Transcript Highlights:

• I hear a lot about self-generated revenue. Have you all heard those words?
• I hear a lot about self-generated revenue. Have you all heard those words?
• So do you, does the general, the attorney general already offer a training such as this? No, ma'am.
• The Attorney General has one. I think the Office of the Governor has one.
• The Attorney General has one. I think the Office of the Governor has one.

Summary: The House and Governmental Affairs Committee met on April 14 with a quorum and heard several recommitted public-records and government-transparency bills, along with one local audit bill and one campaign-solicitation bill. HB 55 by Rep. Villio would prohibit intentional public disclosure of juror identifying information and create a public records exception; after adopting technical amendments, the committee reported it favorably as amended. HB 608 by Rep. Chassion would make documents tied to intercollegiate athletics revenue-sharing programs confidential; supporters said it protects student-athletes and institutional competitiveness, while the Louisiana Press Association argued it would shield public money and reduce transparency. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote of 9-3. HB 1045 by Rep. LaCombe would raise the audit threshold for certain local auditees in a limited parish-specific application, with an amendment tying annual audits to entities in Pointe Coupee Parish above a revised revenue level and indexing the threshold to CPI. Committee members and local-government groups said the change would reduce unnecessary audit costs for small water and special districts while preserving oversight; it was reported favorably as amended. HB 1035 by Rep. Beham would add penalties for exploitative campaign fundraising aimed at elderly people; supporters described scam-like tactics and recurring withdrawals, while some members questioned how it would be enforced and whether existing fraud laws already covered the conduct. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably by a 7-5 vote. HB 1049 by Rep. Owen would tighten open-meetings requirements by improving notice posting, minutes, and training expectations for those presiding over public bodies. Supporters said it would help volunteers and small boards comply with the law, while the Police Jury Association raised cost and staffing concerns for thousands of local entities; the bill was reported favorably. HB 1177 by Rep. Zerang would create a public-records exemption for personal information related to hunting and fishing lottery licenses, prompted by concerns that lottery winners could be harassed by animal-rights activists; it was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, two other bills were deferred at the sponsors’ request, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In terms of the audit, looking at that, it's generally just a financial audit.
• If we do not take bold action, this trend spells disaster for our next generation and our culture.
• , due to the actions of past generations, that dream is no longer obtainable for a majority of my generation
• Idaho should be for Idahoans, not for companies to exploit generations of patriots.
• Now, the dynamic of that that's really interesting is we have this other generation.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 751, which would expand the STARS program for commercial transportation infrastructure by lowering the minimum project floor from $6 million to $5 million and raising the cap from $35 million to $100 million. Representative Monks explained that STARS lets developers front infrastructure costs and be repaid from a portion of new sales tax generated by the development, and supporters said it helps fund major roadway improvements without costing the state upfront. The committee advanced the bill on a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1347, a transparency measure for Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s pass-through homelessness grants, specifically the Continuum of Care and Emergency Solutions Grant programs. Sponsors said the bill would require annual reporting on grant recipients, uses of funds, and outcomes such as housing exits, income changes, and referrals, while not changing funding levels. Testimony included support from transparency advocates and concerns from a senator and nonprofit/housing professionals that the bill could duplicate existing federal and IHFA audits and add unnecessary reporting burden. The committee sent the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with Senators Robbie and Taylor voting no. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 1352, which would create state standards for “starter home subdivisions” on parcels of at least four acres in cities over 5,000 population by limiting minimum lot sizes and allowing higher density, while preserving local authority over infrastructure, safety, and environmental requirements. Supporters argued the bill would help address Idaho’s housing shortage by enabling smaller, more attainable homes and reducing regulatory barriers; opponents from city, planning, and local government groups said it would override local control, lacked an income-based affordability requirement, and could create infrastructure and neighborhood impacts. After extensive testimony, the committee’s initial motion for a due pass recommendation failed on a 4-5 roll call, and the bill was then moved to the 14th order for possible amendment. Senate Bill 1354 was held over until the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• , as well as past trustee and regional director of the Academy of General Dentistry.
