Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters in support on Zoom.
• Mark Clemente, on behalf of the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters.
• > in<00:13:07.680> support<00:13:07.920> on Council of Carpenters in support on
• Council of Carpenters in support on Zoom.
• <00:13:14.399> of the Hawaii Regional Council of the Hawaii Regional Council of [clears throat

Bills: SB2141, SB2593, SB2824, SB2135, SB2115

Keywords: retirement, law enforcement, pension, public safety, employee contributions, Law Enforcement Standards Board, LESB, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, law enforcement certification, police standards, law enforcement training, officer certification, training and curriculum coordinator, lead investigative agent, administrative manager, administrator, Hawaii HRS 76-16, Hawaii HRS 139-3, personnel exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh I was honored to recently be appointed to the United States uh National Coal Council by Secretary
• <00:04:53.120> by<00:04:53.360> Secretary National Coal Council by Secretary National
• Coal Council by Secretary Wright.<00:04:54.400> Thank<00:04:54.639> you.
• <00:22:51.280> um<00:22:51.440> and<00:22:51.679> the services, business council
• , um and the services, business council, um and the state<00:22:52.080> geologist.

Keywords: 916, all

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• I'm the lead field and campaign organizer with the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council.
• Good afternoon, my name is Ellen Bizanson, and I'm with the Sacramento Central Labor Council.
• Good afternoon again Madam Chair this is I'm Al Austin with AFSCME Council 57.
• Abdul Johnson with Aspen District Council 57.
• Thank you. with AFSCME, District Council 57 representing Local 2620.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we show you registered as George Ford, representing the Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards and
• Chair, committee members, my name is George Ford, and I'm the executive director of the Texas Council
• The Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards is made up of representatives across the state.
• The bill has the support of the Texas Council, and we urge your favorable consideration. Thank you.
• The council has a version that contains no substantive changes.

Bills: HB1320, HB2012, HB2293, HB2655, HB3174, HB4108, HB4661, HB4799, HB5534, HB5580

Keywords: transportation, infrastructure, funding, state budget, public safety, child welfare, county boards, membership, local governance, public welfare, government service, social services, Texas Family Code, regulation, vendors, solicitors, roadside sales, county authority, Sweeny Hospital District, board of directors

Transcript Highlights:

• of service in the United States Army, and I currently serve as the chairman of the Joint Executive Council
• :25:47.559> the<00:25:47.679> joint<00:25:48.039> executive<00:25:48.520> Council
• chairman of the joint executive Council chairman of the joint executive Council of<00:25:49.399>
• :31:56.120> The<00:31:56.240> Joint<00:31:56.600> executive<00:31:57.039> Council
• <00:31:57.360> of member of The Joint executive Council of member of The Joint executive Council

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate VMAP Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. Senate Bill 144, sponsored by Senator Danny Carroll, would require destruction of firearms used in homicides and allow destruction of certain defaced, hazardous, unsafe, or owner-requested firearms, while prohibiting agencies from intentionally damaging firearms before transfer and requiring written agency policies. Senator Tichenor asked about lost auction revenue; KSP said it could not track homicide weapons separately, that auctions bring in about $1.2 million annually, and that most proceeds support Kentucky Homeland Security. Senators Boswell and others said they generally oppose destroying firearms but supported moving the bill forward; the bill passed favorably with no nays. House Bill 191, sponsored by Representative Aaron Thompson and presented with state and veterans’ officials, would align Kentucky law with federal changes to allow additional burials in state veteran cemeteries for certain National Guard and Reserve veterans, their spouses, and dependents who were not previously eligible. Testimony explained the bill would cover veterans who served in reserve components without Title 10 activation, including those who assisted during floods, fires, and tornadoes, and clarified eligibility rules for spouses and children. Senators asked about minimum service and dependent eligibility, and the committee passed the bill favorably and unanimously. Senate Bill 198, sponsored by Senator David Yates, addressed protection of veterans’ benefits by regulating third-party claims consultants. The committee adopted a substitute adding definitions and accreditation-related provisions, and Yates said the bill was intended to curb abusive fee practices and direct penalties to the special license plate fund for veterans. He explained the bill’s fee limits, including a cap tied to three times the monthly increase in benefits and an overall ceiling, while senators questioned whether the cap might discourage good actors and how the dollar limits would work. A veteran witness, Bob Casher, supported the bill and urged more public information on free claims assistance; the committee held further action while allowing guest comments, and the discussion focused on balancing consumer protection with access to legitimate consultants.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities. Good morning, Chair, Vice Chair.
• I'm representing the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities as an intern.
• For those who know me, I currently serve as first vice president of the Kakua Council.
• I was president last year, and the Kakua Council advocates for our kūpuna.
• County Council County Council um<01:42:15.199> members<01:42:16.199> questions<01:42:17.199

