Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:02:26.959><c> Toc><00:02:27.200><c> doc><00:02:27.280><c> itc><00:02:27.440><c> thec>
• c><00:02:57.360><c> givec><00:02:57.519><c> ac><00:02:57.680><c> bitc><00:02:57.840><c> ofc
• Um these would add uh three<00:52:27.839><c> thesec><00:52:28.160><c> typesc><00:52:28.319><c> of
• /c><00:52:29.359><c> 9c> three these types of plants add 3 to 9 three these types of plants add 3 to
• c> type partnerships and smart tax policy type partnerships and smart tax policy to<00:53:33.680><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• justc><00:01:57.600><c> putc><00:01:57.759><c> thec><00:01:57.920><c> billc><00:01:58.079><c>
• ><c> billc><00:02:01.119><c> sponsorsc><00:02:01.600><c> atc><00:02:01.759><c> thec> danger.
• to other states with the type of<00:40:18.800><c> technologyc><00:40:19.280><c> thatc><00:40:19.440
• Is that timing those<00:42:46.800><c> typec><00:42:46.960><c> ofc><00:42:47.119><c> things?
• /c><00:42:48.560><c> myc> those type of things?

Bills: HB0130, HB0095, HB0096, HB0097, SF0101, SF0106, SF0067, SF0123

Keywords: Second Amendment, firearms, state rights, federal regulation, law enforcement, civil penalties, government liability, concealed carry, public colleges, university facilities, weapons legislation, self-defense, campus safety, weapons, age requirement, permits, HB0097, Wyoming firearms privacy, merchant category code, MCC

Transcript Highlights:

• 32.440><c> itc><00:02:32.520><c> thanc><00:02:32.680><c> Ic><00:02:32.760><c> wasc> >>
• ><c> herec><00:02:41.280><c> ifc><00:02:41.520><c> shec><00:02:41.680><c> youc><00:02:41.760>
• ><c> itemsc><00:02:56.880><c> thatc><00:02:57.400><c> werec><00:02:57.840><c> reflectedc><00:
• c><00:10:28.160><c> toc><00:10:28.720><c> uhc><00:10:29.160><c> toc><00:10:29.280><c> getc>
• c><00:10:35.400><c> Umc><00:10:35.920><c> ifc><00:10:36.160><c> youc><00:10:36.720><c> uhc>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• jobs and stimulate mission is to create jobs and stimulate certain<00:09:54.360><c> typesc><00:09:
• /c> certain types of business activities egg certain types of business activities egg manufacturing<00
• c><00:14:48.839><c> uhc><00:14:49.079><c> asc><00:14:49.199><c> youc><00:14:49.360><c> mayc
• ><c> youc><00:16:27.240><c> havec><00:16:27.399><c> ac><00:16:27.920><c> tc><00:16:28.959><c>
• c><00:47:03.680><c> 17c><00:47:04.359><c> yeahc><00:47:04.800><c> thec><00:47:04.960><c> Cc

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard testimony on several bills, with much of the discussion focused on Enterprise Zones and related economic development measures. On SB 125, the committee heard support from DBEDT, the Department of Taxation, the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, and the Farmers Union. Members questioned how the bill would affect job-creation requirements and learned that existing companies and new companies are treated differently under the program, with existing companies generally subject to a 15% annual employment increase and new companies to a 10% increase, while the bill would extend the program period from seven to nine years. DBEDT also said the program has been effective, citing 1,162 jobs created or maintained at a cost of about $1.2 million, and noted that agriculture, manufacturing, and wholesaling are the main sectors involved. The committee then took up SB 729, also relating to Enterprise Zones, which would expand eligibility to better accommodate local manufacturers and value-added businesses that sell directly to retail rather than only wholesale. Testifiers from the Holua Collaborative and Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau supported the measure, saying it would help small manufacturers and agricultural producers add value and adapt to internet-era sales patterns. A committee discussion clarified that the bill would add value-added processing as an allowable activity within the zones, and DBEDT explained that the current rules were written for a wholesale-dominated market. The Attorney General’s office also testified, raising a supremacy clause concern and recommending language changes to avoid conflict with federal law. On SB 129, relating to labeling requirements for fish, the Attorney General and the Department of Agriculture both raised concerns about federal preemption and enforcement. The AG explained that federal law governs fish labeling but includes an exception for processed fish, and recommended narrowing the bill to processed fish and defining that term to fit the federal carve-out. The Hawaii Longline Association supported the bill but suggested excluding canned tuna while including products such as poke, sashimi, and sushi. The Department of Agriculture said it does not currently enforce this kind of labeling requirement and would need to determine whether another agency should handle enforcement. The committee also heard SB 581, which would establish an aerospace and aeronautics development program within DBEDT. Testimony was generally supportive, but members pressed for a fiscal estimate, and the bill’s sponsor said a prior version of the office had operated on about $400,000 annually with a small staff. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:47.120><c> youc><00:07:47.200><c> getc><00:07:47.360><c> ac><00:07:47.400><c> summaryc
• 33:01.280><c> taxc><00:33:01.600><c> orc><00:33:01.680><c> feec><00:33:01.840><c> inc><00:33:
• ><c> isc><00:38:43.280><c> getc><00:38:43.440><c> intoc><00:38:43.680><c> ac><00:38:43.760><c
• It's not a you know, wild west<01:37:22.560><c> typec><01:37:22.720><c> ofc><01:37:22.800><c> situation
• c><01:37:23.600><c> It'sc><01:37:23.760><c> ac><01:37:23.800><c> situationc> west type of situation

