Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your time and accepting my Zoom call. Mahalo. Testimony.
• your time and accepting my zoom call your time and accepting my zoom call Mahala<00:51:08.240>
• If I failed to call you, you can, if you're okay. We are good, members? Any questions?
• That's the right call.
• <01:56:10.639> the<01:56:10.800> Hawaii call I should have called the Hawaii call I

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Agriculture and Food Systems and Tourism hearing focused on HB 189 and HB 966, both dealing with agricultural tourism. HB 189 would require counties to adopt ordinances governing review and permitting of agricultural tourism as secondary uses on working farms, require the principal agricultural use to pre-exist any tourism-related permit, and limit ag tourism to land where productive agriculture is occurring. HB 966 would create statewide uniform standards for agricultural tourism, require county registration of activities, require ag tourism to coexist with agricultural activity on a farming operation, and end the tourism use when agricultural activity ceases. Testimony on HB 189 was mixed. The Department of Agriculture and Kualoa Ranch opposed the bill, arguing that the proposed restrictions and income-based limits could burden bona fide farms and ranches, reduce flexibility for counties, and harm food production, jobs, and diversification efforts. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism supports its food sales and community market and warned the bill could cost more than 350 jobs. The Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council also opposed the measure for similar reasons. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the bill with suggested amendments, including clearer language around agricultural dedication. The Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau supported the intent of the bill but urged caution, saying ag tourism should remain tied to actual agricultural production and that counties need flexibility to address abuses without imposing overly rigid standards. Members discussed how to define a bona fide agricultural operation and whether property tax agricultural dedication could serve as a clearer qualifier. They also raised concerns about how counties would enforce revenue thresholds or separate accounting for tourism and farm income, and whether state law should better target clearly non-agricultural uses such as gondolas or other abusive developments. The Department of Agriculture and Farm Bureau said counties already have authority to regulate ag tourism through ordinances, but that any new standards should avoid unintended burdens on true farmers and ranchers. HB 966 was then introduced, and initial testimony again reflected support for the bill’s intent from some agricultural groups and opposition or caution from others. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism can help educate visitors and support agriculture, the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported county flexibility, and the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau reiterated concerns about the bill’s income comparison provisions and the need to distinguish legitimate agricultural tourism from misuse. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• it requires that our Department of Safety and Homeland Security create and distribute what we're calling
• family has ever called him grandpa, he knows it's a scam.
• It doesn't block a law enforcement officer who has a judicial order.
• A few witnesses here are experts that maybe we can call on if need be.
• Those are all things that are already called 911 and dealt with.

Bills: HB372, HB414

Keywords: HB372, Justice of the Peace Court, Delaware courts, Title 10, court administration, judicial staffing, county courts, Kent County, New Castle County, Sussex County, Wilmington, 24-hour hearings, court locations, court hours, magistrate court, access to justice, court consolidation, Delaware General Assembly, destructive weapon, possessing a destructive weapon