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Health heard testimony on several measures. On HB 1233 relating to storm water management, the Attorney General’s office said the state may need to share costs with counties for any new inspection or regulatory program. Testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association and a community member who described her daughter’s death in a poorly maintained detention pond and urged statewide inspections and a comprehensive approach. A member asked the Attorney General about the cost-sharing issue, and the office said state appropriations would be needed if counties are required to take on new duties. The committee then heard HB 245 on student heat exposure safety. The Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure. A physician testifying for the Climate Change and Health Working Group described children’s vulnerability to heat and cited examples from other states that adopted stronger heat guidelines after school heat deaths. The Department of Education said it could do the feasibility study without additional funding and preferred to wait for the study before deciding on equipment needs. The Attorney General’s office later testified on HB 903, authorizing schools to maintain bronchodilators, supporting the concept but warning that the bill’s definition of school was broad and that DOE may not have jurisdiction over all covered entities; it suggested changing “protocol” to “guidelines” and involving the Public Charter School Commission. On HB 1314 relating to youth mental health, the Department of Education testified in opposition, though no additional testimony was offered. The committee also heard HB 1334 on meat donation, with DLNR and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supporting the measure. HB 799 on health care drew support from HMSA and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, while the Department of Health said it supported the intent but wanted amendments, including limiting the bill to Maui, adding a sunset, and requiring a study of quality and access impacts. On HB 952 relating to Parkinson’s disease research, the Department of Health said the proposal would require additional appropriations and staffing and suggested a public-private partnership approach; the Hawaii Parkinson Association, Queen’s clinicians, and other supporters testified that a registry would help identify the number of patients and improve care. Finally, SHPDA strongly supported HB 1431 establishing an oral health task force, saying the state lacks sufficient dental oversight and that both keiki and kūpuna need better access to services.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaiian Insurers Council in opposition. Good morning. Testimony in opposition.
• <00:16:12.560> in<00:16:13.079> opposition<00:16:14.079> good insurers Council
• in opposition good insurers Council in opposition good morning<00:16:15.279> testimony<00:16:
• Also in support, the Kokua Council: Doug Matoka and Gregory Masakin.
• Doug matoka and Gregory masakin council Doug matoka and Gregory masakin is<00:32:14.639> there

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and reviewed several measures. SB 102 would restrict third-party restaurant reservation services from listing or selling reservations without a written agreement from the restaurant; the Attorney General recommended amendments to strengthen the bill against First Amendment and Contracts Clause challenges, and the Hawaii Restaurant Association strongly supported it, saying restaurants should control who represents them. The committee also heard SB 137 on electric utility mergers and acquisitions, with support from Ulupono Initiative and IBW Local 1260. Supporters said the bill would preserve state policy protections, including renewable energy and rate-making goals, and protect workers; IBW also suggested amendments, including a severability clause. The committee discussed a possible alternative approach from the PUC involving solicitation of bids from non-investor-owned utilities, and Ulupono said it would consider that idea but was concerned about preserving time for co-op formation. Members then heard SB 142, which would require insurers paying claims by check to send them by certified mail with restricted delivery and return receipt. The Insurance Division stood on its written testimony, while the Hawaiian Insurers Council, State Farm, NAMIC, and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association opposed the bill. A senator questioned whether the measure was too prescriptive and could create problems for claimants displaced by disasters; the response was that insurers and claimants usually remain in contact and that other payment methods may already be available depending on the carrier. SB 157 would ban algorithmic price setting in Hawaii’s rental market and require a public education program; the committee noted written testimony in support and comment, but no oral testimony was taken before moving on. SB 158 would create a state-owned bank implementation board within DCCA; DCCA’s financial institutions division, the Budget and Finance Department, and the Legislative Reference Bureau submitted comments, while the Hawaii Bankers Association opposed and the Hawaii Credit Union League commented. The committee also heard SB 318, which would require DCCA to adopt privacy rules for direct-to-consumer genetic testing and specify whether genetic information may be used for investigative genetic genealogy. The Office of Consumer Protection and Andrew Crossland opposed the bill, saying federal law and existing state protections already cover much of the area and that rulemaking would be a better way to address it; members raised concerns about federal changes and the need for state protections, but OCP said the bill was not the best approach. SB 332 would prohibit bundling foreclosed homes at public sale and delay finality of sales; L. Strong and written testimony supported it, citing Lahaina’s post-fire foreclosure risks and warning of investors profiting from the disaster. The final measure, SB 525, would require written notice and consent before mortuaries, cemeteries, or pre-need funeral authorities sell or recycle precious metals recovered after cremation. DCCA’s consumer protection and licensing divisions offered comments, while the Hawaii Funeral and Cemetery Association opposed the bill, saying it was surprised by the measure and was unaware of current consumer problems in the industry.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've expanded the council a little bit so that there is direct overlap with the commission.
• For us to engage in inquiry, and then we got the advisory council, which will provide a level of transparency
• We ended up with 19 on the council. I had to twist his arm really hard to get a couple extra.
• So, you might kind of go over the members of that advisory council.
• they can build up as many subcommittees as they see fit and appoint people outside of the advisory council

