Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:10.720> It's<00:10:11.040> guaranteed constitutional right?
• It's guaranteed constitutional right?
• Do you have an amendment like clarity.
• in the amendment she just spoke<01:29:19.679> about.
• agreeable if there was an amendment agreeable if there was an amendment saying<01:38:49.760>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:26:51.760> kingdom made its own constitution, kingdom made its own constitution, kingdom
• :54.880> that constitution.
• We do have a slight amendment.
• We do have a slight amendment.
• pass with amendments. Chair votes I. pass with amendments. Chair votes I.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard multiple gubernatorial nominations to island burial councils, with testimony focused on the importance of filling vacancies so the councils can reach quorum and fulfill their kuleana to protect iwi kūpuna and burial sites. For GM 674, Kavuna Khalipi was introduced as OHA’s nominee for the Molokaʻi burial council, with OHA, SHPD, and several community members testifying in support and describing her cultural grounding, community service, and experience in mālama ʻāina. Testifiers also stressed that burial councils are essential for protecting ancestral remains and that prolonged vacancies have left sacred sites vulnerable. Khalipi herself said she was honored to serve but expressed concern about accepting the appointment without quorum, saying she did not want to waste a term if the council could not function effectively. The chair explained the Senate advice-and-consent process and the consequences of inaction, and after discussion Khalipi asked to pull her nomination from the committee. The chair then deferred decision-making on GM 674 until April 10 at 1 p.m. to clarify the process and avoid unintended rejection. The committee then heard testimony on GM 676, Dane Maxwell for the Maui and Lānaʻi burial council, GM 677, Noani Parisa, GM 678, Caroline Hartman, and GM 679, Benedict Duman. Supporters, including SHPD and OHA, highlighted each nominee’s cultural knowledge, preservation work, genealogy, and experience with burial or historic preservation matters. Testimony repeatedly linked the nominations to the need for functioning burial councils, especially in light of the 2023 Maui fires and long-standing vacancies. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated votes would be taken at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• um I think we will bring the amendments um I think we will bring the Amendments<00:03:58.680> as<
• The amendment is adopted. Mr.
• :24.760> Amendment<02:09:25.840> 2025 to move Amendment 2025 to move Amendment 2025 d414
• appeared to be Amendment 1162.
• We have another amendment. Amendment I do not—if that was your question.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met to review Division One of a very large budget package, with the chair explaining that the budget was being analyzed in three divisions over multiple days. Members first discussed procedure, including when amendments and line-item votes would be taken, and agreed to proceed with the division’s presentation before questions. Representative Maguire then outlined the division’s approach as a series of tradeoffs to close a large budget gap, emphasizing cuts, some revenue changes, and a focus on overall spending levels as well as individual reductions. The presentation covered a wide range of agencies and policy areas. Major proposed changes included cuts or eliminations to several boards and commissions viewed as costly or duplicative, such as the Housing Appeals Board, Board of Tax and Land Appeals, Human Rights Commission, Commission on Aging, Office of the Child Advocate, and the Personnel Appeals Board, with some functions consolidated into other boards. The division also proposed back-of-the-budget cuts to the Information Technology Department, Judicial Branch, Justice Department, Retirement System, Corrections, and Environmental Services, along with fee increases in several areas. Other notable items included ending marketing for Paid Family Leave, reducing job advertising and tourism promotion, defunding the Arts Council, moving liquor enforcement functions out of the Liquor Commission, and shifting some funds such as the College Savings Commission money to Division Two. Several members questioned specific cuts, especially the elimination of the Council on Aging, the reduction in regional planning commission grants, and the large cut to tourism advertising. Maguire defended the choices as necessary budget tradeoffs, arguing that some programs duplicated work done elsewhere, that regional planning grants were not among the most essential items, and that tourism promotion was a form of spending he viewed skeptically. He also explained that the public defender’s budget was partially restored after a credible claim of a governor’s budget error, and that the committee would continue refining corrections-related cuts because the House was only halfway through the budget process and further changes could still occur in the Senate and conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• CHAIR THAT IS THE AMENDMENT. >> Chair Calatayud: QUESTIONS ON THE AMENDMENT, SEN. HARRELL. >> Sen.
• THE BILL HAS AN AMENDMENT, WE TOOK THAT UP FIRST?
• ARE THERE ANY APPEARANCE FORMS FOR THE AMENDMENT? ANY DEBATE ON THE AMENDMENT?
• ADOPTED, QUESTIONS ON THE BILL AS AMENDED?
• ANY DEBATE ON THE BILL AS AMENDED?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the amendment. I haven't explained the amendment.
• That is the amendment. Having explained the amendment, any questions of the amendment sponsor?
• You actually have two amendments to the amendment.
• amendment?
• Okay, so we are back on the amendment as amended. Any questions on the amendment as amended?