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting began as a Committee of Conference on House Bill 194, but the discussion quickly centered on whether to remove an attached bill, 504, because of concerns about a possible fee or tax and a House rule issue. Members debated the procedural posture of the bill, whether the House version had been non-concurred, and whether the conference committee could still resolve the issue by adopting the House amendment or reconsidering the non-concur. The exchange became tense, with one side warning that failing to pass the measure could jeopardize a linked rural health transformation grant worth about $20 million. The committee ultimately recessed without resolving the 194/504 dispute and planned to return the next day. The committee then opened conference on House Bill 609, which dealt with use-of-force/self-defense language and restraint/seclusion authority in health care settings. On the self-defense portion, House members argued strongly for restoring vehicle language, saying people should be able to defend themselves in a car the same way they can in a home, especially in carjacking or assault situations where no weapon is displayed. Senate members expressed concern about expanding deadly-force protections too broadly and suggested narrowing the language to focus on imminent harm to the person, not property, while also questioning where the provision should be placed in statute. The second major topic in HB 609 was who may order restraint or seclusion in clinical settings. House members argued that physicians are not always immediately available, especially in hospitals and emergency settings, and that APRNs and physician associates should be able to act in crises if properly trained and credentialed. Senate members raised concerns about scope of practice and asked whether the language implied patient consent was required; the Senate side explained that consent language was intended to address capacity and informed decision-making, not to require voluntary consent to restraint. The discussion ended with the sides still apart, though the Senate floated a compromise allowing physician associates to order restraint when no doctor is physically on the premises, while not yet extending that authority to APRNs. The committee took a short break to continue negotiations on the firearm/self-defense piece.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> toc><00:02:07.000><c> movec><00:02:07.360><c> housec><00:02:07.640><c> filec> my motion
• ><c> exactlyc><00:20:53.799><c> thec><00:20:53.960><c> typec><00:20:54.120><c> ofc> funds exactly
• the type of funds exactly the type of forward-looking<00:20:54.799><c> Investmentsc><00:20:55.520>
• > typesc><01:01:09.079><c> ofc><01:01:09.880><c> uhc> amongst many different types of uh amongst
• many different types of uh examples<01:01:10.960><c> toc><01:01:11.200><c> makec><01:01:11.480><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• No,<00:03:10.480><c> no,c> they<00:03:14.480><c> can'tc><00:03:14.720><c> bec><00:03:14.959><c>
• withc><00:04:42.960><c> allc><00:04:43.199><c> thatc><00:04:43.600><c> duec><00:04:43.919><c>
• ><c> typec><00:08:31.599><c> thing.
• c><00:08:32.399><c> Ic><00:08:32.640><c> seec> tickets and and this type thing.
• /c><00:09:03.920><c> andc><00:09:04.160><c> goc><00:09:04.320><c> outc><00:09:04.480><c> andc

