Transcript Highlights:

• So we had a target of $40 million in the first biennium dedicated to the READ Act and a zero target in
• I would like to thank the leadership team for a positive target for the READ Act, but a zero target in
• I used Macy in the spreadsheet, the other investments, the REIT Act, 40 million that goes out to the
• Those are the main requirements for the READ Act.
• You had a $40 million target and the READ Act was... 2. We had a zero target overall. 3.

Bills: HF1049

Keywords: school library aid, education finance, school districts, charter schools, funding eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• Workers must conduct the federally required application and recertification interview, review and act
• The different conclusion that we would make is to allow the legislature to act.
• And if the legislature does not act, is to allow the legislature to act, and if the legislature does
• It looks remarkably similar to one that we had offered in the BRIGHT Act and ones that we've offered
• We all worked very hard in the Student Opportunity Act. The gentleman played a major role in that.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a supplemental appropriations bill and a series of amendments focused on education, health, transportation, tax administration, and oversight. Senator Kennedy spoke in support of increasing funding for DTA caseworkers to improve SNAP access and reduce delays, but then withdrew the amendment by unanimous consent. Senator O’Connor’s amendment adding $500,000 for Free Period to provide free menstrual products in public schools was adopted, as was Senator Miranda’s $1 million METCO transportation and student support amendment. Senator Collins briefly proposed extending paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance coverage to graduate student workers, but withdrew that amendment for later discussion. Several amendments were debated and either adopted or rejected. Senator Tarr’s proposal to create oversight of the Group Insurance Commission and fund an Inspector General review was defeated after opposition argued existing oversight was sufficient. Tarr also offered amendments on MBTA deficiency fund withdrawals and on requiring 90 days’ notice before state tax code decoupling changes; both were rejected after standing votes. Senator Driscoll’s amendment for Randolph Public Schools restroom improvements was adopted, while his veterans student loan forgiveness amendment was withdrawn. Additional amendments were adopted for Bridgewater Middle School water filtration, Uffum’s Corner Health Center, and NeighborHealth’s pharmacy technician training program for local high school students. A major discussion centered on school funding and enrollment declines. Senator DiDomenico withdrew an amendment that would have provided $100 million to address Chapter 70 funding losses tied to enrollment drops, but he and Senator Collins used the floor to argue that districts facing declining enrollment and rising costs need a broader state response. The Senate also adopted a new draft of the supplemental budget and then passed the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote, with 35 members in the affirmative and 4 in the negative. The chamber then adjourned to meet again Monday, and did so in memory of Arthur H. Tobin, a former Quincy mayor, state legislator, and clerk magistrate.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senate Bill 2676, Proxy Advance of Transparency Act. >> Make the usual motion. >> Usual motion.
• Clerk, please read the title. >> Senate Bill 2676, Proxy Advance of Transparency Act. >> Make the usual
• Clerk, please read the title. >> Senate Bill 2676, Proxy Advance of Transparency Act. >> Make the usual
• <00:10:40.880> and<00:10:41.120> act.
• transparency act and act. transparency act and act.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 19 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate considered a series of local and private bills, mostly extending repealer dates or authorizing small local taxes and contributions. These included measures for the City of Laurel, City of Clinton, City of Moss Point, and City of Hattiesburg to continue hotel/motel or restaurant taxes for tourism, parks, and recreation; a Marshall County bill allowing a $7,500 annual contribution to the Bahyia Area Arts Council; a Jackson County bill extending a $5,000 contribution to Friends of Arts, Culture, and Education; a City of Philadelphia bill authorizing a one-time $10,000 contribution to Philadelphia Transit; and a Dotto County bill allowing golf carts and low-speed vehicles on certain public roads. The chamber also approved a Jackson County bill revising the powers and duties of the county fair board. Most of these local bills were passed by voice vote and then by the morning roll call, with no questions raised. The Senate also took up several conference-related matters and House amendments. On Senate Bill 2676, the Proxy Advance of Transparency Act, the Senate voted not to concur and to invite conference. On Senate Bill 2882, dealing with homestead exemption eligibility, members discussed a House amendment clarifying that property owners who deed property but reserve a life estate do not have to reapply for homestead exemption; the Senate concurred and sent the bill to the governor. Additional items later in the calendar included nonconcurrence and conference invitations on bills involving a rural hospital pilot program, dependent care tax credits, health reimbursement arrangement tax credits, state park land lease tax treatment, rural hospital contributions, electronic payment processing fees, storm-related utility revenue bonds, agriculture and logging sales tax exemptions, and revisions to the Pregnancy Resource Act. Near the end of the calendar, senators chose to pass and retain several remaining items rather than take final action, and leadership noted the need to move bills off the calendar in the next session. The Senate then moved to announcements, including committee meetings and a bipartisan social event, and several members requested that the journal reflect adjournment in memory of named individuals. The chamber ultimately agreed to recess until later that day or until the last committee report was filed, with the journal to reflect adjournment until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kent, you're currently acting Chief of Staff to Director Gabbard, right? Yes, Senator.
• You're now acting chief of staff at the DNI.
• condemned anyone who used any act of violence against law enforcement or anyone else.
• But we have, as you may know, the Fight China Act, the Foreign Investment Guardrails.
• Agents Registration Act.