Summary: The committee heard several bills and amendments, beginning with CS/SB 498 on trust fund interest for IOTA accounts. The sponsor said a 2023 Florida Supreme Court rule sharply increased interest paid into legal aid funding, creating a windfall and making participation difficult for banks. An amendment was adopted requiring savings institutions to pay the higher of 0.25% or the highest comparable rate offered on certain non-IOTA accounts, and the bill then passed favorably after testimony from banks, legal aid representatives, and other stakeholders both supporting and opposing the measure. The committee also approved CS/SB 232, which clarifies Florida’s consumer collection law applies only to phone calls during restricted hours and not emails or text messages, after a delete-all amendment and supportive testimony from industry groups. It then approved SB 132, as amended, to designate gold and silver as legal tender and set rules for custody, audits, electronic transfer, and government acceptance of payments; supporters called it a sound-money measure, while the banking association said it still had unresolved technical concerns. Later, the committee passed SB 1466 to create a trust fund for the My Safe Florida Home Program, with an amendment funding it from 20% of collected insurance premium tax revenue. It also considered SB 1206 on transportation network company insurance, reducing coverage during the “dead-leg” period before a rider is picked up from $1 million to lower limits; the bill drew sharp opposition from trial lawyers and support from insurers and some business groups, and the committee adopted a clarifying amendment before reporting the bill favorably. Finally, CS/SB 924 on fertility preservation for cancer patients was amended several times to narrow scope and clarify coverage rules, then passed favorably after debate over cost, preauthorization, and post-treatment storage obligations. The committee adjourned after allowing technical and conforming changes to implement the adopted amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Both the Florida Constitution and our statutes provide broad home rule powers for local governments.
• Before the adoption of the 1968 Florida Constitution, counties and municipalities only possessed the
• The 1968 Florida Constitution authorizes home rule powers for charter counties and municipalities.
• The 1968, Florida Constitution authorizes home rule powers for charter counties and municipalities.
• But one of the second concepts that was embodied in the Constitution was that local ad valorem...

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee held its first meeting of the 2025 session and focused on an overview of county and municipal home rule powers and state preemption. After roll call and member introductions, Chair Alex Rizzo and Vice Chair Griff Griffiths explained the constitutional and statutory basis for local self-government, the distinction between charter and non-charter counties, and how express and implied preemption limit local authority. Griffiths emphasized that home rule gives local governments broad power to address community needs, but the Legislature can override that authority through clear preemption, with courts ultimately deciding disputes. Representatives Holcomb and LaMarca added that local issues should generally be addressed locally first, but statewide standards can be appropriate when uniformity is needed or local action is ineffective. The committee then heard from a panel representing counties, cities, business, and construction interests: Ginger Delegal of the Florida Association of Counties, Carolyn Johnson of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Rebecca O'Hara of the Florida League of Cities, and Carol Bowen of Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida. Delegal and O'Hara argued that home rule is rooted in local autonomy, policy experimentation, and accountability to voters, and warned against broad or “vacuum” preemptions that remove local authority without replacing it with state regulation. Johnson and Bowen supported preemption when local rules create a patchwork that hurts statewide competitiveness, raises costs, or complicates business operations, citing examples such as labor rules, heat safety, permitting, and procurement preferences. The panel also discussed the 2023 local ordinances law, which requires business impact estimates and provides attorney’s fees in certain challenges, as a mechanism to resolve disputes locally before resorting to preemption. Members questioned the panel about the 2024 heat-safety preemption and how to protect workers in the absence of local ordinances. Business representatives said existing OSHA duties and industry best practices already require employers to provide safe conditions, while local governments and the state should avoid inconsistent standards across jurisdictions. Another discussion centered on construction permitting, licensing, and local boards that may slow projects and increase costs; Bowen suggested eliminating redundant local fees and barriers while preserving statewide licensing and enforcement against bad actors. No votes were taken, and the meeting remained informational, with the chair inviting continued discussion on when preemption is appropriate versus when local governments should retain authority.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Outdoor Heritage Fund is a result of the constitutional amendment in 2008.
• The Outdoor Heritage Fund is a result of the constitutional amendment in 2008.
• <00:07:24.400> amendment<00:07:24.880> in of the con constitutional amendment in of
• the con constitutional amendment in 2008. 2008. 2008.
• <00:11:12.560> Amendment The Land and Legacy Constitutional Amendment, which for 25 years