Bills: HB450, HB469, SB298, HB450, HB638, HB469, SB298

Keywords: HB450, judges, judicial office, constitutional amendment, Alabama Constitution, age limit, mandatory retirement, judicial eligibility, supernumerary judge, judicial retirement, state judicial retirement benefits, election law, appointment, voter approval, ballot measure, Judiciary Committee, ambulance services, balance billing, health insurance, emergency transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• :34.120><c> typec><01:41:34.960><c> projects.
• 01:41:56.480><c> performingc><01:41:57.200><c> equityc><01:41:58.320><c> typec> to trade the high
• long time appropriator and those are notwithstanding<01:52:19.040><c> typec> notwithstanding type
• notwithstanding type language<01:52:20.640><c> andc><01:52:21.080><c> andc><01:52:21.560><c> the<
• <c> typec><03:18:22.280><c> umc><03:18:22.360><c> movement,c> that cross-the-state type um movement

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :44.840><c> toc><01:42:45.240><c> monitorc><01:42:46.160><c> thatc><01:42:46.360><c> typec><01
• c><01:50:22.400><c> bill'sc> type of lab.
• want to admit that there's<03:41:52.800><c> anyc><03:41:53.040><c> typec><03:41:53.320><c> ofc
• ><03:41:53.440><c> negativec><03:41:54.040><c> effectc><03:41:54.600><c> withc> there's any type
• <c> thec><03:42:50.160><c> differentc><03:42:50.480><c> typesc><03:42:50.720><c> ofc><03:42:50.840

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

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received the invocation and pledge, and then dispensed with reading the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests and pages were introduced, including junior pages, a doctor of the day, Farm Bureau representatives, and other visitors in the galleries. The chamber also recognized a birthday and welcomed a House member to the Senate. On the calendar, the Senate took up several bills and mostly adopted strike-all amendments before passing them, often by morning roll call. These included HB 1646, which increased disaster trust fund transfer limits for declared and non-declared disasters; HB 1649, which authorized additional state fund transfers for Main Street revitalization projects and increased the total authorized expenditure; HB 1653, which kept a local improvements project fund bill alive for possible repurposing of funds, including a Mississippi Valley State residence hall project; and HB 669, which allowed patrons to bring wine into licensed premises with a corkage fee and changed wine shipment reporting from quarterly to semiannual. HB 1620 created an economic zone around the Chevron refinery in Jackson County, and HB 2787 changed school district gas-piping inspection requirements from annual testing to a two-year cycle, with funding support from gas companies. The Senate also handled several concurrence and conference motions on House and Senate bills, including SB 2263 on probable-cause requirements for Marine Resources officers boarding or stopping vessels, SB 2524 establishing the Postsecondary Attainment Council, and SB 2597 involving the ABC warehouse transfer in Madison County, with the chamber choosing not to concur and to invite conference on those items. SB 2368 made technical changes to the higher education legislative plan grant program, and SB 2526 on the Rural Water Oversight Committee returned with changes removing a reverse repealer and shifting administration of some duties to a nonprofit using rural water revolving loan funds. The Senate also tabled motions to reconsider on some items, and one nomination-related motion drew extended remarks about the role of the capital post-conviction counsel office and respect for crime victims.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> otherc><00:15:26.880><c> tokenc><00:15:27.880><c> legc><00:15:28.279><c> typec><00:15:28.519
• :19.400><c> mec><01:12:20.199><c> thesec><01:12:20.320><c> arec><01:12:20.560><c> typec><01:12
• in all of those<01:38:39.239><c> typesc><01:38:39.480><c> ofc><01:38:39.679><c> thingsc><01:38
• c> typec><03:45:39.279><c> ofc> Program for non um non-transport type of Program for non um non-transport
• c><04:39:40.360><c> typec> you have the most control over the type you have the most control over

