Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any no votes?
• With<00:37:22.040><c> a</c><00:37:22.560><c> vote</c><00:37:23.120><c> of</c> With a vote of With a vote
• Are there any no votes? Whole report. Are there any no votes?
• </c> an eye vote. an eye vote. Senator<00:55:04.840><c> Benavidez.
• Are there any no<01:01:48.920><c> votes?</c> no votes? no votes?

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• know who you votes who voted yes, you know who you find?
• I voted for the bill before I voted against the bill.
• I voted for the bill before I voted against the bill.
• before I voted I voted for the bill before I voted against<00:17:26.040><c> the</c><00:17:26.120><c>
• Rush to a vote.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Vote yes. Aye. Senate Michelle hi by vote of eight ayes, zero nays, zero not voting.
• So I vote aye. All right. I vote aye. Five ayes, three nays, zero not voting.
• So with that, I vote aye. The vote is four ayes, four nays, and zero not voting.
• So I vote no. Aye. I vote aye. Four ayes, three nays, one not voting.
• I vote no. No. The vote is aye, five ayes, three nays, zero not voting.

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from February 3 and February 10, 2026, then heard two nominations. Jessica Manuel was introduced as a nominee to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. She described a science-focused background and experience with state and multi-agency work, and members discussed wildlife management, including gray wolves and conservation. The committee voted 8-0 to recommend her confirmation. Stephen Williams was then introduced as a nominee to the Arizona Livestock Loss Board. He emphasized his experience with the State Land Department and livestock operators, and members asked about compensation claims and wolf-related livestock losses. The committee voted unanimously to recommend his confirmation as well. The committee next considered SB 1785, which would codify ADWR’s existing one-mile safe-harbor policy for recovery wells near groundwater storage facilities. Supporters said it would provide certainty and preserve current practice, while ADWR requested clarifying language about the bill’s definitions. Opponents argued it would lock current policy into statute and could reduce flexibility. The bill received a 5-3 do-pass recommendation. SB 1082, which would impose sanitation and handwashing requirements on petting zoos and similar animal encounter exhibits, drew emotional testimony from a parent advocate describing children hospitalized with STEC HUS after a state fair petting zoo exposure, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and overly burdensome. The committee adopted the sponsor’s amendment but then deadlocked 4-4, so the bill failed. The committee then took up SB 1336, a continuation and reform bill for the Arizona State Land Department that also created a temporary oversight committee and, through a large amendment, added lease, notice, and committee-structure changes. Supporters from mining and agriculture backed the measure as a way to improve predictability and transparency, while some members objected to the amendment’s scope and the committee’s composition. The amendment passed 4-3 and the bill as amended was recommended 6-2. SB 1200, an emergency measure directing ADWR to revisit certain Phoenix AMA assured water supply applications using older groundwater models, was supported by the sponsor but opposed by CAP/GRD and ADWR, who warned it would add replenishment obligations and rely on outdated models; it passed 5-3. SB 1335, requiring the Arizona Water Banking Authority Commission to post its annual report online, passed 7-0-1. SB 1559, creating rural groundwater management work groups in each basin with NRCD involvement and annual reporting to ADWR, drew support from conservation district representatives and opposition from Mohave County interests concerned it would not address overpumping; it passed 5-3. Finally, SB 1761, appropriating $47.7 million to the University of Arizona for its desert agriculture, Cooperative Extension, and experiment station programs, was presented as a land-grant mission funding measure and received broad support from agriculture and several members, with some concerns about budget priorities and the size of the appropriation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, Chair votes aye. Chair votes aye. I vote aye. Oh, there we go. Thank you.
• </c> Chair for the vote, Chair goes I. Chair for the vote, Chair goes I.
• Chair and Vice Chair vote I. unamended. Chair and Vice Chair vote I.
• </c> vote, Chair goes I. vote, Chair goes I.
• </c> Any no votes or vote with reservations? Any no votes or vote with reservations?

