Transcript Highlights:

• If not, Vice Chair, SCR 177, SR 172, I vote yes. Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye.
• Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye. Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye.
• I vote yes. Okay, for GDO, chair votes aye, vice chair votes aye, Senator Hashimoto. Aye.
• I vote yes. is on both measures. I vote yes.
• GDO, chair votes aye, vice chair<00:10:16.520> votes<00:10:16.760> aye, chair votes aye

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions related to state facilities and agency procedures. SCR 177/SR 172 asked the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to convene a cooperative working group to address state projects requiring county permitting; DAGS supported the measure, and it was adopted unanimously. SCR 37/SR 36 requested a study on the costs and benefits of creating an Office of the State Architect; DAGS offered comments, but the chair deferred the resolution, citing a similar bill and lack of funding for a study. The committee then considered SCR 86/SR 77, which would require bi-level lighting in newly constructed state buildings and facilities beginning in 2028. DAGS and the State Energy Office provided comments, while DLNR, Citizens Climate Lobby, and Climate Future Forum testified in support. The committee amended the measure to apply to state buildings and facilities with designs finalized on or after January 1, 2028, and adopted it. SCR 122/SR 114, which would require written notice before final administrative action affecting protected liberty or property interests, drew comments from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and written comments from DOE, but was deferred due to limited support and time constraints. In the joint GVO/HHS portion, the committee heard SCR 87/SR 79, encouraging the state to examine requiring AEDs in all state-owned buildings and to pursue existing AED programs. The State Health Planning and Development Agency, DOE, the American Heart Association, the Department of Health, an individual testifier, and DAGS all supported the measure; DAGS also described ongoing installation and training efforts in its facilities. The measure was adopted without amendment by both committees, with members noting broad support and no reservations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I vote aye. Mr.
• With that, I vote aye.
• I vote aye. Representative Travers. Mr. Chair, please explain your vote.
• Members, by your vote of 15 yes, one voting no, two voting present, you have returned all the budget
• Members, by your vote of 15 yes is one voting no, two voting present.