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Commerce Committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 310, sponsored by Representative Keith Ammon, which would create a study commission to develop a legal framework for stable tokens and tokenized real-world assets. Ammon described stable tokens as blockchain-based digital tokens backed by U.S. dollars or treasuries, and tokenized real-world assets as representations of ownership in items such as gold, real estate, or artwork. He said the bill is intended to help New Hampshire get ahead of emerging financial markets while waiting to see how federal legislation develops. Committee members asked about the purpose of the bill, the difference between this proposal and Bitcoin, whether state regulation could be preempted by federal law, and whether the commission could be balanced and avoid becoming a vehicle for fraud or money laundering. Ammon said the proposal is blockchain-agnostic, could apply to multiple networks, and is meant to regulate asset-backed tokens rather than create a state-issued coin. He emphasized that the state would not be guaranteeing the underlying assets, but would set rules requiring audits, proof of reserves, and honest representation of backing, with the Secretary of State’s securities office involved in oversight. Several members raised concerns about the risks of stablecoins, including money laundering, tax evasion, and possible harm to the dollar or confusion about whether the state was endorsing a new currency. Ammon responded that the bill would not undermine the dollar and argued that tokenization could actually expand demand for U.S. currency by making it easier to use globally. He also said the state would not be in the business of weighing assets or directly valuing them, only ensuring a valid audit trail and one-to-one backing. The discussion ended with general agreement that the subject is complex and that a commission could help develop future legislation, but no vote or final action was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's Seda, S-E-D-A, K-O-C-O-R-O-C-H, or mailed to the Joint Committee on Public Service, Room 156.
• It's Seda, S-E-D-A, K-O-C-O-R-O-C-H, or mailed to the Joint Committee on Public Service, Room 156.
• House 2787 is relative to certain Option B and Option C retirees.
• And we do allow that under the statute in a couple of other sections of other types of work.
• People don't typically have these types of problems with the Social Security system.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a range of retirement-related bills, with several witnesses and advocates focusing on pension equity, veteran benefits, and recognition for public safety workers. Representative Dennis Gallagher and Mass Retirees supported legislation to increase the long-standing veterans’ bonus from $15 to $50 per year of service, up to $1,000 annually, and described it as a modest, overdue adjustment with minimal fiscal impact. Mass Retirees also backed bills to raise the minimum survivor allowance for public retirees and to address inequities in Option B and Option C survivor benefits for retirees whose pensions were calculated under older mortality tables. The committee also heard a personal bill from Representative Jim Arceiro and Nathan McKinnon seeking creditable service for McKinnon’s years in the Nevada higher education system, which he said should count toward his Massachusetts retirement. Another individual bill was presented by Roberta Wollins, supported by Senator Keenan, to remedy what she described as misleading retirement advice from UMass Boston that affected her ability to buy back prior service and made her retirement planning inaccurate. Senator Keenan and others framed both cases as unique fairness issues rather than broad policy changes. A large panel from police, fire, corrections, EMS, and related organizations testified in favor of a COVID-19 retirement credit proposal and a study bill, arguing that essential workers who reported in person throughout the pandemic should receive recognition and a time-based retirement credit. Witnesses described exposure risks, illness, deaths, staffing strain, and long-term effects from COVID-19, and several committee members voiced support and appreciation for their service. The hearing concluded with no votes taken on the bills and a motion to adjourn, which was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Could you go up to D, A, B, C? I mean, I don't think D is needed anymore. D is C.
• Or are D and C the same, or is D saying something different?
• There's a C, financial mechanisms for incentivizing nuclear energy.
• I think you could change, possibly C, to quote...
• C. Financial mechanisms for incentivizing nuclear energy.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• check for restrictions,<04:30:02.640><c> thec><04:30:02.800><c> typec><04:30:02.960><c> ofc><04
• :30:03.120><c> licensec> restrictions, the type of license restrictions, the type of license they're
• Do you know how many licenses of<04:31:11.600><c> thisc><04:31:11.760><c> typec><04:31:12.000><c>
• c><04:32:18.319><c> typesc><04:32:18.560><c> ofc><04:32:18.720><c> driver'sc><04:32:19.199><c
• > licensesc> have these types of driver's licenses have these types of driver's licenses that<04:32

