Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:02:45.120><c> So,c><00:02:45.200><c> thec><00:02:45.320><c> storiesc><00:02:45.640><c>
• :02:57.800><c> youc><00:02:57.920><c> canc><00:02:58.080><c> addc><00:02:58.280><c> inc> same
• c><00:04:08.200><c> So,c><00:04:08.320><c> Ic><00:04:08.400><c> wantc><00:04:08.600><c> toc
• c><00:06:48.960><c> Orc><00:06:49.040><c> youc><00:06:49.120><c> putc><00:06:49.280><c> ac>
• <c> workc><00:07:02.120><c> toc><00:07:02.240><c> getc><00:07:02.360><c> itc><00:07:02.480><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> typec><02:00:05.920><c> thatc><02:00:06.239><c> youc> You have every different type that you
• thesec><04:30:48.399><c> typesc><04:30:48.640><c> ofc><04:30:48.800><c> issuesc><04:30:50.000
• c> somec><04:49:51.120><c> typec><04:49:51.280><c> ofc><04:49:51.520><c> issuec> group that's
• pushing some type of issue group that's pushing some type of issue and<04:49:52.638><c> floodingc>
• c><05:37:13.040><c> So,c><05:37:13.680><c> wec><05:37:13.840><c> wouldc> types of documents anymore

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 11 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received the invocation from Dr. Keith Grubs, and approved routine procedural motions dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber then spent a significant portion of the meeting recognizing visiting groups, including the Madison County Executive Leadership Class, members of The Links and related chapters, Tupelo Christian Preparatory School cheer team and coaches, Miss Rodeo Canada/Miss Rodeo Mississippi/Miss Rodeo America, Delta State University student leaders, Jackson State University NAACP political action chair Hannah Robertson, and other guests in the galleries. Several resolutions and commendations were read and presented, including Senate Resolution 40 honoring The Links, Senate Resolution 37 recognizing Abby Hardy as Miss Rodeo Canada 2026, Senate Resolution 38 recognizing Brinkley Boswell as Miss Rodeo Mississippi 2026, and Senate Resolution 39 recognizing Olivia Fero as Miss Rodeo America 2026. The Tupelo Christian Preparatory School cheer team was formally congratulated for winning its fourth consecutive 1A state championship, and Coach Stemier addressed the Senate on the program’s faith-based emphasis, discipline, and support from families and school leadership. Olivia Fero also spoke about the Dixie National Rodeo and the role of rodeo as an agricultural and community-oriented lifestyle. The Senate then took up several bills. Senate Bill 2471, the State Treasury Efficiency and Transparency Act, was explained as a measure to identify and close idle agency accounts, require interest-bearing features on agency accounts, and mandate regular reporting to DFA, the Treasury, ELBO, and the Legislature; it passed by morning roll call with three no votes. Senate Bill 2843, revising definitions in the Mississippi Development Grant Fund to expand eligible site-development expenses, including utility and energy infrastructure improvements, also passed by morning roll call with three no votes. Senate Bill 2865, creating an income tax credit tied to added tax revenue from certain non-gaming capital investment projects at casinos, was described as a repeat of a bill passed the prior year and likewise passed by morning roll call with three no votes. The Senate also considered Senate Bill 2848, revising notice procedures for towing and sale of motor vehicles. The bill would require notices to owners and lienholders to be sent through a third-party vendor by certified mail, shorten notice deadlines, and preserve public notice requirements; it was supported by bankers, towing interests, recyclers, and the Department of Revenue. After questions about notice procedures and concerns about access to personal property in towed vehicles, an amendment adding a reverse repealer was adopted, and the bill passed by morning roll call. Later, the chamber moved to Senate Bill 2202, concerning economic development incentives and employee freedom/privacy regarding unionization decisions, but the motion to table reconsideration prevailed after a division vote, leaving the bill unresolved at that point. The Senate then began consideration of Senate Bill 2259, the People’s Access Act, with an amendment narrowing its live-streaming requirements to state agencies only and limiting retention to two years, though the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• between<02:06:06.080><c> thosec><02:06:06.400><c> twoc><02:06:06.639><c> typesc><02:06:07.040>
• :23.199><c> bec><02:06:23.280><c> ac><02:06:23.520><c> typec><02:06:23.679><c> ofc><02:06:23.920
• c><02:06:34.639><c> typec><02:06:34.800><c> ofc> It would be a different type of It would be a
• c><02:06:41.679><c> Soc><02:06:41.840><c> Ic><02:06:41.920><c> Ic> a different type of relationship
• c> types of assistance.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of things of travel and all these types of things to<00:42:00.720><c> sayc><00:42:01.160><c> New
• 25.680><c> typec> guess construction or what other type guess construction or what other type waste
• c><04:23:14.040><c> typec><04:23:14.239><c> ofc><04:23:14.439><c> thingc><04:23:15.239><c> and
• <05:24:24.600><c> thatc><05:24:24.798><c> typec> uh this this individual was in that type uh this
• this individual was in that type of<05:24:25.160><c> situationc><05:24:25.878><c> wherec><05:24:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in a work session on several environmental bills, beginning with HP 152, which would prohibit the sale and use of adhesive-based rodent traps. Members discussed whether the bill should be amended to allow professional pest control use while restricting retail sales to the public. Testimony and member comments focused on animal welfare concerns, the relative humaneness and effectiveness of glue traps versus snap traps, consumer education, enforcement difficulties, and whether the bill should instead be limited to professionals. No vote was taken on HP 152 during the discussion. The committee then turned to HB 171, establishing a moratorium on new landfill permits. Representative Gruber distributed an amendment shortening the proposed moratorium from five years to three years as a compromise. Members supporting the moratorium said it would give the Department of Environmental Services time to update rules and reflect recent landfill-siting reforms, while opponents argued that three years was too long, could tie the hands of a future legislature, and might be difficult to pass in the Senate. Others noted the House, Senate, and governor had each discussed different lengths of moratorium, making the bill a likely bargaining position in later negotiations. Throughout the landfill discussion, members emphasized that the three-year version was intended as a middle ground between a one-year proposal associated with the governor and a six-year Senate bill. Several members said the moratorium reflected years of bipartisan work on solid waste and landfill policy and would help create time for new rules to take effect. The transcript provided does not show a final committee vote or other action on HB 171 during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• boats snowmobiles<00:18:21.360><c> variousc><00:18:21.799><c> typesc><00:18:22.039><c> ofc><00
• :18:22.200><c> trailersc><00:18:22.919><c> inc> snowmobiles various types of trailers in snowmobiles
• various types of trailers in miscellaneous<00:18:24.120><c> constructionc><00:18:25.200><c> equipment
• <00:30:14.120><c> typec><00:30:14.279><c> ofc><00:30:14.440><c> workc> So the different type of
• of big guns and bullets and that type of stuff<00:48:57.760><c> soc><00:48:58.000><c> Fisheriesc