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was presenting to a group of city council members last night, and they have been watching this.
• I was presenting to a group of city council members last night, and they have been watching this.
• 01.880> of I was presenting to a group of I was presenting to a group of city<00:16:03.400> council
• <00:16:03.680> members<00:16:03.959> last<00:16:04.480> night city council members
• last night city council members last night and<00:16:06.360> they<00:16:06.920> have<00

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate File 856, relating to creation of an independent Office of Inspector General to fight fraud in Minnesota. Representative Norris presented a DE6 author’s amendment that he said fixed constitutional appointment language, expanded the office’s fraud-prevention role, and made other noncontroversial cleanup changes. He emphasized that the bill was still not finished and that more work remained before it would be ready for final House passage. Members raised several concerns. Representative Joy questioned language about who has primary investigative authority in Medicaid-related cases and whether the bill could create confusion over who may freeze funds; Norris responded that federal rules require administering agencies to be primary investigators and said the language was intended to comply with those rules while still ensuring investigations happen. Representative Bahner said the bill was improved, especially on constitutionality and prevention, but noted remaining concerns about agency expertise, duplication of effort, and funding. Representative Quam argued the state already has the Office of the Legislative Auditor and other processes in place, while Norris said an executive-branch office working directly with agencies could help ensure best practices are actually implemented. Several members, including Representative Cleborne and Representative Craft, said they remained concerned about duplication, cost, and language they believed still placed the new office above state law, though they acknowledged the bill was improved and constitutional issues had been addressed. The chair moved the DE6 amendment, which was adopted, and then the committee voted on Senate File 856 as amended. The bill passed on a roll call vote of 13 ayes and 1 nay and was referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• The council will come to order, and we are going to begin with a prayer.
• and Developmental Disabilities Studies Subcommittee met on February 24th at the Central Arkansas Council
• Department of Education and six and seven with the Department of Human Services were held to a Legislative Council
• Department of Education and six and seven with the Department of Human Services were held to a Legislative Council
• They're here to tour the Capitol, give them a little idea that this is the Arkansas Legislative Council

Summary: The meeting began with a prayer, approval of the prior minutes, and a February 2026 revenue report from Carlos Silva of the Bureau of Legislative Research. He reported gross revenues of $5.36 billion and net collections of $4.5 billion, both above the prior year, and said the updated forecast showed a larger expected surplus than before. Members asked about declines in some tax categories, natural gas severance fees, and possible effects of inflation and international conflict; Silva generally attributed the changes to timing issues, prior tax cuts, refund activity, and price fluctuations, and said he could not speculate on future impacts. The committee then heard and adopted several subcommittee reports, including the Executive Committee, Administrative Rules, Claims Review, Game and Fish State Police, Higher Education, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Occupational Licensing Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and APER filings. Most reports were approved without objection. One budget classification transfer for the Commissioner of State Lands was reviewed and failed. The review report also led to discussion of several contracts, including DHS staffing contracts and a Department of Education security contract, with some items held or separated for individual votes. A major portion of the meeting focused on DHS and state staffing contracts for the Human Development Centers, Arkansas State Hospital, and related facilities. DHS officials said the contracts were on track against seven-year projections, but members expressed concern about heavy reliance on contract labor, vacancy rates, and the need to move workers onto state payrolls. Officials said they were preparing a recruitment and retention plan and described staffing levels, vacancies, and turnover. Members also questioned contract projections and federal-state funding matches, and several urged faster action to reduce contract labor costs. The committee also discussed a Department of Commerce reduction-in-force affecting the Division of Services for the Blind and Employment and Training. Secretary Hugh McDonald said the cuts were driven by funding shortfalls, over-obligation of funds, and federal issues, and that 27 positions would be permanently eliminated while furloughed employees would be recalled. Members raised concerns about service impacts, board appointments, and the division’s fiscal management. The meeting ended after the personnel report was adopted and APER was filed as reviewed, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, this clarifies the intent of the Florida Financial Management Information System Coordinating Council
• Brian Smart, Florida Springs Council. Chair: Come on up. You are recognized.
• Florida Springs Council for information. Do you want to testify? Come on up. You are recognized.
• Florida Springs Council Representative: You guys liked the last one, you will love this because now we're
• This means some of my members at the Florida Springs Council who live on the river will never see a healthy