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public safety, courts, and family law. House Bill 141, with House Amendment 1, would require the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to create a firearm responsibilities notice for firearm purchasers through licensed dealers, covering Delaware gun laws, safe storage, lost/stolen reporting, straw purchases, suicide prevention, and other safety responsibilities. Testimony from the NRA, Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association, Moms Demand Action, the Coalition for Safer Delaware, and Delaware State Police was uniformly supportive, emphasizing education, standardized dealer practices, and potential evidence for straw-purchase prosecutions. No committee questions were raised, and the bill was moved forward after public comment. House Bill 326 would create a new offense for theft by impersonating a family member, aimed at scams involving spoofed calls, texts, or online messages that pressure victims to send money. The sponsor described the bill as a response to increasingly sophisticated fraud enabled by artificial intelligence, and noted that a House amendment removed an original mandatory minimum jail term, leaving sentencing to the courts. No public testimony was offered on the bill. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 150 would prohibit civil arrests inside courthouses and certain Department of Labor proceedings, with the sponsor arguing that such arrests deter people from coming to court or seeking protection; the bill would allow criminal arrests and civil arrests only with advance written notice. No testimony was taken on that measure. Senate Bill 284, the First State Emergency Responders Act, would create a narrowly tailored offense for intentionally approaching within 25 feet of first responders at emergency scenes after crossing a barrier or ignoring warnings, if done to interfere, threaten, or harass. Supporters, including police, fire service, and sportsmen’s groups, said it would protect responders and preserve emergency operations, while the Office of Defense Services opposed it on First Amendment and overbreadth grounds, arguing existing laws already cover much of the conduct. Senate Bill 304 would amend Delaware’s safe school zone law to allow private schools to use trained, vetted sentries or similar security arrangements; supporters said it would give smaller private schools an affordable safety option, while the sponsor said the bill needed more work and should not move forward yet. The committee also heard Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 314, which would clarify how courts handle evidence that a sexual assault complainant previously made a false allegation; DOJ and ODS said the substitute reflects a consensus approach, and YWCA Delaware supported it as a survivor-protective reform. Finally, Senate Bill 343 would expand methods for serving child support respondents in Family Court by authorizing service through certified mail and carriers such as USPS, UPS, and FedEx, addressing cases where people avoid in-person service using doorbell cameras and other technology. The Division of Child Support Services supported the bill as a practical update that would improve timeliness while preserving proof-of-delivery safeguards. At the end of the meeting, a motion was made and seconded, and the chair adjourned the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we don't have legal is what I'd call predatory sports bookmaking: the corporations, FanDuel, DraftKings
• thing is if we're going to do this, we've got to make sure we have every possible protection and every block
• Well, we learned, among other things, a lot of them have had tripling of their calls on their gambling
• Well, we learned, among other things, a lot of them have had tripling of their calls on their gambling
• They have people who will go in: you haven’t been betting a lot this weekend, they’ll call you and say

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not called the privilege... ...country or in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• It's not called the privilege to vote. Voting is not a privilege; it is a right.
• So two years ago I was able to pass a bill here in the Commonwealth called jail-based voting.
• That is when I met who I call my mentor, Alameen Patterson, and he really encouraged me.
• It's got great lyrics by The Call: 'The Walls Came Down.'

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on S. 7 and H. 63, proposed constitutional amendments to restore voting rights to people incarcerated for felony convictions. Sponsors Rep. Erica Iderhoven and Sen. Liz Miranda argued that Massachusetts should reverse the 2000 disenfranchisement change, describing it as a recent and racially discriminatory policy that excludes thousands of residents—disproportionately Black and Latino—from civic participation. They said the amendment would put the question before voters, likely in 2028, and noted that implementation details such as domicile and where incarcerated people would register to vote would be handled separately through legislation and existing jail-based voting work. A large number of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people testified in support, many speaking remotely from MCI Norfolk, MCI Shirley, and MCI Framingham. They said voting would affirm dignity, accountability, rehabilitation, and connection to community, and several described civic education programs inside the facilities that had helped them engage with public policy. Witnesses repeatedly characterized disenfranchisement as “civil death,” linked it to racial injustice and the legacy of slavery, and urged the committee to advance the bills favorably. A few speakers also addressed practical questions about voting location and domicile, with sponsors saying those issues are not specified in the constitutional amendment and would be worked out later. Committee members asked several questions, including whether incarcerated people would vote in the community where they were incarcerated or where they previously lived, and whether future legislation could include carve-outs based on offense type or time served. Testifiers and sponsors generally said the amendment itself does not decide those implementation questions, and some said they would oppose carve-outs. One member raised a broader moral objection about allowing people convicted of serious crimes to vote; supporters responded that punishment should not erase democratic rights and that voting can support rehabilitation and reentry. No vote or final committee action was taken during the transcript provided. The hearing also briefly included testimony on a separate matter, S. 521, a proposed ratification of the federal Child Labor Amendment. Witnesses supporting that measure warned against renewed child labor rollbacks in other states and argued Massachusetts should reaffirm protections for children and education. That portion of the hearing was separate from the voting-rights discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not calling it solitary confinement.
• solitary We're not calling it solitary We're not calling it solitary confinement.<00:01:02.800>
• Um but Um so we get a lot of calls.
• It's called Um, she has her own company.
• We do know that you can still block We do know that you can still block egress<01:21:28.640>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm supposed to say this is like a long block.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction met with a quorum and considered 10 bills. The committee advanced measures on crime victims’ awards (S.156), Inspector General review of sexual assault complaints in correctional facilities (S.429), expanded substance use programming access for non-English-speaking incarcerated people (S.863), preliminary license application procedures to identify criminal-history disqualifications early (S.1048, the PLAN Act), visitation rules for local correctional facilities (S.1892B), lethality assessments in domestic violence incidents (S.2280B), breast pumps for certain incarcerated nursing parents (S.2666A), time allowances when program completion is prevented by circumstances beyond an individual’s control (S.3974), health and human rights protections for incarcerated pregnant people and their children (S.4583A, the CARE Act), and visiting policies for incarcerated individuals (S.5037). Most bills were reported to Finance; S.1892B was reported from committee, and several members noted prior Senate passage or recurring support for some of the measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to call first Senator Van Valkenberg. Senator Van Valkenberg. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr.
• So in other words, Twitter or X, or whatever we call it, right, doesn't have to...
• So in other words, Twitter or X, or whatever we call it, right, doesn't have to take your data for interoperability
• speech may ultimately be unprotected, the First Amendment sharply limits the government’s ability to block

