Transcript Highlights:

• The ayes are 39, the noes are zero. The resolution is adopted.
• The ayes are 39, the noes are zero.
• The ayes are 38, the noes are zero. That appointment is confirmed. Next. The noes are zero.
• The noes are zero. The ayes are 37, the noes are zero. That appointment is confirmed.
• The ayes are 38, the noes are zero. That appointment is confirmed. Confirmed.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journals, and removed SB 830 from the inactive file for return to the Assembly. It then took up several gubernatorial appointments, including Clint Kellum as Director of the Cannabis Control, Jennifer Osborne as Director of Industrial Relations, and two Medical Board of California appointments, Dr. Trinidad Solis and Dr. Gerald Tolbrook. Each appointment was confirmed by roll call, with broad support and no recorded opposition. The chamber also adopted SR 97 recognizing Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting AAPI contributions to California, histories of exclusion and solidarity, and the importance of visibility and representation. The resolution passed 39-0. The Senate also recognized numerous AAPI community leaders and honorees on the floor, including Kay Buck and Mira Sorvino for anti-trafficking advocacy, and later several additional guests and community figures. Members then adopted several other resolutions by unanimous consent: SCR 168 designating Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, SCR 148 declaring GM1 gangliosidosis awareness day, SR 95 proclaiming ALS Awareness Month, SCR 156 for Stroke Awareness Month, and SR 110 recognizing Hospital Week in California. Floor remarks focused on public safety, rare disease awareness, stroke recovery and aphasia, and the role of hospitals and health care workers. The Senate also honored retiring California Professional Firefighters president Brian Rice with extensive tributes to his labor leadership, firefighter safety work, and disaster response advocacy. The meeting concluded with the remaining appointment confirmations and adjournment until May 14, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• There being 66 ayes and zero nays, the bill is passed and its title agreed to.
• Um, there being 66 ayes and zero nays, the Secretary will close the roll.
• There being 66 ayes and zero nays, the bill is passed and its title agreed to.
• </c> There being 66 eyes and zero There being 66 eyes and zero I'm<00:39:56.040><c> sorry.
• There being 66 eyes and zero nays. roll. There being 66 eyes and zero nays.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Excuse me, three ayes, two nays, zero present, two absent.
• Members, with your votes of six ayes, zero nays, zero present, and one absent, you have given Senate
• Members, the vote is four ayes, two nays, zero present, and one absent.
• Members, by your vote of six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting, and one absent, you have given Senate
• Members, by your vote of six ayes, zero nays, zero not voting, and one absent, you have given Senate

Bills: SB1010, SB1024, SB1205, SB1232, SB1366, SB1552, SB1624, SCM1002, SCM1006, SCR1004

Keywords: Charlie Kirk, Loop 202, Arizona highways, transportation, renaming, roadable aircraft, registration, vehicle title, license plates, aviation safety, motor vehicle booting, private property, fees, dispute process, regulations, outdoor advertising, military compatibility, zoning, electronic signage, permitting

Transcript Highlights:

• Roll call shows 29 aye, 6 nay, zero absent or excused.
• Roll call shows 35 aye, zero nay, zero absent or excused.
• Roll call shows 35 aye, zero nay, zero absent or excused, and a majority having voted in the affirmative
• Zero absent or excused.
• Roll call shows 23 aye, 12 nay. zero absent or excused a majority Roll call shows 23 aye, 12 nay, zero