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :24.240><c> thec><00:09:24.399><c> housec><00:09:24.560><c> andc> business.
• 09:29.440><c> thec><00:09:29.519><c> Housec><00:09:29.760><c> ofc><00:09:29.920><c> thec> the
• c><00:12:36.959><c> Andc><00:12:37.200><c> Ic><00:12:37.360><c> Ic><00:12:37.839><c> standc
• who needed a state level<00:14:24.160><c> umc><00:14:25.040><c> uhc><00:14:25.519><c> typec><00
• c><00:17:32.559><c> Umc><00:17:33.200><c> uhc><00:17:33.360><c> wec><00:17:33.600><c> hadc>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> manyc><00:09:27.920><c> ofc><00:09:28.080><c> themc><00:09:28.480><c> there'sc><00:09:28.800
• c><00:09:32.240><c> wouldc><00:09:32.480><c> makec><00:09:32.640><c> sensec><00:09:32.959><c>
• c><00:09:36.399><c> However,c><00:09:36.720><c> it'dc><00:09:37.040><c> bec><00:09:37.120><c>
• /c><00:12:04.720><c> isc><00:12:05.399><c> uhc><00:12:06.399><c> doc><00:12:06.639><c> wec><00
• :11.600><c> typec><00:12:11.839><c> ofc><00:12:12.000><c> legislationc> consider the this type

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> lawfulc><00:02:28.000><c> possessionc><00:02:28.319><c> ofc><00:02:28.480><c> firearmsc>
• c><00:04:53.840><c> Thisc><00:04:54.080><c> isc><00:04:54.240><c> notc><00:04:54.560><c> ac
• c><00:09:48.640><c> Butc><00:09:48.720><c> Ic><00:09:48.800><c> guessc><00:09:48.880><c> Ic
• c><00:10:40.560><c> ofc><00:10:40.720><c> thatc><00:10:40.959><c> inc><00:10:41.920><c> inc>
• depend very much on whatever other<00:12:52.000><c> typec><00:12:52.240><c> ofc><00:12:52.399><c