Keywords: House Committee Room C, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, let's call the roll. Please, ma'am.
• The reason behind that is within a few blocks of my house, nine years ago, an individual—a husband and
• So, yesterday I was called by the Department of Corrections and was told they really didn't have a problem
• There's no public hearing that I believe was called by them.

Bills: SB210, SB176, SB167, SB244, SB218, SB9, SB153, SB9

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, controlled substances, unlawful distribution, marijuana, violent offense, sentencing guidelines, criminal justice, aggravated theft, employee benefits, retirement funds, criminal penalty, state law, overdose, failure to render aid, public health, Alabama Athletic Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, to be called Summer's Law, is not about politics.
• After just one phone call, Senator Rauch understood the urgency of this issue and said yes, yes to this
• like to begin by thanking Harriet Chandler for introducing me to Becca Rauch after just one phone call
• I called the homicide unit. That call changed everything. Thank you. I called the homicide unit.
• That call changed everything, but it was already too late.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a public hearing with opening remarks from Senate Chair John Cronin and House Chair Dan Cahill, followed by member introductions and instructions limiting testimony to three minutes. The committee first heard testimony on S. 2743, an act addressing staged suicides. Elizabeth Sherin Feiner of Jewish Family and Children’s Service and later Susan Altman, a domestic violence advocate, described cases in which deaths initially treated as accidents or suicides were later found to be homicides, arguing the bill would improve training, investigation protocols, and accountability in deaths involving domestic abuse. Committee members asked about current police and medical examiner practices, and one member noted that sudden-death determinations are handled by the chief medical examiner in Massachusetts. The committee then heard testimony on S. 2861, a special commission to examine school bus safety, led by Representative Sabadosa and Amanda Taylor, whose daughter Summer Steel was killed in a school bus door incident. Taylor urged adoption of anti-pinch sensor technology on new buses, saying it could have prevented her daughter’s death. Representative Sabadosa and later a Mazur USA representative supported the bill, explaining that anti-pinch and anti-drag technologies are already used in other transportation sectors and could prevent similar tragedies. The hearing also included discussion of costs and the fact that the proposal would apply prospectively to buses manufactured going forward. Finally, the committee heard testimony on S. 3021, updating Massachusetts student transportation. Ever-Driven Technologies and Chamber of Progress supported the bill, saying it would modernize Section 7D requirements for smaller passenger vehicles used for alternative student transportation while keeping core safety standards in place. They argued the change would help districts serve students experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or with disabilities, reduce costs, and expand transportation options amid a statewide transportation crisis. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after public testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to call this meeting of the Joint Interim Committee on Transportation Oversight to order.
• There is half a billion dollars that is on the chopping block for going back to D.C.
• There is half a billion dollars that is on the chopping block for going back to D.C.
• Similarly, the legislature in its review last year hired a firm called AtkinsRéalis.
• But... ...pavement association or whatever they called themselves tonight.