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing began with SB 12, which would let certain veterans who already qualify for a disabled veteran license plate use that VA disability determination to obtain a walking disability placard without having to undergo a second physical or submit additional proof. Senator Waters, the prime sponsor, said the bill was prompted by a constituent and would reduce redundant paperwork. Melinda Sims of United Spinal and Leo Pacquin of the State Veterans Advisory Committee both supported the bill, saying veterans already go through an extensive VA certification process and should not have to repeat it for the state. A DMV representative said the department had no known objection and explained that the change would let the placard travel with the veteran in another vehicle. The hearing on SB 12 was then closed. The committee then took up SB 40, which would allow safe boater education certificates to be completed and tested online, rather than requiring an in-person final exam. Representative Coker and Senator Tim Lang described the bill as a cleanup measure to make a COVID-era online process permanent and said it would improve convenience and keep more revenue in New Hampshire. Tom Praol, representing the vendor, said the state lost significant revenue when the online option ended and argued that online proctoring can verify identity and prevent cheating. The New Hampshire Marine Trades Association supported the bill, saying it would help boaters learn New Hampshire-specific laws and keep dollars in-state. The Department of Safety Marine Patrol was neutral: Captain Tim Dunlvy said the current system includes classroom and online coursework followed by an in-person proctored final exam, and he raised concerns about safety, exam integrity, and lower scores in computer-only testing, while noting New Hampshire’s strong boating safety record. Committee members asked about reciprocity, proctoring methods, costs, and crash data, but no vote was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> it type of thing. it type of thing.
• So, if we can develop more<02:12:30.800><c> ofc><02:12:30.920><c> thosec><02:12:31.120><c> type
• It depends on<03:26:03.680><c> thec><03:26:03.760><c> typec><03:26:03.960><c> ofc><03:26:04.080
• c><03:26:04.600><c> Ifc><03:26:04.800><c> itc><03:26:04.920><c> saysc> on the type of contract
• thosec><03:45:49.040><c> MOUsc><03:45:49.640><c> wouldc><03:45:49.840><c> workc> type project

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> seec><00:06:34.000><c> ifc><00:06:34.080><c> anyc><00:06:34.319><c> elsec><00:06:34.639>
• :35.919><c> doc><00:06:36.080><c> havec><00:06:36.160><c> ac><00:06:36.400><c> specialc> else
• c><00:09:34.399><c> Ifc><00:09:34.560><c> youc><00:09:34.720><c> goc><00:09:34.800><c> toc>
• ><c> typec><00:48:13.839><c> programs,c><00:48:14.640><c> wec> kind of new innovation type programs
• , we kind of new innovation type programs, we had<00:48:15.040><c> residencyc><00:48:15.599><c> programs

Bills: HB235, HB236, HB565, HB237, HB238, HB239, HB240, HB241, HB242, HB235, HB236, HB565, HB237, HB238, HB239, HB240, HB241, HB242

Keywords: social media, age verification, minors, under 16, children online safety, online privacy, platform regulation, deceptive trade practice, Attorney General, civil penalties, punitive damages, consumer protection, account creation, algorithmic feeds, internet safety, youth social media, HB236, Baldwin County, Board of Equalization, per diem

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:06:59.360><c> Um,c><00:06:59.599><c> I'llc><00:06:59.759><c> turnc><00:06:59.919><c> it
• c><00:07:05.440><c> Um,c><00:07:05.680><c> Ic><00:07:05.919><c> doc><00:07:06.080><c> havec
• c><00:07:09.440><c> Um,c><00:07:09.759><c> butc><00:07:10.000><c> Ic><00:07:10.240><c> doc>
• c><00:07:57.039><c> Umc><00:07:57.520><c> Ic><00:07:57.840><c> Andc><00:07:58.080><c> thenc
• ><c> anc><01:12:50.880><c> asc><01:12:51.199><c> appliedc><01:12:51.760><c> typec> >> Are

