extracurricular activities drew support and opposition, and was amended to address home education eligibility, a school activity fee issue, technical conforming changes, and compensation for extracurricular sponsors. SB 1004 was presented as consumer protection legislation aimed at retail pet dealers, requiring disclosure of animal health records and financing terms and creating a private right of action for violations. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 1178, which would create a foreign interference restriction and enforcement framework targeting foreign countries of concern and designated foreign terrorist organizations. Supporters described it as a national-security measure to limit foreign influence, protect critical infrastructure, and restrict gifts, contracts, and sister-city ties; the sponsor withdrew one amendment and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1632, dealing with ideologies inconsistent with American principles, prompted substantial questioning about due process, domestic terrorist organization designations, Sharia law references, student discipline, and notice procedures. The sponsor said the bill was intended to protect constitutional principles and target conduct rather than belief, but the transcript ends while public testimony on that bill is still underway.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> so we can provide that type of of data. so we can provide that type of of data. um<00:15:18.560>
• of of trainees impacted see the number of of trainees impacted as<00:19:23.280><c> well.
• Is it a lack of awareness or lack of interest, or is it too difficult for companies to administer?
• Uh this the umbrella of of safe sport.
• > park</c> language of reputation of the park language of reputation of the park because<00:42:34.400

Keywords: Cabinet for Economic Development – Bluegrass State Skills Corporation Overview 02:35 ----Discussion of BR 868, 2026 Regular Session 24:08, 958, all

Summary: The meeting began with a quorum call and approval of the August 21 minutes. The main presentation was from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development on the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation (BSSC), which was created in 1984 and is administratively tied to the cabinet. Staff explained that BSSC supports workforce training for companies in Kentucky through two main programs: the grant-in-aid reimbursement program and the skills training investment tax credit. They also described the board’s structure, quarterly meetings, annual audit, and the metropolitan tax credit tied to UPS in Louisville, along with public-private training consortia supported by the program. The cabinet outlined eligibility and funding rules: applicants must be qualified companies, trainees must be full-time Kentucky residents meeting wage requirements, and eligible training includes in-house company-specific training, train-the-trainer efforts, safety/OSHA training, and outside training through KCTCS or other providers. Grant-in-aid is a 50% reimbursement program capped at $75,000 per company per fiscal year and $2,000 per trainee, while the tax credit is capped annually and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are scored based on county tier, wages, workforce development activity, veteran hiring, participation in consortia, and job growth. Members asked for data on trainees and industries served, and staff said they could provide it. They also discussed coordination with other workforce programs, especially KCTCS and the state’s TRAIN program, to avoid overlap and double dipping. Several members asked about program usage and differences between fiscal years. Staff said the tax credit is less popular because it is not refundable and requires tax liability, while grant-in-aid is more attractive because it is cash reimbursement. They said lower or delayed spending in some years can reflect one-year training windows, reimbursement lag, new facilities ramping up, consortia activity, and special allocations such as those tied to Ford facilities. Questions also covered support for new businesses, which staff said can receive favorable scoring for new jobs and may have funds set aside for new location projects. On veterans, staff said they connect companies to Kentucky Valor and other resources, but the program does not track veteran retention outcomes. The final discussion was on a draft bill related to the Kentucky Horse Park and the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Representative Vanessa Gracel and Kentucky Horse Park President Lee Carter explained that the proposal is intended to help the park maintain integrity and protect athletes, volunteers, coaches, trainers, and guests from abuse and misconduct. They described SafeSport’s federal role in Olympic and Paralympic sports and said they hope to move the draft forward as legislation in 2026. No votes were taken on the BSSC presentation or the horse park discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• But then I think another sentence that says credible of a threat.
• Let me show you the front porch of my house. Where do you live at? Over by Little Sister.
• Thank you for the honor of us being able to serve in this great house.
• This is the electric monitoring piece of legislation for Mobile County.
• Uh, Judge Pipes, I think most of you were at the meeting when he explained the need to get it out of