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3380, a bill by Representative Hudson aimed at repeat violent felony offenders who use firearms. Hudson said the bill would require aggravated sentencing, up to the statutory maximum, for people convicted of three or more violent felonies involving firearms, with no probation, parole, early release, or work release. He argued the measure was needed because repeat offenders cycle through the system and because downward departures are too common, especially in Hennepin and Ramsey counties. Dave Zimmer, a former law enforcement officer and public safety policy fellow, testified in support, saying the bill would tighten loopholes, restore consequences for repeat violent offenders, and help victims of violent crime. Representative Pinto questioned the bill’s need and structure, asking for specific examples of the problem and raising concerns about separation of powers, the breadth of the lookback into prior convictions, and whether the bill actually required a full maximum sentence or could be satisfied by only a small upward departure. He also noted that sentencing departures are public and can be challenged. Representative Mohler similarly pressed for clarification on the statistics Hudson cited, referenced sentencing guidelines data showing different departure rates across counties, and said departures can sometimes reflect victim preferences or evidentiary difficulties. Hudson responded that the bill was simple, that any ambiguity about firearm involvement would likely not count, and that the point was to ensure sentences could not go down for repeat armed violent offenders. After discussion, the chair announced that an amendment, DE2, was out of order. The committee then laid House File 3380 over, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> anc><00:01:17.439><c> interpretc><00:01:18.320><c> uhc><00:01:18.479><c> signc> we do have
• ><c> have,c><00:01:52.000><c> let'sc><00:01:52.320><c> see,c><00:01:52.720><c> BJc> >>
• c><00:02:15.280><c> Ic><00:02:15.520><c> amc><00:02:15.599><c> ac><00:02:15.760><c> statec>
• c><00:03:29.200><c> Wec><00:03:29.519><c> havec><00:03:30.000><c> uhc><00:03:30.720><c> 13c
• prepare for major disasters of the type prepare for major disasters of the type that<00:25:49.760><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several public safety and emergency-related measures. SB 3192, on emergency healthcare license waivers, drew support from nursing and healthcare advocates who said automatic emergency licensure during a governor-declared emergency would help avoid delays in bringing qualified clinicians to disaster areas, citing the Lahaina wildfire response. The committee reported 13 supportive testimonies, none in opposition, and one comment. It later recommended passage of SB 3192 with technical non-substantive amendments and a defective effective date, and the recommendation was adopted by vote. SB 2121, requiring ASL interpretation and visible picture-in-picture display during official emergency announcements, received supportive testimony from the Disability and Communications Access Board and the Hawaii Association of Broadcasters. DAP demonstrated why captions alone are not sufficient and why an interpreter on screen improves effective communication. Broadcasters supported the bill’s intent but raised practical concerns about implementation and staffing, suggesting amendments. SB 3239, which would appropriate funds to HMA for bilingual resources and services for residents with limited English proficiency, was supported by legal aid and immigrant-rights advocates who emphasized the need for language access during disasters and noted the large LEP population in Hawaii. After discussion, the chair proposed folding the sign-language and multilingual access concepts into SB 21109, a broader emergency preparedness communications bill, and the committee deferred SB 2121 and SB 3239. The committee also heard SB 2645 on fire prevention and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The fire marshal supported the bill’s provisions to modernize the office, create cross-certified assistant fire marshals, shift inspections to a risk-based schedule, establish the state fire code as the baseline, and create a special fund, but DLNR opposed the section changing the marshal selection process from a council-based appointment to gubernatorial appointment. The chair ultimately recommended passage of the proposed SD2 with blank appropriation amounts and committee-report concerns, and the recommendation was adopted. The committee then passed SB 21109 with amendments, incorporating the deferred sign-language and language-access ideas into the broader emergency communications framework. It also later took up measures from the prior day’s agenda, passing SB 2882, SB 3191, and SB 2339 with amendments, including changes to the state buildings, water safety/drowning prevention, and building code council measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02.000><c> goesc><00:02:02.240><c> wayc><00:02:02.479><c> intoc><00:02:02.719><c> thec><00:02
• typec> I personally see the need of this type I personally see the need of this type of<00:03:23.840
• c><00:04:04.879><c> Uhc><00:04:05.280><c> also,c><00:04:05.680><c> asc><00:04:05.920><c> Ic
• c><00:04:09.920><c> Umc><00:04:10.159><c> andc><00:04:10.239><c> Ic><00:04:10.400><c> alsoc
• /c><00:07:23.360><c> inc><00:07:23.680><c> 1887c><00:07:24.479><c> andc><00:07:24.720><c> itc