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and moved through committee reports, House messages, and first and second reading calendars before taking up several bills on third reading. Committee reports advanced a number of measures, including bills on elections, public notices, parks and recreation, immigration cooperation, taxation, slow-moving vehicles, short-term rentals, private property rights, and directed blood product transfusion. The chamber also received House bills and transmitted enrolled Senate bills to the House for further action. Among the major floor debates, Senate Bill 1328 passed 30-5 after discussion about shifting legal counsel authority for the Department of Lands from the Attorney General to the department’s general counsel. Senate Bill 1260 passed 29-6 after debate over immigration enforcement language and whether the bill was necessary while related litigation was pending. Senate Bill 1345 passed unanimously to allow Idaho Tax Commission secure electronic communications through opt-in taxpayer accounts, with estimated cost savings. Senate Bill 1224 passed 35-0 to create exceptions for slow-moving farm and construction equipment when no safe pull-off exists, after concerns from law enforcement were addressed. The Senate also passed House Bill 583, 23-12, to reinforce the state’s short-term rental law and limit local governments from imposing special restrictions beyond generally applicable residential regulations; supporters framed it as a property-rights and tourism measure, while opponents warned it could worsen housing shortages and reduce local control. Senate Bill 1326 as amended passed 30-5 to require government agents to have landowner permission, a warrant, or exigent circumstances before entering private property, with supporters citing Fourth Amendment protections and opponents warning it could hinder law enforcement and raise constitutional issues. House Bill 528 passed 25-8 to clarify access to directed blood product transfusions, with supporters emphasizing patient choice and opponents stressing blood-supply safety. The Senate then reordered the third-reading calendar, made announcements, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some office buildings were listed as having zero square feet.
• Some entries reported the building had zero cost.
• Some office buildings were listed as having zero square feet.
• Some entries reported the building had zero cost.
• Chairman Hall, Senator Daniels, aye. 11 ayes, zero nays, in accordance. 11 ayes, zero nays, in accordance

Summary: The LOFT Oversight Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then received LOFT’s report on state office space utilization in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. LOFT presented three main findings: OMES is not fully exercising its statutory authority over state property and relies on flawed self-reported data; state office space is being used inefficiently and often below policy benchmarks; and better use of state-owned space could save tens of millions in private lease costs. LOFT also described errors in the state’s real property inventory, low utilization rates across OMES-owned, agency-owned, and privately leased space, and recommended stronger data verification, clearer space standards, and more active oversight of underused property. OMES responded that it believes it is meeting its statutory obligations and said it tries to balance oversight with being a partner to agencies, placing them in space that best fits their mission and service needs. OMES officials said they rely on agency-reported data, do not have enough staff to independently verify all inventory information, and do not “police” daily occupancy. Members questioned the distinction between meeting statutory duties and exercising full authority, the use of “shall” versus “recommend,” the lack of enforcement for agencies that decline space recommendations, and whether OMES should more aggressively consolidate or divest underused buildings. LOFT and OMES also discussed the methodology behind utilization calculations, including badge-swipe data, space standards, and common-area adjustments. In the final finding, LOFT estimated that relocating agencies from private leases into existing state-owned space could save roughly $16 million to $28.8 million annually, depending on the scenario used. LOFT cited other states and federal reforms as models and recommended that OMES more actively assess underutilized properties, verify data, and use actual utilization analysis to reduce private leasing. OMES said it would review the comments and work to improve. The committee then unanimously approved a rapid-response evaluation request for LOFT to examine DHS child care subsidy verification and reimbursement processes, citing concerns about possible improprieties and the need to confirm whether fraud or waste is occurring.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nuclear energy is already categorized as a zero-carbon source of energy in the Energy Transition Act.
• It is already in law that nuclear energy is a zero-carbon resource for New Mexico.
• Nuclear energy of both kinds, fission and fusion, exists to meet the zero-carbon standard.
• It is a zero-carbon energy. There's absolutely no denying that.
• The clean energy standard is about how energy is delivered, and whether it's zero carbon or not.