Bills: SB221 , SB224 , HB440

Committee: House Mobile County Legislation

Keywords: Mobile County, judge of probate, compensation, salary, expense allowance, electronic monitoring, pretrial defendants, criminal justice, court programs, supervision fees, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the interest of time, I would ask you to make them brief because we have some people in the crowd
• </c><00:16:30.440><c> of</c> couple more questions in interest of couple more questions in interest of
• </c><00:20:10.280><c> of</c> for the record uh in the interest of for the record uh in the interest of
• I just want to stop you here in the interest of time. Does anybody have any questions, Mr. Rainbow?
• c> please in the interest of of what I'm please in the interest of of what I'm doing doing doing here

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:30 Introduction of New Members 00:53 SB 69 Discussion 01:24, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met for its first session and took up Senate Bill 69, as amended by a committee substitute. The substitute was adopted by motion and vote, and the chair noted that a fiscal note had been requested but not yet received, so the bill would proceed and the fiscal note would be trailed. The bill concerns equine dental care and related chiropractic services, creating a licensing and regulatory framework for equine dental providers and allied animal health practitioners. Senator Robin Webb, the bill sponsor, said the substitute made technical corrections requested by the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association and the chiropractors association. She described the measure as a compromise intended to clarify scopes of practice, establish a credentialing/licensing board, and provide a legal pathway for people who have long provided equine dental services, especially in rural areas where veterinary access can be limited. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability, allow providers to obtain liability insurance, and preserve referrals to veterinarians for issues outside the defined scope. Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association and Board of Veterinary Examiners representatives said the bill was developed through a working group, modeled in part on Texas, and would include continuing education, grievance procedures, and due process protections. Justin Tallup, an equine dental provider, testified in favor, saying the bill would not change day-to-day practice but would legalize and formalize it. He said the scope would be limited to floating and balancing molars and incisors and removing caps and wolf teeth, with anything beyond that referred to veterinarians. He also said certification requires formal training, case submissions, testing, and annual continuing education. Senator Deneen asked about sedation, and witnesses said sedatives would still be prescribed and dispensed by a veterinarian under a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship, with the owner administering them. Michelle Shane of the Board of Veterinary Examiners said the board supported the bill’s disciplinary framework and would defer to federal law on controlled substances. Dr. William Rainbow, a veterinarian, testified against the bill, arguing that equine dentistry is veterinary medicine and that the proposal would allow undertrained practitioners to work without sufficient standards, including a grandfathering provision. He said practitioners should have training comparable to licensed veterinary technicians and warned that the bill could leave horses vulnerable to poor care. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion of the meeting provided, but the chair indicated time was running short and that a vote would be needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• that we remove any of these.
• the last couple of years.
• So, you know, ODO has addressed a lot of the infrastructure in some of these areas.
• And yeah, that kind of sort of. And thank you for that answer.
• You know, in his area, we've got millions of people coming up out of Texas.

Bills: SB1475 , SB2049 , SB1966 , SB1531 , SB80

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, SB 2049, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, ODOT, Transportation Commission, surety bond, surety company, performance bond, contractor nonperformance, construction contract, public works, transportation contracts, bond claim, state transportation projects, Title 69, OMES

Transcript Highlights:

• So essentially this bill does a little bit of cleanup in terms of a year ago or so, we established the
• But in another small portion of the bill, all of these statutory locations that were done many years
• the last couple of years.
• Yeah, that kind of sort of, and thank you for that answer.
• You know, in his area, we've got millions of people coming up out of Texas.

Bills: SB1475 , SB2049 , SB1966 , SB1531 , SB80

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, SB 2049, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, ODOT, Transportation Commission, surety bond, surety company, performance bond, contractor nonperformance, construction contract, public works, transportation contracts, bond claim, state transportation projects, Title 69, OMES