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3796, as amended by a DE2 amendment, and the amendment was adopted on a voice vote. Representative Jones described the bill as creating a reasonable expectation that employees can sit when the nature of the work allows it, and said the DE2 clarified language with help from the Department of Labor and Industry and added a penalty for violations. She said the bill was inspired by constituents who work in a museum and by concerns about the health effects of prolonged standing, including back and leg pain, fatigue, cardiovascular issues, and pregnancy-related harms. Supporters testified that the bill would improve worker health and safety and reflect common-sense accommodations. A former Walker Arts Center union president described a dispute over stools for gallery assistants, saying workers were told they needed a doctor’s note to use them and that the union gathered signatures and other support after the employer restricted seating. A UFCW representative said seating makes ergonomic sense, can reduce injuries and workers’ compensation costs, and may reduce ADA-related issues, especially for cashiers. Opposition came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business, both of which argued the bill was too vague and could create compliance and litigation problems for employers. They raised questions about what counts as reasonable seating, adequate numbers of seats, and reasonable proximity, and worried about impacts on small businesses, tight workspaces, and industries such as retail, food service, hospitality, nursing, and meatpacking. Department of Labor and Industry staff explained that enforcement would likely begin with technical assistance and an inform-and-educate process, with investigations and possible penalties if compliance could not be achieved. Members also questioned statewide impact and fiscal effects. The chair laid over House File 3796 as amended for further discussion, with no final vote on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> wec><00:04:07.400><c> hadc><00:04:07.760><c> ac><00:04:07.879><c> lotc><00:04:08.040><c> of
• ><c> canc><00:05:05.840><c> doc><00:05:06.080><c> isc><00:05:06.199><c> toc><00:05:06.360><c>
• ><c> typec><00:08:18.720><c> ofc><00:08:18.879><c> thingsc> Lead towards recessionary type of things
• Lead towards recessionary type of things you<00:08:19.440><c> putc><00:08:19.680><c> allc><00:08
• c><00:08:38.240><c> cutc><00:08:38.640><c> thisc><00:08:38.760><c> isc><00:08:38.880><c> ac