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The committee first received an informational update on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project from Carly Francis and Travis Brower. They described the project’s purpose as improving seismic resilience, safety, freight movement, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian access across the Columbia River, and said the updated cost estimate is $13.2 billion to $14.4 billion for the full corridor. They explained the increase from the 2022 estimate as driven by construction inflation, a more conservative inflation curve, schedule delays, more detailed engineering, and risk modeling. They also outlined the funding plan, including $2.1 billion in federal funds, $1 billion each from Oregon and Washington, and $1.5 billion in projected toll revenue, and said they are working to obligate federal funds by the end of September. The panel described a first funded phase that would include the bridge, highway connections, tolling infrastructure, bridge removal, and transit design, with light rail to Vancouver still intended but dependent on additional funding. Members questioned the risk of losing federal transit funds, whether bridge design decisions were being made with legislative input, and whether the space reserved for light rail could be used for buses if transit funding does not materialize. The committee then heard testimony on maintaining Oregon’s existing roads and bridges from representatives of Knife River, the Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon, and CRH. Witnesses said pavement and bridge preservation is severely underfunded, with ODOT needing about $400 million per year for pavement preservation but receiving roughly $100 million annually. They showed examples of deteriorating highways such as U.S. 97 and I-84 and argued that delaying maintenance leads to much higher reconstruction costs, more safety risks, and higher user costs. Knife River described layoffs and reduced work in Oregon because of limited preservation funding, while witnesses also said rising wages, equipment costs, fuel, and permitting delays are increasing project costs. Committee members asked about the role of prevailing wage, diesel equipment, hauling distances, and whether preservation work could be prioritized more effectively. Finally, economist Joe Cortright presented on recent ODOT megaproject cost overruns. He said Oregon has experienced persistent overruns driven by overly optimistic revenue forecasts, heavy reliance on debt, consultant costs, inflation above forecast, and projects that have become much larger in scope than originally presented. He cited major increases in the Interstate Bridge, Rose Quarter, and Abernathy Bridge projects and argued that some designs are far wider and more expensive than necessary. Cortright said better accountability, clearer priorities, and more disciplined project sizing are needed, and committee members pressed him on why agencies proceed with larger designs even when consultants recommend narrower, less expensive alternatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Block. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Madam Secretary.
• We call it the WOW Van, Wonders on Wheels; it's an RV. We replaced it, and we have a brand new one.
• Because we cannot keep splitting the apple and calling it two different things.
• We cannot keep splitting the apple and calling it, you know, two different things. It's education.
• I just call things for what I see. I'm black and white. To me, that's what I hear.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to call to order the public hearing with the Committee on Housing.
• for those on Zoom: please keep yourself muted and your background, um, your video off until you're called
• I can call it HHFDC to help clarify here. Sorry, Tom, I'll come back to you in a second.
• it hfdc to help clarify here I can call it hfdc to help clarify here sorry<00:40:41.200> Tom<
• On the agenda, I am calling about an order I had placed back in February, and right, right, right.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related measures. SB 38 SD2 drew mixed testimony on changes to 21H projects, with HHFDC supporting and county and community groups split between support and opposition. In discussion, members focused on how county legislative bodies can alter projects in ways that increase costs, including changes to AMI mixes and fee waivers. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, limiting county changes that would impose stricter conditions than HHFDC, stricter AMI requirements, or reduced fee waivers; the motion passed with one member voting with reservations and two members excused. A major portion of the hearing focused on SB 71 SD2, which would revise the rental housing revolving fund. Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi YIMBY, and NAAP Hawaiʻi opposed the bill, arguing it would weaken support for deeply affordable units, eliminate the 5% set-aside for households at or below 30% AMI, and create a funding gap for households between 60% and 120% AMI. Supporters of the bill, including public housing and some development interests, emphasized the need to redirect funding and make the program more flexible. In decision-making, the committee described the bill as making comprehensive changes that would narrow Tier 2 toward higher-income projects and favor shorter loan terms, then moved it out with amendments. The committee also heard and advanced several other measures with little or no opposition: SB 40 SD2 on state finances, SB 378 on HHFDC, SB 572 SD1 on housing, SB 1229 ST2 on the dwelling unit revolving fund, and SB 602 on the Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority all received support testimony and were moved forward. For SB 65 SD2, HPHA and other agencies supported the measure, and HPHA testified it sought roughly $8 million to $10 million for repair and maintenance of units not covered by CIP funds. The committee also took up SB 826 SD1 on the low-income housing tax credit, where HHFDC, the Tax Foundation, and DHHL expressed confusion over the bill’s intent and whether it would bar state agencies from using LIHTC financing; no action was taken on that item in the excerpt. SB 944 SD2 on LIHTC transferability drew support and a suggestion to keep clarifying language that notifies the tax department, and the committee indicated it would keep the provision in.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2021, in a book called The Measles Book, you wrote that parents had been...
• I was called a conspiracy theorist because I said red dye caused cancer.
• I was called a conspiracy theorist because I said fluoride lowered IQ.
• Right now, as I understand it, on their website, they are selling what's called...
• In fact, you are called the leader of the disinformation dozen. Multiple...