Bills: SB47, SB195, SB196, SB197, SB198, SB78

Keywords: food recovery, composting, waste management, solid waste surcharge, organic waste reduction, environment, grants, advisory group, soil conservation, water resources, training services, outreach programs, environmental protection, animal care, veterinary services, spay and neuter, Las Vegas, community funding, animal welfare, animal shelter

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 47, a composting/organic waste measure that had been brought back from the table. The sponsor and witnesses described amendments that reduced the solid waste surcharge, added flexibility for landfills to divert organic waste to regional compost facilities, and delayed the effective date to July 1, 2027. Supporters said the changes made the bill more affordable and workable, while opponents from the waste industry still objected to the surcharge and wanted the proposed study completed before any tax was imposed. After committee discussion, a motion to table resulted in a tie vote, so the bill remained on the table. The committee then heard Senate Bill 195, which appropriates $1 million for training elected officials and staff of soil and water conservation districts. The sponsor and the New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts said the money would support compliance training, procurement and audit requirements, board education, and outreach for the state’s 47 districts. Support came from district officials and environmental advocates, who cited increasing responsibilities tied to disasters and climate impacts. The bill passed unanimously. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 196 and Senate Bill 197, companion appropriations for animal care and spay/neuter services in Las Vegas and Raton. Senators questioned whether the bills mixed operating funds with capital improvements, whether the projects duplicated statewide spay/neuter grants, and how much local funding was involved. The sponsor said the local communities had substantial skin in the game and that the appropriations were needed for facility expansion and repairs. Both bills passed on 6-2 votes. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 198, which would fund an endangered species hatchery and rearing station in Las Vegas. The sponsor argued the project would help restore aquatic species and use available state land and water, while supporters said it would strengthen conservation efforts. Opponents argued New Mexico already has a hatchery doing similar work, raised concerns about nuclear and water issues, and questioned the location and policy direction. After extensive testimony, the committee did not finish the bill and recessed SB 78, a separate measure to allow nuclear energy to count toward renewable portfolio standards, for continued discussion on Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, there are six ayes, one nay, and zero absent or excused.
• Madam Chair, there are seven ayes, zero nays, and zero absent or excused.
• Madam Chair, there are six ayes, one nay, and zero absent or excused.
• Madam Chair, there are seven ayes, zero, may do so.
• Madam Chair, there are seven eyes, zero nays, and zero absent or excused.