Bills: HCR202

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: Hawaii, renewable energy, task force, energy independence, cost savings, decarbonization, public utilities, stakeholders, clean energy goals, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Consumer Commerce and Consumer Protection heard HCR 202 HD2, a resolution creating a task force to study Hawaii’s electric generation mix and related costs. Testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office was neutral and stood on written comments, while another testifier supported the resolution, emphasizing affordability, reliability, and the need to understand the right balance of thermal generation and renewables as the state moves toward its 2045 renewable goals. The chairs said they had conferred on the measure and outlined recommended amendments, including adding study of the separation of ownership and control of generation versus transmission and distribution, and adding Senate committee representation to the task force. The Consumer Commerce and Consumer Protection committee voted to pass HCR 202 HD2 with amendments; the chair, vice chair, and another member voted aye, with one senator excused, and the recommendation was adopted. The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee did not have quorum at that time and said it would take its vote later. The Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also heard HCR 165, concerning pickleball courts in Hawaii Kai. One resident testified in opposition, citing concerns about permanent lights, permanent nets, noise, light pollution, safety, maintenance, and the loss of multi-use flexibility. After discussion, the chair recommended passing the measure as is, and the committee said it would vote the next day because it lacked quorum. The committee also heard HCR 154 and HCR 43 with the Transportation Committee; HCR 154 was passed unamended, and HCR 43, which urged raised crosswalks near Ala Wai Elementary School for pedestrian safety, was also passed unamended. Supporters of HCR 43 described heavy pedestrian traffic, schoolchildren crossing, and unsafe vehicle turning patterns at the intersections. The Transportation Committee adopted both recommendations, while the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee scheduled its votes for the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Staff, open the vote. Any member that has not voted or would like to change your vote?
• He's voting in the affirmative. Okay, close the vote. Staff, declare the vote.
• Staff, please open the vote. Please open the vote. Any member wishing to vote?
• Chair is fixing to close the vote. Staff close the vote. Now declare the vote.
• Any member wishing to change the vote? Close the vote. Staff, declare the vote. Declare the vote.

Bills: HB3056 , HB3391 , HB3657 , HB3617 , HB4055 , HB3720 , HB3902

Committee: House Agriculture

Keywords: raw milk, unpasteurized, farm sales, Oklahoma Milk and Milk Products Act, local producers, advertising, animal welfare, commercial pet breeders, licensing, animal cruelty, labor, employment definitions, agricultural services, Oklahoma Workforce Commission, confidentiality, data access, right to repair, agriculture, OEM, repair providers

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, Ranking Member Bass, it’s a party-line vote. Okay, noted: party-line vote. Thank you.
• No notes. 7-0 votes. This is on Third Read Consent, with that I’ll vote for questions.
• Notice the vote. This was a no vote. HB 4109, this is an L. Hernandez bill.
• You can see how we all voted.
• No, the votes? Vote no. Votes or vote. Okay, HB 4070, Yom-y. Okay, HB 4070, Yammany.

Summary: The caucus reviewed a large Minority Caucus Calendar and moved quickly through many bills, with staff often noting whether items were unanimous, party-line, or pulled from consent. Early items included HB 2130 on ADOA personnel financial systems, HB 2749 on felony sentence-completion designation, HCR 258 on Medicaid claim audits, and several agency or board continuation bills. Members also discussed HB 2745 on legislative subpoenas, HB 4027 naming Loop 202 the Charlie Kirk Highway, HB 2601 on Interstate 11 studies, and a number of education, health, labor, and public safety measures. Several bills were pulled from consent or flagged for later discussion, including HCR 258, HB 4027, HB 2375, HB 2601, HB 2408, HB 2444, HB 2923, HB 2182, HCR 2048, HB 2750, HB 2765, HB 2838, HB 4043, HB 2290, HB 2940, and others. Testimony and caucus debate focused on a range of policy concerns. Members objected to bills involving school strikes, weapons detection systems, public records fees for legislators, union activity, school safety felony penalties, and restrictions on school clubs. Education bills drew extended discussion, including HB 2423 on automatic advanced math placement, HB 2478 creating a student outcomes commission, HB 2579 for free school meals, HB 2992 on child sexual abuse prevention, HB 4041 on spending authority for low-reading-performing districts, and HB 4043 requiring CPR/AED training. Health and professional regulation bills also prompted debate, including HB 2408 on nursing board investigations and expungement, HB 2444 on pharmacist testing authority, HB 2697 on expired opioid antagonists, and HB 4010 establishing a genetic counselors board. Members raised concerns about fiscal impacts, stakeholder opposition, and whether some measures were unfunded mandates or needed more amendment work. The caucus also discussed immigration, labor, and public safety measures, including HB 2416 for DPS local border support, HB 2811 on obstructing governmental operations during lawful arrests, HB 2862 on unlawful masking penalties, HB 4070 on nonprofit incorporation restrictions tied to offenses, and HB 4117 creating a crime for disturbing religious services. Water, energy, and land-use bills were reviewed as well, such as HB 2099, HB 2263, HB 2330, HB 2341, HB 2492, HB 2757, HB 2782, HB 2912, HB 2918, and HCR 2020. The meeting ended with announcements, including an Affordability Award for Brian Garcia and a March 12 breakfast update on the Colorado River, before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Voting Rights Act was created with a legislative record in 1965, and the Voting Rights Act was created
• Supreme Court on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and whether or not Section 2 of the Voting Rights
• And please, I implore you to vote no.
• for, and vote down this. map in the legislation that we all voted for and vote down this partisan gerrymandered
• By your vote, SB 810 is By your vote, SB 810 is reported favorably.

