Transcript Highlights:

• It clarifies that when land application becomes disposal, it's enforceable under Chapter 403, closing
• We're going to take up tab 14, CS for SB 474 on military affairs.
• Second, the amendment reenacts certain public records exemptions in chapter 655 related to SB 314.
• Please show me in the affirmative on tab 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 28, 30, 33
• Please, ma'am, show me voting in the affirmative on tabs 45, 12, 21, 36, 14, 28, 27, 38, 40, 24, 46,

Summary: The committee first confirmed six appointees on a single roll-call vote, then took up a series of bills, many of them on land use, housing, public safety, child welfare, education, and professional licensing. Early debate centered on CS/SB 208, which would require development fees to better reflect review costs and impose objective compatibility findings for residential projects. An amendment folded in additional housing-related provisions, including manufactured housing and a study of urban development boundaries, prompting extended discussion about Miami-Dade’s Everglades protection area and local control. A late-filed rural-boundary amendment was withdrawn. The bill was reported favorably after support from business, housing, and advocacy groups, with some senators voicing district-specific concerns. The committee then approved CS/CS/SB 686 on agricultural enclaves after amendments added conservation easement, wildlife corridor, and critical state concern protections, plus a further Everglades-related amendment. Members discussed balancing smart growth, infrastructure costs, and protecting environmentally sensitive areas. Other land-use and growth bills also advanced, including CS/SB 1434 on infill redevelopment, CS/SB 1138 on qualified contractor pre-application review, and SB 218 limiting the reach of prior hurricane recovery zoning protections in counties not affected by the 2024 storms. SB 1474 on biosolids management was amended to reduce the distance threshold for land application restrictions and delay the effective date, and SB 1708 on veterinary licensure by endorsement removed a three-year recent-practice requirement to address shortages. Several public safety, health, and family-related measures also passed. CS/CS/SB 436 expanded felony battery enhancement to include resisting an officer with violence and certain law-enforcement battery offenses. SB 830 extended public-records protections to county and city administrators and related family information. CS/CS/CS/SB 600 revised bail bond rules, and an amendment preserved the current treatment of charitable bail funds and nonprofits; the committee heard testimony from The Bail Project and others on both sides. CS/SB 914 expanded dry-needling supervision options for occupational therapists, CS/SB 1092 clarified podiatric use of certain cellular/tissue products, and SB 1504 and SB 1718 updated insurance licensing and educator certification pathways. On the education side, CS/CS/SB 7038 made broad postsecondary changes, including tuition waivers, residency clarification, and licensure rules, while CS/SB 186 required seizure-response training and action plans in schools. The committee also advanced multiple child welfare and health bills. CS/CS/CS/SB 560 streamlined psychotropic medication procedures for children in state custody and added youth-voice and insurance-review provisions. CS/CS/CS/SB 902 combined several Department of Health changes, including medical marijuana distance rules, autism microcredential eligibility, a neurofibromatosis grant program, and NICU nutrition information. SB 1002 expanded child welfare definitions to address parental drug abuse and neglect, and SB 1708 eased endorsement licensure for out-of-state veterinarians. Most bills were reported favorably on roll-call votes, with several amendments adopted along the way and limited opposition or abstentions noted on some measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• One study in BMJ found that ultra-processed food addiction affects. 14% of adults and 12% of children
• nearly identical to alcohol, which was 14%, and tobacco, which was 18%.
• It could be within 24 hours up to 14 days.
• Chapter 551 of the Government Code lays out how Open Meetings Act has to apply.
• Yeah, some of the, some young people start to take the classes between ages 14 and 15, but they start

Bills: HB 2510, HB 3589, HB 4611, HB 4655, HB 4665, HB 4666, HB 4670, HB 4700, HB 4730, HB 4798, HB 4838, HB 5136, HB 5243, HB 5302, HB 5539

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance, group home, regulation, health and safety, inspections, resident care, criminal background checks, adoption, parental rights, registry, vital statistics, disclosure, counseling, foster care, independent living, financial literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Ultra-processed food addiction affects 14% of adults and 12% of children, nearly identical to alcohol
• , which is 14%, and tobacco, which is 18%.
• With regards to open meetings and why it's not feasible, Chapter 4. 551 of the Government Code lays out
• So within Chapter 551, it spells it out.
• Some young people start to take the classes between the ages of 14 and 15.

