Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:05.920> the<00:35:06.040> food<00:35:06.400> programs<00:35:06.960>
• dollars<00:35:14.320> and<00:35:14.599> uh<00:35:14.760> I<00:35:14.920>
• <00:35:18.960> which<00:35:19.240> was<00:35:19.880> uh<00:35:20.280> the
• I'm<00:35:26.599> not<00:35:26.800> very<00:35:27.000> good<00:35:27.200>
• 35:25.800> on<01:35:26.000> Earth<01:35:26.280> do<01:35:26.360> you<01:35

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:03.440> you<00:35:03.520> know<00:35:03.760> this<00:35:03.880> is
• <00:35:06.119> the<00:35:06.280> need<00:35:06.520> for<00:35:06.760> other
• <00:35:14.320> me<00:35:14.440> a<00:35:14.560> note<00:35:14.760> it<00:
• 35:14.880> said<00:35:15.040> insert<00:35:15.400> a<00:35:15.599> tax<00
• <00:35:16.320> make<00:35:16.520> more<00:35:16.680> than<00:35:16.880> 50

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those<00:35:01.360> are<00:35:01.480> simply<00:35:01.840> examples<00:35:02.520
• <00:35:25.160> for<00:35:25.280> impeachment,<00:35:25.840> quote,<00:35:26.160>
• :27.120> in<00:35:27.240> office<00:35:27.920> or<00:35:28.120> for<00:35
• That<00:35:31.400> said,<00:35:32.360> this<00:35:32.560> is<00:35:32.720> an
• <00:35:35.600> It<00:35:35.720> is<00:35:35.840> not<00:35:36.080> a

Bills: HF3900, HF1849

Keywords: permanent school fund, school endowment fund, Minnesota constitutional amendment, school aid, public school funding, State Board of Investment, investment income, distributable amount, school districts, property taxes, income taxes, voter approval, ballot question, constitutional amendment 2026, education finance, fund perpetuity, purchasing power, trust lands, swamp lands, internal improvement land fund

Transcript Highlights:

• 35:07.760> because<00:35:08.000> we're<00:35:08.240> doing<00:35:08.400> this
• with the<00:35:08.960> support<00:35:09.280> and<00:35:09.599> mentorship<00:35
• <00:35:11.680> the<00:35:11.839> vibrate<00:35:12.240> team<00:35:12.320>
• > to<00:35:12.720> come<00:35:12.800> in<00:35:13.200> and<00:35:13.440>
• :35:17.040> June<00:35:17.440> which<00:35:17.599> is<00:35:17.760> awesome

Bills: HB2437, HB1815, HB1614, HB1613, HB1612, HB2411, HB2597, HB2583, HB2474, HB1863, HB2590, HB1813, HB1838, HB2138, HB1967, HB1576, HB2139, HB1605, HB2113, HB812, HB1831, HB1707, HB2561, HB1805, HB2469, HB2472, HB2387, HB1658, HB1661, HB1664, HB1859, HB2276, HB2335, HB1656, HB2116, HB2272, HB2273, HB2340, HB2158, HB2339, HB2489, HB2159, HB2171, HB2338, HB2005, HB1952, HB1872, HB1676, HB2384, HB2614, HB20, HB1776, HB1565, HB2310, HB1975, HB1801, HB1668, HB2114, HB1972, HB1546, HB1518, HB1131, HB2208, HB2156, HB2268, HB2622, HB2581, HB2498, HB2443, HB1577, HB2033, HB2031, HB2023, HB1969, HB1973, HB1974, HB2315, HB2343, HB2501, HB2505, HB816, HB1562, HB1591, HB1853, HB1854, HB1871, HB1965, HB1966, HB1537, HB1541, HB276, HB2606, HB2270, HB1920, HB1756, HB1727, HB1718, HB1715, HB1713, HB1711

Keywords: arts education, student engagement, cultural literacy, public schools, funding, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, SFCA, Performing Arts Grants Program, arts grants, culture and the arts, history and the humanities, King Kamehameha Celebration Commission, Works of Art Special Fund, one percent for art, public art, art in public places, relocatable works of art, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, DAGS

Transcript Highlights:

• Any<00:35:12.079> objections<00:35:12.560> to<00:35:12.800> the<00:35:12.960>
• <00:35:24.480> Seeing<00:35:24.800> none,<00:35:25.119> Senate<00:35:25.359>
• <00:35:48.880> feds<00:35:49.440> have<00:35:49.760> already<00:35:50.240>
• The state actually<00:35:52.079> already<00:35:52.480> is<00:35:53.280> um<00:35
• c><00:35:55.520> just<00:35:56.079> uh<00:35:56.240> clarifies<00:35:56.720>

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, February 12, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 39 members present, heard the invocation from Reverend Meredith West, and journalized her remarks. The chamber then recognized several guest groups and observances, including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Second District Corridor 1 for “100 Q’s in Annapolis Day,” the Kent Island High School boys lacrosse team for winning the Maryland 2A state championship, Arts Day participants, Rural Maryland Council members, Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition advocates, and visitors from the Maryland Judiciary. Senators also spoke about the meaning of Kente cloth during Black History Month, and the chamber recognized a birthday and thanked protocol staff for Valentine’s Day decorations. The Senate’s featured presentation was the annual Lincoln Day speech by the Senator from the 37th District. The senator reflected on Abraham Lincoln’s life, political career, and moral leadership, emphasizing his self-education, opposition to the expansion of slavery, the Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg, and the idea that the nation’s founding principles of liberty and equality guided Lincoln through the Civil War. The minority leader praised the address, and the Senate agreed without objection to journalize the remarks. After the ceremonial portion, the Senate moved to business. Bond initiatives on the calendar were read and referred to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The Executive Nominations Committee reported favorably on a list of recess appointees, including gubernatorial secretaries, district court judges, and a state board appointee, and the report was special ordered to Monday, February 16, 2026. The chamber then began second-reader consideration of Budget and Taxation bills: Senate Bill 25, altering the cyber security technology and service tax credit, was amended and ordered printed for third reading; Senate Bill 58, creating a property tax credit for retail service station conversions, was discussed with questions about who would receive the credit and why the incentive was needed, and consideration was ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:35:02.000> think<00:35:02.240> we<00:35:02.320> can<00:35:02.480> all
• ><00:35:02.640> agree<00:35:03.120> that<00:35:03.720> we<00:35:03.920> have<
• Um,<00:35:08.320> and<00:35:08.560> so,<00:35:08.960> for<00:35:09.280> me,
• c><00:35:10.320> I<00:35:10.640> would<00:35:10.840> be<00:35:10.960> voting<
• c> for<00:35:12.120> this<00:35:12.280> bill<00:35:12.840> if<00:35:13.040><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 3279, the “Our Future Starts at Home” constitutional amendment, which would ask voters to approve a 3/8 of 1% statewide sales tax increase to create a dedicated housing revenue stream. Chair Howard said the proposal is intended to address Minnesota’s housing shortage through predictable, long-term funding, estimated at about $400 million annually for 25 years, and would be administered through a council that would fund housing vouchers, rental and supportive housing, and affordable homeownership. Supportive testimony came from coalition and nonprofit advocates, including Nelima Sitati Munene, Ben Helvick Anderson, Dakota Morgan, and Chris Berggren. They argued that Minnesota’s housing crisis requires permanent, sustained investment rather than one-time grants, and said the amendment could produce thousands of vouchers, supportive housing units, rental units, and starter homes over time. Testifiers also emphasized the need for community voice and lived-experience representation in how funds are distributed, and described the bill as a way to prevent homelessness and stabilize families statewide. Several members raised concerns that the proposal would add another regressive tax burden on residents already struggling with affordability. Representatives Johnson, Nash, Dotseth, and Myers argued that sales taxes hit lower-income Minnesotans hardest and said the state should focus more on zoning, regulatory reform, and other cost reductions instead of new taxes. Chair Howard responded that housing costs themselves are already highly regressive and that both policy reform and public investment are needed. The bill was laid over and no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• For<00:35:12.079> every<00:35:12.400> range<00:35:12.720> of<00:35:12.960> 1<
• be<00:35:19.520> employed<00:35:19.920> by<00:35:20.160> the<00:35:20.320><
• <00:35:31.520> Even<00:35:31.680> if<00:35:31.839> you<00:35:32.000> got<
• That's<00:35:37.359> who's<00:35:37.680> doing<00:35:37.839> your<00:35:38.000><
