Transcript Highlights:

• So all you guys got to change what you guys are following, because it's coming down.
• Senator Chang is excused. Senator Decoit is excused. And Senator Richards votes I.
• Senator Chang is excused. Senator Decoit is excused. I vote I, Senator Favella I.
• Senator Chang and Senator Decoit are excused. I vote I, Senator Favella I.
• I Chang is excuse Deco excuse I vote I I Chang is excuse Deco excuse I vote I Senator<01:01:02.440>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees first heard Senate Bill 151 relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and geothermal development on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL and Ulupono Initiative testified in strong support, saying the measure would help advance clean energy goals, create economic opportunities, and support DHHL’s mission. Fine Electric also supported the bill. Several members of the public testified in opposition, raising concerns about consultation with beneficiaries, water impacts, land issues, and the scale of the proposed spending. In response to questions, DHHL staff explained slimhole drilling, the permitting distinctions between water exploration and geothermal exploration, and said prior studies and geophysical testing had been done. The chair then recommended passage with amendments, including SMA technical amendments, a directive to establish a permitted interaction group to study geothermal options, removal of the appropriation language, and a new effective date. The committees adopted the recommendation and passed SB 151 with amendments, with one senator voting no and several excused. The joint committees then took up Senate Bill 371 on property damage to critical infrastructure facilities. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill with amendments, recommending broader critical infrastructure language to cover systems such as transportation, gas, power, water, and oil, and suggesting additional changes to improve prosecution. Utility and other supporters also testified in favor. The chairs proposed adopting the AG’s amendments except one, and further expanding the bill to make manslaughter explicit when a death results from disruption of critical infrastructure, and to add water as a covered infrastructure category. The committees adopted the amended recommendation and passed SB 371 with amendments. Finally, the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee heard Senate Bill 585 on special purpose revenue bonds for Bana Pacific. The Attorney General noted a possible issue with the company’s entity status and the bill title, but Bana Pacific stated it was in the process of converting from an LLC to a corporation and was satisfied with the title. The State Energy Office supported the concept, and Bana Pacific described the project as an integrated biogas and green hydrogen facility that would support energy security, create jobs, and reduce emissions. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 964 on waste-to-energy, where the State Energy Office offered supportive comments but many testifiers opposed the measure, arguing incineration is costly, polluting, and inferior to recycling. Written testimony showed more opposition than support, and public testimony focused on environmental and cost concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:31.519> course that this Administration changes course that this Administration changes
• that we're talking about the definition that we're talking about the definition is<05:03:40.160>
• so that it make that a statutory change so that it doesn't<05:35:48.080> change<05:35:49.080>
• code excludes them from that definition code excludes them from that definition of<05:36:05.240>
• <07:47:15.478> of that is a definition of that is a definition of freedom<07:47:17.200>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 10, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is a simple cleanup, uh, bill which updates Texas statute to provide a uniform and consistent definition
• are included in the unified definition.
• As this bill purely makes conforming changes, it has a zero fiscal note attached as well.
• OK, unfortunately they don't change out the water as often as they should.
• It's what these guys are getting paid that's changed. If you look in the handout.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I do have a committee substitute that makes some changes I'd like to send that up now, Mr.
• section for terrorist organization as the meaning assigned by Section 7101, which is the state definition
• Because again, my ultimate concern was having some state parallel with state definition in the event
• you don't have a federal partner that's being faithful to the federal... ...federal definitions that
• And that's kind of the definition of a lot of these folks; they don't know who the cartel is.

Bills: SB36, SB2202, SB 36

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Transcript Highlights:

• of that not in this bill because it doesn't change, but there's a definition of that in the compromise
• It's no change.
• was changed.
• <05:02:11.760> the both changed or proposed to change the both changed or proposed to change
• The changes to the earnable comp are bifurcated, just as a definition, between Group One and Group Two