Bills: HB2510, HB3589, HB4611, HB4655, HB4665, HB4666, HB4670, HB4700, HB4730, HB4798, HB4838, HB5136, HB5243, HB5302, HB5539

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance, group home, regulation, health and safety, inspections, resident care, criminal background checks, adoption, parental rights, registry, vital statistics, disclosure, counseling, foster care, independent living, financial literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:03.040> And<00:14:03.199> again,<00:14:03.519> that's<00:14:03.760>
• <00:14:04.880> The<00:14:05.040> joint<00:14:05.360> committee<00:14:05.600>
• > on<00:14:10.800> top<00:14:10.959> of<00:14:11.120> the<00:14:11.360>
• :12.639> of<00:14:12.880> debt<00:14:13.279> that<00:14:13.519> we<00:14:
• > Trump<00:14:16.880> went<00:14:17.120> to<00:14:17.360> to<00:14:17.760

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So<00:14:54.480> that<00:14:54.880> is<00:14:55.120> the<00:14:55.360> makeup
• The<00:14:57.920> commission<00:14:58.320> shall<00:14:58.720> study<00:14:59.040
• And<01:14:03.520> the<01:14:03.760> question<01:14:04.159> has<01:14:04.320>
• > put<01:14:06.239> in<01:14:06.400> one<01:14:06.640> place<01:14:06.880
• 01:14:08.560> to<01:14:09.360> the<01:14:10.560> pupils<01:14:11.040> who

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The commission held an organizational meeting under SB 57 to study the cost of special education, with the meeting streamed publicly at the chair’s request. Members introduced themselves, and the chair explained that the bill creates two separate pieces, one dealing with SAU structure and the other with a commission on special education costing. He outlined his background in education and special education and said the commission’s work would focus on understanding and controlling special education costs. The commission reviewed its membership requirements and noted several vacancies or unfilled appointments, including the special education advocate, two governor-appointed parent advocates, and a Department of Health and Human Services representative. The members then elected Representative Rick Ladd as chair, Representative Dick Ames as vice chair, and Representative Megan Murray as clerk. Representative Ames briefly described his legal and policy background in disability and special education work in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The chair then walked through the commission’s study topics, including referral rates by IDEA category, reasons for increases in categories such as autism and other health impairment, post-COVID referral trends, pre-referral interventions, Medicaid and 504-related costs, out-of-district placements, dispute resolution, billing practices, privacy, reimbursement, legal services, graduation rates, attendance, and adult learning. Members discussed how special education costs are distributed, noting that the state spends about $977 million annually on special education, with only part covered by state aid and the remainder largely borne by local districts. Testimony also noted that out-of-district placement costs have risen sharply since rate-setting changes around 2018, and that some categories may reflect changes in identification practices, medical factors, or broader population shifts. The commission agreed to continue reviewing the data and formulas in future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:01.920> cannot<00:14:02.480> use<00:14:03.040> local<00:14:03.360>
• They would have<00:14:05.760> to<00:14:05.920> use<00:14:06.560> big<00:14:06.880
• I,<00:14:53.120> you<00:14:53.279> know,<00:14:53.360> I'm<00:14:53.600> all<
• These<00:14:54.959> are<00:14:55.040> some<00:14:55.199> of<00:14:55.279> the
• <00:14:57.839> You<00:14:58.000> know,<00:14:58.320> I<00:14:58.560> live

Bills: SB170, SB177, SB207, SB208, SB215, HB27, SB219, SB247, SB232, SB81

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hey<00:14:06.440> Bobby,<00:14:06.760> as<00:14:06.880> well<00:14:07.000> as
• Glad<00:14:09.520> he's<00:14:09.680> here<00:14:09.800> today<00:14:10.080>
• Uh-oh,<00:14:16.560> we<00:14:16.680> got<00:14:16.920> a<00:14:16.960> young
• And then my son<00:14:27.000> Garrison's<00:14:27.520> up<00:14:27.640> as<00:14
• We're<00:14:35.040> proud<00:14:35.320> of<00:14:35.360> your<00:14:35.480>