Summary: The joint House and Senate Appropriations committees met to hear the FY 2027 budget package, beginning with the General Appropriations Act (HB 4154/SB 1847). Staff outlined the overall budget, including one-time fund transfers, lump-sum reductions, funding for state employee health insurance, school facilities, corrections, flood and wildfire relief, education and child care, and other ongoing and supplemental items. Members briefly discussed the absence of a requested $1.5 million for the oversight office, but the chair said no amendments would be taken in committee and that only limited technical changes were likely later in the process. Public testimony on the feed bill was largely supportive but focused on specific funding concerns. Testimony highlighted school safety funding, Alzheimer’s services, small business tax expensing provisions, disability oversight for group homes, county use of opioid settlement dollars, adult education/community college funding, victim notification funding, and ESA oversight. Several speakers praised the budget for funding DDD and other services, while others opposed or sought changes to items such as the COMIT group home monitoring program, Maricopa Community Colleges’ lack of operating aid, and a possible cut to the victim notification program. The chair repeatedly emphasized that changes to the negotiated budget would be difficult and should be routed through leadership. The committee then moved quickly through the remaining budget reconciliation bills. Staff summarized bills covering amusement and wagering, capital outlay, commerce, criminal justice, environment, health care, higher education, human services, and K-12 education. Notable provisions included continued wagering assessments, highway and building renewal funding, defense innovation and economic development changes, corrections and wrongful conviction provisions, groundwater and water banking measures, health insurance oversight and opioid settlement provisions, higher education funding and ABOR operating caps, SNAP and housing trust fund changes, and a 2% inflation increase for K-12 formula components. The K-12 bill also included a biometric school safety pilot and a child sexual abuse prevention pilot. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the chair indicated the committee would continue through the remaining bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:50.959> Senator votes yes. Vice chair votes I. Senator votes yes.
• Are there any reservations or no<00:19:17.679> votes? no votes? no votes?
• chair Lee for the vote. chair Lee for the vote.
• Uh, Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye.
• Uh, Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard and then took action on several measures. Senate Bill 3048, relating to the State Building Code Council and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, received support from OPSD and the Chamber of Commerce, with OPSD requesting amendments tied to software licensing and a public permitting dashboard. The committees ultimately recommended passing the bill with amendments, including an effective date, and later adopted that recommendation by vote. Senate Bill 3083, relating to protective orders, drew support from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Military and Community Relations Office, and a member of the public, while the Judiciary asked that the bill be deferred or amended because a prior notification process had lapsed and a new mandate could be difficult to implement. The committees nevertheless recommended passage with amendments and an effective date, noting implementation concerns in the report, and that recommendation was adopted. The committees also considered Senate Bill 3010, which would allow law enforcement, animal control officers, and firefighters to enter unattended vehicles to rescue animals in distress. The Animal Legal Defense Fund supported the measure as a common-sense good Samaritan protection, and the Hawaii Association for Justice recommended a small amendment. The bill was recommended for passage with amendments and later adopted. Senate Bill 3187, relating to off-site construction and SPEED Task Force recommendations, received OPSD testimony in support with comments; the committees recommended passing it with amendments, deleting the dollar amount and adding an effective date, and adopted that recommendation. In a later joint hearing with the Committee on Education, Senate Bill 2138, which would expand the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to graduate study, received support from the University of Hawaii, the Department of Defense, the Hawaii Army National Guard, and the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office. Members asked whether the current law limited assistance to undergraduate degrees and whether the program would require new funding; witnesses said the bill would simply expand authority and could be implemented within the current budget. Senate Bill 2614, authorizing high school diplomas for certain veterans whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices, also drew support from DOE and the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, with DOE explaining it had previously issued diplomas under an earlier version of the law and would verify eligibility through an application process. Senate Bill 2687, requiring a 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum plan and pilot program, drew mixed testimony: DOE said the topic is already covered in existing social studies standards and the bill was unnecessary, while supporters argued the history is not being consistently taught and should be mandated. The transcript cuts off before final action on the education bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• The members will vote. Have all the members voted? Lock the machine.
• Have all the members voted? Have all the members voted?
• The members will vote. >> Have all the members voted?
• members will vote. members will vote. Got<02:07:57.199> me.
• Clerk, one lock machine, and the members will vote. >> All the members voted.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Brant votes yes. Senator Campos? Yes. Senator Campos votes yes. Senator Gonzalez? No.
• Senator Gonzalez votes no. Senator Lanier? Yes. Senator Lanier votes yes. Senator Padilla? No.
• Senator Woods votes yes. Senator Shindle? No. Senator Shindle votes no. Senator Munoz? No.
• Senator Munoz votes no. The amendment is not passed. With a vote of five to six.
• Senator Woods votes no. Senator Shendo? Yes. Senator Shendo votes yes. Senator Munoz? Yes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Be 95 members voting aye. No members voting nay.
• members voting I. No members voting nay. members voting I. No members voting nay.
• members voting I no members voting nay. members voting I no members voting nay.
• Those in favor vote aye. Those opposed, no. Roll call vote. Have all members voted?
• House voting I no members voting nay.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:45 Calendar/2nd Readings 05:20 Report of Committees 07:05 Orders of the Day 08:23 HB 214 08:33 HB 416 12:26 HB 281 16:20 HB 134 18:13 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 21:08 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 37:01 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 39:15 ConC/Rules Report 42:29 Floor Amendments 44:27 Correction to Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 46:14 Adjournment 46:40, 958, all

