Transcript Highlights:

• lot for this state... ...and for those two bills, I can tell you that what she did was to explain step
• by step on why I was wrong.
• a working group to eventually create the commission, I think, would be an incredible and important step
• So I just... this is a good step. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Senator Stewart. So, Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Legislature created the Step Into Success Pilot Program in 2023 to support eligible foster youth
• The Legislature created the Step Into Success Pilot Program in 2023 to support eligible foster youth
• The legislature created the Step Into Success Pilot Program in 2023 to support eligible foster youth
• Florida has done a lot to fight human trafficking, and this is the next step in order to make sure our

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard public comment on several health and human services funding concerns before moving through a series of bills. Testimony at the start focused on the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, with a client warning that proposed changes to eligibility and drug access could disrupt care for thousands of people living with HIV/AIDS, and urging the Legislature to intervene. Another speaker asked for support for the iBudget waiver, saying provider costs have risen and requesting about a 7% increase for direct support professionals to help stabilize the developmental disabilities workforce. The committee then unanimously reported favorably several bills. SB 428 expanded Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7, based on drowning-prevention recommendations. SB 68 required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, equipment standards, and readiness assessments; an amendment aligned reporting dates with the House version. SB 1718 changed the definition of when an adult visitor in an out-of-home placement becomes a non-visitor, reducing repeated background checks, made the Step Into Success pilot permanent, adjusted foster youth stipends, and created a best-practices program within the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. The committee also approved SB 606, which adds drowning-prevention and safe-bathing education to postpartum materials provided to new parents and requires hospitals and birthing centers to document compliance; members highlighted bathtub drownings as a key concern. SB 96 expanded eligibility for the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program to veterans up to 400% of the federal poverty level, while an amendment removed the bill’s specific appropriation so funding can be handled in the budget process. SB 340 required nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before taking the NCLEX. SB 1480 created a grandfathering process for certain health care providers in federally designated areas of critical need if an area is de-designated, to avoid disrupting patient-provider relationships. All bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature created the Step Into Success Pilot Program in 2023 to support eligible foster youth
• The legislature created the Step Into Success Pilot Program in 2023 to support eligible foster youth
• And Florida has done a lot to fight human trafficking, and this is the next step in order to make sure
• And Florida has done a lot to fight human trafficking, and this is the next step in order to make sure

Bills: S0068, S0096, S0340, S0428, S0606, S1480, S7018

Keywords: pediatric care, emergency departments, hospital regulations, patient safety, health care standards, veterans, dental care, healthcare, grant program, income assistance, human trafficking, nurse licensure, registered nurse, RN, licensed practical nurse, LPN, Florida Board of Nursing, Department of Health, licensure by examination, nursing education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard public comment first on the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and the iBudget waiver. Testimony on the HIV program warned that proposed Department of Health changes could disrupt care for thousands of clients, create confusion, and force people off life-saving medications; a senator suggested affected clients explore medically needy and FQHC/340B options. Testimony on iBudget urged support for a roughly 7% rate adjustment for direct support professionals, citing rising costs and the need to sustain the developmental disabilities workforce. The committee then considered several bills. SB 428 expanded Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7 and was reported favorably. SB 68 required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, equipment standards, and readiness assessments; an amendment aligning reporting dates with the House was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1718 lengthened the time an adult may stay in an out-of-home placement before being treated as a visitor, reduced background screening burdens for foster families, made the Step Into Success program permanent, and created a best-practices program; it was also reported favorably. The committee next approved SB 606, which adds drowning-prevention and safe-bathing education to postpartum materials and requires related compliance records, and SB 96, which expands the Veterans Dental Care Grant Program to veterans up to 400% of the federal poverty level; an amendment removed the bill’s specific $500,000 appropriation so funding can be handled in the budget process. SB 340 required nursing education to include a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure, and SB 1480 created a grandfathering process for certain area-of-critical-need health care providers if federal designations change, both of which were reported favorably. The committee adjourned after all bills passed their roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• Agriculture Committee comes with many privileges, but the greatest privilege is seeing our young people step
• BUT THE GREATEST PRIVILEGE IS SEEING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE STEP UP AS STEWARDS OF OUR NATURAL RESOURCES AND
• institutions right here in our state, participate with them, and other campus-led meal share programs have stepped
• institutions right here in our state, participate with them, and other campus-led meal share programs have stepped