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 9 March, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled a series of introductions and announcements. Members welcomed guests in the gallery, recognized the doctor of the day, and later made several announcements about memorials, committee meeting times, and calendar deadlines. The chamber also agreed to dispense with the reading of the journal and the titles of bills and resolutions. The body then took up multiple measures, mostly on the appropriations, rules, and general bills calendars. Among the bills discussed and passed were House Bill 941 on the Mississippi Healthcare Industry Zone Act, with an amendment changing the repealer date to 2028; House Bill 1633 on the Site Development Grant Program, with a strike-all clarifying eligible utility and site-improvement expenditures; House Bill 1404 on fraudulent utility conversion, with a substitute strike-all adding protections and criminal penalties related to landlords failing to pay tenant-funded utilities; House Bill 907 revising the timing for sample ballots from the Secretary of State; House Bill 867 allowing Ross Barnett Reservoir funds to be used for shoreline maintenance and erosion prevention; House Bill 1558 revising compensation and reimbursement for the Tishomingo County Water District; and House Bill 514 revising the Veterinary Practice Act to protect certified veterinary technicians and update board membership and fees. Several other measures were also addressed, including Senate Bill 2648, which would let the MSU Extension Service assist poultry farmers with comprehensive nutrient management plans and was amended by the House to add Alcorn State University; Senate Bill 2637, on flexibility for the Northeast District livestock show location, on which the Senate voted not to concur and invite conference; House Bill 1069, the Mississippi Agriculture and Farmland Wind Tower Protection Act of 2026, which was amended to shift review of a waterfowl impact assessment to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and impose a one-year moratorium with a study committee; House Bill 1073, a consumer choice bill restricting bans on gas-powered farm equipment and lawn tools; House Bill 942 extending the chiropractic licensure repealer and allowing certain animal chiropractic work under veterinarian supervision; and House Bill 479, which extended temporary licensing timeframes for psychology and marriage and family therapy and added safeguards tied to background checks and qualifications. Most of these measures were adopted and passed by voice vote or by afternoon or morning roll call, with a few items retained on the calendar and several motions to reconsider or hold bills for later action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, I just remembered a chapter meeting I attended, a Shiprock chapter, and they expressed concerns
• student from our chapter to ever get the Chief Manuelito Scholarship.
• And this is on slide 14 on page 7.
• In Cove, Arizona, with the chapters from Northern Agency, and one of the chapter officials, I must have
• Out through my district through 10 chapters.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, she is our SkillsUSA-Hobbs High School C-Tec chapter president. Welcome to the House.
• 292, Section 7, and Laws 2007, Chapter 293, Section 7, and declaring an emergency.
• Section 182, section 5 in Chapter 160. So, Mr.
• If it's a newer vehicle, it's about $14 per year. If it's a...
• 292, Section 7, and Laws 2007, Chapter 293, Section 7, declaring an emergency.

Bills: HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21, HM25, HB9, SB2, SB19

Keywords: nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I yield back. minute<00:14:47.079> Mr<00:14:47.360> Speaker<00:14:47.800> I
• <00:14:47.959> rise<00:14:48.320> today<00:14:48.639> to minute Mr Speaker I
• <00:14:54.880> dedication<00:14:55.399> and<00:14:55.680> success<00:14:56.120><
• > boxing<00:14:57.519> has<00:14:57.720> inspired<00:14:58.320> all<00:14
• > you<02:14:04.239> for<02:14:04.480> what<02:14:04.679> purpose<02:14:05.000

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:01.040> report<00:14:01.279> by<00:14:01.519> voter<00:14:01.839> 16
• House<00:14:10.720> Bill<00:14:10.959> number<00:14:11.440> 104<00:14:12.720>
• a favorable<00:14:13.680> report<00:14:13.920> by<00:14:14.160> vote<00:14:14.320
• These<00:14:21.120> bills<00:14:21.360> received<00:14:21.680> a<00:14:21.839
• Senate<00:14:34.720> confirmation<00:14:35.279> number<00:14:35.600> 45<00:14:36.320