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is Community Rehabilitation Program amendments.
• Motion to amend by striking lines 5405 through 5415.
• So the motion is to amend by striking lines 20 and 21...
• All right, the motion is to favorably pass out Investment Zone Amendments as amended.
• amended.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current law, a constitutional county judge is entitled to an annual salary supplement from the
• House Bill 2529 increases the county supplement paid to certain constitutional county judges to allow
• a constitutional county judge entitled to an annual salary supplement from the state to receive...
• Constitutional county judges serve a great purpose at the local level in their jurisdictions.
• Chair members, House Bill 4044 amends Chapter 172 of the tax code to reauthorize the participation of

Bills: HB104, HB2434, HB2529, HB2688, HB3161, HB3486, HB3487, HB3745, HB4044, HB4226, HB4945, HB104

Keywords: Texas Future Fund, investment review board, economic stabilization, innovative technology, national defense, retirement, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, salary supplement, county judges, judicial functions, state law, government compensation, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age

Transcript Highlights:

• Under current law, a constitutional.
• county judges to allow a, to allow a constitutional county judge entitled to an annual salary supplement
• Thus, it would allow the state supplement to increase after 4 to 8 years of service as a constitutional
• Um, constitutional county judges serve a great purpose at the local level.
• A county judge can alleviate the need to create a new constitutional court or new county court at law

Bills: HB104

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tax rate election, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, de minimis rate, local government, special district, tax increase, tax notice, public hearing, tax code, Health and Safety Code, Texas property taxes, taxing unit, election threshold, two-thirds vote, majority vote, budget approval

Transcript Highlights:

• , the courts, the court system has to check that when it kind of runs against whether it's the constitution
• , the courts, the court system has to check that when it kind of runs against whether it's the constitution
• <00:07:54.639> Um,<00:07:55.039> and constitution, the rule of law.
• Um, and constitution, the rule of law.
• If not, Senator Gabard's recommendation to pass when amended.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 158, which had been amended from an automatic voter registration-related request to a resolution urging the administration to follow the law and comply with federal court orders. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from the League of Women Voters of Hawaii, the Democratic Party of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Hawaii women lawyers, and others. One witness spoke against automatic voter registration, warning it could be exploited by bad actors, though the chair clarified that the amended resolution was focused on court orders rather than AVR. Members asked questions about whether states or Congress can enforce compliance with court orders and whether there were historical examples of presidents refusing to follow them. The response emphasized separation of powers, checks and balances, and the importance of state support for the rule of law. The committee then voted to accept the proposed SD1 for SCR 158; the measure passed with one no vote recorded from Senator Awa. The committee also took up SCR 154, a resolution supporting implementation of applicable United Nations Human Rights Council universal periodic review recommendations. No testimony was received on that measure, and it was deferred. In a later decision-making agenda item, the committee considered a measure directing the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to include circuit and district court facilities in planning new correctional centers and to establish a release procedure away from residential communities and public spaces; the committee recommended passage as amended, and the measure passed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• They based it on the constitutional law.
• can trump a state constitution.
• Constitution Article 1, Section 10, Clause 1? Mm-hmm.
• So if for any reason any state If the ICPC goes overboard over the Texas Constitution, then we.
• It needs amendment. I have some very specific concerns about the specifics of this bill.