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:36.720><c> Um,c><00:01:37.119><c> Ic><00:01:37.600><c> believec><00:01:37.840><c> Ic><
• 18c><00:02:46.800><c> statesc><00:02:47.120><c> thatc><00:02:47.360><c> doc><00:02:47.599><c>
• c><00:04:32.080><c> Ic><00:04:32.240><c> Ic><00:04:32.240><c> I,c><00:04:32.880><c> youc><00
• c><00:20:43.679><c> typec><00:20:43.919><c> thingc><00:20:44.080><c> wherec><00:20:44.320><c>
• anybodyc><00:20:44.720><c> canc> a Wikipedia type thing where anybody can a Wikipedia type thing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:01:37.680><c> doc><00:01:37.880><c> wantc><00:01:38.079><c> toc><00:01:38.280><c> thank<
• ><c> muchc><00:01:42.479><c> forc><00:01:42.680><c> thatc><00:01:42.960><c> veryc> again thank
• ><c> generalc><00:01:46.600><c> counselc><00:01:47.600><c> andc><00:01:47.840><c> Hannahc><00
• ><c> wec><00:02:02.960><c> arec><00:02:03.159><c> onc><00:02:03.360><c> thec><00:02:03.600><c
• c> usc><00:05:21.440><c> Sarahc><00:05:22.440><c> yesc><00:05:22.720><c> Ic><00:05:22.880><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met on February 10 with a quorum present, approved the minutes, and then reviewed a long agenda of agency regulations, most of which were accompanied by staff-suggested amendments for drafting conformity under KRS Chapter 13A. The Department of Financial Institutions’ 808 KAR 9:10, the Secretary of State’s 030 KAR 2:11, the Office of the Attorney General’s 04 KAR 5:10, the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology’s emergency 201 KAR 17:120, the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ 301 KAR 2:41, the Department for Environmental Protection’s 401 KAR 47:110 and 48:320, the State Police regulations 502 KAR 1:012 and 1:121, the Department for Public Health’s 902 KAR 4:15, the Department for Medicaid Services’ 907 KAR 1:15, and the Department for Community Based Services’ 921 KAR 1:400 were all discussed and, where applicable, staff amendments were approved without objection. The Workplace Standards emergency regulation 803 KAR 2:320E was also presented without amendment, and the Department of Insurance’s 806 KAR 9:360 was taken up but ultimately deferred at the agency’s request. Several regulations drew brief substantive discussion. The Fish and Wildlife rule on foxhound training enclosures was explained as expanding both commercial and non-commercial provisions for training with dogs involving red fox and coyotes, with enclosure standards intended to protect wildlife inside and outside the facilities. The environmental protection rules were tied to House Bill 478 and addressed permit-by-rule timelines, reporting, and operating standards for certain construction and demolition debris landfills, including sites up to two acres; members asked whether these facilities were private or municipal, and staff said they were a mix, often tied to private demolition contractors or single projects. The State Police fee increase for hazardous materials endorsements was described as reflecting a federal TSA fee change, and the witness estimated the new fee at about $23. The most extended debate concerned the Board of Education’s 704 KAR 3:535 on full-time virtual and remote learning programs. The agency amendment would cap enrollment in such programs at 10% above a district’s prior-year in-person enrollment, while also clarifying accountability, staffing, and monitoring requirements. Education officials said the cap was intended to address concerns about district capacity and student performance, and they cited Cloverport as an example of a district with high virtual participation and participation-rate issues. Members expressed concern that the amendment was too open-ended for regulation and suggested the issue might be better addressed in statute; no motion was made to adopt the agency amendment, so the regulation was left to proceed to the committee of jurisdiction. The Department of Insurance also discussed implementation of Senate Bill 188, saying it had received more than 3,000 complaints since the law took effect and was still working through enforcement and complaint processing before asking to defer its PBM licensing regulation.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01:47.159><c> Ic><00:01:47.240><c> canc><00:01:47.360><c> movec><00:01:47.600><c> myc><00:01
• > thisc><00:01:51.520><c> isc><00:01:51.840><c> thisc><00:01:51.960><c> isc><00:01:52.079><c>
• ><c> whatc><00:01:58.600><c> numberc><00:01:58.840><c> isc><00:01:58.960><c> thatc><00:01:59.520
• 02.559><c> typesc><00:29:02.760><c> ofc><00:29:02.960><c> activitiesc><00:29:03.399><c> thatc
• ><00:29:03.720><c> occurc> and those types of activities that occur and those types of activities that

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> ofc><00:01:27.040><c> Americac><00:01:27.840><c> andc><00:01:28.080><c> toc><00:01:28.320
• ><c> forc><00:01:29.439><c> whichc><00:01:29.680><c> itc><00:01:29.920><c> stands,c><00:01:30.720
• c><00:04:29.360><c> Wec><00:04:29.520><c> doc><00:04:29.759><c> havec><00:04:29.840><c> ac>
• ><c> sirc><00:05:06.800><c> uhc><00:05:07.440><c> uhc><00:05:07.600><c> forc><00:05:07.759><c
• ><c> typec><00:22:57.440><c> ofc> unpredictability of these type of unpredictability of these type

Keywords: Consideration of HB 220 00:02:49 Consideration of HB 467 00:09:50 Consideration of HB 516 00:19:50 Consideration of HB 589 00:27:16, 958, all

