Transcript Highlights:

• So we changed the language to say the utility should show that they have considered alternatives.
• to establish a self-certification to establish a self-certification process<01:02:30.079> for
• So we do respectfully request that the committee revert the language to be an appropriation to the DOE
• back to the going to revert the language back to the original<02:28:41.080> s<02:28:41.319>
• to make one amendment to that language to make one amendment to that language in<02:28:51.080>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on Senate Bill 897, which would create a Wildlife Liability Trust Fund within DCCA for administrative purposes. The chair opened by noting the hearing had to end by noon because of floor session, and that written testimony would be considered if not all witnesses could speak. Testimony included support from DCCA, the Attorney General’s office, the Public Utilities Commission, Charter Communications, Ulupono Initiative, AES Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric, Clearway Energy Group, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Hawaiian Telcom, and IBW Local 1260, with opposition or concerns from the Hawaii Association for Justice and some others. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill and asked for amendments, saying the fund would help address wildfire liability, protect customers and the economy, and support restoration of investment-grade credit; it also proposed a larger shareholder contribution and said the bill was part of a broader effort to raise settlement funds and improve grid safety and resiliency. Committee members focused heavily on whether the bill would actually lower costs for ratepayers and improve credit ratings. DCCA said there was a nexus between limiting liability, creating a sufficiently large wildfire fund, and transparent mitigation requirements, but acknowledged there was no guarantee of a credit-rating improvement or precise estimate of rate impacts. Members questioned Hawaiian Electric about the assumptions in its cost comparisons, the 30-year securitization structure, and whether funding could be shifted later to shareholders after credit was restored. Hawaiian Electric responded that the bill assumes the fund is paid through securitization, that removing that presumption could undermine the credit-rating benefit, and that its models suggest credit-spread savings could offset the customer charge over time; it also said it would follow up with additional analysis. The company and Ulupono both described the measure as a difficult but potentially necessary way to socialize wildfire risk and avoid a larger crisis later. The Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the bill’s liability caps and raised concerns about consumer rights, oversight discretion, statute-of-limitations changes, and evidence rules. Hawaiian Telcom suggested amendments to clarify compliance with FCC pole-attachment agreements. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided, and members indicated they wanted more analysis before being comfortable with the bill’s long-term ratepayer impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, as we were just reverting language back to current law, the language itself does not appear
• member<00:47:07.720> from This language, as the member from This language, as the member
• property, we restored this language. property, we restored this language.
• , statutory language, statutory language, um,<01:13:36.560> of<01:13:36.760> our<01
• <01:26:03.560> of I emphasize here that the language of I emphasize here that the language

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reading for St. Patrick’s Day, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of a resignation letter from Representative Hooper of Burlington. The letter said the House environment had changed significantly and that he was resigning before the next cycle, while thanking colleagues and urging bold leadership to address major problems facing Vermonters. Members then received first readings and referrals for a large slate of bills. House bills introduced included measures on tax administration, hunting license fees, emergency management, oath and affirmation language in statutes, judiciary procedures, a Vermont homelessness response continuum, paperwork reduction, public utility subjects, municipal regulation of agriculture, miscellaneous agricultural subjects, and municipal permitting of ground-mounted solar arrays. Senate bills referred to House committees included vocational rehabilitation, home improvement and land improvement fraud, advanced metering infrastructure devices, water quality, and fair employment practices. Several other bills on the notice calendar were also referred to Ways and Means or Appropriations because they affected state revenue or carried appropriations. The House adopted two concurrent resolutions on the consent calendar: HCR 214, honoring Irish-American patriots and their role in American independence, and HCR 220, welcoming the USS Vermont’s namesake visit and designating April 18, 2026 as USS Vermont Day. Members also offered announcements recognizing guests from the USS Vermont and related veterans’ groups, remembering former Representative Ken Harvey, and noting upcoming events such as March Madness pools, the Legislative Cabaret, a Rural Caucus meeting, and a NAMI Walks team. On the floor calendar, H. 723 on posting of land was taken up, amended as recommended by the Committee on Environment, and ordered to third reading on a 10-0-1 committee vote. The House then began second reading of H. 757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives; committee members described manufactured housing as a key affordable housing option in Vermont and said the bill would clarify how these homes are purchased, titled, taxed, and financed, while reducing costs and improving consistency for homeowners, lenders, and municipalities.