Summary: The committee considered several naming and transportation-related bills. Senate Bill 1475 renamed the I-35 Indian Hills Road interchange as the Toby Keith Memorial Interchange, and House Bill 1996 was the Senate’s Memorial Bridge naming bill; both passed without substantive opposition. Senate Bill 2049 required the Department of Transportation to notify the Transportation Commission before disapproving or making a surety claim against a contractor, with supporters describing it as an accountability and transparency measure; it passed after some questions about its purpose and sponsor. The committee also approved Senate Bill 1531, a cleanup measure related to the Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics’ role in unmanned aerial systems and advanced air mobility, in anticipation of possible FAA rulemaking. The most extensive discussion centered on Senate Bill 80, a turnpike bill that updates statutory language, removes some unused or unbuilt route locations from statute, and codifies more formal communication with landowners, communities, and legislators. Members raised concerns about removing routes, the five-year design deadline for reauthorization, and whether the bill could slow future turnpike projects; OTA Executive Director Joe E. Kelly testified that the changes were based on updated infrastructure studies, that the five-year requirement only needed design to begin, and that the notification process would include mailers and digital posting. Senate Bill 80 passed after debate, and the committee adjourned, noting it was the final meeting of the session.

Bills: HB13 , HB13

Committee: Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety

Keywords: firearms, assault weapons, minors, prohibition, criminal penalties, HB13, Laken Riley Act, illegal immigration, immigration enforcement, ICE, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Department of Justice, DOJ, immigration detainer, detainer request, I-247, Law Enforcement Support Center, LESC, county jail

Transcript Highlights:

• OBGYN friends of her son. member of the committee.
• </c><00:21:32.720><c> OBGYN</c> couple of OBGYN couple of OBGYN friends<00:21:34.800><c> of</c> friends
• </c> of OBGYNs in strong support of HB 1875. of OBGYNs in strong support of HB 1875.
• </c> many of us are providers of many of us are providers of gender-affirming<00:24:46.800><c> care.
• </c> any of that. any of that.

Bills: HB1573 , HB1645 , HB1875 , HB1898 , HB2121

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: electronic smoking devices, e-liquids, certification, FDA, state law, penalties, compliance, directory, public health, nonprofit, child welfare, liability, insurance, legal protections, Hawaii, health care, reproductive rights, gender-affirming care, privacy, civil liability

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1573, which would create state enforcement authority over unauthorized e-cigarette products and related tobacco enforcement. Supporters including SHPDA, the Department of Health, the Attorney General’s office, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others said the bill would help protect youth from unauthorized vaping products, give the state tools to enforce an FDA-authorized product list, and add penalties and inspection authority. A committee member asked whether enforcement staff were available and what penalties would apply; the response was that existing tobacco investigators would take on the work, and the bill includes civil penalties, seizure authority, and possible license revocation referrals. The measure drew both support and opposition testimony, but no vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 1645, relating to liability for child welfare service providers. The Insurance Division said it was aware of the insurance-cost problem, had raised the issue with the NAIC, and was exploring a captive insurance option, while suggesting the legislature consider additional appropriations to DHS to cover higher contract costs. Supporters, including Parents and Children Together and Hawaii Insurance Council, argued the bill would help child welfare providers obtain insurance and continue critical services. Opponents, including the Hawaii Association for Justice, warned that removing joint and several liability could leave victims undercompensated and might not actually lower premiums. The insurance commissioner said other states have done tort reform in this area, but the committee was told it is not clear the bill would reduce insurance costs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on HB 1875, which would protect access to gender-affirming care in Hawaii and shield patients and providers from out-of-state legal actions. Support came from the Hawaii State Youth Commission, LGBTQ+ and public health groups, medical professionals, ACLU Hawaii, Planned Parenthood, and others, who said gender-affirming care is evidence-based, medically necessary, and important for patient privacy, provider stability, and continuity of care. Several witnesses asked for amendments to the bill’s definition language. Opposition testimony came from individuals and groups including Hawaii Christian Coalition, Leeward Republican Women’s Club, and others, who argued the bill could expose children to irreversible decisions and that more research is needed. The chair noted roughly 176 supporters and about 40 opponents testified. No final action or vote was reported in the excerpt.