Summary: The House State Government Committee met with a quorum and considered four bills. House Bill 220, sponsored by Rep. John Blandon, addressed pension spiking for Kentucky Public Pension Authority systems by extending the effective date back to July 1, 2022. Blandon explained it was intended to correct a gap left by last year’s legislation affecting retirees who received across-the-board raises during the court period. A retired Kentucky State Police captain testified in favor but asked that the retroactive date be moved back to 2021. Members asked about fiscal impact, and Blandon said the bill would have only a very small percentage impact on CERS. The committee approved HB 220 unanimously, 17-0, with favorable expression. House Bill 467, sponsored by Rep. DJ Johnson, dealt with the disposal of surplus or underutilized state-owned real property. A committee substitute was adopted first. Johnson said the bill would let local governments and private citizens identify abandoned or dormant state property earlier in the process, while preserving existing fair-market-value disposal procedures. Committee members clarified that the bill concerns real property, not personal property, and asked about pricing and the current disposition process. Johnson and others explained that the bill would not change fair-market-value requirements but would move local involvement to the front end. The committee approved HB 467 as amended by the substitute, 17-0. House Bill 516, sponsored by Rep. Chris Lewis, would allow probationary police officers and firefighters in certain retirement systems to purchase service credit for up to 12 months of probationary employment and would extend line-of-duty death and disability coverage to probationary employees. Lewis said the bill was developed with the FOP, Professional Firefighters, and input from the Kentucky League of Cities, and that any retirement cost would be offset because both employee and employer contributions would be paid. Committee members confirmed the bill had been heard in PPOB and discussed the cost structure and the six-month window for purchasing service credit. The committee passed HB 516 favorably, 18-0. House Bill 589, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Deetsz, created a framework for cities and chapter 75 fire districts to rehire retired firefighters under strict conditions, similar to existing rules for retired police officers. A committee substitute was adopted that required minimum employer retirement contributions, required a CPAT retest after a one-year separation, and expanded eligibility to chapter 75 fire districts. Deetsz said the bill was aimed at staffing shortages and preserving experienced personnel while protecting the retirement system. A city official and a Kentucky League of Cities representative testified in support, describing labor shortages and the value of bringing back experienced firefighters to mentor younger staff. The committee approved HB 589 as amended by the substitute, 18-0, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> toc><00:10:17.400><c> electc><00:10:18.000><c> ac><00:10:18.040><c> governorc><00:10:18.440
• ><c> it'sc><00:10:24.040><c> onlyc><00:10:24.360><c> ac><00:10:24.440><c> vacancyc><00:10:25.160
• ><c> toldc><00:10:32.920><c> orc><00:10:33.000><c> Ic><00:10:33.040><c> wouldc> is what I've
• c><00:10:37.560><c> toc><00:10:38.200><c> kindc><00:10:38.360><c> ofc><00:10:38.440><c> doc
• c><00:18:16.679><c> Umc><00:18:17.160><c> Ic><00:18:17.280><c> wantc><00:18:17.520><c> toc>