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum. The chamber approved routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the previous day’s journal, and allow introduction of bills and committee reports throughout the day. The Senate also received several House messages referring bills to committee, including local constitutional amendments for Limestone, Blount, and Mobile counties, a human cloning bill, a Fair Campaign Practices Act bill, a public education bill, a court fees bill, and a physician assistance bill. Committee reports were then taken up. The Finance and Taxation General Fund, Confirmations, State Governmental Affairs, County and Municipal Government, Education Policy, Banking and Insurance, Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development, Transportation and Energy, and Local Legislation committees all reported a number of bills favorably, many with amendments or substitutes. Several measures were advanced to the calendar for the next legislative day, and the Senate confirmed multiple appointments, including Eileen Meyer and Tiffany Martin to the Alabama Board of Midwifery, Jennifer Ag, Jerry Gross, and Edgar Hower II to the University of West Alabama Board of Trustees, Patricia Sims, Tony Cochran, and Sandy Stimson to the Alabama State Port Authority Board of Directors. The Senate then adopted a special order calendar under Senate Resolution 34, setting the order of business for the 10th legislative day. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 161, the App Store Accountability Act, which was described as a child-protection measure requiring parental permission, age verification by app stores, accurate app age ratings, and limits on minors entering contracts through app downloads. Senators speaking in support said the bill was needed to protect children from harmful online content and preserve parental control, and they discussed an amendment clarifying the meaning of “act” and preserving compliance with other state age-verification laws. The debate was ongoing in the portion provided, and no final vote on HB 161 appears in this excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:01.120> To<00:14:01.360> his<00:14:01.600> many<00:14:01.839> friends
• > he<00:14:08.880> will<00:14:09.040> be<00:14:09.199> missed<00:14:10.000
• :11.440> I<00:14:11.760> find<00:14:12.000> comfort<00:14:12.320> in<00:14
• So, Mr.<03:14:06.640> Speaker,<03:14:08.000> if<03:14:08.160> it's<03:14:08.399>
• Speaker,<03:14:15.359> let<03:14:15.840> the<03:14:16.239> professionals,<03:14:

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, June 26, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that they are<00:14:06.639> actually<00:14:07.079> part<00:14:07.279> of<00:14:
• :44.160> put<00:14:44.440> this<00:14:44.639> kind<00:14:44.759> of<00:14
• asked<00:14:51.160> the<00:14:51.360> question<00:14:51.720> is<00:14:51.920
• is because I think<00:14:53.360> what<00:14:53.480> we<00:14:53.600> need<00:14
• :14:58.240> go<00:14:58.600> I<00:14:58.720> I<00:14:58.800> think<00:14:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Committee on Higher Education and Agriculture heard Senate Bill 1158, which would authorize general obligation bonds and appropriations for a controlled environment agriculture research and demonstration facility at the Magoon Research and Teaching Site in Manoa. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive from the University of Hawaiʻi, Department of Agriculture, Farm Bureau, Maui County, MetroGrow Hawaiʻi, and other agricultural groups, who said the project would strengthen food resilience, support year-round production, create clean jobs, and provide a demonstration site for urban vertical farming. University representatives said the project would include demolition of an existing condemned building, a research and lab component, and a multistory vertical farm, with an estimated cost of $6 million and a projected two-year build time. Members questioned whether Manoa was the best location, whether the project fit the university’s broader strategy, and whether the request would displace other priorities. The University said the site is tied to SEAR activities, close to students and faculty, and intended to support hands-on training and commercial-scale production. In response to concerns about soil testing and stakeholder needs, the University said it would restart the soil testing lab using internal funds, though not as part of this bill, and would request additional staff for efficiency. The committee then recessed and later reconvened in decision-making, where the chairs recommended and the committee adopted amendments to SB 1158, including a name correction and deferral to July 31, 2050, and the bill passed with amendments. The committee then took up Senate Bill 663, relating to the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and SEAR research and experiment stations. The University testified that the stations are important for locally relevant agricultural research but are short staffed, with 34 positions down since 2005, and that the bill requests eight new positions, including agricultural technicians and four county community coordinator positions, to improve station operations, community engagement, and workforce development. The Farm Bureau supported the measure, saying the positions are needed to revamp extension services and that Manoa is an appropriate urban location for the vertical farming component. Members questioned why vacant or existing positions could not be used instead of new ones, and the University explained that some listed vacancies reflected old federally funded positions or inaccurate counts, promised a written update, and said it was working to fill current openings. No final vote on SB 663 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to pass and retain on file item 14. One item left on the daily file.
• We're going to pass and retain on file item 14.
• His legacy is not just a chapter in history; his legacy is truly a call to action.
• His legacy is not just a chapter in history, his legacy is truly a call to action. He was a soft.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and prayer, then handled several procedural matters before moving to the daily file. Members approved a motion to withdraw Assembly Bills 100 through 219 to the second reading file by a roll call vote of 42-15, and unanimously approved re-referrals of AB 440 and AB 1265 to different committees. The chamber also welcomed international visitors, student and community guests, and later heard a series of guest introductions tied to agriculture, immigration, and Irish heritage. The main floor action centered on two resolutions. H.R. 19, recognizing California Agriculture Day, drew strong support from members representing agricultural districts, who highlighted the state’s farm production, exports, and the role of farmworkers and ranchers; the resolution was adopted by voice vote after 65 co-authors were added. ACR 51, honoring Irish American Heritage Month, was also adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added, with members speaking about Irish immigration, labor history, California-Ireland ties, and St. Patrick’s Day. The Assembly also held multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes for the Honorable Leon Lawson Williams, a pioneering Black civic leader in San Diego who served on the City Council and County Board of Supervisors and helped expand public transit and advance civil rights. Members from San Diego and others described his barriers-breaking career and lasting influence on local government and community leadership. The House then received announcements about upcoming committee hearings and adjourned until Thursday, March 20, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• SENATOR GARCIA, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED EXPLAIN TAB ONE STB 70 14 BY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL
• PLEASE CALL THE ROLL CALL ON SBB 70 14. >> Sen. Ingoglia: YES. >> Sen. Osgood: YES. >> Sen.
• THROUGHOUT CHAPTER 316 TO 327 TO BETTER ALIGN WITH THE REST OF THE CRIMINAL AND IMPLIED CONSENT STATUTES
• BUT SO THAT'S WHERE THESE THREE WORDS SUDDENLY BECAUSE CHAPTER 893 EXCLUDES MEDICAL MARIJUANA AND HEMP