• , as well as past trustee and regional director of the Academy of General Dentistry.
• </c> fellow at the Academy of General fellow at the Academy of General Dentistry,<00:16:33.680><c> the
• </c><00:17:07.120><c> Now,</c> the Academy of General Dentistry.
• Now, the Academy of General Dentistry.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate convened with an opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then completed roll call, excused absent senators, and approved the journal from February 3, 2026. The chamber received second readings for Senate Bill 5 on Kentucky-grown agricultural product procurement and Senate Bill 73 on tallow-based cosmetic products, and heard committee reports advancing Senate Bill 18 with a committee substitute, along with Senate Bills 33, 85, and 132. The House also communicated passage of House Bill 1694 and requested concurrence. Senate Bill 162, relating to children, was introduced, and Senate Bill 34 was passed over while retaining its place on the calendar. The Senate adopted Senate Citation 4 recognizing National School Counseling Week, with remarks emphasizing the role of school counselors in student academic and mental health support. The body also adopted Senate Resolution 71 honoring Dr. Samantha Shaver for her service as president of the Kentucky Dental Association; the sponsor and other members praised her leadership and oral health advocacy. Later, the Senate received a committee report posting Senate Bills 5, 12, and 73 to the regular orders and referring several bills to committees, including Senate Bills 129, 136, and 183 to Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor, Senate Bill 71 to Education, and Senate Bill 9 to State and Local Government. Members made several co-sponsorship requests for bills including Senate Bills 9, 12, 33, 132, 143, 153, 154, 159, and 183. A lengthy floor statement from the Senator from Clay praised Senator McConnell’s long service and recent federal funding achievements for Kentucky, including education, transportation, defense, and economic development projects. The Senate also received a floor amendment to Senate Bill 33, introduced Senate Bill 163 on unemployment insurance and Senate Resolution 78 honoring the CSX Santa Train, and then adjourned until 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would be a permanent council created in the Office of the Attorney General.
• In general, yes, I do hear that in the insurance marketplace.
• In general, yes, I do hear that in the insurance marketplace.
• You're a higher risk than most businesses in your field or in general.
• You're a higher risk than most businesses in your field or in general.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for February 3, 2026 by roll call vote, 131-1. Members then spent much of the morning introducing special guests, including a page for the day, Missouri State University Citizen Scholars, JAG program students, school counselors, elementary students observing online, interns, and a tribute honoring Josephine Baker’s life and legacy. The chamber then moved to first reading of several bills and to perfection of multiple House Committee Substitutes. The most substantial debate centered on a composite anti-trafficking bill, House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2273, 1946, 1814, and 2551. Supporters said it would strengthen Missouri’s response to trafficking, grooming, sextortion, and child sexual abuse material by updating terminology, creating a permanent Attorney General’s statewide council, expanding training for professionals, extending the civil statute of limitations for trafficking claims, increasing penalties, and allowing expungement for victims. Members cited testimony from survivors and advocates and emphasized the need for coordinated enforcement and education. The House adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. Members also debated House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1694 and related bills, a package aimed at curbing abusive website-accessibility lawsuits against Missouri businesses. Supporters described “sue-and-settle” tactics targeting small businesses with little notice and high settlement demands, while opponents of the abusive practice argued the bill preserves legitimate ADA claims and gives businesses a chance to cure problems. The House adopted the substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. Finally, the House considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2375 on workers’ compensation, which supporters said would clarify the “prevailing factor” standard, address preexisting-condition claims, adjust treatment and appeal rules, and reduce costs; opponents warned it could make it harder for injured workers to obtain care and create disputes between insurers. The House adopted the substitute and ordered it perfected and printed. The chamber then moved to announcements and recessed until 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also serve as the Director of the Command Action Group for the Adjutant General, Major General Gent
• Major General Gent Welch, who is also the Governor's Homeland Security Advisor.
• So if we need a and then pass that through the adjutant general.
• I'm a second-generation laborer and I've been a member of LiUNA for 25 years.
• I'm a second generation laborer and I've been a member of Lina for 25 years.