Keywords: national security, intelligence community, Aaron Lucas, Joe Kent, John Eisenberg, China threat, terrorism, collaboration, oversight, intelligence capabilities

Summary: The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding national security and intelligence community leadership. Notably, nominees Aaron Lucas for Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Joe Kent for Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and John Eisenberg for Assistant Attorney General for National Security were introduced. Concerns were raised about the current state of U.S. intelligence capabilities, particularly in relation to threats posed by foreign adversaries such as China and ongoing risks from terrorism. The dialogue emphasized the necessity for robust oversight and the importance of collaboration within the intelligence community, as well as with international allies, to ensure effective security measures are in place.

Transcript Highlights:

• It helps us to satisfy our mandate through Act 46, Session Law 2020.
• <00:22:28.080> 46 to satisfy our mandate through act 46 to satisfy our mandate through act
• When university wasn't prepared to act.
• UH's act 242 annual >> So, I'm curious.
• resource instead and choose to act resource instead and choose to act outside<01:02:33.200> of

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1872, which would create an early learning apprenticeship grant program to help early childhood providers participate in approved apprenticeship programs, require annual reporting, and appropriate funds. Testifiers in support included the University of Hawaiʻi, the Executive Office on Early Learning, the City and County of Honolulu, Commit to Keiki, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, the Commission on the Status of Women, Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Speaks, Parents for Public Schools of Hawaiʻi, and Kīʻoka Family Learning Centers. Supporters said the bill would reduce financial barriers, strengthen recruitment and retention, improve compensation and career pathways, and help address child care shortages and workforce instability. The committee then voted to pass HB 1872 with amendments, including an HD1 and a defective date to allow further discussion. The committee next took up HB 2489, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaiʻi to establish a bachelor’s degree program in American Sign Language interpretation, with a longer-term plan for a master’s program. Testimony in support came from the Disability Communication Access Board and the University of Hawaiʻi, and members also heard detailed support from DECAP and other advocates describing a statewide shortage of ASL interpreters, long waiting lists for ASL courses, and the need for locally trained interpreters who understand Hawaiʻi’s cultural and community needs. Witnesses said the shortage affects schools, courts, hospitals, emergency services, and other settings, and that the program could be expanded through articulation with other campuses. The committee voted to pass HB 2489 with amendments, again using an HD1 and defective date. After those two measures, the committee moved to HB 441 on campus safety, which would require students, including transfer students, to complete training on federal laws and university policies regarding sexual misconduct before initial registration and would change how often training is provided to students and employees. The University of Hawaiʻi stood on its written testimony, while supporters including IMUA Alliance and other testifiers urged passage, citing survivor experiences, national best practices, and the need for prevention before harm occurs. No vote on HB 441 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• shall be known as the Mila Microchip Identification Act.
• shall be known as the Mila Microchip Identification Act.
• shall be known as the Mila Microchip Identification Act.
• shall be known as the Mila Microchip Identification Act.
• for this bill um in 2028 we enacted act for this bill um in 2028 we enacted act 238<01:13:10.320