Bills: HB26, HB140, HB141, HB142, HB215, HB26, HB140, HB141, HB142, HB215

Keywords: Medicaid, nutrition support, maternal health, chronic conditions, pilot program, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child protective services, child abuse investigations, child neglect, child exploitation, advisory committee, Family and Protective Services Council, council abolition, foster care, due process, investigative procedures, child welfare, parental rights, family preservation services

Transcript Highlights:

• Any questions on the amendment? Chair: Any public testimony on the amendment?
• Chair: Any questions on the amendment? Any public testimony on the amendment?
• But that is the amendment. Chair: Any questions on the amendment?
• And that is the amendment. Mister Chair. Any questions on the amendment?
• Representative Roach: This bill is about the First Amendment, our Constitution, and what it means when

Transcript Highlights:

• Passed through the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Constitutional Amendment in 2008.
• As Senator Her said, in 2008 voters passed the Legacy Constitutional Amendment, which for 25 years provides
• The Legacy Constitutional Amendment created four dedicated funds for outdoor heritage, clean water, parks
• The Legacy Constitutional Amendment created four dedicated funds for outdoor heritage, clean water, parks
• constitutional amendment to make that constitutional amendment to make that happen,<00:56:11.880

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . uh they felt like that great amendment. uh they felt like that great amendment. uh they felt like that
• HB202 is offered to amend legislation. HB202 is offered to amend legislation.
• In amending these laws, it decisions. In amending these laws, it decisions.
• law which is very 1979 amended law which is very 1979 amended law which is very necessary.
• I amendment on the 45day provision. I amendment on the 45day provision.

Bills: HB265, HB146, SB254, HB202, HB3, HB42, SB18

Keywords: resisting arrest, penalties, criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, youthful offender, capital murder, victims' rights, SB254, Alabama, statute of limitations, civil procedure, civil action, sex offense, sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, survivor rights, tolling, disability, minor plaintiff

Transcript Highlights:

• Until that point, we remain opposed unless amended. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
• For that reason, right now we're opposed unless amended. Thank you.
• And the committee for working with us on amendments. Thank you, thank you.
• We have an opposed-unless-amended position on this bill.
• It's a constitutional mandate. Yeah, I think it's Article 14. I'm not sure.

Summary: The Assembly Insurance Committee met as a subcommittee and heard several bills focused on insurance transparency, wildfire mitigation, market access, and workforce issues. AB 75 would require insurers to give homeowners 30 days’ notice before collecting aerial images of their property and allow homeowners to review those images; supporters said it would improve privacy and prevent inaccurate non-renewals, while consumer and industry groups both sought amendments. AB 234 would add the Assembly Speaker and Senate President pro Tem, or designees, as non-voting members on the California FAIR Plan governing committee; the Department of Insurance supported it as an oversight measure, while Consumer Federation of California said it was only a small first step toward broader transparency reforms. AB 428 would let water corporations join joint powers authorities for pooled insurance, with supporters citing rising insurance costs for small water systems and no remaining opposition after amendments. AB 943 would streamline producer pre-licensing education by removing the 20-hour per-line requirement while keeping ethics training; industry sponsors said it would reduce barriers to entry, while consumer advocates warned it could lower professional standards. AB 1209 would create a pathway for cannabis employers to secure workers’ compensation coverage and related services through a state-coordinated network; supporters said it would help bring the industry into compliance, while one member raised concerns about creating a special carveout for a federally restricted industry. AB 1 would require periodic review of the state’s Safer from Wildfire regulations every five years, and it drew broad support from the department, insurers, local governments, and industry groups as a way to keep wildfire mitigation incentives current. The committee also took up a consent calendar including AB 69, AB 487, and AB 570, all of which were sent to Appropriations. The committee approved AB 75 to Privacy and Consumer Protection, AB 234 to the Assembly Floor, AB 428 to Local Government, AB 943 to Appropriations, AB 1209 to Business and Professions, and AB 1 to Appropriations. Most measures passed on strong or unanimous votes after members added coauthor requests and expressed support for the bills’ consumer protection, transparency, or wildfire-related goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is adopted. Question now is on ordering the bill to a third reading as amended.
• The amendment is adopted. Question now is on ordering the bill as amended to a third reading.
• The amendment is adopted. Question now is on ordering the bill to a third reading as amended.
• Amendment is adopted. Question now is on ordering the bill as amended to a third reading.
• The amendment is adopted. Question now is on passing the bill to be engrossed as amended.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several Senate and House bills, mostly under suspension of the rules, and advanced a number of measures to third reading or engrossment. Early in the session, the House dealt with a Senate bill on student learning and mental health by insisting on its position and appointing a committee of conference. It also referred a Senate petition on alleviating poverty to the Committee on Children and Families after the House declined to concur with a Judiciary referral. The chamber then considered and advanced multiple Ways and Means bills, including legislation on police interactions with people with autism spectrum disorder, honoring Blue Star families, land conveyance in Bolton, newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus, affordable housing and cultural space in Brighton, increasing access to epinephrine, and civil rights and technology. Several bills drew extended floor debate. Supporters of the epinephrine bill emphasized its life-saving purpose and described the death of Michael Brown as a catalyst for the measure; the House adopted the bill after a roll call vote of 149-0. The newborn CMV screening bill also prompted substantial testimony in favor from public health advocates and parents, who argued that universal screening would enable earlier treatment and reduce long-term harm; an amendment to add other rare diseases was withdrawn, and a later amendment creating a broad opt-out was defeated 1-153 before the bill passed 154-1. The civil rights and technology bill focused on banning weaponized drones and robotic devices, restricting misuse, and preserving law enforcement and civil liberties; it passed 154-1. The Blue Star families bill, creating commemorative plates for families of fallen law enforcement officers, passed 156-0 after emotional remarks from members and supporters. The House also passed without recorded opposition a bill facilitating better interactions between police and people with autism, and it approved a Bolton land conveyance bill and the Brighton affordable housing/cultural space bill. The chamber observed moments of silence for former Congressman Barney Frank and State Trooper Kevin Traynor, welcomed several guest groups, and concluded by adopting an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• We reviewed grant agreements and amendments.
• We tested grant payments, amendments.
• constitutes fraud. constitutes fraud.
• <01:43:28.280> it was 600,000 and after four amendments it was 600,000 and after four amendments
• <01:43:41.360> cuz process of all of these amendments cuz process of all of these amendments