Bills: HB2198, HB2401, HB2462, HB2419, HB2210, HB2205, HB2249

Keywords: regulatory efficiency, permitting, licensing, executive order, state government, commission, gender equity, boys, men, advocacy, state policy, unpiloted aircraft, drones, regulation, airspace safety, privacy, address confidentiality, administrative law judges, privacy protection, staff employment

Transcript Highlights:

• It has paved the way for a generation of researchers focused on women's health.
• to build it and it'll take generations to rebuild it and frankly that is not the way to go.
• generation of scientists, and accelerating the pace of disease-curing discoveries.
• generation of researchers and for our current generation. Thank you. Mrs.
• It's what we are already doing, educating the younger generation, and hopefully not losing a whole generation

Transcript Highlights:

• Ford, the prior director, Air Force General as well.
• I'm a first-generation Texas Tech grad.
• By way of background, I'm a fifth-generation Texan.
• My wife and I are both third-generation Houstonians.
• I’m happy to introduce Brigadier General Michael L.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Nominations met to consider several gubernatorial nominees and first approved a slate of nominees left pending from the March 31 agenda. The committee voted 5-0 to favorably report those nominees to the full Senate for confirmation. Public testimony was then opened and later closed, with some listed witnesses not appearing. The committee heard testimony on Jerry K. Weldon II for the Brazos River Authority Board of Directors. Senators focused on stewardship of the Brazos River, the authority’s relationship to the legislature and the public, Sunset review, water quality and nutrient runoff, impaired waterways, and possible uses of constructed wetlands for aggregate mine reclamation. Weldon emphasized collaboration, transparency, and keeping the citizens of Texas as the authority’s primary customer. Commissioner Robert Vaughn was considered for reappointment to the Texas Transportation Commission. Discussion centered on TxDOT’s management, rural funding, population growth, project delivery, and the commissioner’s role on the audit committee. Doug McCreakin was considered for the Texas Tech University Board of Regents, with questions about legislative priorities, compliance with DEI-related state law, workforce development, rural medical education, and university partnerships. Jody Giles was considered for reappointment to the University of Texas Board of Regents, and Bernadette Carrasco Coleman for reappointment to the Texas Woman’s University Board of Regents; both discussed higher education priorities, PUF funding, compliance with state law, and student support programs. John Rutherford was considered for reappointment to the Teachers Retirement System Board of Trustees, with questions about fiduciary oversight, investment understanding, and keeping the retirement system solvent. Brigadier General Michael Boyd was also considered for appointment to the Texas Military Preparedness Commission, where discussion focused on military retention, child care, spouse licensing, base infrastructure, and grant funding for Texas installations. The committee did not take final votes on these later nominees during the hearing and left them pending subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank Representative Fitzgerald for his generous introduction and thanking President Trump,
• The side that has... as the newer technology generally prevails.
• Michael, who will be at the cutting edge of the next generation of technologies.
• Continuing on, in a January op-ed, General Alvin, he highlighted that the Air Force...
• Then they rope-a-doped out one. that was General C.Q.