Bills: SB271, HB511

Keywords: SB271, Alabama, municipalities, city fees, town fees, franchise fees, utility franchise, natural gas, manufactured gas, gas utility, public streets, public places, right-of-way, municipal consent, gross receipts tax, license tax, privilege tax, Public Service Commission, PSC, utility regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• :14:08.959><c> inc><00:14:09.519><c> ac><00:14:09.760><c> seac><00:14:10.000><c> changec><00:
• <c> Youc><00:14:14.000><c> know,c><00:14:14.160><c> itc><00:14:14.399><c> reallyc> education.
• c><00:15:37.519><c> Ic><00:15:37.680><c> meanc><00:15:37.920><c> Ic><00:15:38.160><c> knowc
• would be a a a good idea to have uh for this<00:21:30.720><c> typec><00:21:30.880><c> ofc><00:21:
• :32.880><c> atc> this type of um for the survey at this type of um for the survey at Uichilo<00:21:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 18, 2026, and heard four bills. HB 2519 would shift University of Hawaii funding toward block appropriations, a stabilization fund, limited procurement and fiscal exemptions, performance-based metrics, and annual reporting. UH supported the bill, saying line-item budgeting hampers systemwide efficiency across its 10 campuses; the State Procurement Office commented on the procurement exemption. The chair proposed amendments to address concerns from Budget and Finance and procurement, including capping UH’s retained funds at 10%, requiring lapse after three fiscal years, removing CIP-to-operating transfers, narrowing procurement exemptions while keeping Chapter 103B principles, shifting performance metric-setting to the Board of Regents, and requiring annual reporting. The committee then voted to pass HB 2519 with amendments. HB 2409 would establish the Hawaii Geological Survey in Hilo and designate its director as the state geologist. UH Hilo supported the concept but said it would need sufficient general-fund support, estimating roughly $200,000 to start. DLNR and the Attorney General offered comments, with the AG calling it a matter of statewide concern. The chair said the DNR testimony raised public safety concerns and that UH Hilo had not identified a firm funding amount, so the committee voted to defer the bill. HB 2141 HD1 concerned state enterprise zones and would expand eligible business activities and allow DBED to designate up to two areas as enterprise zones with gubernatorial approval. DBED, the Tax Foundation, and other organizations submitted support or comments. After discussion, the chair said the current version no longer fit the higher education committee’s focus and recommended reverting to the original bill, which would limit the zone to Kakaʻako Makai for a biomedical health innovation hub near JABSOM and the Queen’s Cancer Center, with a defective date. The committee voted to pass HB 2141 HD1 with amendments. HB 2233 HD1 would appropriate funds to continue the SNAP-Ed program through UH and the Department of Health. DOH supported the bill and said it had been working on nutrition education and environmental changes; it estimated about $600,000 each for DOH and SEAR, or $1.2 million total. Testimony in support also came from several organizations and individuals, including a senior advocate who described the program’s practical benefits. The chair said the committee would reflect the $600,000-per-entity estimate in its report, and the committee voted to pass HB 2233 HD1 as is before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House opened with a quorum call, a Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal in a lighthearted exchange honoring Representative Bacon’s father. Members then announced upcoming committee meetings, including State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs; Finance; and Appropriations. The chamber moved into third reading and took up a series of bills, with several laid over or moved on the calendar before votes began. The House adopted House Bill 1433 on firefighter behavioral health benefits, House Bill 1416 on transfers from the Universal High School Scholarship Cash Fund, and House Bill 1431 on occupational licensure portability. It also adopted House Bill 1426, a Department of Law report bill, after a technical third-reading amendment correcting numbering errors. House Bill 1063, requiring an accessible list of secure transportation providers on certain department websites, also passed. In addition, the chamber adopted Senate Bill 172 on the Front Range Passenger Rail District, Senate Bill 93 on workers’ compensation coverage compliance, Senate Bill 175 on experience modification factors in workers’ compensation, Senate Bill 131 on abusive practices in sports betting, Senate Bill 165 on species conservation funding, Senate Bill 157 on a town with critical water infrastructure, Senate Bill 154 on Colorado Channel Authority Board appointments, and House Bill 1286 requiring a human present when an automated driving system operates a commercial motor vehicle. House Bill 1422, concerning security measures for certain governmental entities, drew the most extended debate. Representative Luck opposed it, citing concerns about creating a legislative police force, language affecting online speech and constituent conduct, and what she described as a workaround for TABOR. Representative Clifford explained the bill’s security provisions and sought a technical amendment to address local records language; the amendment and the bill both passed, though with notable opposition. House Bill 1424, increasing protections for persons engaged with transportation network companies, also prompted extensive testimony from Representative Wilford, who described her own assault by a rideshare driver and argued that Uber and Lyft have minimized and obscured sexual assault data while failing to protect riders; after a technical amendment, the bill passed. The House then continued with additional third-reading votes, including House Bill 1325 on natural medicine, which passed despite some opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

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• c><00:02:12.160><c> upc><00:02:12.480><c> withc><00:02:12.880><c> solutionsc><00:02:13.600><c
• /c><00:03:38.040><c> planc><00:03:39.200><c> onc><00:03:39.520><c> howc><00:03:40.120><c> wec
• of want to say conflicts, these type of discussions<00:26:46.320><c> toc><00:26:46.520><c> takec

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services met with a quorum and first took up Senate Joint Resolution 116, sponsored by President Stivers. The resolution directs the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, and Eastern Kentucky University to work over the next year on a statewide framework to improve health care access, especially in underserved and unserved areas. Members discussed physician shortages, maldistribution of doctors, recruitment and retention, loan forgiveness, scholarships, technology, and the connection between health care access and economic development in rural Kentucky. The resolution was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 116, relating to physician assistants and a shift from a supervisory to a collaborative practice model. The sponsor and PA witnesses explained that the bill was heavily revised through a committee substitute after discussions with the Kentucky Medical Association, physicians, and hospitals. They said the substitute keeps physician supervision in place while allowing health care teams to function more efficiently, and they emphasized that the bill is intended to improve access to care, particularly in rural areas with few doctors. Some members supported the compromise and the collaboration, while others raised concerns that expanding PA practice could worsen long-term physician shortages or reduce incentives for doctors to practice in rural Kentucky. The bill passed the committee 7-2 with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

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• c><00:08:03.039><c> Wec><00:08:03.199><c> hadc><00:08:03.360><c> ac><00:08:03.599><c> lotc>
• c><00:15:18.079><c> Soc><00:15:18.320><c> shec><00:15:18.480><c> hadc><00:15:18.639><c> ac>
• c><00:15:49.360><c> Thisc><00:15:49.600><c> wasc><00:15:49.759><c> ac><00:15:50.160><c> wec

Keywords: 1187, senate, all