Bills: HB2514, HB2661, HB2637, HB2632, HB2499, HB2198, HB2520

Keywords: HB 2514, global war on terror, GWOT, war on terror memorial, Capitol campus memorial, Washington veterans, fallen service members, military memorial, post-9/11 veterans, Iraq War, Afghanistan War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, veterans memorial, capitol grounds, state memorial, Secretary of State, Capitol Committee, Department of Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Final tally on House Bill 1542 reveals 46 ayes, zero nays, one absent not voting.
• Final tally on House Bill 1613 reveals 46 ayes, zero nays, one absent not voting.
• Final tally on House Bill 1582 reveals 46 ayes, zero nays, one absent not voting.
• Final tally on House Bill 1448 reveals 46 ayes, zero nays, one absent not voting.
• If you have an ACA-compliant plan, screening colonoscopy has a zero cost share.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call showing 46 members present. It then took up multiple House messages and amendments, appointing conference committees on several measures, including SB 2007, SCR 4007, SB 2374, SB 233, and House bills 1029, 1218, and 1022. The chamber also considered a series of House bills on the sixth and 14th orders, often adopting committee amendments before final passage or, in some cases, rejecting the bill outright. Among the major policy items, the Senate passed HB 1524 on regional planning council grants, HB 1143 increasing a food bank appropriation to $10 million, HB 1126 modernizing cosmetology licensing and inspections, HB 1542 making student applications for admission exempt records, HB 1613 regulating law enforcement use of robots, HB 1582 directing a study on false reports and accusations, HB 1214 revising school transportation funding, HB 1448 creating a study on advanced technologies, HB 1280 on drainage project voting rules, HB 1499 protecting records related to federal judges, and several Senate bills returned from the House, including SB 2221, SB 2117, SB 2198, SB 2120, and SB 2214. The Senate also adopted amendments to HB 1541 on septic systems before rejecting it on final passage. Several high-profile bills failed after debate. HB 1566, dealing with kratom regulation, saw an amendment to convert it to a study fail on a 21-25 vote, after which the chamber laid the bill over for one legislative day rather than take final action. HB 1283, which would have eliminated cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams in the state employee plan, was defeated 22-24 after extensive debate over cost, precedent, and insurance impacts. HB 1527, requiring Holocaust education in statute, also failed 22-24, with supporters emphasizing the importance of the subject and opponents arguing curriculum belongs in standards rather than statute. The Senate adjourned after announcements, scheduling its next meeting for Monday, April 14, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• There being eight ayes and zero nays, the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1871 will be reported
• There being eight ayes and zero nays, the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1873 will be reported
• There being eight ayes and zero nays, the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1874 will be reported
• There being eight ayes and zero nays, the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1872 will be reported
• There being eight eyes, zero nays. The committee substitute. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard and discussed several higher education and public school bills. Senator Burwell presented SB 1242 to remove an outdated Coordinating Board approval requirement for Texas State Technical College land and facility acquisitions, and SJR 59 to create a constitutionally dedicated endowment for TSTC capital needs; both drew strong support from industry and workforce groups and were left pending. SB 757, by Senator Middleton, would create a debt-to-earnings accountability system for public college programs, with supporters saying it would protect students from low-value degrees and opponents warning it could unfairly penalize programs with long-term value, especially graduate, medical, and public service fields; it was also left pending. SB 1241, by Senator Millington, would expand acceptable college entrance exams beyond the SAT and ACT, including the Classic Learning Test, and was left pending after testimony from CLT, homeschool, and student groups in support. SB 1085, by Senator Blanco, would let Sul Ross State University offer lower-division courses at its satellite campuses in the Middle Rio Grande region; it too was left pending. The committee then took up a series of public school and higher education measures, voting several out favorably. SB 605, as substituted, limits commissioner approval of charter school expansion amendments for schools under conservatorship or a management team and was reported favorably 9-0. SB 1871 and SB 1873, both by Senator Perry, were revised to narrow teacher immunity, clarify removal and suspension procedures, require periodic review of in-school suspension placements, and align discipline rules; both substitutes were adopted and reported favorably. SB 1872, SB 1874, SB 762, SB 1962, SB 1750, SB 2252, SB 2253, SB 2365, SB 1924, and SB 37 were also considered, with most reported favorably on party-line or near-unanimous votes. SB 1750 would replace a flat charter school facilities funding cap with an attendance-based formula; SB 2252 and SB 2253 address kindergarten readiness, early literacy/numeracy, and educator preparation; SB 2365 concerns student phone use during instructional time; SB 1924 restores local citation authority for certain school offenses and adds reporting, notice, and completion requirements; and SB 37 would expand state oversight of higher education curriculum, governance, faculty senates, and compliance with state law. Other measures heard included SB 769, which would require a Coordinating Board report on barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education; supporters emphasized the need for better data and accessibility, while witnesses suggested broader reporting on race, disability types, and K-12-to-college transitions. SB 2231 would designate a Free College Application Week in October and was left pending. SB 1878 would modernize the Josie School statute and provide formula funding and aid eligibility for Polytechnic College. SB 1409 would authorize universities to offer self-funded student health benefit plans, with Rice University and Texas 2036 supporting the measure as a way to lower costs and expand coverage. SB 2431 would require universities to give foreign language credit for study abroad programs, SB 2314 would require schools to inform students about opting in or out of record sharing for direct admissions through My Texas Future, and SB 2138 would extend the state’s anti-ESG contracting restrictions to public higher education endowments and governing boards; these later bills were introduced and left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fourteen yeas, zero nays. Madam Chair. Showed the bill reported favorably as amended.
• Yes. 14 yeas, zero nays. Madam Chair, show CS for HB 597 reported favorably as amended.
• You look at all of these ones with zero they're talking about.
• Yes. 15 yays, zero nays, Madam Chair. Show the bill reported favorably. Congratulations.
• Fourteen yays, zero nays, Madam Chair. Show the bill reported favorably as amended.