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 187, which would allow parents or guardians to seek restraining orders on behalf of a minor child even when the alleged perpetrator is not a family or household member. Tracy Sirles testified that the bill was prompted by her family’s experience after being told by state police to seek a restraining order, only to learn the current law did not allow it because the offender was the child’s best friend’s father. Members agreed the change was straightforward, noted the fiscal note reflected only a small indeterminate cost to the judicial branch, and moved House Bill 187 ought to pass; the motion was approved unanimously. The committee then discussed House Bill 66, a Right-to-Know bill that removes “citizen” language in favor of “person” in some provisions and allows certain New Hampshire-connected requesters to seek records electronically if the records already exist in that format. Members reviewed concerns about defining “member of the media,” the scope of electronic requests, and a sentence stating appeals would have no filing fee or search charge. After debate, the committee voted to amend the bill by removing that fee-waiver sentence, then recommended House Bill 66 ought to pass as amended. The vote was 6-3. Next, the committee heard from the Environment and Agriculture chair about several solid-waste-related bills being folded into trailer bill language, including House Bill 215 and House Bill 171, with discussion of a possible three-year landfill moratorium and the need to address DEES staffing and funding concerns. DEES later clarified that the revised approach would not require new positions or create a fiscal impact because the new solid waste commission would be self-funded through filing fees. The committee voted unanimously to retain House Bill 215. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 566, which requires landfill permit applications to include a detailed leachate management plan and more information about disposal contracts. The sponsor said the bill was developed with DEES to address leachate problems and improve safety oversight. DEES testified that the bill largely reflects current practice and would have no specific fiscal impact, with existing staff able to absorb any review workload. The committee moved House Bill 566 ought to pass, and the motion was approved unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed House Bill 624, a grant program for local river management advisory committees, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, in his report, he definitely, uh, spent a lot of time and effort focused on the Department of
• However, in his report, he he definitely,<00:03:26.400> uh, definitely, uh, definitely, uh, spent
• of a partnership a the definition of a partnership a policy.<00:08:57.520> Um<00:08:58.040>
• They called those services high-risk programs and initiated changes to how the ...
• They called those services high-risk programs and initiated changes to how the state pays providers.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The 10 Budget Change Proposals (BCPs) that you mentioned.
• With that, I'm happy to run through the budget change proposals.
• What CDPH is proposing is changes to the fee structure for this program, which have not been changed
• Things can change over time.
• Adding or changing things.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm landing the plane, but we're definitely much closer.
• The fundamental changes were to remove all accountability.
• These are really important changes.
• And we really are open to making reasonable changes.
• This bill does not change the legal definition of hate speech, does not impose viewpoint-based restrictions

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with most drawing support after amendments or ongoing stakeholder negotiations. SB 29, by Senator Laird, would extend a sunset on the law allowing pain-and-suffering claims to survive a plaintiff’s death; supporters, including a family member describing a medical negligence case, labor groups, consumer advocates, and disability and elder organizations, argued it prevents defendants from running out the clock, while hospitals, medical groups, and business organizations warned of higher costs and added liability. After extensive debate about data collection, settlement reporting, and the impact on health care access, the bill passed to Appropriations on a divided vote. SB 294, by Senator Reyes and presented by Senator Laird, would require employers to notify a worker’s emergency contact if the worker is arrested or detained and would create a template to inform employees of state and federal labor rights. Labor and worker advocates said the bill would help workers understand and enforce their rights amid weakened federal enforcement; there was no opposition on file, and the bill passed unanimously to Appropriations. SB 697 would modernize water-rights adjudication by allowing the State Water Board to use technology instead of requiring in-person field investigations; with no opposition, it also passed unanimously. The committee also advanced SB 37 on attorney advertising, SB 645 on peremptory challenges in civil cases, SB 303 on bias-mitigation trainings in public workplaces, and SB 464 on expanding pay-data reporting for specified state workers. SB 37 drew support from consumer and legal groups but concerns from Walker Advertising about joint advertising; members said negotiations were ongoing, and the bill passed. SB 645 would extend anti-bias jury-selection rules to certain civil rights cases; criminal-defense and defense groups said they were close to agreement, and the bill passed. SB 303 and SB 464 were both amended to narrow scope and moved forward after several opponents shifted to neutral or removed opposition. The committee also approved a consent calendar of additional bills, all sent to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• When I filed House Bill 1, I knew that there would be changes that needed to be made.
• There's a change that could save lives down the line.
• The committee, and actually the definition depends on the population.
• We appreciate that being changed. We removed that and made it, and it actually doesn't...
• I want to say thank you for making these changes.