Keywords: Air Force modernization, fighter aircraft, autonomous systems, air superiority, national security, recapitalization

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on military procurement and modernization, with significant discussions surrounding the Air Force's capabilities and strategic needs. Key topics included the urgent need for recapitalization of the Air Force's fighter squadrons, as well as the importance of integrating new technologies like autonomous systems to bolster military effectiveness. Several senators raised concerns about the current resources available to the Air National Guard and the potential loss of skilled service members if recapitalization plans are not swiftly developed. There were also discussions on the importance of maintaining air superiority in light of evolving threats, particularly from adversaries like China.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:09.160><c> Loan</c> into the Hawaiian homes General Loan into the Hawaiian homes General Loan
• First up, we have the attorney general. Oh, let's go with, um, oh, you're in person.
• Good morning, Deputy Attorney General Chrystopher Han, with comments on the bill.
• Good morning, Deputy Attorney General Chrystopher Han, with comments on the bill.
• :27:51.159><c> Deputy</c><00:27:51.480><c> attorney</c> general Good morning Deputy attorney general

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism, Housing, and Economic Development and Technology began with House Bill 604, which would raise the transient accommodations tax by 1 percentage point starting January 1, 2026 and direct the revenue to the Hawaiian Homes General Loan Fund. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the bill as a source of consistent funding, while the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed it, warning that Hawaii already has very high tourism taxes and that further increases could hurt visitors, workers, and the broader economy. The committees later voted to pass HB 604 with amendments as an HD1 and to defer the date; the vote was adopted, with one member noted as having reservations in the housing committee vote and one no vote in that committee. The committees then heard House Bill 973, which would require transient accommodations brokers and others to display all resort fees, taxes, and government-imposed charges upfront in advertised prices and would establish penalties. The Office of Consumer Protection expressed concerns about the bill’s intent requirement and noted a forthcoming federal FTC rule on junk fees; the Hawaii Hotel Alliance strongly supported the measure as promoting transparency and uniformity, and a public witness also supported price transparency while questioning the size of the penalties. After questions about federal rescission of the FTC rule and enforcement authority, the committees voted to pass HB 973 with amendments as an HD1, including removal of the intent requirement and technical changes, and the recommendation was adopted unanimously. House Bill 594, relating to hotel service disruptions, would require hotel keepers to give notice of disruptions to guests and third-party vendors and allow damages. The Attorney General’s office recommended amendments to add a purpose section and savings clause to address First Amendment and contract clause issues, and Unite Here Local 5 supported the bill, saying guests are not always notified of disruptions and that the measure would improve transparency; the union agreed with the legal amendments. The committees voted to pass HB 594 with amendments as an HD1 and to defer the date, adopting the recommendation. The final measures were House Bill 448 and House Bill 449, both related to technology enablement and economic development for small businesses, including tourism-related businesses. HTDC strongly supported both bills but emphasized that technology should be targeted to the actual problem and coordinated with sister agencies rather than applied broadly; the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Chamber of Commerce also supported HB 448, and HB 449 received support from HTDC and HFIA. The committees adopted amendments to HB 448, including moving a $250,000 appropriation to the committee report, and to HB 449, including deleting duplicative language tied to HB 448 and moving a $500,000 appropriation to the committee report; both bills were passed as HD1s with deferred dates, and the hearing adjourned after the votes were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can become a leader in cheap electricity generation.
• My grandchildren will be sixth generation in New Mexico.
• And the Associated General Contractors in New Mexico.
• We've been here for four, well, actually five generations. The fifth generation here.
• I mean, we need to think about our future generations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> General Assembly. General Assembly.
• And one General Assembly cannot bind a future General Assembly.
• General Assembly. So, unless unless General Assembly.
• </c> General Assembly, people in the General General Assembly, people in the General Assembly<01:13:43.040
• </c> general provision. general provision.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Minnesota in education more generally? Minnesota in education more generally?
• </c><00:52:47.040><c> plan</c> liabilities in the PERA general plan liabilities in the PERA general plan
• </c><00:53:10.040><c> plan</c> transferred from the PERA general plan transferred from the PERA general
• </c><00:58:58.880><c> testimony</c> Um first we'll have general testimony Um first we'll have general
• </c> Compared to 64 for general employees. Compared to 64 for general employees.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• into the general funds.
• </c><01:02:21.960><c> fund</c> technically it's a it is a general fund technically it's a it is a general
• ><c> thank</c> back to the general fund okay thank back to the general fund okay thank you<01:28:02.880
• Thank you. those children Prevail generally these those children Prevail generally these cases<01:40:
• So the $5 million just up the general funds for that.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first recessed briefly, then took up HB 570, the prescription drug affordability board (PDAB). The chair and several members discussed the House amendment to repeal the board, which removed the fiscal note. The main concern raised was that the PDAB had not yet produced a clear business case showing value for the taxpayer investment, despite several years of work and four annual reports. Supporters of the repeal said the board’s recent report was largely redundant and that the board should either demonstrate a strong return on investment or be shut down; others cautioned against discarding the program too quickly and urged more time to refine the mission and legislative language. No vote was taken, and the committee appeared to agree to retain the bill for further work, with the possibility of revisiting it in a formal executive session on Tuesday. Members also shifted into discussion of HB 2, beginning with Section 85 on opioid abatement trust fund dollars for shelter programs. Department of Health and Human Services officials explained that the provision would provide $10 million from the opioid abatement trust fund, replacing general funds in the governor’s budget, while also noting an additional $2.5 million prioritized needs request for shelter care that was already fully funded. Committee members asked about shelter bed capacity, job placement efforts, and the remaining balance in the opioid fund; DHHS said there are 934 contracted beds and that case management includes help with housing and employment. Officials also said the current proposed budget includes another $1 million later in HB 2 from the opioid fund. The committee then began discussion of Sections 86 through 87, which would preserve the department’s ability to transfer funds between personnel lines. DHHS said the provision is operationally critical and that losing it would make it extremely difficult to manage the department, though it would not have a direct fiscal impact. The next item introduced was Section 88, extending a suspension related to eligibility for services until July 1, 2027; DHHS indicated that if the suspension were not continued, it would likely increase expenditures for Community Mental Health Centers and potentially others. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last December, the Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General...
• And I reserve the balance of my time. >> General reserves, >> General reserves, Wisconsin. >> Mr.
• Today, we Today, we have an opportunity to make the internet safer for the next generation.
• sharing her wisdom, encouragement, and belief in the next generation.
• It is an act that requires every generation to do its part to build the beloved community.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, June 29, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So definitely... ...earlier than you wouldn't necessarily see them in the general population.
• We have not generated that specific or focused estimate that you're asking about. So we...
• And that's just all on the General Fund.
• I know the General Fund—I get it, we can’t turn to the General Fund. I get that.
• County led to hospitalizations, generating significant savings to the health care system.