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:49:32.720><c> hr11</c> vote voting on hcr1 and hr11 vote voting on hcr1 and hr11 simultaneously<00
• Chair, for the vote, please. Voting on HCR 67.
• Chair, for the vote, please. Voting on HCR 67.
• Chair, for the vote, please. Voting on HCR 78.
• Chair, for the vote, please. Voting on HCR 78.

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing met on March 21, 2025, first taking testimony on several resolutions related to housing policy and building codes. HCR 1/HR 1 urged HHFDC to continue working with the City and County of Honolulu to transfer roads in the Villages of Kapolei; the committee noted one supportive testimony from HHFDC. HCR 66/HR 60 sought action by the State Building Code Council to authorize point access block, or single-stair, residential construction up to six stories; testimony included support from Housing Hawaiʻi Future and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaiʻi, and opposition from the AIA Hawaiʻi State Council. HCR 67 asked state and county officials to develop a comprehensive strategy for updated building codes; Grassroots Institute testimony was in support and AIA Hawaiʻi State Council was in opposition. HCR 78 addressed housing credits under Act 31, clarifying that qualifying projects approved before July 1, 2031, would remain eligible after repeal; HHFDC and Na Uho testified in support. HR 147 proposed a legislative working group to oversee DHHL’s use of Act 279 funds; DHHL supported the measure, along with one individual supporter who was not present. No public testimony was offered beyond those submissions, and the committee moved to decision-making after a short recess. In decision-making, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass HCR 1/HR 1 as is, with several members excused. HCR 66/HR 60 was also passed as is after discussion emphasizing the potential for lower construction costs, more design flexibility, and better ventilation from single-stair buildings. HCR 67 was passed with amendments, including removing the housing committee chairs from the recipient list and adding language calling for reinstating and adequately funding the State Building Code Council so it can carry out its mandate. HCR 78 was passed as is, and HR 147 was passed as is after brief supportive comments about DHHL accountability. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's vote you with the corruption. Let's vote you out.
• Any members voting? No. Thank you. Any members voting? No.
• Seeing none, by the vote. Chair voting on HB 2233.
• Other voting reservations. Chair, any members voting no? No vote. Your recommendation is adopted.
• Other voting reservations. Chair, any members voting no? No vote. Your recommendation is adopted.