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He served 14 years in the Arizona State Senate, where his policy prowess and political acumen contributed
• It cuts $14 million from affordable housing during the midst of an affordable housing crisis.
• The other item is number 14.
• The other item is number 14.
• House Bill 4141, amending laws 2024, Chapter 211, Section 6.

Summary: The House convened, approved the journal, and spent much of the opening portion recognizing guests and interns from both parties, along with former lawmakers and a newly seated member, Representative Sylvia Allen. The chamber then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2065 honoring the late Alfredo Gutierrez. Members from both parties gave extended remarks about his life as a civil rights advocate, student activist, legislator, and mentor, and the resolution was unanimously adopted and transmitted to the Senate. Family members of Gutierrez were recognized in the gallery during the memorial tribute. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole on the first budget-related measures. On House Bill 4138, the “feed bill”/budget operations measure, Democrats argued the budget favored corporations and data centers over seniors, health care, housing, universities, and vulnerable families, while Republicans defended it as a continuation of prior policy and said it preserved tax conformity and modest agency cuts. After debate and questions, the committee recommended the bill do pass and the House adopted that report, sending HB 4138 to engrossing. The chamber next considered House Bill 4139, the amusement/gaming-related budget bill. Members debated whether it was essentially unchanged from last year’s budget language, with Republicans saying it was a continuation bill and that gaming-related provisions would support rural economies and tourism, while Democrats questioned the broader budget context and its effects on working families. The committee recommended HB 4139 do pass, and the House adopted that recommendation. The House then began debate on House Bill 4140, the state budget implementation bill, focusing on the budget stabilization fund and a proposed government efficiency initiative; discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• But, you know, both looking at Chapter 70, Chapter 90, we recognize a lot of it's attributable to health
• But, you know, both looking at Chapter 70, Chapter 90, we recognize a lot of it's attributable to health
• Regarding the $242 million increase, I think many of us know Chapter 70 is not equitable for a lot of
• Is there any efforts being made to revisit Chapter 70, especially with the new secretary coming in?
• Chapter 70 and how we think about that.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint budget hearing opened the FY27 budget process with remarks from the Senate and House Ways and Means chairs, who described the fiscal outlook as challenging because of slow revenue growth, rising health care and other costs, and uncertainty from federal policy changes. Governor Healey and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz then presented House 2, a $62.8 billion budget that they said grows by about 1% and does not raise taxes or fees. They emphasized affordability, fiscal discipline, protection of core services, and continued investment in education, transportation, housing, child care, health care, and public safety. The administration also discussed a separate bill to delay and phase in certain federal tax-code changes from the so-called OB3 law, especially research and experimental expense provisions, to reduce immediate budget impacts and preserve competitiveness. A major portion of the hearing focused on education and municipal aid. The administration said House 2 provides about $7.6 billion for Chapter 70 aid, fully funds the final year of the Student Opportunity Act, increases special education circuit breaker funding, and raises rural school aid. Senators and representatives from both parties raised concerns that Chapter 70 and other aid formulas are not equitable for small, rural, and low-wealth communities and are not keeping pace with inflation, and several called for broader review of the formula and related funding streams. The governor and secretary said they are open to further discussion, pointed to additional support through rural aid, special education, transportation reimbursements, and minimum aid, and said total Student Opportunity Act investment would reach about $2.1 billion over the life of the law. Transportation, housing, and fair share spending were also central topics. The administration said fair share revenues are being used holistically, with education-heavy spending in the operating budget and transportation-heavy spending in the supplemental budget, and estimated the overall split to date at roughly 57% education and 43% transportation. They highlighted MBTA stabilization, regional transit authority support, microtransit, fare-free regional transit, and bridge and commuter rail investments, while noting the MBTA remains a major fiscal concern. On housing, the governor stressed production, permitting reform, ADUs, down-payment assistance, and support for public housing authorities, while lawmakers pressed for more funding for local housing authorities and for ways to address out-migration, energy costs, and affordability. The governor also said the administration will not withhold fire safety grants from communities over MBTA Communities Act noncompliance and will handle such issues case by case. No votes were taken at the hearing; it was an informational presentation and question-and-answer session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Turning to page 10 of 14, at the top, lines 587 and 589 are no-cost grant extensions.
• Sections 12, 13, and 14.
• Sections 14 and 57 are a new proposal.
• Sections 14 and 15 add the crime of child torture to the permanent disqualifications.
• Sections 11 through 14 are also a new proposal.