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on February 6, 2025, and heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 667 would require DOT or county departments to scan deceased cats or dogs found on public roadways for microchips, record information, and report it to county animal services. DOT said it supported the bill, and the Hawaiʻi Humane Society and others strongly backed it, describing it as important for grieving pet owners. A private citizen also testified in support, saying the measure could help families learn what happened to missing pets. The chair noted there were nine supporters. The committee then heard HB 230 on sending a carbon copy of traffic citations to vehicle owners, followed by HB 77, which would make civil identification cards free to issue or renew. The Attorney General’s office said it had already submitted comments on HB 77, DOT opposed it, and a private citizen supported it as a way to reduce barriers to basic services. HB 668, which would make license suspension mandatory for operating a vehicle without insurance, drew opposition from the Office of the Public Defender and DOT. The Public Defender argued current law already allows suspension and that a mandatory rule would discourage people from obtaining insurance, increase court burdens, and disproportionately affect indigent drivers; the chair emphasized that driving is a privilege and raised concerns about uninsured driving in rural areas. The Public Defender also said it would look into whether state insurance options could help people who cannot get traditional coverage. The committee also took up HB 12, which would bar inspection certificates for mopeds or vehicles modified to increase NOx emissions. DOT offered comments, Citizens Against Noise supported it, and the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed it; the chair noted six additional supporters and ten opponents. HB 169 would raise the minimum age for moped operators from 15 to 16 and increase the helmet requirement age from 18 to 21; DOT supported it, while Moped Doctors, Moped’s Direct, and seven individuals opposed it. HB 220 would require moped operators to carry insurance under motorcycle/motor scooter insurance laws; DCCA offered comments, DOT supported it, and Moped Doctors and ten individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard HB 277, which would establish a statewide vehicle pursuit policy for law enforcement agencies. The Policing Project at NYU and the ACLU of Hawaiʻi supported the bill, citing national data on deaths and injuries from pursuits and arguing for a baseline limit on pursuits for minor offenses; the Hawaii Police Department and Maui Police Department opposed it. The committee also heard HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture. DOT supported it, while the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill was overly harsh, internally inconsistent, and likely to strain courts, law enforcement, and probation systems by turning a traffic offense into a felony with prison exposure and jury-trial rights. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• acts.
• attempted commission of one or more of those acts in order to demonstrate that there is an act.
• ,<01:35:52.639> which or more of the enumerated acts, which or more of the enumerated acts
• to demonstrate that there is an an act. to demonstrate that there is an an act.
• um where it would be considered an act um where it would be considered an act of<01:38:15.440>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the purpose of the bill that this act the purpose of the bill that this act will<00:21:04.640>
• And if you take transparency act.
• the game and fish department when acting the game and fish department when acting within<00:54:10.960
• an act relating to conservation an act relating to conservation districts,<01:17:54.880> sponsored
• Senate File 121, Wyoming Pharmacy Act Senate File 121, Wyoming Pharmacy Act amendments. amendments

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second reading of the bills: An act providing for the issuance of revenue bonds for the construction
• An act to promote urban agriculture and horticulture, House No. 313.
• An act updating the tax treatment of recreational lands in the town of Swampscott, House No. 3917.
• An act relative to the select board...
• An act relative to the select board of the town of Berlin, House No. 4580, and an act protecting public

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of two resolutions: one recognizing Stoneham and its veterans at the opening of the Vietnam Moving Wall exhibit, and another congratulating firefighter paramedic Michael Collage on his retirement from the Abington Fire Department. Both were adopted after suspension of the rules. The Rules Committee also reported favorably on an order extending until December 3, 2025, the time for the Committee on Housing to report on House No. 4734, and that order was adopted as well. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported several bills for consideration, including a Senate bill authorizing revenue bonds for telecommunications facilities in Quincy, a bill to promote urban agriculture and horticulture, a bill updating the tax treatment of recreational lands in Swampscott, a bill concerning the select board of Berlin, and a bill protecting public higher education student information. The House suspended Rule 7A, took second readings on those measures, and ordered all of them to a third reading. The House also welcomed residents and staff from Seven Hills communities, who were visiting to deliver artwork and thank legislators for support of affordable and supportive senior housing. Later, House No. 4006, authorizing the town of Dartmouth to grant an additional off-premises liquor license, was released from the Committee on Bills in Third Reading and passed to be engrossed. The House then adopted an order to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2048, an act amending Section 13-3602, relating to orders of protection and process service
• House Bill 2398, an act amending Title 5, Chapter 3, Article 5, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to
• House Bill 2611, an act amending multiple sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to child
• House Bill 2837, an act amending Section 9462.08 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to state,
• Senate Bill 1168, an act amending Sections 32-1213, 32-1231, 32-1232, 32-1237 of the Arizona Revised