Bills: HB1546

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: Medicaid, health insurance, healthcare access, insurance subsidies, pilot program, affordable care, preventive services, low-income, community engagement, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2083, which would add homeless shelters to Hawaii’s drug-free/safe-zone protections. The City and County prosecutor’s office strongly supported the bill, saying service providers asked for the change because drug activity near shelters can undermine recovery efforts. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, focusing on a possible notice problem because many shelters are not readily identifiable and the bill’s 750-foot distance requirement could be difficult to apply. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii also opposed the bill, arguing it would expand criminalization of poverty and drug use and that drug-free zone laws are ineffective and disproportionately harmful. The prosecutor’s office said it would do more research on the notice concern. The committee then moved on without taking a vote in the transcript provided. The committee next discussed HB 2087, which would change the treatment of abuse of family or household member cases by ending the deferred-acceptance pilot and returning to the prior statute. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying the pilot had not reduced backlog as intended and that domestic violence cases should remain petty misdemeanors without deferral. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Public Defender’s Office both opposed HB 2087, instead urging extension of the pilot for another five years so the legislature can better evaluate how deferred acceptance is working. They said deferrals can be a useful incentive for behavior change and that more data is needed before ending the program. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about why Hawaii should differ from other counties and whether repeat offenders could keep receiving deferrals; the prosecutor said the deferral is available only once and reiterated support for returning to the old statute. The committee then heard HB 2096 on aggravated circumstances in child protective proceedings. The family court and Attorney General’s Office supported the bill, saying current law limits aggravated-circumstances findings to the early return hearing, which can prevent findings in the most serious abuse cases when key evidence is not yet available. They said the bill would allow such findings later in the case and, with proposed amendments, would let the court consolidate aggravated-circumstances and termination-of-parental-rights hearings to reduce delay and appeals. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii opposed the measure, arguing it would expand state power in family matters and could worsen outcomes for parents and children. Committee questions focused on the amended language, including what “another court of competent jurisdiction” means and whether a charge alone would be enough; the judiciary responded that criminal courts are included, but a hearing and opportunity to defend would still be required. Finally, the committee took up HB 1959, another domestic violence measure. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Public Defender’s Office, the Crime Victim Compensation Commission, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and county prosecuting offices testified in support. Supporters said the bill would extend the pilot program while keeping deferred acceptance of guilty pleas in place, giving more time to evaluate whether the program is working and whether a more formal diversion model should be developed. The coalition also suggested technical fixes to ensure judiciary data reporting continues and that the deferred-acceptance statute is not inadvertently repealed. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript before the committee moved on to the next bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Has everyone voted? The clerk will close the board and tally the vote.
• Has everyone voted? The clerk will close the board and tally the vote.
• Has everyone voted?
• Has everyone voted?
• Has everyone voted? Has everyone voted? The lady from Dunklin will record her vote.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Has everyone voted?
• And I believe you voted for that as well. I did vote for that.
• And I did not vote for that one. You did not vote for that.
• And I believe you voted for that as well. I did vote for that.
• And I did not vote for that one. You did not vote for that.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please vote yes. Representative Dolio. And we agree. Please vote yes.
• Representative Dolio votes aye. Representative Farvar votes aye.
• Farivar votes aye. Representative Farivar votes aye.
• vote.
• vote.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 1364 would raise from $5,000 to $15,000 the gross revenue thresholds for charitable and nonprofit organizations to conduct bingo, raffles, and amusement games without a gambling license, and would also raise related local tax thresholds; supporters said it is an inflation adjustment that helps volunteer nonprofits, while no opposition was heard before the hearing closed. HB 2632 would replace most uses of “alien” in state law with “non-citizen,” with exceptions for federal-law requirements and non-human uses; the sponsor described it as a dignity and accuracy measure rooted in refugee experience, while supporters and opponents debated whether it is respectful and clearer or instead unnecessary and potentially confusing. HB 2447 would designate the blunt-nosed six-gill shark as Washington’s official state shark; testimony from the sponsor, children, marine advocates, and scientists emphasized education, conservation, Puget Sound ecology, and local pride, and the hearing closed without opposition testimony. HB 2637 would exempt certain personal information from Public Records Act disclosure, including age, address, birthplace, precise location data, government identifiers, and consumer utility data; supporters framed it as privacy and safety protection, while opponents argued it would reduce transparency and could interfere with federal immigration enforcement. In executive session, the committee took action on three bills. HB 2235, concerning Public Records Act exemptions for concealed pistol licenses and permit-to-purchase firearm applications, was reported out of committee with a due pass recommendation by a 7-0 vote. HB 2401, establishing the Boys and Men’s Commission, was also reported out with a due pass recommendation by a 5-2 vote, with some members supporting the concept but expressing concern about funding. HB 2574, which addresses removal of deceased candidates for nonpartisan office from ballots and related vote-count procedures, was reported out with a due pass recommendation by a 6-1 vote after members discussed the need to clarify election procedures in rare cases. The committee deferred action on HB 2520.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:22:33.520><c> voting</c><01:22:33.800><c> on</c> vote voting on vote voting on hb877<01:22:35.639
• HB</c> chair for the vote please voting on HB chair for the vote please voting on HB 241<01:24:11.040
• </c><01:24:55.440><c> chair's</c> vote please voting on b880 chair's vote please voting on b880 chair's
• <01:26:07.480><c> chair's</c> vote voting on HB 874 chair's vote voting on HB 874 chair's recommendation
• The chair's recommendation is to pass with amendments. vote voting on HB 238 chair's vote voting on HB