Summary: The House convened, heard an invocation focused on recovery from a recent storm, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum was established with 94 members present, absent members were excused, and the rules were suspended to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications. The journal was approved, and the clerk reported a Senate message transmitting Senate Joint Resolution 23 for concurrence. The chamber then received second-reading reports on a wide range of bills covering pharmacist reimbursements, grooming a minor, local government liability, water fluoridation, solid waste, highway markings, fiduciary bonds, motor vehicle titles, hearing aid coverage, eating disorder coverage, public safety, pedestrians, cigar bars, backyard chickens, and county law libraries. Committee reports also advanced several bills, including measures on elections, local government, state-operated mental health facilities, prescription drugs, Alzheimer’s services, electric generating unit decommissioning costs, reemployment of retired police officers, and the Kentucky Communications Network Authority. Those favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar. The House passed several bills unanimously by roll call, including House Bill 214 on a program to help disabled veterans obtain and install home wheelchair ramps, House Bill 416 on educator preparation and early assessments, House Bill 281 on streamlining food donations by churches and nonprofits for shelters and disaster victims, and House Bill 134 on sexual assault nurse examiners, creating a statewide coordinator, registry, and regional access plan. In each case, sponsors explained the bills and members voiced support; floor amendment 1 to House Bill 416 was adopted before passage. Clinchers were applied after passage of the bills. The House also adopted House Resolution 33 recognizing cancer patients, survivors, and families and designating January 29, 2026 as Suits and Sneakers Day, and adopted House Resolution 43 recognizing the economic and cultural partnership between Kentucky and Japan. Members offered additional citations honoring Newport Central Catholic High School and the YMCA, and the chamber observed a moment of silence for Boone County Sheriff Michael Helmig after a citation honoring his service and legacy. Announcements included committee meetings after adjournment, birthday wishes, and the introduction of numerous new bills and resolutions, including measures on kindergarten, bridges, revenue, retirement benefits, concealed deadly weapons, local taxes, motor vehicles, fiscal reporting, SNAP, families and children, vision testing, and a balanced budget amendment application.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Secretary please call the vote.
• Chen not voting. Alhawari? Hadwick? Hadwick not voting. Haney? Irwin? Jackson? Jackson aye. Krall?
• Madam Secretary please call the vote.
• Please call the vote.
• Baines not voting. AB 432, Bauer-Cahan. Macedo not voting. That bill is out.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please vote no on SB 1708.
• Please vote no on SB 1708, not because you're against charter schools, Please vote no on SB 1708, not
• Please vote no.
• I urge you to vote no on this bill.
• I am asking you to vote no on SB 1708. I am asking you to vote no on SB 1708.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and took up several education bills. SB 1150, which would remove an unrelated exam barrier for school social workers to help districts retain them, was briefly explained and reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1514 on anaphylaxis in public schools, which would require emergency action plans and training for school personnel; amendments narrowed and clarified the bill, including applicability to K-8 schools and FDA-approved epinephrine devices. Orange County Public Schools waived in support, and CS/CS/SB 1514 was reported favorably. The committee spent the most time on SB 1708, which expands Schools of Hope and creates a co-location framework allowing high-performing charter operators to share space in underused public school facilities, with the sponsor explaining that agreements would address safety, supervision, grade levels, emergency protocols, and liability. Members raised concerns about who would be served, lottery access, accountability, and whether the bill would worsen inequities or strain public schools; many public speakers opposed the bill on similar grounds, arguing it would divert resources from already underfunded schools. The sponsor clarified that Schools of Hope recruitment is exempt from lottery, that the bill would not use classrooms already in use, and that districts would receive $600 per student plus associated funding for vacant space. Despite mixed debate, CS for SB 1708 was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS/SB 822, which updates charter school governance by limiting sponsor-imposed deadlines, preventing enrollment caps below facility capacity, improving data sharing, and allowing high-performing charter schools to assume existing charters. A charter school advocate supported the bill as a fairness and efficiency measure, while senators pressed him on claims of district “harassment” and the basis for the bill’s deadline changes. After brief debate, CS/SB 822 was reported favorably. The meeting ended with members recording votes on prior tabs and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please vote no on SB 1708.
• Please vote no on SB 1708, not because you're against charter schools, Please vote no on SB 1708, not
• I urge you to vote no on this bill.
• I am asking you to vote no on SB 1708.
• I think for us to just vote this bill down and do nothing, except vote the bill down, I think would be