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, there’s an amendment I can explain. Mr. Chairman, there’s an amendment I can explain.
• I’m going to move the amendment first. Madam Vice Chair, would you please move the Gress amendment?
• Vice Chair, please move the bill as amended. Mr.
• Chairman, there is an amendment I can explain.
• Madam Vice Chair, please move 2382 as amended. Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, from this resolution to the bill, there can also be amendment.
• I did not vote on the fiscal session constitutional amendment when it came through, probably before my
• On the fiscal session constitutional amendment when it came through, probably before my time.
• It's a part of the Constitution.
• Basically, it is to amend the IDEA bill that we passed last session.

Summary: The committee first considered House Resolution 1016, presented by Rep. Marcus Richmond, which sought permission to file a bill aimed at consumer protection in certain housing arrangements where buyers purchase an interest in an entity rather than the property itself. Richmond said the measure was intended to improve transparency, prevent deceptive real estate practices, and ensure disputes would be handled in Arkansas or federal courts rather than private tribunals. Members raised concerns about overlap with existing law, possible effects on homeowners associations, arbitration clauses, hunting clubs, religious organizations, and the bill’s 25-acre exemption. After discussion, the committee voted down the resolution. House Resolution 1006, by Rep. Bart Schultz, proposed increasing the homestead tax credit by $75, from $600 to $675, using a fund created for property tax relief. Schultz argued the increase was supported by the annual report on the fund and was timely because of higher costs for gas and groceries. Members asked about using special language instead, whether the increase could be made retroactive later, and whether the governor had included it on the call. The committee approved the resolution. The committee then heard House Resolution 1007, presented by Sen. Brian King and Rep. James Eaton, which would have changed how turnback sales tax revenue is distributed to counties, with the first $150 million of sales tax revenue going into a fund for county infrastructure and each county receiving an equal share. Supporters said it would help counties with roads, jails, water, sewer, and other critical needs, while opponents questioned whether taking revenue off the top would harm other state services and whether the issue was urgent enough for a fiscal session. The resolution failed. House Resolution 1008, by Rep. Jim Wooten and Sen. King, sought changes to the LEARNS Act and school choice funding, including performance-based eligibility and reporting requirements. Wooten argued the program was financially unsustainable and that accountability was needed; members questioned whether the proposal would create a larger emergency and whether it should instead be handled through budget language. The resolution failed after a point of order interrupted the closing remarks. Finally, House Resolution 1009, presented by Rep. Ron McNair and Sen. King, aimed to restore local control over crypto mines and data centers, citing concerns about water use, electricity demand, Chinese ownership, and litigation tied to prior legislation. Members questioned whether the issue was truly emergent and whether the resolution was the right vehicle. The resolution failed. House Resolution 1015, by Rep. Howard Beatty, proposed amending the prior IDA bill to address concerns raised by constituents, including board accountability and removing eminent domain authority. Supporters said it would improve the bill before next session, but the resolution also failed. The committee then adjourned.