Transcript Highlights:

• The department is neutral on House Bill 575, but we do have some concerns with the language.
• Megan Stone continued: The department has no concerns regarding this section, and similar language is
• Megan Stone continued: The department has no concerns regarding this section, and similar language is
• <01:36:15.840> stating<01:36:16.199> that I suggest you add language stating that I
• <01:36:33.080> to second I'd encourage adding language to second I'd encourage adding language

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My amendment is language that works for sports in Minnesota.
• And indeed, this was in the original language of the author's bill before it was removed by amendment
• It says in the report: produce the original birth certificate to verify the gender.
• could have just adopted the language could have just adopted the language that<01:41:54.040>
• We're asking the high school league to abide by the language of this bill should it...

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s the language that we, the committee, usually entertains.
• It’s the language that we, the committee, usually entertains.
• into consideration language that came from EEA, and the language was... so it seems, since then, it
• consideration language that came from E.A. and the language was, so it seems, since then, it seems to
• We think looking at the language is right, right? But who enforces?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held an oversight hearing on draft regulations implementing Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution under Chapter 274 of the Acts of 2022, the Open Space Act. Chairs Cabral and Collins framed the hearing as a review of how the new process for dispositions or changes in use of Article 97 land would work, including public notice, environmental justice protections, replacement land, appraisals, and the role of the legislature. Under Secretary Stephanie Cooper and Commissioner Adam Bakke testified for EEA/DCAM, followed later by Deputy Inspector General O’Neill and Deputy Inspector General Giles on appraisal review. Much of the discussion focused on how the draft regulations would operate in practice. EEA said the regulations would require advance public notice, define “comparable location” for replacement land, and allow the Secretary to make findings on whether an action would adversely affect environmental justice communities. Members pressed for longer public comment periods, clearer notice to local officials, more frequent updates to the site evaluation tool, and a clearer definition of terms such as “limited duration” for permits and licenses. EEA said the regulations are intended to standardize a process that has been handled through policy and case-by-case review, and that the legislature still retains the final authority to approve any Article 97 disposition. Committee members also questioned whether the draft rules shift too much discretion to the Secretary and whether the proposed “proponent” process could allow private entities to drive Article 97 actions. EEA responded that non-public proponents would still need municipal support and legislative sponsorship, and that the regulations do not create a new avenue to bypass the existing home rule and legislative process. Members raised concerns about the current policy’s unanimous-vote requirements for municipal commissions, the proposed waiver provisions, whether MEPA applies, and the lack of explicit enforcement or penalty language in the act or regulations. EEA and DCAM said the act does not provide an enforcement mechanism and that disputes would generally be handled through the courts or the Attorney General. The Inspector General’s office explained its role in reviewing appraisals for special legislation, including Article 97 matters, to ensure compliance with USPAP standards and to forward its review to DCAM. The hearing did not include any votes or formal committee action; members indicated that the committee may later issue recommendations to the executive agencies based on the testimony and questions raised.

Transcript Highlights:

• been<01:21:05.440> enough certificate, but they've been enough certificate, but they've been
• That um amending language for the bill.
• <01:45:27.360> needed counties felt that that language needed counties felt that that language
• And so contain this clarifying language.
• <01:57:49.440> as consider um adopting the language as consider um adopting the language as

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:08:50.799> that general you want some language that general you want some language that
• Then, when you go to the bill, they could say, 'I'm a residential customer; here's my certificate.'
• And then there's language in there now that says who are not customer generators.
• <04:09:27.000> in customers and then there's language in customers and then there's language
• <05:32:24.718> to is consistent with the language to is consistent with the language to protect

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This language permits an insurer to apply for a certificate of title for a vehicle if certain requirements
• This language sections 30 and 31.
• language contained a tiered fee system. language contained a tiered fee system.
• <00:15:08.240> The language. is found in section 8. The language. is found in section 8.
• several new sections of language. several new sections of language.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Teacher Education and Certification Teacher Education and Certification maintains<01:08:30.319><
• editing any of this existing language. editing any of this existing language.
• So, um, a few years ago, we changed the language to align with the IDEA language, and the language says
• language and the language the IDEIDA language and the language says<03:39:01.760> inclusive<03
• of why we needed that language. of why we needed that language.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:14.320> in to have the rest of that language in to have the rest of that language in
• offered some of the first training programs, including training and certification by state troopers.
• <00:57:39.200> our<00:57:39.520> association certification program. our association
• <00:57:46.880> So do the training and certification.
• So do the training and certification.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of title and, in connection therewith, repealing the requirement for a paper certificate of title.
• of title and in for a certificate of title and in connection<01:20:30.400> there<01:20:30.640
• House Bill 1040 and the Health and Human Services report to the bill. >> We just actually did some language
• And there is an amendment at the desk. >> Um, we just actually did some language cleanup and a definition
• This amendment is just another language cleanup to change it to the absence of a person's informed consent