Summary: The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee heard and advanced several health care bills. HB 909, joining the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, was presented with a strike-all amendment and reported favorably as amended by a 13-0 vote. HB 911, the related public records exemption protecting certain biological information, was also adopted and reported favorably as amended by a 14-0 vote. CS for HB 597, allowing schools to procure and administer glucagon for students with diabetes under trained personnel, passed unanimously 14-0 after a technical amendment. HB 519, aligning state law with federal language on controlled substances administered by paramedics, passed as amended 14-0. The committee then took up HB 919 on nursing education programs. Sponsor Rep. Overdorf argued the bill would create accountability for underperforming nursing schools by requiring remediation, tuition refunds in the lowest-performing programs, and public reporting of passage rates. Supporters said it would improve quality and protect students from debt without licensure success, while opponents from private nursing schools warned it could close programs and reduce nurse supply. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably 15-0. HB 1553, which would require health care providers to submit identified uterine fibroid data so the Department of Health can implement the research database previously authorized by law, passed unanimously 15-0. The final bill, HB 883, would allow psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to practice autonomously; supporters said it would expand access to mental health care, especially in rural and underserved areas, while opponents raised concerns about quality and physician oversight. After lengthy testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably 14-3.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Vice Chair, there are 16 aye, zero nay, three excused, and zero absent. Thank you.
• Madam Vice Chair, there are 16 yea, zero nay, three excused, and zero absent.
• All right, by your vote... ...excused and zero absent.

Summary: The committee met in executive session to consider Substitute Senate Bill 6076 and Senate Bill 6313. SB 6076 would make changes to the authority of consumer-owned utilities, especially public utility districts, to self-perform certain public works related to non-emitting and renewable resource generation projects. Members adopted Amendment Hatfield 208, described as a technical clarification limiting the self-performance authority to the specific work covered by the bill. The bill was then reported out of committee with a due pass as amended recommendation by a 16-0 vote, with three members excused. The committee then took up SB 6313, which creates a capital centennial stewardship account. Members adopted striking amendment H3738.1, which instead creates the account as a sub-account within the existing capital building construction account. Supporters said the change was a mechanical simplification that addressed concerns raised in testimony while preserving the bill’s fundraising and project purposes. After adopting the striker, the committee reported SB 6313 out with a due pass as amended recommendation by a 16-0 vote, with three members excused. The chair then closed the executive session, noted a possible final meeting block on March 11 if needed, and invited interim planning ideas from members. The meeting adjourned after thanks were given to staff and committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• work on zero-textbook courses for the business transfer pathway.
• A number that is closer to zero indicates not a strong financial health or financial distress.
• A number that is closer to zero indicates not a strong financial health or financial distress.
• A number that is closer to zero indicates not a strong financial health or financial distress.
• </c><01:03:20.240><c> um</c> number um that is closer to zero um number um that is closer to zero um

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it's a net zero appropriated.
• So it's a net zero change.
• So it's a net zero change.
• Um this is also a net zero<00:26:16.400><c> change.</c> zero change. zero change.
• </c><01:37:38.960><c> So</c> house is at zero over two years. So house is at zero over two years.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So what you're saying that you're doing, uh, Representative Joy, you are zeroing out the seven-county
• It's not zero like you're using. We have it covered in the back there.
• Yeah, as far as the Meals on Wheels was zeroed out, yeah, in this bill, right?
• </c> far as the Meals on Wheels was zeroed far as the Meals on Wheels was zeroed out<00:51:56.920><c>
• Representative Joy said that zero people had come to talk to them about changes to the bill.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In this matter, 136 in the affirmative, zero in the negative. The bill is passed to be engrossed.
• The Chair will display, I mean, the clerk will display the tally. 149 in the affirmative, zero in the
• First division, zero.
• First division, zero; second division, zero; third division, zero; fourth division, zero.
• Forty-five members in the affirmative and zero in the negative. The emergency preamble is adopted.