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, it blocks the euphoric effects of opioids. And third, it normalizes brain chemistry.
• study found that if a youth ages 16 or 17 was seeking to access MAT treatment, they would have to call
• If they are under the age of 16, on average, a family would have to call 29 facilities in order to find
• Of 16, on average, a family would have to call 29 facilities in order to find one willing to provide
• They called it, we're a little bit fat, and now we're fixing to go a little bit lean.

Transcript Highlights:

• Calling to order the Joint Committee on Ways and Means and Economic Development and Tourism.
• I've got calls from board<00:26:35.840> members.
• Um so we don't rent for call it a year.
• We're calling up Mark Lick, the Energy Office.
• We're calling up Mark Lick, the energy office. office. office.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If there's any concerns, you can, we can call you back in if we need to. >> Appreciate that, Mr.
• >> Roll call vote. House Bill 105 do pass as amended. Representative Allemand. >> Aye.
• Now, this is really what I like to call the initial split of the funds.
• This was one stumbling block for them.
• on House Bill 107. >> Roll call vote.

Bills: HB0105, HB0107, SF0002

Keywords: K-12 education, school facilities, security improvements, public funding, state appropriations, school construction, local government funding, sales tax distribution, municipal funding, economic equity, state revenue, Wyoming Legislature, legislative appropriations, Legislative Service Office, LSO budget, general fund, biennial budget, legislative branch, legislator travel, per diem

Transcript Highlights:

• Every day I take calls from people who have found an injured animal and want to find some way to help
• An overabundance of calls that I received in this first year was unreal.
• The idea that Alabamians are blocked from helping wildlife is simply not true.
• We spent countless hours on conference calls for solutions.
• In 196, Carson published a book called "Springs." It has a poetic feel to it.

Bills: HB448, HB448

Keywords: wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, good samaritan, injured animals, orphaned animals, debilitated wildlife, wild birds, wild animals, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR, permit exemption, animal rescue, animal welfare, veterinary medicine, veterinary licensing, animal cruelty, wildlife care, rehabilitation act, non-federally protected species, endangered species

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll call to order the Committee on Jobs and Economic Development. It is Wednesday, April 15th.
• loopholes or what I call waste, fraud, and abuse?
• That's been blocked in the House. And it's ridiculous that it's been happening.
• That's been blocked in the house. That's been blocked in the house.
• Senator Housley, who's not here, I also call her the hockey mom, but oh, she's not.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The hour of 8:15 having arrived, I am calling the House Commerce Committee to order.
• revised version states: "If you get this notice and then do something in bad faith to... "...try to block
• The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State handles phone calls daily from Minnesotans who are suddenly
• Article 2 seeks to address another common issue: the office receives calls from business owners across
• Okay, I call this committee back to order.

Bills: HF2543, HF2566, HF2627

Keywords: garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings levy, bank levy, execution, judgment debtor, judgment creditor, exemption notice, exempt property, bank account freeze, financial institution levy, employer disclosure, garnishee, writ of execution, debt collection, consumer debt, collections, bankruptcy exemptions, public benefits, means-tested benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll just go around the table and then we'll call on staff. Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• from our consents we're going to calls from our consents we're going to hear<00:11:35.880> about<
• <00:15:01.120> public<00:15:01.440> transit go for State one call public transit go
• Gopher State One Call, um, and— but it's not included on this list.
• larger cities are what we're calling larger cities are what we're calling those<00:30:38.600>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all