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the March 9, 2026 journal, and received committee reports on several appointments and bills. The education committee recommended confirmation of appointments to the Charter School Institute Board and the Colorado Mesa University Board of Trustees. The judiciary committee reported several measures, including Senate Bills 75, 132, 104, and 112 and House Bills 1017 and 1103, with recommendations ranging from amendment to favorable referral to the committee of the whole, and some placement on the consent calendar. The chamber also received multiple House messages transmitting House Joint Resolution 1020 and a number of House bills, many of which were passed on third reading and sent to the Revisor of Statutes. The Senate then moved out of order to consider Senate Joint Memorial 002 honoring former Senator Lewis H. Ent. The memorial recounted his service as a Marine in the Korean War, his work as a farmer and county commissioner, and his long legislative career in the House and Senate, with emphasis on agriculture, water policy, natural resources, veterans affairs, and local government. Several members and former members spoke in support, describing him as a mentor, a relentless advocate for the San Luis Valley and its water issues, and a respected colleague. Representative Martinez and Senators Hillman and Jones offered personal recollections of working with him and his influence on their service. The Senate suspended Rule 31A to allow remarks from House members and former senators, then adopted SJM 002 by a unanimous 35-0 vote. The memorial directs copies to members of Ent’s family, and Minority Leader Simpson requested that the current roll call be added as co-sponsors, with no objection noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• elevator you'll see the certificate elevator you'll see the certificate that's<01:07:50.599>
• In answer to your question, American Sign Language. My name is Carol Andur.
• There is similar language there.
• There is similar language there.
• I don't see that language.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current state law, it's not specific language.
• Along with it, it proposes language in terms of patient services.
• It has to do with optometry scope of language.
• This is language that parallels language in our other child protection statutes.
• language coming from the Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• start the process of certification start the process of certification that's<00:36:14.359> a<
• What languages are the materials available in, Mr. Toble?
• What languages are the materials available in, Mr. Toble? Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• What languages are the materials available in, Mr. Toble? Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• What languages are the materials available in, Mr. Toble?

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Minnesota House Commerce Committee held its inaugural meeting with Chair Tim O’Driscoll and co-chair Representative Greg Davids opening the session and inviting members to introduce themselves. Members briefly described their districts, business backgrounds, and priorities, with recurring themes including small business competitiveness, insurance and health care access, property and real estate issues, agriculture, and making Minnesota easier to do business in. Committee staff also introduced themselves and reminded members and testifiers about sign-in procedures and microphone use. The committee then heard an overview from Eric Toell, interim director of the Office of Cannabis Management, on the agency’s work and budget priorities. He said the office now oversees adult-use cannabis, medical cannabis, and hemp-derived cannabinoid products, has grown from about nine employees to 90 full-time staff plus temporary workers, and has been working with a Cannabis Advisory Council on testing, warning labels, and implementation issues. He also described outreach efforts, including webinars, newsletters, guidebooks for local governments, and office hours for applicants, along with enforcement of hemp-derived product rules through more than 3,000 inspections and an increase in compliance rates from about 35% to 75%. Toell also reported that the medical cannabis program has surpassed 51,000 patients and nearly 2,500 registered health care providers, and that a chronic pain report found more than a third of patients reported decreased pain. On the adult-use side, he said the office has posted proposed rules for public comment, plans to adopt them after review, and will open a licensing window from February 18 to March 14. He explained that the office is also managing community reinvestment grants and a technical assistance grant, with an emphasis on safeguards to ensure funds reach intended recipients. No votes were taken during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure conditions the issuance of a certificate of inspection upon a vehicle not being equipped
• This measure conditions the issuance of a certificate of inspection upon a vehicle not being equipped
• Right now, the Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules already have things in place for not issuing certifications
• either be modified that uh that language either be modified or<00:24:42.399> uh<00:24:42.559>
• In our comments, testimony, and what we would recommend to this committee is that language be placed