Bills: SF0072 , SF0104 , SJ0005

Committee: House Education

Keywords: teacher licensure, teacher mobility, interstate compact, education compact, licensure reciprocity, reciprocal certification, teacher certification, professional teaching standards board, out-of-state teachers, military spouse, active duty military, teacher shortage, career and technical education, CTE teacher, background check, disciplinary records, licensure portability, multistate commission, education regulation, school staffing

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> needs of today but also for the needs of needs of today but also for the needs of tomorrow.<00:13
• Um balancing of all of that might be.
• But I've had no takers of<00:19:16.880><c> that.</c> of that. of that.
• lot of of travel uh and so it's quite a lot of of travel uh and<00:36:09.119><c> certainly</c><00:36:
• </c> allows for a lot of exemptions a lot of allows for a lot of exemptions a lot of things<00:36:18.800

Bills: SB2543 , SB2435 , SB2352

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Keywords: state construction, construction manager, design review, public works, capital improvement, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, DOE, Department of Education, comptroller, pilot program, design review special fund, county permit review, accessibility compliance, Disability and Communication Access Board, state infrastructure, government construction, project oversight, civil service exemption, county agencies

Summary: The Committee on Government Operations reconvened on February 10, 2026, to take up measures previously heard on February 5. It advanced SB 2983 on criminal destruction of trees with technical, non-substantive amendments and a committee report note asking Judiciary to clarify that removal of invasive species remains allowed; the measure passed with one no vote. SB 2930 on the state risk management revolving fund also passed with amendments, including blanking out the amount, setting a defective date, and directing Ways and Means to review a spreadsheet before further action. The committee likewise passed SB 2928 on making the small business procurement program permanent and SB 2970 on standards of conduct for state agency contracts, adopting the Ethics Commission’s recommended language assigning compliance responsibility to department directors and deputy directors. SB 2927 and SB 3068 on procurement were deferred to a time certain on February 12, and SB 3015 on personal information, SB 2929 on public notice, and SB 2938 on search and rescue were also deferred for further discussion or to avoid re-referral issues. SB 2662 on external consultants was amended to remove a cap and preemptive approval language, narrow the expertise standard, and note possible auditor staffing or appropriation needs; it then passed with amendments. The joint GVO-EIG hearing then took up SB 2543 on state construction projects and an Office of the State Construction Manager within DAGS. Testimony from the Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund strongly supported the bill, saying it could reduce wasteful spending on large design-build projects and free money for tax credits and other public needs. DAGS, the University of Hawaii, and DLNR offered written comments, while one witness from KIC opposed the measure and asked for an exemption for member-owned electric cooperatives. A Hawaii Solar Energy Association witness also supported the bill but asked that landscape architects be excluded from the bill’s definition of design professionals, and Rocky Mold said Kauai permitting was efficient enough that he had no objection to carving it out. The committee adopted amendments from DNR, DAGS, and UH and passed SB 2543. The hearing also considered SB 2435 on EV charging infrastructure at state facilities. DAGS and the Hawaii State Energy Office supported the concept and explained that the goal was to retrofit managed parking facilities with infrastructure that can meet current and future EV needs, while acknowledging that some stalls can sit unused and that the state must balance space and enforcement. Members raised concerns about whether dedicating 25% of stalls to EV charging would reduce usable parking, and about rural and Big Island conditions where EV range and battery capacity remain limiting. The discussion noted that DOT, DNR, DOE, and DOH may have their own parking facilities outside DAGS control. The committee then indicated it would broaden the bill to apply to all state agencies and lower the threshold in response to member concerns, with final action not fully shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• the state of Oklahoma and you would have to show an intent to return to the state of Oklahoma because
• But it doesn't say outside of the state; it just says outside of the state.
• It's interesting. I've never.
• We know that in any type of employment, there are cases of retaliation.
• Part of he didn't commit the embezzlement, but he was part of this and he was let go with cause.

Bills: HB2938 , HB2939 , HB3306 , HB3722 , HB4113 , HB4123

Committee: House Elections and Ethics

Keywords: elections, national elections, state elections, voter intent, election reform, absentee voting, electronic communication, facsimile device, voting materials, military voters, campaign finance, ethics, political contributions, candidate committee, Oklahoma legislation, voter registration, political party affiliation, Independent designation, Oklahoma, voter eligibility