Bills: HF2434

Keywords: healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:14:28.600> for<00:14:28.800> all<00:14:29.320> for<00:14:29.519> all<00
• <00:14:30.880> to<00:14:31.360> com<00:14:31.720> well<00:14:31.920> let<
• > you're<00:14:33.199> trying<00:14:33.360> to<00:14:33.440> do<00:14:33.600
• :34.720> see<00:14:34.920> done<00:14:35.120> is<00:14:35.279> just<00:14
• > I<00:14:56.160> think<00:14:56.320> we<00:14:56.440> could<00:14:56.600

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several bills on January 30. SB 286 and SB 287 both concerned supplemental funding for the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney: SB 286 for the career criminal prosecution unit and SB 287 for the victim witness assistance program. Testimony from the department explained that these bills are filed each year because the Attorney General’s core budget allocation may not be sufficient, though the department said the core had recently been increased and the supplemental request might no longer be necessary. For SB 287, the department also warned of a possible federal Victims of Crime Act funding freeze that could cut about $1.88 million and severely harm victim services. Both bills drew support from county and community witnesses, and members asked about prior-year funding and why the requests were limited to fiscal 2025-26; no votes were taken in the excerpt. SB 289, from the State Ethics Commission, would create a more uniform administrative fine process under the ethics code and lobbyist law. The commission said the measure would not change substantive enforcement but would let it issue a notice and order of fine first, with the respondent able to request a hearing within 20 days, which would speed up cases that are not factually disputed. Members questioned whether the bill would deny due process or function like an automatic parking ticket, and the commission responded that respondents could still challenge the fine and that the process would apply to violations with fines under $1,000. The committee also heard SB 304, which would add 11 positions for the First Circuit Adult Client Services Branch; Judiciary testimony said probation caseloads are high, with an average of 116 cases per officer, and the added staff would help meet national supervision standards and better serve higher-risk clients. Members asked whether the positions were already in the budget and about current staffing ratios; the witness said the positions were not already funded and that the Judiciary supported the bill with amendments. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment to exclude spending money to influence elections from protected free speech. Testimony was strongly divided: supporters argued that Citizens United has distorted elections and empowered special interests, while opponents warned the language was too broad and could affect nonprofit advocacy and grassroots groups. Finally, SB 313 would impose a 1% wealth asset tax on individuals with $20 million or more in assets. The Department of Taxation said it had concerns about the bill’s ambiguity and administration and noted it would require annual valuation and likely additional resources; opponents, including family business representatives and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued the tax would be difficult and costly to administer, would require sensitive business disclosures, and could force family businesses to pay from company cash. Supporters said wealthy residents should pay a fair share. The committee heard testimony and questions on these bills, but the excerpt does not show final committee votes or actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:14:08.480> Senator<00:14:08.800> Lucero,<00:14:09.440> now<00:14:09.760>
• I'd also like to<00:14:16.560> ask<00:14:16.720> for<00:14:16.880> a<00:14:16.959
• > roll<00:14:17.120> call<00:14:17.360> on<00:14:17.519> the<00:14:17.680
• :00.080> to<01:14:00.239> come<01:14:00.400> back<01:14:00.560> and<01:14
• If Senator Pa<01:14:06.880> had<01:14:07.120> actually<01:14:07.360> read<01:14:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all