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum and took up several education bills. SB 1150, by Senator Calatayud, was presented as a measure to help school districts retain school social workers by removing an exam requirement unrelated to the profession. With no questions or debate, the committee voted the bill favorably. The committee then moved to SB 1514, by Senator Smith, on anaphylaxis response in public schools. After adopting a delete-all amendment and a late-filed amendment clarifying FDA-approved epinephrine devices and weight-based dosing, the committee heard support from Orange County Public Schools and reported the bill favorably. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 1708, also by Senator Calatayud, which would expand Schools of Hope by broadening the definition of low-performing schools from those in the bottom 10% in both math and reading to those in the bottom 10% in either subject, and would authorize co-location of Schools of Hope in underused public school facilities. Senators questioned how co-location would work, who could enroll, how liability and contracts would be handled, and whether the bill would help the specific students most in need. Many public speakers opposed the bill, arguing it would strain already underfunded public schools, reduce space and resources, and unfairly favor charter operators. The sponsor said the bill would not reduce classroom space in use, would require contracts to address safety and liability, and would provide a net positive to districts through a $600-per-student facility payment plus associated funding. After debate from both supporters and skeptics, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered CS for SB 822, by Senator Rodriguez, which would give charter schools more autonomy over governance and operations, including deadlines, enrollment caps, student conduct policies, and data sharing. The Florida Charter School Alliance supported the bill, arguing it would create parity and reduce burdens on charter schools, while committee members pressed the witness on claims of district “harassment” and the basis for those concerns. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. At the end of the meeting, members recorded votes on prior tabs, thanked staff, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Has everybody voted? Has everybody voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk.
• Has everybody voted? Everyone has voted. Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted?
• Has everybody voted? Has everyone voted? that lives in Arkansas. I would appreciate your vote.
• Has everybody voted? Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? Cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk.
• Has everyone voted? Everyone voted. Now cast up the ballot, Mr. Clerk. Now cast up the vote, Mr.

Summary: The Arkansas Boys State House convened with a quorum, heard opening remarks from legislative leaders and guests, and then considered a series of bills focused on rural services, education, taxes, and zoning. House Bill 1001 would have increased rural health care funding through a 10% tax on individuals earning at least $300,000; supporters argued it would improve access and quality in rural areas, while opponents raised concerns about fairness, long-term funding, and whether it would drive away doctors and taxpayers. The bill failed by a vote of 24 yeas, 51 nays, and 1 present. House Bill 1002 would have limited the number of subjects rural teachers could be assigned and offered sign-on bonuses to recruit more teachers; supporters said it would reduce burnout and improve specialization, while opponents questioned funding and whether it would worsen inequities. After immediate consideration, it passed narrowly, 38 yeas, 36 nays, and 2 present. The House then debated House Bill 1003, which would regulate AI data centers through county zoning authority and a 10% tax on corporations to fund conservation efforts. Supporters said counties should be able to decide whether data centers fit local needs, while opponents warned about lost jobs, higher costs, and federal-state jurisdiction issues. The bill passed 62 yeas, 7 nays, and 3 present. House Bill 1004 would have reduced motor vehicle registration fees to offset high fuel costs, but critics argued it would reduce highway and road funding and strain the state budget; it failed 20 yeas, 46 nays, and 4 present. The chamber then took up Senate bills. Senate Bill 1 proposed incentives tied to SNAP benefits to encourage healthier food purchases and address food insecurity and obesity; supporters framed it as a way to improve access to healthy food, while opponents objected to taxing junk food and burdening SNAP users. It passed 43 yeas and 27 nays. Senate Bill 2 would require reading tests in middle school and state tutoring for students who fail; supporters said it would address literacy problems early, while opponents wanted clearer provisions for older students and implementation. It passed 67 yeas, 6 nays, and 1 present. Senate Bill 3 would cut individual and corporate income taxes to promote economic growth and ease cost-of-living pressures; supporters cited prior tax cuts and business attraction, while opponents said the benefits would mostly go to wealthy corporations and CEOs. It passed 53 yeas, 15 nays, and 16 present. Senate Bill 4 created a mixed-use zoning grant program funded by a 1% hotel tourism tax to encourage affordable housing and downtown redevelopment; it passed 51 yeas, 7 nays, and 13 present. The session ended with a motion to adjourn, which carried.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that House Bill 1798 be voted do pass. Any discussion? Be voted do pass. Any discussion?
• I may struggle being able to vote for it on the floor. I don't mind voting it out of committee.
• By your vote of nine ayes and five noes, you have voted House Bill 1798 do pass.
• By your vote of 15 ayes and zero noes, you have voted House committee substitute for House Bills 2553
• I've heard, 'I'm going to vote for this now, but then vote no on the floor.'