Summary: The House opened with routine procedural actions, including suspension of Joint Rule 12 for two petitions and suspension of Rule 7A to take up several bills immediately. Members advanced multiple Ways and Means bills to third reading, including measures on campaign finance reporting for statewide ballot questions, tax-free medical devices, fairness for Massachusetts Water Resources Authority employees, releasing land use restrictions in Revere, and authorizing a land taking in Norwood. Several engrossed local and special bills were then passed to be enacted, including measures affecting Boston police age waivers, the Hudson charter, Plymouth’s land acquisition account, Falmouth sewer-related costs, and Randolph’s charter. The House also considered Senate Bill 2916 on campaign finance reporting for ballot questions. Supporters said the bill would strengthen disclosure, close reporting loopholes, and improve transparency around ballot question committees and signature gathering, while also creating a commission to review the initiative petition process. Amendments were adopted, including changes to the commission’s membership and a separate amendment related to signature-gathering provisions. After debate, the bill passed to be engrossed by roll call vote 149-0. Members then took up the fiscal year 2027 budget conference report, House No. 5555, totaling about $63.4 billion. Supporters highlighted funding for Chapter 70 education aid, local aid, Fair Share investments in education and transportation, MBTA and regional transit support, housing and homelessness programs, food assistance, and immigration legal aid. The conference report was adopted by roll call 142-6, the emergency preamble was adopted, and the budget bill was passed to be enacted by the same vote. The House also declined concurrence on Senate Bill 3064, “to build resilience for Massachusetts communities,” and appointed a committee of conference, and later appointed a conference committee on House Bill 4646, enhancing child welfare protections. The session ended with a moment of silence for community figures and adjournment to the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• In this matter, 136 in the affirmative, zero in the negative. The bill is passed to be engrossed.
• The Chair will display, I mean the clerk will display the tally: 149 in the affirmative, zero in the
• First division, zero.
• First division, zero; second division, zero; third division, zero; fourth division, zero.
• Forty-five members in the affirmative and zero in the negative. The emergency preamble is adopted.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 13 ayes and zero nays.
• Eleven ayes and zero nays.
• Ten ayes and zero nays.
• With a vote of 10 ayes and zero nays, that declares Senate Bill 1970 advanced.
• Ten ayes and zero nays.

Bills: SB1312, SB1323, SB1599, SB1863, SB1932, SB1950, SB1956, SB1958, SB1966, SB1970, SB2052

Keywords: vehicle registration, automatic payments, Service Oklahoma, taxes, motor vehicle, prepayment program, memorial designation, highway, Sheriff Marty Grisham, transportation, Oklahoma Statutes, memorial bridge, dedication, Oklahoma, commemoration, memorial highway, road designation, John Skelley, motor carrier, administrative hearing

Summary: The Senate Aeronautics and Transportation Committee heard several memorial highway and bridge designation bills and one substantive aviation/tax bill. The committee advanced SB 1323 (Marty Grisham memorial signage), SB 1863 (John Skelly Memorial Highway), SB 1932 (allowing a trucking company owner or other designated representative to appear without a lawyer in certain Corporation Commission administrative hearings), SB 1956 (Captain David Ward Neely Memorial Highway), SB 1970 (Private Earl Maggerton Memorial Bridge), and SB 1599 (Arlen Francis Wetzel Memorial Bridge). These measures were generally presented as honorary designations or procedural changes, with brief questions mainly about mileage or fiscal impact, and they all passed committee by voice or roll-call votes. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 1950, which would prohibit government entities or private vendors from using ADS-B aircraft tracking data to calculate, generate, or collect fees. Supporters argued that using the federally required safety system for fee collection encourages pilots to turn off ADS-B, undermining air safety, and said airports can collect fees through other methods. Opponents and committee members raised concerns that the bill could hinder lawful tax and fee collection, including aircraft excise taxes and landing fees, and that it might reduce revenue for airports and the state. After testimony from the bill author, an aviation association representative, and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics director, the committee laid the bill over at the author’s request. The committee also heard SB 1312, which would have allowed owners of electric and hybrid vehicles to prepay the annual road-use fee over time rather than paying it in one lump sum. The author said the goal was to reduce the burden on low-income drivers and small businesses, but concerns were raised about fiscal impact and implementation. After title was stricken to allow further work, the bill failed on a 5-6 vote. The chair also announced that some items would be laid over and that the committee would not meet the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Four ayes, three noes, and zero not voting. Thank you, members.
• Four ayes, three noes, and zero not voting.
• Members, by your vote of four ayes and three noes and zero not voting, you have passed SB 1093.
• Four ayes, three noes, zero not voting.
• "Members, by your vote of four ayes, three noes, and zero not voting, you have given SB 1035 as amended