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing began with HB 1113, which would create an intensive mobile team pilot program in the Department of Health for chronically houseless individuals with serious brain disorders such as schizophrenia. The Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division strongly supported the bill, and written support was also submitted by several health and harm-reduction organizations. Members asked about the program’s size and coordination with existing services; the testifier said the team would use a low-caseload, 24/7 mobile model, coordinate with police, ERs, hospitals, housing, dual-diagnosis treatment, and other case-management resources, and continue serving participants even if they cycle through jail or hospital. The committee amended the bill to change the participant language from a maximum of 40 to “at least 40,” blanked out the appropriations section, deferred the effective date to July 1, 3000, and then adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments by unanimous vote in both committees. The next measure, HB 1140, would appropriate funds for DLNR to clean up homeless encampments on department lands. DLNR testified in support, saying it conducts about 22 to 24 cleanups per year and the bill would help it address homelessness statewide. Members asked whether the funds would be used to sweep people out of areas; DLNR said its practice is to give notice, allow time to leave, and then clean up what remains, with storage procedures for personal property. The department also said people still present are told to move to the county area across the road. DLNR confirmed the bill is not in the governor’s budget, though it is in the governor’s legislative package. The committee then heard HB 1486, which would make it disorderly conduct to remain or loiter within 20 feet of a bus stop without intent to use bus services. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal enforcement is not the right tool, could lead to arrests of people who are simply tired or unhoused, and could create a cycle of repeated low-level cases and constitutional issues around questioning and intent. HPD supported the bill, saying officers would generally try to get people to move first, but could also use field questioning, citations, or arrests depending on the circumstances; HPD said such incidents can be documented and later used in ACT or other mental-health interventions. A private resident testified in support, describing bus stops near her home as occupied overnight and burdening nearby residents and small businesses. Written support came from the City and County of Honolulu Mayor’s Office, and one individual opposed the bill. Members also asked about neighbor-island impacts, property handling, and whether the bill could help connect people to services; HPD said it had not consulted other counties and would follow up. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 877, which would prohibit encampments within 100 feet of the property line of a K-12 public or private school or school facility. DLNR stood on its written testimony, and the Department of the Attorney General raised concerns that the bill did not specify how violators would be removed, what would happen to property or the encampment, or whether the buffer zone applies only to public spaces. The AG suggested making violations petty misdemeanors and adding clearer definitions and due-process guidance. Members asked whether charter schools are included and whether private-property situations within the buffer zone should be clarified; the AG said public schools include charter schools and indicated the bill may need more specificity about private property and trespass situations.

Transcript Highlights:

• colleagues voting.
• I'm voting yes.
• So I'm assuming that will be what you'll be voting on in the Assembly floor vote, correct?
• And so I vote yes on this bill. ...of life. And so I vote yes on this bill. Ms. Caine?
• Do need a motion and vote.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, voting aye. Absent members: Flora? Not voting. Haney? Aye. Hoover? Not voting.
• Chair, voting aye. Absent members: Flora? Not voting. Haney? Aye. Hoover? Not voting.
• Hoover, not voting. Wix has eight votes. It's out.
• Not voting. Hoover, not voting. That has 11 votes. I don't know. Senate Bill 674, Cabaldon.
• That has 12 votes. Good job. Great job, Juan. That has 12 votes.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 14, which would direct state agencies to reduce single-use plastics and improve waste diversion at state facilities by updating integrated waste management plans, increasing reusable foodware use, reducing paper purchasing, and requiring better employee education and recycling/composting practices. Supporters from the California Compost Coalition, Republic Services, Waste Management, and others said the bill would help build composting and recycling markets and let the state lead by example. Several groups that had opposed earlier versions said they were now neutral after amendments, including the removal of a 90% requirement. The bill was moved out on a due pass as amended recommendation. The committee then took up SB 326 on wildfire mitigation. The bill would create a framework for Cal Fire to evaluate the risk-reduction benefits of fuels management and landscape resilience investments, and it would accelerate implementation of Zone Zero defensible-space standards, including grants for local enforcement and broader application to rental and sale properties and post-fire reconstruction. Support came from Stanford climate researcher Michael Mastrandrea and several local government, insurance, and climate groups. With no opposition, the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. Next, SB 34 on port emissions and the South Coast Air Quality Management District drew extensive testimony. The author said the bill was narrowed by committee amendments to preserve the ports’ ability to reduce emissions while preventing cargo throughput caps and addressing concerns about automation, local control, and the timeline for port clean-air planning. Supporters included ILWU, business groups, and port-related stakeholders, while the South Coast AQMD and many environmental and community organizations opposed it, arguing it would weaken public-health protections and set a bad precedent. After lengthy debate, the committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended vote to Transportation, with some members voting no and others abstaining. The committee also heard SB 279, which would expand composting options for farmers and small community composters by allowing limited on-farm composting after large biomass events and increasing the amount small operations may process and sell. Supporters said the bill would help address agricultural waste, expand composting capacity, and reduce landfill disposal. Commercial composting representatives opposed it, warning that the bill could create regulatory inequities, strand recent investments in permitted facilities, and allow too much unregulated food waste. Despite those concerns, the bill passed to Appropriations on a due pass vote. The transcript also briefly referenced SB 613 on upstream methane emissions data, described as having no opposition and intended to improve tracking of imported oil and gas emissions.