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 1798 on a 9-5 vote after limited discussion. Members then adopted a House committee substitute combining House Bills 2553, 1831, and 2328, with a minor change removing duplicative helmet language and clarifying motorcycle seat-back requirements, and passed the substitute 15-0. The committee also adopted a substitute and amendment for Senate Bill 1408 dealing with salvage title language, then passed that measure 8-6 with one present vote. Several members raised concerns about omnibus drafting, single-subject issues, and fiscal notes, while others supported moving the bills forward for floor debate. The committee then heard House Bill 3317, which would allow drivers facing license revocation for accumulated speeding-related points to regain driving privileges by installing an intelligent speed limiting device. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce repeat speeding and keep people employed and able to meet daily needs, while witnesses in support, including a family member of a traffic fatality victim, MADD, and a transportation safety advocacy group, argued it would improve roadway safety and reduce deaths and injuries. Opponents argued the bill was too costly, raised privacy and implementation concerns, and should not shift costs to taxpayers; members also questioned device availability, certification, GPS accuracy, and whether the bill should be narrowed to more serious repeat offenders. No vote was taken on HB 3317, and the chair adjourned after concluding the hearing, saying it was likely the committee’s final meeting of the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can I explain my vote? You may.
• After the vote. It's going to cost a lot of it. After the vote. Thank you, first off. Wow.
• Explain my vote? You may. Someone's got to correct the record. No. With that, I vote aye.
• By your vote of 4 ayes, 4 noes, and 0 not voting, members, by your vote of 4 ayes, 4 noes, and 0 not
• I explain my vote. You may.

Bills: HB2003, HB2063, HB2111, HB2116, HB2210, HCM2007

Keywords: driver education, instruction permit, underage drivers, motorcycle licenses, traffic regulations, corrections oversight, appropriation, independent office, public safety, funding, driver license, examinations, motorcycle awareness, traffic laws, HB2116, Colorado River, litigation fund, water rights, Arizona water law, general fund appropriation

Transcript Highlights:

• I really hope that everybody can vote up on this bill.
• By your vote, Senate Bill 192 will be reported favorably.
• By your vote, Senate Bill 192 will be reported favorably.
• So please vote yes on Senate Bill 694.
• To vote yes on this good and just bill.

Bills: S0144, S0192, S0332, S0532, S0620, S0694, S0820, S0888, S1000, S1224, S1396, S1500

Keywords: public records, employee protection, Judicial Qualifications Commission, information exemption, confidentiality, chiropractic physician, chiropractor, patient trust funds, escrow, advance payments, prepaid treatment, trust account, fiduciary duty, patient property, Florida Statutes 460.413, Board of Chiropractic Medicine, disciplinary action, commingling of funds, client funds, medical billing