Bills: S0598, S0934, S1260, S1300, S1452, S1510, S1566, S1580, S1668, S7034

Keywords: funeral homes, cemetery law, cremation, embalmer, funeral director, preneed contract, preneed funeral, human remains, unclaimed cremated remains, disposition of remains, hospice, palliative care, end-of-life care, direct disposal, mortuary science, funeral service arts, licensure by endorsement, cemetery license, contiguous acres, consumer services

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to our council and our fiscal analysts. So welcome to both of you.
• We're going to our council and our fiscal analysts. So welcome to both of you.
• New Senate Council for Higher Education.
• New Senate Council for Higher Education.
• I started with the Senate in 2025 and am with the Senate Council Research and Fiscal Analysis Office.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With those verbal amendments, we would actually then defer to council services to draft them after you
• Chairman, if a verbal amendment is proposed, it is sent up to council services.
• going to happen, but if you remember last year or the year before, where we sent an amendment up to council
• So, giving us a little bit of time and giving council a little bit of time, now substitutes are long
• for hours for amendments either here or on the floor because we didn't get the right amendment from council

Bills: SB2

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways

Transcript Highlights:

• provides for the City of Naples Airport Authority Board by election rather than appointment by the City Council
• I talked to City Council Ray Chrisman at the City Council.
• We were having discomfort with the City Council trying to move the airport.
• Botana: We are saying instead of having it appointed by the City Council, we make these folks elected

Transcript Highlights:

• And with those verbal amendments, we would actually then defer to council service to draft them after
• a verbal amendment is proposed and then from there it is sent up to, let's just say, legislative council
• going to happen, but if you remember last year or the year before, where we sent an amendment up to council
• And so giving us a little bit of time and giving council a little bit of time Now, substitutes are long
• hours for amendments either in here or on the floor because we didn't get the right amendment from council

Bills: SB2

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways

Transcript Highlights:

• The council does not work with the agency; it only advises the Commission.
• You and I have known each other for so long, and I think during my time on the City Council or even before
• It's Houston-Galveston Area Council, so it's the COG in Houston, the 13-member. ...13-county region.
• Benjamin Barclay, Chief Executive. and Public Council of the Office of Public Utility Council to have

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It updates statutory cross-references, and it adds DCYF to certain state advisory councils that include
• c> and it adds DCYF to certain state and it adds DCYF to certain state advisory<00:17:47.360> councils
• <00:17:48.160> that<00:17:48.559> include<00:17:49.200> other advisory councils
• that include other advisory councils that include other executive<00:17:50.240> branch<00:17:
• > staff and I have a feeling that our staff and I have a feeling that our Senate<00:18:14.640> council

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What I want to say is that so far within the arts and culture fund, there is no council that conducts
• As you heard, I'm Deb White, a member of the Moorhead City Council and the Vice President of the Historical
• Thank you, Council Member White.
• We have a council member from St. Paul, Daoud Mohammed, and Tom Campion.
• Nick Mohamed: Hello, Council. My name is Dade Mohamed.

Transcript Highlights:

• channel of getting the health committee report back to Senator Rarick, we could get it through Senate Council
• Council members strive to support program integrity and efficiency in serving this population.
• My name is Chelsea Olson with the Minnesota Council of Health Plans.
• As the council has testified in the past on the CARMA model, as well as other bills impacting the availability
• Equity Advisory and Leadership Council, and strikes some confusing and unnecessary sentences in Subdivision

Transcript Highlights:

• surveyor-in-training license is required to take the Fundamentals of Surveying exam, administered by the National Council
• Uh, Benjamin Barkley with the Office of Public Utility Council testifying on the bill.
• case expenses to date, which have been reviewed by commission staff and the Office of Public Utility Council
• state-funded buildings, and the ability to adopt the latest energy codes from the International Code Council
• favor of this bill, it's not every day that you have the Sierra Club, Builders, and the Chemistry Council

Bills: SB483, SB522, SB783, SB1239, SB1254, SB1255, SB1259, SB1341, SB1664, SB1762, SB1856, SB1877, SB1977

Keywords: utility, proprietary information, customer data, data protection, electric service, customer information, emergency communication, electric utility, privacy, certification, public accountants, interstate licensing, accounting, regulatory amendment, energy efficiency, construction regulations, building codes, Texas, sustainability, cost-effectiveness