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The continued conference on House Bill 609 focused on reconciling House and Senate drafts dealing with firearms and other personal defense tools, local government preemption, and agency rulemaking. Representative Leyon walked through amendment 21107H, explaining that it narrows undefined terms, clarifies that the General Court has supremacy over local regulation, allows damages actions for violations of preemption law, and adds language limiting agency rules unless specifically authorized by statute. She also described a three-year sunset and a delayed effective date for new rules so existing rules could continue temporarily while the legislature considers any needed statutory carveouts. Members then debated the practical effect of the language, especially whether it would bar agencies from adopting internal employment rules or instead require those rules to come through JCAR and be tied to express statutory authority. Several examples were discussed, including state plow drivers, corrections employees, and other workers who may need to carry personal defense tools in the field. The committee also discussed a provision making a plaintiff a prevailing party if a municipality changes a challenged policy after suit is filed, and a clause stating that good faith or advice of counsel is not a defense, though it may be considered in mitigation. The discussion narrowed to the difference between the House approach, which some members read as an absolute prohibition on agency rules in these areas, and the Senate approach, which some members said would allow rules only when an agency can point to express enabling authority and JCAR can review them. Members agreed that the goal was to prevent agencies from adopting rules that conflict with the statute while still allowing legitimate safety-related regulations where the legislature has authorized them. The conference took a recess and later resumed with the chair stating the parties had reached an agreement in principle based on the latest Senate language, and Representative Leyon was asked to continue reviewing the draft line by line for remaining concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• :53.240><c> byc><00:02:53.400><c> ac><00:02:53.480><c> littlec><00:02:53.840><c> bitc><00:02:
• /c><00:07:57.800><c> bec><00:07:57.920><c> herec><00:07:58.160><c> andc><00:07:58.320><c> Ic>
• c><00:08:44.160><c> So,c><00:08:44.320><c> itc><00:08:44.400><c> wasc><00:08:44.480><c> ac>
• ><c> surec><00:10:29.000><c> thatc><00:10:29.160><c> thec> types of resources to make sure that
• the types of resources to make sure that the veteran<00:10:29.600><c> isc><00:10:29.680><c> aware<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Veterans met on March 4, 2026, and began with a moment of silence honoring Sergeant First Class Nicole Amore of White Bear Lake, who was killed while serving in Kuwait. The committee then took up Senate File 3956, an MDVA policy bill giving the commissioner clearer authority to direct staff time and other non-monetary resources toward partnerships with organizations serving veterans, especially on food insecurity, homelessness, suicide prevention, and related efforts. MDVA and Disabled American Veterans testified that the bill would help them work more quickly and clearly with outside partners, including food pantry and outreach efforts, while remaining focused on non-monetary support. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment narrowing the bill to the three named priorities and removing the broader “other critical issues” language; the amendment was adopted after discussion about whether the reporting language also needed adjustment. SF 3956, as amended, was laid over for further consideration. The committee then heard Senate File 3955, which would create a new procedure for temporary closure of a Minnesota veterans home if an involuntary termination notice requires it, bringing state law into closer alignment with federal expectations. MDVA emphasized that it had no intention of permanently closing any veterans homes and that the bill was intended only to establish a temporary closure plan to satisfy survey requirements. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment clarifying that any closure would be temporary unless the legislature approved a permanent closure; MDVA and the Department of Health indicated the change was acceptable. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted to recommend SF 3955, as amended, to pass and refer it to the full committee. Finally, the committee began Senate File 4072, an MDVA cleanup and conformity bill. After adopting a technical A3 amendment, MDVA explained that the bill would reclassify the Chief of Staff/Deputy Chief of Staff role as Deputy Commissioner for Administration to better reflect the scope of the position, and would also repeal outdated statutes related to environmental hazards assistance and a data-collection requirement that the department said it could not implement. The bill was still being presented when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SF 4072 was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> withc><00:11:23.680><c> onec><00:11:24.000><c> itemc><00:11:25.120><c> umc><00:11:25.519
• ><c> upc><00:11:50.399><c> wec><00:11:50.839><c> havec> security.
• ><c> Umc><00:15:53.560><c> andc><00:15:54.560><c> Ic><00:15:54.880><c> knowc><00:15:55.920><c
• c><00:18:41.200><c> andc><00:18:41.520><c> wec><00:18:41.679><c> arec><00:18:41.840><c> inc
• c><00:20:22.000><c> Ic><00:20:22.400><c> havec><00:20:22.720><c> onc><00:20:23.039><c> myc>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees on Education and Higher Education first heard HCR 75 and HR 67, which ask the Department of Education and the University of Hawaiʻi to assess criteria for building an educational pipeline and curriculum for advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. The Department of Education said it would stand on its written testimony, and UH supported the measure, noting existing community college and four-year programs related to the topic. Members asked how DOE promotes cybersecurity opportunities and whether it provides funding; DOE said schools usually connect with partners and its office works with them, but it does not have separate funding for such efforts. UH also explained that some advanced manufacturing concepts may overlap with 3D printing, material sciences, and entrepreneurship, and described P20 as a forum for aligning K-12 and higher education pathways. The committees then recessed the joint hearing and moved to the Education Committee agenda. The committee next heard HCR 46 and HR 39, which would make DOE recreational facilities available to the public during non-peak hours and non-school days. DOE said it already uses facilities agreements with insurance, liability waivers, indemnification, and certificates of insurance to protect schools. The Attorney General opposed the resolutions, warning that unrestricted public use without safeguards could create substantial liability and cost risks for the state. The measure’s introducer said the goal was to help underserved communities that lack access to public recreation spaces, and DOE said it would be open to joint-use arrangements with larger organizations but remained concerned about vandalism and liability. The committee also heard HCR 86 and HR 80 on creating an Aloha Civics working group, with DOE offering comments and Common Cause Hawaiʻi strongly supporting the idea. DOE described a civic learning and engagement task force that met with stakeholders, including UH and the PACE Commission, and produced recommendations such as building partnership inventories, integrating civic learning across grade levels, and aligning the work with DOE’s HA framework and learner outcomes. Common Cause said civic education can be implemented effectively and affordably, citing existing school projects such as ranked-choice voting and classroom constitutions. Later, the committee took up HCR 87 and HR 81, urging an annual Climate Week in public schools. DOE again stood on written comments, while the Climate Change and Health Working Group, Climate Future Forum, a student from Kaimuki High School, and other supporters argued that a dedicated week would ensure consistent climate education, build resilience, and connect climate issues to health, food security, and disaster preparedness. Supporters said existing climate-related opportunities are uneven across schools and that a formal Climate Week would create a more equitable approach. The committee then heard HCR 95 and HR 91 on informing students about changes to gun safety and storage laws; DOE asked for clarification on the measure’s intended outcome, and one individual testified in support. Finally, the committee heard HCR 104 and HR 100 on strengthening farm-to-school initiatives. DOE said it is already working to improve menus, emphasize local products, and meet with distributors to increase local procurement, while the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience offered food science, nutrition, and extension support. Climate Future Forum, the Hawaii Youth Food Council, and other supporters said farm-to-school efforts are important for student health, local farmers, and food sovereignty, noting that local food procurement in schools remains far below the state’s 30% by 2030 goal. DOE explained it is trying to provide distributors and farmers with more predictable demand and is meeting with distributors to set up next year’s supply chain.