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum present and first postponed SB 532. It then heard and approved SB 620, which requires candidates for federal, state, county, district, judicial, and school board office to disclose any citizenship other than U.S. citizenship. The bill drew one waiver in opposition from Common Cause and passed 8-0. The committee also heard SB 1396 on litigation financing consumer protection. Supporters said it would add transparency, limit funder control over litigation, and require disclosure of foreign entities involved in funding; opponents argued it would create strategic advantages for defendants and could burden plaintiffs. The bill passed 7-2. The committee later approved SB 192, repealing a $1,500 cap on patient funds held in trust by chiropractic physicians, and SB 888, extending limits on indemnity and insurance requirements for design professionals in private contracts; both passed unanimously among those voting. The committee also approved several Judiciary-related measures. CS/SB 332, as amended, creates a narrow temporary public meetings/public records exemption for certain pre-suit Burt Harris litigation strategy discussions by local governments, and passed 7-0. SB 820, which strengthens quarterly reporting requirements for problem-solving courts, passed 10-0. SB 1500, implementing probate process recommendations to raise small-estate thresholds, clarify access to safe deposit boxes, and improve enforcement in uncontested probate, also passed 10-0. SB 144, creating a public records exemption for personal information of current and former Judicial Qualifications Commission employees and their families due to harassment concerns, passed 9-1. The committee then approved CS/SB 1224, as amended, making it a third-degree felony to fraudulently obtain possession of a rental unit through false written statements, counterfeit documents, or impersonation; the bill passed 10-0. SB 1000, setting a floor and ceiling for interest rates on law firm trust accounts tied to the Wall Street Journal prime rate, passed 10-0 after testimony from banking and credit union representatives and support from Senate leadership. Finally, CS/SB 694, providing compensation to the descendants of the Groveland Four, was heard with emotional testimony from family members and advocates describing the wrongful convictions, killings, and decades-long effort for redress; an amendment specified equal shares for the four families, and the bill passed 10-0. Several members requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on specific bills before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The majority leader is asking for an aye vote, Mr. Flora is asking for a no vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. Just a moment. Ms.
• Okay, all members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll.
• All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.
• All members vote who desire to vote.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Not voting. Patterson, not voting. Burner. Calderon? Aye. Calderon, aye. Chen? Chen, not voting.
• Ta, not voting. Taw, not voting. Wallace? Wallace, aye. Okay, 14.
• Chen, not voting. Davies, not voting. I'm sorry, repeating, this is 913? Yes. Davies, not voting.
• Chen, not voting. Davies? Not voting. Davies, not voting. Harabedian? Aye. Harabedian, aye.
• Not voting. Calderon, not voting. Chen? 1245? No. Not voting. Calderon, not voting. Chen? No.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 804, the Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Act, from Senator Arreguín. He said the bill would designate the State Fire Marshal as the safety regulator for intrastate hydrogen pipelines and require hydrogen-specific standards, while not mandating any pipeline construction or bypassing environmental review. Supporters included labor groups, utility employees, and the City of Burbank, while Air Products opposed unless amended, citing concerns about the bill’s specificity, fee structure, and the need for a hydrogen-specific rulemaking process. The committee discussed safety, fees, and regulatory certainty, and later passed SB 804 on a 9-0 vote to Emergency Management with commitment to take amendments. The committee then took up SB 905 by Senator Becker, aimed at reducing electricity rates by changing utility incentives. The bill would tie part of executive compensation to keeping rates below inflation, require more performance metrics, and allow the CPUC to consider lower returns on equity for certain lower-risk investments and alternative financing options. Support came from consumer, environmental, agricultural, and large energy user groups, while Southern California Edison, CalChamber, PG&E, and utility labor groups raised concerns that the bill could reduce investment, create regulatory uncertainty, and raise borrowing costs. After extensive discussion about utility affordability, wildfire costs, and capital markets, the committee passed SB 905 on a 7-1 vote to Appropriations. SB 913, also by Senator Becker, would create a clearer pathway for distributed energy resources such as batteries and smart thermostats to participate in the resource adequacy market and compete with utility-scale resources. Supporters said the bill would better use existing grid capacity, lower costs, and build on the state’s Demand Side Grid Support Program; PG&E opposed unless amended, saying the use case was not yet proven and was already being addressed in other rulemakings. After the committee accepted amendments, one opposition group moved to neutral and another said it might do so after reviewing the changes. The bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations and was placed on call. Several other measures were heard and advanced, including SB 1196 on faster utility hookups for small energization projects such as ADUs and EV chargers, SB 931 reauthorizing the Diablo Canyon Essential Services Mitigation Fund through 2028, SB 1158 reducing the frequency of joint reliability assessments from quarterly to twice yearly, and SB 1245 directing further study of California’s gasoline market and potential use of non-CARBOB fuel during supply disruptions. SB 1196 and SB 931 both passed with broad support and no opposition after amendments, SB 1158 passed without testimony, and SB 1245 drew strong support from consumer and environmental advocates but opposition from fuel industry and business groups concerned about costs, confidentiality, and fuel standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any members voting with reservation? Any members voting no?
• Any members voting with reservation? Any members voting no?
• Any members voting no? Any members voting with reservation?
• <01:31:31.360> voting concerns Vice chair for the vote voting concerns Vice chair for the
• Any members voting with reservation? Any members voting no?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills, with testimony largely in support. SB 1388 and SB 1393, both concerning the School Facilities Authority and Department of Education representation and land conveyances, received support from DOE and the School Facilities Authority, with no questions or action taken. SB 423, which would add Head Start representation to the Early Learning Board, was supported by the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning, which explained the bill would realign the board with federal Head Start Act requirements after the board was restructured in Act 170; EEL also requested an effective-date amendment. SB 422, allowing DOE to award diplomas to students whose education was disrupted by war, drew support from DOE, the Chamber of Commerce, the Military Council, and the Special Education Advisory Council, but also significant opposition from the Hawaii Patriot Republicans and many individuals; members asked questions about the bill, and DOE explained the measure’s purpose, but no vote was taken. The committee also took testimony on SB 532, which would expand who may administer certain medications in schools. DOE, the Department of Health, and the University of Hawaii supported the bill. Members asked detailed questions about oral, nasal, and topical medications and the process for prescription review and administration; DOE explained that parents request the medication, a school form is completed, a nurse reviews it, and either a trained school health assistant or a contracted nurse administers the medication. DOE said the measure could improve attendance and learning, especially for students with ADHD, asthma, and other chronic conditions. The committee then heard SB 659 on locally sourced food products and school meals, where DOE’s procurement office opposed the higher small-purchase threshold and DOE exemption from procurement rules, while Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others supported the bill as a way to advance farm-to-school goals and the 30% local food target by 2030. Testimony and questioning focused on the proposed threshold increase, transparency, and whether an online bidding system would be preferable. Finally, the committee heard SB 1300 on subsidies for ALICE families’ school meals. DOE supported the bill but requested amendments: defining eligibility at 250% of the federal poverty level, delaying implementation until the 2026-2027 school year, and covering reduced-price lunch students in full for 2025-2026. HSTA, Hawaii Appleseed, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Services Network, and others supported the measure, emphasizing food insecurity, the burden of meal paperwork, and the educational importance of free meals. Hawaii Appleseed suggested replacing ALICE with a federal poverty level standard and removing a rulemaking requirement that could delay implementation. No votes or final committee actions were reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Closing Closing Closing vote<00:16:52.639> closed. vote closed. vote closed.
• Voting.
• Voting.
• if they vote yes. if they vote yes.
• feel that a vote for this bill is a vote feel that a vote for this bill is a vote for<01:49:41.280