Bills: HB1, HB 2, HB 3, HB 5, HB20, HB 22

Keywords: youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license

Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion and passage of several key bills, including SB5, which pertains to supplemental appropriations for disaster relief. This bill was passed unanimously, highlighting the committee's commitment to addressing disaster preparedness. HB20, aimed at reducing fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters, also saw significant debate, with positive sentiments expressed by its sponsor, Mr. Darby. Additionally, HB22, which expands the authority of the comptroller to fund emergency communication systems, was passed with overwhelming support, indicating a consensus on improving emergency response capabilities within the state. The session concluded with discussions about future legislative measures aimed at strengthening infrastructure against disasters.

Transcript Highlights:

• The burden doesn't change.
• This needs to change, and we're relying on you.
• Nothing changes.
• We can change the name; that's fine if we want.
• This landscape has changed so dramatically.

Bills: SB41, SB33, SB32, SB30

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, individualized treatment, investigational treatment, health care, life-threatening illness, patient rights, physician recommendation, informed consent, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, child protection, prosecution, crime amendments, SB30, induced abortion, abortion reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• Does your opinion as to this bill change? >> I don't think the opinion changes.
• views may change. views may change.
• What changed?
• It changed my life. They're a theirs. It changed my life.
• definitely going to jail for 30 days. definitely going to jail for 30 days.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• grounds will have screening continue, and there's also this bill accounts for a number of hardware changes
• and other um hardening types of changes and other um hardening types of measures.<00:02:59.040> A
• If you would like to change the legislation, that'll be something you'll have to do next session.
• <00:10:09.839> in the hesitation to to support changes in the hesitation to to support changes
• <00:10:11.279> that this bill and some of the changes that this bill and some of the changes

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3230, a security package combining several bills related to political and Capitol security. Members first adopted the DE6 amendment, described as reflecting the negotiated allocation and appropriations language, and then heard Chair Mullen explain that the bill covers judicial security and courthouse grants, continued Capitol grounds screening, hardware and hardening improvements, legislative services home security, temporary local law enforcement support for credible threats, a new task force, funding for the BCA threat assessment team, and DPS deficiency funding tied to recent events. Discussion focused largely on the balance between security and public access. Representative West objected to the Capitol screening and metal detectors, arguing the Capitol is the “people’s house” and questioning the cost and fairness of the measures; he also asked whether the bill changed who controls Capitol security. In response, members said the scanners were not created by this bill but were already decided by the governor and security commission, and that the bill includes a provision clarifying the chain of command and training responsibilities. Other members supported the package as a necessary response to political violence and threats, emphasizing protection for lawmakers, staff, visitors, and the public. After discussion, the committee renewed the motion to place House File 3230, as amended, on the general register. The motion passed without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• effective our dlnr director Don Chang effective our dlnr director Don Chang Suns<00:20:40.280>
• <00:25:16.000> had emphasis on it now this rule change had emphasis on it now this rule change
• It's definitely you, right?
• Um, so they definitely are the ones today, um, so they definitely are the ones and the experts in the
• against natural disaster climate change against natural disaster climate change adaptation<01:24