Transcript Highlights:

• machines or voting rosters without a court order.
• Or taking possession of voting machines or voting rosters without a court order.
• That is why I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SB 73.
• That is why I respectfully ask for an I vote on SB 73.
• We respectfully ask for your aye vote on SB 73. Thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety heard one item, Senate Bill 73 by Senator Cervantes, and took up committee and Elections Committee amendments. The bill was described as strengthening protections against interference in elections by extending restrictions to military personnel at polling places, protecting the chain of custody of voted ballots, and limiting law enforcement access to voting machines and voter rosters without a court order. The chair explained that the committee amendments would remove certain criminal penalties for peace officers, restore a uniform requirement for some polling-place personnel, and clarify the effect of objections by the Secretary of State or Attorney General. The author and supporters, including API Force and CHIRLA, argued the bill was needed to respond to threats of intimidation and election interference, citing concerns about armed personnel at polling places and the Riverside County sheriff’s seizure of ballots. Supporters said the measure would protect voters, especially immigrant communities and in-person voters, and preserve confidence in election administration. Opposition from the California State Sheriffs’ Association and CALA argued the bill was vague, could hinder lawful criminal investigations, and improperly restrict law enforcement and federal election oversight. After closing remarks, the committee voted to pass SB 73 as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The vote was 6-1, with one member not voting. The chair and another member recommended an aye, while one member voted no.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have voted House Bill 1759, do pass.
• They can collect that vote very fast.
• I'm going to call for a voice vote. No? No. That was... That was... ...voice vote no, that was not.
• Yeah, I'm calling for a roll call vote.
• And then you could easily end 11G by a vote after that, that November of 2027, because we By a vote after