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any questions on this vote?
• will have already voted on, hopefully today.
• We're going to go through a vote, and the vote is if you approve of that process, reject it, or abstain
• We're going to go through a vote, and the vote is if you approve of that process, reject it, or abstain
• I just want to remind us all that we already voted on allowing Okay, Jess.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on the Public Health Effects of Xylazine held its fifth and final public meeting to review and approve the final draft of its report before submission to the House and Senate clerks. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, noted Senator John Keenan’s absence due to National Guard deployment, approved the prior meeting minutes, and explained the process for incorporating final edits and late votes into appendices. Commissioners then voted to allow staff to make agreed-upon language changes after the meeting, and later voted on the final report itself. Staff walked commissioners through the report’s redlines and substantive updates. Changes included clarifying that xylazine is an active adulterant rather than simply a bulking agent, replacing “non-clinician” with “non-clinical staff,” removing or revising references to “hotspots” in favor of more accurate language about local trends, and refining language on wound care to refer to medical consequences and financial costs. The report also added or strengthened discussion of harm reduction measures such as drug checking, mobile health services, overdose prevention centers, oxygenation and airway support during overdose response, and the importance of naloxone remaining available while recognizing its limits for xylazine exposure. Commissioners also discussed data collection, legal protections for drug checking, and the role of the Attorney General in guidance and coordination on emerging drug threats. The commission then took a final vote, with the members present voting to approve the report. A letter from Senator Velis, who was also absent due to active duty orders, was read into the record expressing support for the report and its recommendations. In closing comments, commissioners and staff thanked one another for the collaborative work and described the report as a useful public health resource. Chair Domb adjourned the meeting at 11:11 a.m., noting that the final report would be submitted and posted online for public access.

Transcript Highlights:

• why I'm voting no. why I'm voting no.
• So I too will be voting no.
• personal but that's why I'll vote no. personal but that's why I'll vote no.
• >> I'll vote yes on the amendment. >> I'll vote yes on the amendment.
• in why I'm voting yes.

Bills: HB139, HB220, SB274, SB282, SB277

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The number of eligible voters was 88, and 8 cast a vote in favor.
• So, I'm asking you all to vote on it.
• Even get a ballot and were unable to vote.
• I tried to vote.
• And vote no on HB 995. Not marked, you are speaking. All right?