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior Journal, and then handled several introductions and resolutions. Senator Bailey introduced Jayson Fefami, described as the Bronx-based creator of the “quarter zip” trend, and the chamber welcomed him with applause. Senator Cooney presented a privileged resolution memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim July 1, 2026, as Canada Day in New York, emphasizing the state’s economic, cultural, and border ties with Canada; the resolution was adopted. Senator Hinchey also spoke on a previously adopted resolution designating February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Organization Week, with Senator Helming and visiting FFA students and advisers offering remarks in support of agricultural education and youth leadership. The Senate then took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, including measures related to a fiscal task force, environmental conservation, urban development, education, workers’ compensation, elder law, real property, general business, state finance, insurance, tenant protection, and public health. Several bills passed unanimously, while others drew limited opposition; for example, the Environmental Conservation and Education measures had a handful of negative votes, and the real property bill drew more substantial opposition. Senator Webb explained her vote on a bill addressing college student food insecurity by exempting certain meal-share donations from sales tax, saying students should not have to choose between class and hunger. Senator Palumbo also explained his vote on the kratom labeling bill, supporting the measure while urging future action on the synthetic opioid 7-OH. The chamber also discharged several identical Assembly bills from Rules and substituted Senate versions earlier in the day, and later passed those measures on the floor. At the end of the session, the Senate completed the calendar, reported no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• president's direction to bring relief to our veterans, and I'm very proud that the state of Florida is stepping
• Additionally, the bill removes technical and operational Early Steps Program policy language from the
• Finally, it adds Early Steps credentialed early intervention service providers to the list of professional
• Early Steps credentialed early intervention service providers to the list of professionals eligible to

Summary: The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills. HB 887, reducing medical marijuana registry card fees to $15 for honorably discharged veterans, drew support from veterans’ advocates and cannabis groups as a way to lower a financial barrier to care; it passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. HB 733, a Department of Health bill covering medical marijuana treatment center setbacks, physician certification renewals, low-THC/cannabis definitions, emergency license suspension for certain murder-related arrests, dental loan repayment area definitions, Early Steps policy cleanup, and autism microcredential eligibility, received mixed testimony from cannabis advocates who objected to some marijuana-related changes and zoning impacts; it also passed 18-0. HB 259, removing the $1,500 cap on pre-treatment funds held in trust by chiropractic physicians, was described as a free-market change supported by chiropractic groups and passed 18-0. The committee also approved PCS for HB 1443, creating a statewide Parkinson’s Disease Registry within the existing Parkinson’s Disease Research Institute and adding appointments to the consortium board, with USF support and no opposition; it passed 18-0. HB 1445, the related public records exemption for the registry, adopted an amendment adding the required public necessity statement and sunset date of October 2, 2031, then passed 18-0. HB 1309, which would standardize and speed patient access to medical records and align nursing home timelines with federal requirements, drew opposition from an information systems group concerned about data mining and portal access, while supporters argued it would improve patient access and care coordination; it passed 17-1 and was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• He stepped forward with courage, discipline, and a willingness to put others before himself.
• She met her husband, Roland Marchand, on the Pomona College library steps, and they married in 1959.
• In 1996, Betsy stepped down to care for her husband Roland as his health declined.
• In 1996, Betsy stepped down to care for her husband Roland as his health declined.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum after a roll call, and opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Routine procedural motions followed, including unanimous-consent actions to suspend rules for adjournment-in-memory remarks, guest introductions, and expedited floor processing of certain bills and committee reports. The chamber also recognized several guests, including Sacramento Police Detective Jason Collins, student musician Ethan Shue, and Glendale Councilmember Artie Kasakian. On the floor file, AB 1184 by Assembly Member Patterson, the Homeowner Association Accountability and Transparency Act of 2026, was presented as a measure to add basic transparency requirements for HOAs; it passed 56-0. AB 871 by Assembly Member Stephanie, addressing financial elder abuse and scam reporting/training for financial institutions, also passed 56-0. On the Senate side, SB 25 by Senator Umberg, which would give the California Attorney General earlier access to federal merger-notification filings to streamline merger review, passed 43-14 after the Majority Leader presented it. The Assembly then held several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including Paul R. Ignatius, former U.S. Secretary of the Navy and Glendale native; Oxnard Police Commander Scott Aaron; Private First Class Tanner F. Rubio of the U.S. Marine Corps; and former Yolo County Supervisor Betsy Marchand. Members and family guests offered remarks honoring their service and legacies, followed by a moment of silence for PFC Rubio. The session concluded with announcements about upcoming floor and committee deadlines and adjourned until Monday, January 26 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next step is to go to a committee hearing.
• The next step is to go to a commission hearing, which will be on Thursday, January 8th.
• Then in 1998, the enactment of IGRA provided an initial step towards that financial capacity.
• next, that today we're just holding this hearing and answering questions, and at this point, the next step