Summary: The subcommittee heard budget and policy updates from the Department of State Hospitals, the Commission for Behavioral Health, and the Department of Health Care Services. DSH described its proposed 2026-27 budget of $3.2 billion, including savings tied to IST solutions, higher patient-driven operating costs, and a small increase in caseload projections. Officials said the department has met court-ordered IST treatment benchmarks, with wait times reduced from a pandemic peak of 1,953 pending placements to about 250, and average treatment initiation now around five days. Members asked about the effects of Proposition 36 and SB 1323, rising outside hospitalization costs, Medicare enrollment, and whether IST solution funding was being overbudgeted; DSH said referrals are slightly down overall, aging and medically complex patients are driving outside care costs, and the IST solution savings reflect slower-than-expected program activation rather than a service gap. The department also outlined proposed funding for CONREP cost increases, a new county-by-county LPS bed allocation model, electrical infrastructure upgrades at Napa and Patton, SB 380 transitional housing feasibility work, and additional dental staffing and space at Metropolitan and Patton. The Commission for Behavioral Health reviewed its role in the Behavioral Health Services Act transition and its new Innovation Partnership Fund. Staff said the commission is shifting from county-level innovation oversight to a statewide grant strategy, with the first $20 million RFA drawing strong interest and awards expected in mid-June. Members asked how “innovation” would be defined, whether grants could be renewed after the initial three-year contracts, and how the state would ensure the money supports real service delivery rather than general outreach or training. The commission also sought a liquidation deadline extension for the Alcove youth drop-in center grants so remaining funds can be spent before they revert, allowing sites to finish implementation and support the final evaluation. DHCS provided an overview of CalAIM and BH Connect implementation, including updated specialty mental health access criteria, new ASAM-based substance use treatment standards, contingency management, traditional health care practices for tribal members, workforce investments, evidence-based practice expansion, IMD participation, and transitional rent services. The department also addressed BHSA implementation, saying it does not track specific local program cuts but will monitor county three-year plans, performance measures, and outcomes as counties shift to the new funding structure. On H.R. 1, DHCS said it is preparing outreach, eligibility simplification, and exemption strategies to reduce Medi-Cal coverage losses, including clinic navigators, a statewide outreach campaign, and possible employment supports through a future waiver. The department also reported that BH-CHIP bond funds have supported 437 infrastructure projects, creating 546 facilities and more than 9,500 residential beds, with additional outpatient capacity and tribal investments. Finally, DHCS outlined a proposed 988 trailer bill to create a statewide designation process for 988 centers and mobile crisis teams, with implementation no earlier than October 1, 2027.