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House and Senate agriculture committees met on January 17, 2025, for an informational briefing on biosecurity and invasive species; Chair Kahaloa opened by noting there would be no public testimony. Members introduced themselves, and the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC) program manager Chelsea Arnot outlined the purpose of the briefing and the statewide impacts of invasive species, citing examples such as coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, coquí frogs, albizia, and mosquito-borne disease. She emphasized that biosecurity requires coordinated action across state departments, counties, federal agencies, universities, and communities, and highlighted HISC’s role in funding interagency projects, island invasive species committees, research, outreach, and early detection efforts. Arnot and HISC representatives described major funding and program needs, including a requested $4.25 million increase to HISC to raise its baseline budget to $10 million, support island committee operations, research, biocontrol, marine biosecurity, surveillance, and staffing. They also requested $500,000 for the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, saying it is critical to invasive ant research and little fire ant response. The briefing also noted HISC’s leverage of federal dollars, including a $4.6 million REPI award with HISC providing the match, and cited successful collaborative eradications and responses, including veiled chameleons on Maui, axis deer on Hawaiʻi Island, and a 2023 coconut rhinoceros beetle response on Maui that prevented further spread. Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture officials then discussed implementation of updated administrative rules effective January 20, 2025, which permanently restrict movement of coconut rhinoceros beetle host material and give the department stronger authority to stop movement of infested material. They reported 2024 import activity of about 50,000 ship and aircraft arrivals, inspection/clearance of 20 million pieces, and 16,000 interceptions, with additional staffing from Act 231 expected to increase interceptions. They also described Act 231 funding and current spending status: about 65% obligated and 52% encumbered, with some funds tied to contracts for CRB and little fire ant response, plus an $800,000 green-waste hauling RFP that had to be reissued because of a flaw. The department said 580 Oʻahu homes and 290 Hawaiʻi Island homes are slated for little fire ant treatment, while Maui and Kauaʻi will focus on survey and outreach. Members questioned how homes are selected for subsidized treatment, whether HISC and the island invasive species committees received Act 231 support, and whether the state should direct how contracted funds are prioritized. Representative Martin raised concerns that the RFP limited eligibility to private pest control companies and excluded more experienced entities such as the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab. Department officials said they would follow up on prioritization and funding details, and noted that emergency proclamations and procurement flexibility could help with rapid response and hiring during invasive species emergencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• we've grown as a program has definitely we've grown as a program has definitely uh<00:36:21.119>
• thank you for the change. thank you for the change. Thank<01:33:42.880> you. Thank you.
• So, we need to change that stigma.
• So, we need to change reservation lands. So, we need to change that<03:45:15.600> stigma.
• definitely need more services. definitely need more services.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and 56 relative to use of terms, to provide further for the Restoring Biological Truth Act and to change
• and the Code of Criminal Procedure relative to compensation for victims of criminal offenses, to change
• 49, 49, 51, and 56 relative to use of terms to provide further restoring Biological Truth Act to change
• I don't change my mind. It didn't have no. Senator Foil, for personal privilege. Thank you, Mr.
• All we did is change one word from award to judgment to be consistent with the Code of Civil Procedure

Bills: SR107, SCR53, SCR54, SCR55, SCR12, HB167, HB181, HB243, HB316, HB321, HB335, HB492, HB578, HB624, HB708, HB864, HB906, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB1005, HB1032, HB1077, HB1095, HB1104, HB1118, HB1157, HB1187, HB1189, HB1195, HB1198, HB1220, HB221, HCR58, SB283, SB338, SB488, SB520, HB90, HB127, HB138, HB150, HB201, HB268, HB273, HB285, HB315, HB354, HB355, HB360, HB376, HB445, HB506, HB606, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB972, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, SB68, SB76, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB318, SB162, SB382, SCR33, SCR30, SB112, SB194, SB307, SB341, SB346, SB363, SB495, SB503, SB507, SB509, SB513, SB408, SB131, SB145, SB333, SB464, SB466, SB500, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB228, SB246, SB249, SB268, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB312, SB319, SB323, SB369, SB431, SB474, SB484, SB490, SB492, SB501, HCR14, HB537, HB652, HB653, HB661, HB726, HB756, HB851, HB964, HB966, HB34, HB35, HB48, HB474, HB553, HB758, HB852, HB10, HB16, HB36, HB44, HB46, HB52, HB61, HB78, HB98, HB102, HB124, HB126, HB131, HB135, HB141, HB142, HB164, HB170, HB171, HB179, HB194, HB231, HB245, HB280, HB292, HB294, HB297, HB305, HB336, HB337, HB351, HB436, HB594, HB789, HB956, HB957, HB995, HB1040, HB50, HB117, HB120, HB122, HB139, HB148, HB149, HB185, HB199, HB247, HB271, HB286, HB301, HB358, HB359, HB384, HB413, HB428, HB450, HB462, HB547, HB613, HB631, HB657, HB669, HB675, HB680, HB691, HB712, HB716, HB720, HB723, HB727, HB728, HB735, HB747, HB759, HB825, HB842, HB845, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB907, HB923, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB965, HB1036, HB287, HB370, HB515, HB521, HB570, HB1200, HB119, HB129, HB677, HB850