Summary: The joint House and Senate committee meeting heard public testimony on tentative tribal-state gaming compact amendments for the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe and the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe. Staff from the Washington State Gambling Commission explained the compacting process, the role of ex officio legislative members, and that the amendments would next go to the Gambling Commission for a January 8, 2026 vote before possible governor review. The Port Gamble S'Klallam presentation emphasized how gaming revenue supports tribal government services, health care, housing, education, language revitalization, natural resources work, and community investment projects in Kitsap County. For Port Gamble S'Klallam, the proposed changes include expanded credit and wager limits, more gaming stations and player terminals, language for a second facility, and adoption of an electronic table games appendix similar to other tribes. Members asked about pre-screening for high-limit tables, including how the tribe would define problem gambling and self-exclusion; tribal counsel said internal minimum control standards were still being developed and more detail would follow. A question about green crab removal in Port Gamble Bay was deferred for follow-up because the natural resources director was not present. The Upper Skagit Indian Tribe described its history, sovereignty, gaming operations, and how gaming revenue supports member programs such as nutrition assistance, education aid, homeownership down payment help, and charitable giving in Skagit County. Its amendment would allow electronic table games after the tribe removed traditional table games due to staffing and cost pressures, with the goal of remaining competitive. Committee members also asked about air quality and smoking-related provisions in the compact; the tribe said it maintains separate smoking and non-smoking areas and supports smoking cessation efforts. Chairs from both chambers closed by thanking the tribes for their contributions to members, local communities, and natural resource protection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The agreement that was come to is that if you had that situation, the first step would be to go to mediation
• They were comfortable with taking this on as well if needed, so that would be the first step.
• If for some reason that did not work, the next step would be an appeal to the Department of Water Resources
• If, for some reason, that did not work, the next step would be an appeal to the Department of Water Resources

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up Senate Bill 2276, which addresses water projects that cross county lines. Senator Larry Luick and Danny Quissel of the North Dakota Water Resource Districts Association explained that the bill would require joint boards for multi-county projects, with equal representation from each county, and would add a dispute-resolution process: mediation through the Agriculture Department, then appeal to the Department of Water Resources, and finally court if needed. An additional cleanup amendment was adopted to clarify that a district could proceed if a joint board or district refused to participate. Members raised concerns about possible county-versus-county litigation, but the committee approved the amendment and then passed SB 2276 as amended on an 11-0-2 roll call. The committee then heard the final bill of the day, Senate Bill 2267, on on-site wastewater treatment systems. DEQ Director Dave Glott presented a revised amendment reflecting prior discussion and input from local public health units and installers. The proposal would give the Department of Environmental Quality exclusive rulemaking authority, require public health units to inspect systems within 24 hours, allow MOUs with neighboring counties or health units, prohibit local rules that conflict with state standards, and create a state licensing system for installers while exempting homeowners working on their own property. It also set up permitting and appeals procedures, civil penalties for violations, and a $99,000 appropriation, with the department saying it would also rely on fee revenue and report back later on whether the program is working. Members asked about homeowner installation, local permitting, technical assistance, and whether the $99,000 appropriation and expected fees would be sufficient. Glott said homeowners could still consult with local health units and would likely still need permits, and estimated fees might be around $200 per year for installers, generating roughly $50,000 annually. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed SB 2267 as amended on a due-pass motion, with one no vote recorded. The chair then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, that's kind of—we should take a step back and ask what's the better way to do this.
• <00:21:24.960> should<00:21:25.320> take<00:21:25.480> a<00:21:25.640> step
• <00:21:26.000> back<00:21:26.559> and kind of we should take a step back and kind of
• we should take a step back and ask<00:21:27.000> what's<00:21:27.159> the<00:21:27.279

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's step one. Step two, profit motive. We need to get rid of profit motive.
• So that's<01:24:26.320> step<01:24:26.560> one.
• <01:24:26.880> Step<01:24:27.199> two, that's step one.
• Step two, that's step one. Step two, profit<01:24:30.560> motive.
• We need to step that up. Like today, we have all these theories and plans and working groups.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is a necessary step in safeguarding those rights of attorneys in Texas while maintaining the
• Conservative, liberal, whatever, has been because there are lawyers, lawyers who would step out and say
• Passing this bill is a step toward reinforcing the accountability of our judicial system.
• House Bill 1375 is a long overdue step toward accountability.
• So we were able to step in the gap with Remnant Law and successfully defend this pastor.