Transcript Highlights:

• And for generations have taken care of Calvary Cemetery and And for generations have taken care of Calvary
• These fees generate about $3.4 million a year.
• Fees collected go into general revenue. Correct.
• The wholesaler makes money generally in this way.
• Generally, we duck and cover, or generally these things are learned about when you hear gunshots.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by a 104-0 vote. Members then spent a large portion of the session offering personal remarks and introducing guests, including the family of Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, school groups, a Boy Scout troop, a Highway Patrol commander, and community figures such as Corey Johnson and boxer Devin Alexander. There was also a moment of silence for a member’s mentor and a personal privilege statement recognizing Autism Month and the work of teachers and therapists serving autistic children. The main floor debate centered on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2481, which would tighten Missouri rules for SNAP and related public benefits by requiring proof of citizenship or lawful presence, using the federal SAVE system throughout eligibility checks, and directing the Department of Social Services to seek a waiver to steer SNAP purchases toward healthier foods. Supporters framed the bill as a matter of accountability, taxpayer stewardship, fraud prevention, and improved nutrition, while opponents argued it was unnecessary because federal law already limits eligibility, could add administrative costs, and could harm children, families in food deserts, and pregnant women who rely on programs such as Show Me Healthy Babies. An amendment offered by the gentleman from Johnson to extend the bill to MoHealthNet was adopted, and after extended debate the House invoked the previous question 91-46, then adopted and perfected the bill as amended. The House also advanced House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1869, which creates a process and fund to repair damaged veterans’ headstones in public and private cemeteries, with support from members who emphasized honoring veterans and preserving gravesites; the bill was adopted and perfected without opposition. House Bill 2927 was also moved forward; it would require settlement demands tied to extra-contractual or bad-faith insurance claims to be written, held open for 90 days, and reference the relevant statute. Supporters said it gives insurers reasonable time to evaluate large claims, while opponents said it could delay compensation for injured Missourians; it too was adopted and perfected. The House then began consideration of additional bills, including House Bills 2387 and 2480, as the session continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do have some information from the prosecutors and the Attorney General.
• And the Attorney General, if you'll bear with me, I'll read it.
• They took out the AG, the attorney general, language. Okay.
• The attorney general is going to look over this.
• Even if the Attorney General changes, it will still be.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know there are many other generics to paraquat.
• So why is it relevant for us and just people in general?
• So why is it relevant for us and just people in general?
• Can the General Assembly change the Supreme Court rule?
• Now, that's just in general, right?