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call, then approved the journal and spent much of the early session on personal privilege remarks, guest introductions, and proclamations. Recognitions included Arcadia High School’s 2026 state championship boys basketball team, the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, Diné College and Navajo sovereignty/Indigenous higher education, Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, and Route 66’s centennial. The chamber also honored Senator Lela Alston for her long legislative career and retirement, with remarks from colleagues and a musical tribute after recess. The Senate then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered three House bills. HB 2048, dealing with orders of protection and process service, was amended and recommended do pass. HB 2398, concerning watercraft insurance requirements and penalties, was amended after debate over a floor amendment exempting some infrequent boat rentals; the amendment was adopted over opposition from Senator Epstein, and the bill was recommended do pass as amended. HB 2611, relating to child welfare and group home safety, was amended with changes requiring DCS reporting and standards for group foster homes, and was also recommended do pass as amended. On third reading, the Senate passed HB 2198, HB 2434, HB 2764, HB 2772, HB 2837, HB 2868, HB 2906, and HB 2996, with HB 2772 drawing a 17-9 vote after Senator Gonzales objected that it could affect emergency responders seeking driver’s licenses from patients. HB 2868 passed 25-1, HB 1668 passed 25-1, and the rest passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to SB 1168, SB 1254, and SB 1668, then passed SB 1168 and SB 1254 on final reading and sent them to the Governor; SB 1668 also passed final reading and was sent to the Governor. The chamber then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• it does is simply remove the age gap provision which we have in a lot of our controlled substances acts
• Page one, a person 18 years of age or over who violates the Controlled Substances Act by distributing
• Any person who is at least 18 years of age or who violates the Controlled Substances Act by distributing
• where a delivery of a substances acts where a delivery of a controlled<00:01:16.560> substance
• violates the Controlled Substances Act violates the Controlled Substances Act by<00:02:51.120>

Bills: SF0009

Keywords: fentanyl, controlled substances, minors, drug distribution, enhanced penalties, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First off, um this past legislature session, Governor Green signed into law Act 132, which has led to
• :58.159> law session, Governor Green signed into law session, Governor Green signed into law Act
• 132, which has led to improvements Act 132, which has led to improvements in<00:22:01.840> the
• Alan Carpenter, acting administrator for the Division of State Parks.
• administrator Alan Carpenter um acting administrator Alan Carpenter um acting administrator for

Bills: SB2187

Keywords: housing, economic development, tourism, state department, renaming, Hawaii Revised Statutes, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Tourism and Water and Land hearing focused on HB 1947, which would repeal the Hawaii Tourism Authority, create an Office of Tourism in DBEDT, and establish a Division of Destination Management in DLNR. The Attorney General opposed provisions allowing the new tourism office or advisory board to hire independent attorneys, and also noted civil service and transfer-of-functions issues, including the need for standard transition language for employees, contracts, records, and equipment. DNR said it stood on its written comments, while the Department of Taxation also stood on its written testimony. HTA opposed the bill, arguing that Act 132 had already improved its governance and that destination management should remain within a single, holistic tourism framework. HTA said it is better positioned to coordinate with counties, communities, and state agencies on both tourism promotion and mitigation of impacts, and pointed to its strategic plan and DMAP work as evidence. The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development also opposed the bill, saying tourism issues cross multiple agencies and that coordination is best handled by one entity rather than splitting responsibilities between DBEDT and DLNR. One member of the public testified in support with reservations, saying Hawaii needs stronger leadership and control, but also warning that dissolving HTA would be a major change. During questioning, committee members pressed HTA on why destination management should not simply be handled by DLNR if HTA already consults with it on land-use and conservation issues. HTA responded that its role is broader than conservation alone and includes balancing economic development, visitor management, and resident quality of life, while deferring to DLNR on matters within DLNR’s jurisdiction. The hearing then moved to decision-making, where the chairs announced amendments that removed the transfer of destination management to DLNR, added counties and state/county agency assistance to the Office of Tourism, and made other conforming changes. The House committees voted to recommend HB 1947 pass with amendments, with several members voting aye and some voting with reservations, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• all the reports, that we vote on them with one motion, and that the journal reflect that they were acted
• The committee report has been adopted, and the journal will show that they were acted upon individually
• The journal will reflect that they were acted upon individually.
• The journal reflect that they were acted upon individually. The reader to read.
• The journal will reflect that they were acted upon individually. The reader to read: Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• which was the combo of Senate Bill 21 and 22 in the end, the Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act
• so Senate Bill 33, again, tying into our wildfire preparation stuff, this is the Wildfire Prepared Act
• House Bill 423 last year requested large appropriations to implement the Water Security Planning Act,
• We're not funding the water uh the Water Data Act. We're not doing any of the basics.
• Of the Water Security Planning Act and the 50-year water plan, and then 200 million was appropriated