Summary: The Public Safety Committee met for its first session, introduced staff and pages, and then heard several bills. SB 1010 would designate Loop 202 as the Charlie Kirk Highway; an amendment to rename it the Freedom of Speech Highway failed, and after testimony both supporting the honor and objecting that it would affect the Ed Pastor portion of the freeway, the bill received a do pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote. SB 1077 would impose felony penalties for operating online services that facilitate prostitution, pandering, or child sex trafficking, and also address harmful sexual material and age verification; with no public testimony, it passed 5-2. SB 1093 would expand the definition of riot to include force or violence causing property damage and add riot to racketeering and conspiracy provisions; the ACLU opposed it as overbroad and harmful to protest rights, but the committee still gave it a do pass recommendation on a 4-3 vote. SB 1058 would create the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act to bar government firearm registries and restrict firearm-related merchant category codes; gun-rights advocates supported it as a privacy measure, and it passed 4-3. The committee also heard SB 1035, which appropriates funds for a 5% pay increase for sworn correctional officers and department civilians at ADCRR. The sponsor said the raise is a top priority and part of budget discussions. Correctional employee representatives supported the pay increase but argued it is not enough and urged a larger raise, while private prison representatives and the Arizona Police Association asked that the increase also cover private prison employees to preserve pay parity and retention. Some members raised concerns about the fiscal impact and about whether private prison funds would be directed to salaries rather than profit. An amendment extending the raise to private prison employees under contract with the department was adopted, and the amended bill passed 4-3, with several members explaining their votes based on the need for a footnote or further safeguards and others supporting parity across state and private facilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we had seven in support, zero in opposition, zero comments. I'm sorry—HB 2198?
• We have seven in support, zero in opposition, and zero comments.
• </c> Um, We have seven in support, zero in opposition, and zero comments.
• We have 22 people in support, zero<00:57:04.559><c> in</c><00:57:04.720><c> opposition,</c> zero in opposition
• We have three in support, zero in 69.

Bills: SB2885, SB2174, SB2925, SB2798, SB2320, SB2800, SB1230, SB2706, SB3233, SB2405, SB2350, SB2169, SB3320

Keywords: coconut rhinoceros beetle, invasive species, biosecurity, green waste, environmental management, agriculture, quarantine, pest control, transport regulations, Hawaii Revised Statutes, coconut trees, tax credit, natural management, Hawaii, environment, agricultural enforcement, agricultural theft, farm theft, crop theft, commodity theft