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several transportation and public safety measures on March 28, 2025. SB 1195 would prohibit parking within certain distances of crosswalks and intersections, direct parking fine revenue to the Safe Routes to School special fund, and remove the need for signs or curb markings in some cases. The Department of Transportation, Department of Health, and Ulupono Initiative supported the bill, emphasizing improved visibility, pedestrian safety, and funding for school-route improvements; written testimony included both support and one opposition. No vote was taken during the hearing segment provided. The committee also heard SB 1102 on the aircraft rescue firefighting unit chief, which would set term-based appointment provisions for the airport division’s fire chief. DOT supported the measure, saying it would give the director flexibility to select leadership and adapt to changing needs, while a member asked about current removal procedures for underperforming employees. The bill was presented as a management and leadership measure, with no action taken in the excerpt. SB 1216, addressing noisy mufflers and safety inspection requirements, drew DOT support in principle but concern that existing rules already cover inspection standards and that enforcement after inspection remains difficult; DOT also described a planned noise-detection camera pilot on Oʻahu. Testimony included support from neighborhood and advocacy groups and opposition from three individuals. For SB 30, which would require helmets for moped riders under 21, DOT and HPD supported the bill, citing crash data and injury prevention; testimony was evenly split overall, with six in support and six in opposition. SB 344 would require helmets for skateboard users under 18; DOT supported it, and a DOT witness explained current helmet rules for other devices such as e-bikes, scooters, and motorcycles. SB 1095, increasing decal size limits for special number plates, drew DOT concerns that larger decals could interfere with plate readability and automated enforcement. SB 1522 would make proof of filing required vehicle-transfer notice forms a complete defense to actions arising from the vehicle’s later use or abandonment; the Judiciary said it had no position on the bill’s merits but objected to language requiring new court forms and raised access and legal-advice concerns, while Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services supported the measure. The committee then heard SB 597, extending the deadline for the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office to issue written review decisions. The Attorney General and DOT supported the extension, citing limited toxicology capacity and shipping delays for testing, and several law enforcement and public health entities also supported it. In contrast, the ADLRO hearing officer testified with serious concerns about due process, warning that eliminating or delaying the review process could create constitutional problems, disproportionately burden people without attorneys, and jeopardize thousands of cases. Finally, SB 1285 proposed a tiered revocation system for DUI arrests; ADLRO strongly opposed it on due process grounds, while DOT supported it as a safety measure and the Hawaii Public Health Institute commented that evidence is lacking for standalone mandatory revocation and suggested stronger impaired-driving standards instead. The committee had not yet taken final action in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's the language that you see within juvenile community corrections is to leave the language of
• One of the bad things that have happened with the language only being for adjudicated youth, which is
• And actually, with the new language, Representative and Madam Chair, even kids coming into the foster
• It was trying to do that balance, as some of the other language in the totaling of time section.
• And I'll give you a couple examples while we looked at this language.

Transcript Highlights:

• On page three, you'll see they provide an update on the training and certification programs that they've
• On page three, you'll see they provide an update on the training and certification programs that they've
• This is for the UI Certification Hub.
• DHS with Sausalina of Madison is for Marshallese language interpreting services.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to that, as part of the certification process for voting machines, the Secretary of State
• I can't get into the specifics because I'm not too familiar with the certification.
• Certified by our office, meaning that they pass the certification and they meet the qualifications set
• think that there's been coordination with the Governor's office he alluded to about some of the language

Bills: HB186, HB201, HB229, HB796, HB1506, HB2702, HB2885, HB3225, HB3909, HB4285, HB5138

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, federal directives, state authority

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesotans pursuing undergraduate credentials as well as providing numerous workforce noncredit certification
• <00:02:49.360> This<00:02:49.760> diverse<00:02:50.640> mix certification programs
• This diverse mix certification programs.
• <00:51:46.079> of appropriation debt, certificates of appropriation debt, certificates of
• is to do the constitutional language is to do the supermajority<01:04:57.200> vote.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So imagine someone burning your birth certificate and declaring they owned you.
• So this is very similar to that language.
• that<00:52:50.160> has we've has been the the language that has we've has been the the language
• <00:53:01.040> that kept at it so they got the language that kept at it so they got the language
• <00:56:55.640> that's<00:56:55.960> there language that's there language that's there um

Keywords: 1191, senate, all