Transcript Highlights:

• Business Corporation Act.
• The Clerk will report the bill: an act relating to natural resources modifying trespass law to allow
• The Chief Clerk will report the bill: file number 1346, number 8 on the calendar for the day, an act
• Number 11 on the calendar for the day, an act relating to the military.
• If there is no objection, we will let the author explain the bill before we act on the amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the benefit plan would not fall under the Affordable Care Act as far as regulations are concerned
• One of the key provisions of the Affordable Care Act that is most popular with consumers is insurers
• calling and benefit plans for the purpose of avoiding very good oversight under the Affordable Care Act
• We leave families and also the son, my for service members so fall for this P can we acts for all of
• And so how would that group of people get remedy for that egregious act?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Congress must act now.
• Last year I was proud to have my bipartisan Infintil Act signed into law, which fellow aging committee
• The Infintil Act was a bipartisan success.
• Now that the n-fentanyl acts is law, CBP is required to update its policies at least once every three
• Seeing the end Fentanyl Act become law makes me even more optimistic that we can get things done, and

Keywords: opioid crisis, overdose, naloxone, drug trafficking, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, older adults, Medicaid expansion

Summary: The meeting convened to address the dire opioid crisis affecting communities nationwide, with a particular focus on the alarming rise of opioid use disorder among older adults. Key testimonies highlighted the critical need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses prevention, treatment, and strict law enforcement actions against drug traffickers. Sheriff Dennis Lima from Seminole County outlined successful strategies implemented in Florida, including increased access to naloxone and legislative changes to hold drug dealers accountable for overdoses. Various members expressed a united front on tackling this multifaceted issue, advocating for the expansion of Medicaid and better access to treatment as essential steps to curbing the epidemic.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are only authorized to do lawful acts.
• , or the Fast Election Results Act.
• Page 1 of the act.
• I-09-2026, Protect Education Act. All right, let's go ahead and move it.
• And so I think that the summary should make clear that the Protect Education Act does that.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :49:22.240> and<00:49:22.480> offenses act relating to crimes and offenses act relating
• And the general the act of grooming.
• act uh before<00:58:47.520> that<00:58:47.760> act<00:58:48.160> happened.
• Well, happens prior to that final act.
• facts fasttrack permits act.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 231 and Act 236.
• In the last two years, Act 31 and Act 36 significantly strengthened Hawaii's biosecurity structure.
• that are basically certified and um act that are basically certified and um act 236<00:44:39.599
• So Act 231 and Act 236 have given us the foundation to modernize and strengthen these systems, and we
• 231 and act 236 have given us the So act 231 and act 236 have given us the foundation<01:13:51.440><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing from the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment focused on the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s update on Hawaii’s biosecurity framework, especially implementation of Act 231 (2024) and Act 236 (2025). Chairs Corey Chun and Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing the briefing as an update on investments to fight invasive species and improve statewide evaluation and coordination. Department leaders Sharon Her and Richard Kim described historic legislative and executive investments that have allowed the department to rebuild and modernize biosecurity infrastructure to better prevent, detect, control, and eradicate invasive species. The presentation emphasized the importance of biosecurity to Hawaii’s agriculture, economy, environment, and public well-being, citing threats such as rapid ohia death, little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, brown tree snake, and red imported fire ant. Staff explained the state’s layered approach—pre-border, border, and post-border—and compared it to New Zealand’s model, stressing that Hawaii must act as a “net, not a wall” and that prevention before entry is far more cost-effective than response after establishment. They also outlined agency roles across the system, including agriculture, natural resources, health, transportation, enforcement, and university partners, and noted that Act 231 strengthened authority over high-risk imports, offshore treatment, compliance agreements, and pest management plans, while Act 236 renamed the department and clarified statewide biosecurity coordination. Jonathan Ho then walked through specific program areas and progress. He said pre-border risk analysis is being supported by Act 231 funding and a university contract, while offshore compliance and treatment efforts have improved substantially, including Christmas tree inspections from Oregon and Washington and airline declaration systems that provide advance passenger information. For border work, he highlighted inspections, surveillance, detector dogs, and port monitoring. For post-border response and readiness, he discussed the invasive pest hotline and dashboard, trace-forward/trace-back and diagnostics, preparedness for future threats, and the need to build stronger internal capacity. He also described a developing transitional facilities program authorized by Act 236, modeled on New Zealand’s certified facilities system, and said the department has already begun outreach to industry groups such as the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.