Keywords: condolence resolution, memorial resolution, tribute, sympathy, Joel Parker Sr., Louisiana Senate, rodeo, cowboy, horse trainer, stock and rodeo producer, black cowboy, African American history, community recognition, funeral resolution, celebration of life, Lottie Stampede Arena, Easter Sunday Rodeo, ranching, plantation work, faith community

Transcript Highlights:

• because Senator Middleton came with that change.
• I do have a question about the definition. of illegal immigration, is it your intention to include...
• Yes, definitely.
• Right, if it's available publicly then yes it should definitely be available. will report.
• With that change. Okay. All right. Questions? Senator Eckhart, you're recognized. Would it be?

Bills: SB825

Keywords: illegal immigration, economic impact, environmental impact, financial impact, annual study, Texas, government report, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They'd like to see it changed.
• changed. They'd like to see it changed. changed. They'd like to see it changed.
• <00:16:20.480> absorb that the project would definitely absorb that the project would definitely
• are changing as well.
• I think that's definitely something we should be looking at.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee began its first meeting on retained education funding bills, focusing on HB 366, which concerns school building aid for eligible projects, and HB 295, which would make school building aid program funds non-lapsing. The chair framed the discussion around broader questions about how school building aid should work, noting the state’s limited available funding, the existing debt service obligations, and whether the current formula should continue or be changed. He also raised concerns about the state’s overall revenue constraints and the need to consider renovation, new construction, and possibly leasing within any future program. Members and the Department of Education representative discussed whether school building aid is a state or local responsibility, the current backlog of projects, and the condition of school facilities statewide. Tim Carney of the Bureau of School Facilities described his background and answered technical questions about current programs. Representative Luno argued that under the ConVal decision the state has responsibility for school buildings, including construction and renovation, and that the program also serves an equity function by helping districts with less property-tax capacity. Representative Papich urged the committee to focus on policy structure and fairness rather than just available dollars, saying the current system creates winners and losers and suggesting a simpler per-capita or similar allocation model, while acknowledging a possible transition for projects already in the pipeline. The discussion also covered CTE facilities and leasing. Carney explained that charter schools, and possibly CTE centers, can receive limited leasing aid, and that CTE capital requests are funded through a state capital process, while federal Carl Perkins funds cannot be used for construction. He and others described a separate rotational funding approach for CTE centers, but several members said that model can leave programs waiting too long and may not match changing workforce needs. The chair and others noted that a report from a related study group on CTE policy and funding was still pending, and that its absence could affect legislation for FY28. No votes were taken and no bill was acted on in the portion of the meeting provided; the discussion ended with interest in modeling alternatives, reviewing the waiting list, and examining the tradeoffs of reducing upfront state aid versus funding more projects overall.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that still the case, or has that changed? Mr.
• So do we need a language change there? Mr.
• Chairman and Amanda, Joey, what changed?
• Times have changed on 332.
• See the changes that have been made.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:30:42.880> under the definition is generable under the definition is generable under honorable
• got multiple different um definitions. got multiple different um definitions.
• . definition. definition.
• <00:48:48.079> of need to be able to have a definition of need to be able to have a definition
• that's what that definition would be. that's what that definition would be.

Bills: HB0026, HB0042, HB0067, HB0069

Keywords: tribal governments, vehicle registration, exemption, license plates, Wind River Indian Reservation, vehicle, accident, duty to stop, felony, personal injury, death, veterans property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax relief, military tax exemption, Wyoming National Guard, active duty, reserve members, surviving spouse, surviving parent

Transcript Highlights:

• And when we talk about abolishing the LHSAA, that's going to change... ...record keepers.
• Are they going to, you know, it just changes a lot of different things.
• I'm going to be brief because I will definitely love these two gentlemen on both of my sides to kind
• We would definitely work with the chairman and committee on making that happen.
• So in the amendment, we're just a little bit more specific and changing some language.

Keywords: 974, senate, all