Summary: The Committee on General Laws met with a quorum and first went into executive session on House Bill 3088, where members discussed concerns raised by hospitals about proposed language changes. The bill sponsor said he was still working with hospitals and would continue to refine the measure, but several members objected to voting before seeing the revised language. HB 3088 was nevertheless voted do pass by an 8-4 vote. The committee then approved House Bill 2749 by an 8-4-1 vote, after which it moved into public hearing. The committee heard House Bill 2844, which would prohibit paraquat use in Missouri and require reporting related to its use. Representative Gallick said the bill was intended to be narrow and focused on paraquat’s toxicity and possible links to Parkinson’s disease. Supporters, including the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Missouri Coalition for the Environment, Sierra Club, and others, argued that paraquat is highly toxic, that research links exposure to increased Parkinson’s risk, and that many countries have banned it. Opponents from the Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri AgriBusiness Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Corn Growers, and Missouri Pork Association said paraquat is a restricted-use pesticide already regulated under federal law, is important for weed control and crop production, and that a state ban would set a dangerous precedent and harm farmers. The committee took no final action on HB 2844 during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 1880, which would bar school districts and charter schools from selling beverages with more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per container to students. Representative Reuter said the bill was inspired by students from Seckman High School and cited concerns about adolescent caffeine consumption. Student witnesses described energy drink use at school, health effects such as anxiety, heart racing, dehydration, and sleep disruption, and said the bill would help reduce harmful habits. Several members supported the goal but suggested the threshold might be too high, that private schools receiving state scholarship funds should be included, and that school boards might be a better place to address the issue; others noted the bill lacked an enforcement provision. No vote was taken on HB 1880.

Transcript Highlights:

• General district court clerks would be key, some clerks, general district court judges.
• Some clerks, general district court judges. Yeah, exactly, people use it.
• Again, we've never heard back from the old Attorney General, but the new Attorney General has issued
• district court. ...the county court with the general district court.
• So I'm getting the books from staff that says we don't generally do that with the portal.

Keywords: Code Commission, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if you look at our testimony, you can see just the costs that are related to generation.
• So, getting an related to generation.
• of thermal generation, the right amount<00:01:49.520><c> of</c><00:01:49.760><c> renewables</c><00:01
• </c> most uh cost-effective uh generation most uh cost-effective uh generation projects<00:02:04.320>
• So, those are the three amendments to the measure. generation versus the transmission and generation

Bills: HCR202

Keywords: Hawaii, renewable energy, task force, energy independence, cost savings, decarbonization, public utilities, stakeholders, clean energy goals, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Consumer Commerce and Consumer Protection heard HCR 202 HD2, a resolution creating a task force to study Hawaii’s electric generation mix and related costs. Testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office was neutral and stood on written comments, while another testifier supported the resolution, emphasizing affordability, reliability, and the need to understand the right balance of thermal generation and renewables as the state moves toward its 2045 renewable goals. The chairs said they had conferred on the measure and outlined recommended amendments, including adding study of the separation of ownership and control of generation versus transmission and distribution, and adding Senate committee representation to the task force. The Consumer Commerce and Consumer Protection committee voted to pass HCR 202 HD2 with amendments; the chair, vice chair, and another member voted aye, with one senator excused, and the recommendation was adopted. The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee did not have quorum at that time and said it would take its vote later. The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also heard HCR 165, concerning pickleball courts in Hawaii Kai. One resident testified in opposition, citing concerns about permanent lights, permanent nets, noise, light pollution, safety, maintenance, and the loss of multi-use flexibility. After discussion, the chair recommended passing the measure as is, and the committee said it would vote the next day because it lacked quorum. The committee also heard HCR 154 and HCR 43 with the Transportation Committee; HCR 154 was passed unamended, and HCR 43, which urged raised crosswalks near Ala Wai Elementary School for pedestrian safety, was also passed unamended. Supporters of HCR 43 described heavy pedestrian traffic, schoolchildren crossing, and unsafe vehicle turning patterns at the intersections. The Transportation Committee adopted both recommendations, while the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee scheduled its votes for the following day.