Bills: HB2242, HB2446, HB2799, HB4502, HB2920, HB2790, HB5620, HB5060, HB5076, HB5080, HB5081, HB5128, HB5130, HB3847, HB5116, HB2969, HB4546, HB4202, HB5624, HB3964, HB4803, HB872, HB4775, HB4777, HB4961, HB5570, HB2988, HB4260, HB1375, HB5009, HB5411, HB5134, HB4388, HB3095, HB1387

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers. HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending. HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending. The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• was to educate the re the our first step was to educate the re the seller<00:24:39.039> about
• <01:04:24.960> to<01:04:25.160> investigate steps to investigate steps to investigate to
• If you step back, when we talk about what we tried to do when we wrote this bill, we said we want to
• If you step back, when we talk about what we tried to do when we wrote this bill, we said we want to
• back when we encouraging and if you step back when we talk<01:12:14.560> about<01:12:14.760><

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:

• so I'm open to any questions first step so I'm open to any questions you<00:43:47.160> have<00
• <01:14:14.120> forward and take a critical step forward and take a critical step forward ensuring
• <01:22:50.760> towards we T we take a significant step towards we T we take a significant
• We need to attract first-time home buyers, and I think this is a good step to do that.
• This is a small step.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think to keep this going forward, this is a critical step in the right direction, and I'll be glad
• So I think to keep this going forward, this is a critical step in the right direction, and I'll be glad
• So I think to keep this going forward, this is a critical step in the right direction, and I'll be glad
• So I think to keep this going forward, this is a critical step in the right direction, and I'll be glad
• This is a critical step in the right direction, and I'll be glad to answer any questions from Senators

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The presiding judge in the case took the extraordinary step of issuing a public rebuke, and Assistant
• As the House, the only step that we have to do direct accountability is the tool of impeachment.
• about myself sitting on that front step. about myself sitting on that front step.
• Let's move it along the next step and dig in. Did the governor know and turn a blind eye?
• And when will the Legislature step up and do something?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a cooperative stepping forward to build a more reliable supply chain for our members.
• This is a cooperative stepping<00:12:05.240> forward<00:12:05.600> to<00:12:05.680>
• build<00:12:05.880> a<00:12:05.920> more stepping forward to build a more stepping
• And this bill takes us one step closer. Please think.
• And this bill takes us one step all. And this bill takes us one step closer. closer. closer.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• California families need us to take immediate steps to address our affordability crisis.
• This is a critical step to addressing the shortage. of teachers here in California.
• AB 848 is a step forward in putting our patients' safety first when they enter a hospital.
• AB 1088 represents a measured first step towards the responsible regulation of Kratom.
• This is a critical step in keeping children safe in an increasingly AI.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• where she stood there the capol steps where she stood there and<00:15:10.240> told<00:15:10.480
• I don't know how to specifically address what you have just laid out step by step and how that would
• I don't know how to specifically address what you have just laid out step by step and how that would
• She said, just to take a step back, U visas are ...
• I’m going to step back from that and then I’ll just have one final piece and then I’ll be done, Mr.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard extended debate on a bill requiring cooperation with ICE and reporting related to undocumented people in certain criminal contexts. Representative Rymer argued the measure was meant to align with federal priorities focused on violent offenders and to ensure local governments respond to federal inquiries, not proactively target immigrants. He also said the bill was intended to address serious crimes and protect victims, citing examples of violent offenders and trafficking-related cases. Several members raised concerns that the bill’s language was broader than described and could affect family court matters, health care, elder care, and routine interactions with government agencies. Testifiers and members warned it could be used as leverage against undocumented people in custody, child support, domestic violence, and labor exploitation situations, and could discourage people from reporting crimes or seeking help. The sheriff’s association and county attorneys’ association letters were cited as raising due process, equal protection, civil rights, and public safety concerns. The discussion also focused on the bill’s definitions and mechanics, especially whether section three would require reporting after arrests that do not lead to charges and how county attorneys would know when to report. Representative Pinto pressed on the bill’s reference to “violent crime” and whether drug possession could be swept in, while Rymer argued the bill was narrower than critics suggested. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the exchange remained at the discussion and questioning stage.

Transcript Highlights:

• the last thing I think we need to do to get our system in order, uh, but it's a really good first step
• Um, this bill is a good step in the right direction in raising that threshold, getting more cities to
• And I think this is a step in the right direction, and to Cap's point about the aid or the grants and
• <00:33:45.440> in volunteers and I think this is a step in volunteers and I think this is
• We urge you all to continue supporting PELSB's recent ability to step into the 21st century and allow

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, to me that doesn't reduce steps.
• F's concern, trying to eliminate unnecessary steps.
• unnecessary steps so the beauty<00:14:59.199> of<00:14:59.279> Wii<00:14:59.519> Wei
• We know that this bill represents a crucial step toward reducing the financial burden, promoting economic
• We know that this bill represents a crucial step toward reducing the financial burden, promoting economic

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.