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2885 SD1, which would create mandatory handling and storage rules for commercial and residential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material beginning in 2027, with penalties and an effective date. Support came from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, DLNR, Maui County Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Testifiers generally said the bill would help reduce CRB spread, though some urged additional science-backed methods, better coordination, and technical or cost-share support for smaller operations. Hawaiian Earth Recycling recommended amendments to align the bill with existing Department of Health/EPA composting rules, add other materials that can harbor CRB, allow future approved treatment methods, and replace the bill’s 60-day turning requirement with existing pathogen-reduction standards. One individual supported the goal but argued the state’s CRB strategy has lacked community and cultural consultation and should include a cultural advisement role. Department witnesses said enforcement would rely on inspection and an educate-before-regulate approach, and they noted the challenge of creating enough drop-off sites, especially in rural areas. The committee then took up SB 2174 SD2, which would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to declare an emergency quarantine, halt operations in affected areas for 96 hours with possible extension, quarantine suspected pest areas, issue notices and compensation to affected farmers, and adopt interim transportation rules for materials that may harbor high-impact invasive species. The department and DLNR supported the measure, emphasizing the need for fast action in the first hours of an invasion. Hawaii Farmers Union supported the compensation provisions but asked for stronger communication with producers and a post-action report to the Board of Agriculture after about 90 days to evaluate effectiveness and economic impacts. In response to questions, department staff said the bill would be a short-term, department-only quarantine authority distinct from the governor-declared biosecurity emergency authority enacted previously, and that it could serve as an intermediate step. They also said outreach would need to be done through farm organizations such as Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and Cattlemen’s groups. The final measure discussed was SB 2925 SD1, relating to coconut trees. The bill would recognize coconut trees as a source of food and water and a cultural treasure, require rules for coconut tree seed banks, require signage identifying landscape palms where applicable, set labeling standards for non-consumable landscape palms, and create an income tax credit for consumable coconut trees maintained through natural management practices. The transcript ended before testimony or action on this bill was completed, and no vote was taken on any of the measures discussed in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Zero.
• </c><01:16:59.000><c> Zero.</c> How much? Zero. How much? Zero.
• So, [clears throat] on this measure we have 57 in support, zero opposed, and zero comments.
• 57 in support, zero opposed, and zero<01:40:15.640><c> comments.
• </c> zero comments. zero comments.

Bills: HB1736, HB1620, HB1695

Keywords: animal control, spay and neuter, pet overpopulation, sterilization, counties funding, tax designation, veterinary care, electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, energy policy, rebate program, environmental impact, renewable fuels, sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1737, which clarifies allowable uses in agricultural districts for farm dwellings and farm employee housing, and HB 1604 HD2, which creates an agricultural workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Testimony on HB 1737 was overwhelmingly supportive, with county agriculture officials, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union backing the measure; one witness asked for a definition of “affordable” to guard against misuse of farm housing. For HB 1604, the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, with OHA requesting disaggregated data and a seat on the working group. Committee discussion focused on housing shortages, possible misuse, affordability, and whether innovative housing models such as modular, tiny, and container homes should be considered. The committee then took action on both measures. HB 1737 HD3 was recommended to pass with amendments that would limit farm employee housing to agricultural employees and their immediate family members actively engaged in the farm operation, add a grandfathering provision for existing permitted housing, preserve county zoning authority, clarify that ag tourism must be secondary and not occur in employee housing, delete a square-footage-per-acre ratio, and defer the effective date to July 1, 2050. HB 1604 HD2 was also recommended to pass with amendments adding OHA and a housing-shortage organization to the working group, expanding its scope to include modular, tiny, and container homes and permitting/zoning streamlining, and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. Both motions were adopted unanimously by the members present. The joint hearing then moved to HB 1736, which would establish a spay and neuter special fund and require sterilization and declaration provisions for cats, with some discussion of dogs. DLNR and the Hawaiian Humane Society supported the bill, while Pacific Pet Alliance objected to the broader requirements and the inclusion of dogs; the Hawaiian Humane Society and American Bird Conservancy supported cat-focused sterilization and the special fund, while some testifiers opposed mandatory sterilization as too costly or intrusive. Members raised questions about toxoplasmosis, trap-neuter-release, enforcement, neighbor-island access, and funding needs, and DLNR indicated additional funding and third-party contracting would likely be needed. The transcript then began HB 1620 HD2 on energy, which would increase the environmental response energy and food security tax and shift funds from the hydrogen fueling subaccount to EV charging infrastructure; state agencies generally stood on written testimony in support, while the Tax Foundation objected to special fund earmarks and noted the bill raises only one part of the barrel tax structure.