Transcript Highlights:

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Bills: HF1, HF1754, HF1809, HF1478

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud

Transcript Highlights:

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• :07.760><c> andc><00:03:07.920><c> thec><00:03:08.080><c> reasonc><00:03:08.239><c> wec> House
• <c> thingsc><00:03:20.319><c> inc><00:03:20.720><c> thec><00:03:21.200><c> umc> Um, so there's
• c><00:03:27.280><c> Ifc><00:03:27.440><c> youc><00:03:27.599><c> goc><00:03:27.760><c> down
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Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The committee of conference spent most of its time on Senate Bill 96, which deals with educator conduct and when information may be withheld from parents. The main dispute was over the House-amended language on violations and the “compelling state interest” standard. The Senate sponsor objected to extending penalties to third-party medical or mental health contractors and to language suggesting psychological or emotional injury to a child would not constitute a compelling state interest. The House side argued its draft was intended to keep the bill focused on credentialed educators and administrators, to include parents or guardians, and to avoid creating competing standards by relying on existing abuse definitions in statute. The House also added a requirement that any withholding of information be documented and reported to the school board in nonpublic session, and both sides discussed whether educators, administrators, nurses, and guidance counselors would be covered under the statutory definition of educator. The discussion also covered enforcement and penalties. The House draft proposed that an educator found to have willfully violated the law could have a credential suspended for a first offense and would face a minimum one-year suspension for multiple offenses, while the Senate raised concerns that this was too rigid and did not allow enough discretion or address revocation. The House later explained that the department would still have discretion on first offenses and that the one-year rule applied only to multiple offenses. Another point of disagreement was a three-year statute of limitations for investigations, which the House said was meant to prevent “witch hunts,” while the Senate noted New Hampshire’s constitutional prohibition on retroactive laws. After caucusing, the Senate rejected the House amendment, and the House then voted non-concur; the committee of conference adjourned without agreement. The transcript then moved to Senate Bill 87, concerning one-day liquor license requirements and allowing salons and barber shops to obtain on-premise licenses. The members discussed a House amendment that would allow two drinks instead of one, with supporters saying the change reflected the longer time customers may spend in salons and that alcohol service would still be covered by existing training requirements, including the EDGE course. Opponents worried that allowing multiple drinks would create over-serving and enforcement problems and could complicate business practices. After discussion, the Senate member agreed to go along with the House position, and the bill was reported ready for final sign-off.