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Summary: The committee met in executive session and first took up House Bill 2709, including a substitute that combined language from HB 2709 and HB 2671. Members debated an amendment that would have separated the Hancock-by-subclass portion from a personal property tax provision; supporters said it would make the bill cleaner and preserve a separate property tax issue already addressed elsewhere, while opponents argued it would create inconsistency. The amendment failed, the substitute was adopted, and the House Committee Substitute for HB 2709 and HB 2671 was voted do pass by a roll call of 14 yes and 5 no. The committee then passed HB 1759 do pass by a vote of 12 yes and 7 no, with one member noting that additional tweaks were expected on the floor. Next, the committee considered HB 2925, where Representative Fowler offered Amendment 04H to remove the requirement that property tax elections be held in November and replace it with an affirmative-consent standard requiring both a majority of votes cast and at least 25% of registered voters voting yes. Supporters said the change would avoid forcing local tax elections into a narrow election window and would require broader voter buy-in for long-term tax obligations; opponents argued it would be a major change that should receive more public review and could distort local election participation. The amendment failed 5 yes to 14 no, and HB 2925 was then voted do pass 11 yes to 8 no. In public testimony, Representative Van Schoiack presented HB 2415, which would require assessors to use a cost approach rather than a market approach for valuing buildings, while still valuing land through the market approach. He said the bill was intended to address over-assessment in larger counties and under-assessment in rural counties, and to make valuations more objective. Testimony was mixed: a public advocate supported the idea as a way to address rising taxes and tax sales, while county assessors and other witnesses said assessors already use multiple approaches, that cost approach works best for new or rural properties but can be subjective for older buildings, and that forcing one method statewide could create inaccuracies and large valuation swings. No action was taken on HB 2415 during the hearing. The committee also heard HJR 148 and HJR 111, presented by Representatives Coleman and Taylor, to bring Kansas City Public Schools under Hancock limits like other districts. Sponsors said KCPS is the only district still operating under a special court-imposed arrangement from desegregation-era orders and that the proposal would keep the district at its current levy while requiring voter approval for future increases. KCPS Superintendent Jennifer Collier opposed the measure as written, saying the district does want to come under Hancock but needs to do so on its own timeline and with a planned April 2027 levy proposal that would maintain the current rate; she said the district is now fiscally stronger and has community support, including passage of an 85% bond issue. Committee members questioned the legal basis, the effect on KCPS and charter schools, and whether the proposal would interfere with the district’s planned ballot strategy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Has every member voted? Does any member wish to change their vote?
• Tanner 14 votes aye, Birch votes nay. Sixty-eight ayes... Tanner 14 votes aye, Birch votes nay.
• Tanner 14 votes aye, Egbert votes nay. Crane 12 votes aye, Green votes nay.
• Report the pairs: Tanner votes aye, Rubel votes nay.
• Green votes aye, Harris votes nay. 54 aye, 16 nay.

Summary: The House convened with 68 members present, approved the February 12, 2026 journal, and received messages from the Senate, including referral of House Joint Memorial 10 for enrolling and return of Senate Joint Memorial 107 signed by the Speaker. Standing committee reports advanced several bills: House Bills 607, 528, 530, 519, and 599 were sent to second reading, while House Bills 522 and 570 were placed on general orders. House Concurrent Resolution 27, honoring Idaho civilians who served on Wake Island during World War II, was referred for printing. The House also introduced a large group of new bills, including measures on gold and silver coin, elections and presidential primaries, midwifery, foreign adversary investments, retirement and public safety death benefits, building codes, travel insurance, portable benefits, litigation financing, manufactured homes, anti-cancer medications, interest rates, state sovereignty, big game depredation claims, hunting as the state sport, police dogs, preceptor prior authorization exemptions, student data collection, and charter school admissions; all were referred for printing. On third reading, Senate Bill 1225 was moved to the top of the calendar and passed the House 67-1 after debate describing it as a public records and university presidential search bill that changes the disclosure rule from five finalists to a sole finalist and requires public updates and a 10-day public review period before final selection. House Bill 561 was sent to general orders after discussion of flag displays, including allowing the Basque flag and limiting certain city flagpole displays. House Bill 520, an Office of Administrative Hearings measure standardizing notice requirements in contested cases, passed 66-2 after concerns were raised about proving receipt of mailed notice. House Bill 579, updating justifiable homicide language to broaden who may be defended, passed 68-1. House Bill 580, repealing antiquated or unused criminal statutes, passed 68-1. House Bill 581, creating a formal process for legislative review of Supreme Court rules, passed 65-5. House Bill 583, the short-term rental bill, drew the most extensive debate. Supporters argued it protects private property rights and prevents local governments from effectively banning short-term rentals through restrictive ordinances, while opponents warned it weakens protections for residential neighborhoods and shifts enforcement burdens onto neighbors and local complaints. Several members declared Rule 80 conflicts, including ownership of short-term rentals or related businesses. After debate, the bill passed 54-16 and was sent to the Senate. The House then held the remaining third-reading bills for one legislative day, received the enrolled House Joint Memorial 10 back for the Senate President’s signature, made announcements about committee meetings and events, and adjourned until 11 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Has everyone recorded their vote? Has everyone recorded their vote?
• Has everyone recorded their votes? Does anyone like to change their votes?
• </c> To explain my vote. Yes. To explain my vote. Yes.
• vote? vote?
• Has everyone recorded their vote? Has everyone recorded their vote?

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, April 3, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> Further no votes with a vote of 20 eyes, Further no votes with a vote of 20 eyes, 15<00:38:50.880
• </c> vote. No. vote. No.
• Are there any no votes? Are there any no votes?
• . vote. vote.
• </c> vote on this? vote on this?

Keywords: 981, all