• above<00:35:43.680> that<00:35:43.920> range<00:35:44.160> of<00:35:44.400>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Human Services met to review budget items carved out in the prior session budget, including long-term care surveyor contracts, funding for local health departments, and expansion of the central laboratory. The committee approved the June 4 minutes and then heard an update from the Office of Inspector General’s Division of Health Care on long-term care certification surveys and complaint investigations. Officials said the $1 million annual appropriation for contracted survey work, along with salary increases and other resources, helped the state reduce its backlog. They reported that Kentucky completed 101 long-term care certification surveys in fiscal year 2024, up from 28 in fiscal year 2023, and had completed 186 surveys by July 7, 2025, with a goal of 40 to 50 more before the end of fiscal year 2025. Outstanding complaints fell from 1,565 at the end of fiscal year 2024 to 695 by July 7, 2025, and outstanding priority-one or immediate-jeopardy complaints were reduced to zero. Members asked about the definition of priority-one cases, survey timing, the number of facilities still overdue, vacancy rates, federal funding reliance, and the use of contract surveyors. Officials said priority-one cases involve serious harm or high risk of harm, that surveys are required within a 12- to 15.7-month window, and that the agency now has 40 contract surveyors and an outside team option. Several members praised the progress but warned that delays in surveys can endanger residents and urged continued funding and monitoring. The committee then began hearing from Mike Tuggle of the Department of Public Health on the Public Health Transformation Initiative, with Tuggle noting the legislation’s importance to public health financing. The transcript cuts off as he began his remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we also<00:35:02.880> had<00:35:03.280> an<00:35:03.520> investigation<00:35
• c><00:35:06.560> mentioned<00:35:06.880> over<00:35:07.040> here<00:35:07.839>
• 35:12.480> of<00:35:12.640> time<00:35:12.800> and<00:35:12.960> we<00:35
• So I think<00:35:16.800> this<00:35:16.960> is<00:35:17.119> a<00:35:17.280>
• <00:35:36.400> least<00:35:36.640> six<00:35:36.880> times<00:35:37.119>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and took up Senate Bill 125, sponsored by Sen. Danny Carroll, which would create a structure for evaluating and placing juveniles with acute mental illness, including a continuum of care and a process for resolving placement disputes between the Justice Cabinet and Juvenile Justice Cabinet through a judge. The committee adopted a committee substitute before hearing the bill. Carroll described several changes in the substitute, including removing language that would have made juvenile information nonconfidential in certain lawsuits, requiring public escape information to be removed once a juvenile is returned to custody, clarifying escape charges for juveniles absent without leave, and revising language about when hospitals may discharge high-acuity youth until a new facility is built. Carroll and Justice Cabinet officials Mona Wamik and Dr. Clark Lester argued that Kentucky needs a secure high-acuity mental health facility for violent juveniles because detention centers are not equipped to provide psychiatric treatment, private hospitals often refuse these youth, and current staff cannot administer the level of care needed, including intramuscular medication. They also said the bill would support two new female detention centers to help return DJJ to a regional detention model. Carroll cited prior juvenile detention crises, ongoing lawsuits, and a Department of Justice investigation, saying the bill could affect whether Kentucky faces a consent decree. Wamik said the proposed high-acuity facility would serve youth clinically assessed as needing secure treatment and would be designed to balance security with clinical care. Senators asked about how the bill would apply to a violent 14-year-old, whether the facility would simply isolate dangerous youth, what clinical care DJJ can currently provide, and staffing and cost estimates. Carroll said the bill would not change criminal accountability but would apply only if a youth were found to be severely mentally ill and need treatment placement. Dr. Lester said DJJ currently can provide only oral psychiatric medication and cannot administer intramuscular injections or the physical holds needed for acute psychiatric treatment. Cabinet staff said staffing would need to be higher than in a standard detention setting and estimated annual operating costs for the high-acuity facility at about $12 million, compared with about $8 million for a regular juvenile detention facility. No vote on final passage was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This<00:35:05.880> is<00:35:05.960> not<00:35:06.160> a<00:35:06.200> good
• ><00:35:06.400> use<00:35:06.600> of<00:35:06.680> our<00:35:06.800> time
• Recognize<00:35:24.480> the<00:35:24.560> member<00:35:24.800> from<00:35:24.960
• > it<00:35:48.960> will<00:35:49.240> be,<00:35:50.000> I<00:35:50.160>
• <00:35:58.600> west<00:35:59.560> and<00:35:59.720> not<00:35:59.960> a

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House debated Representative Hicks’ motion to place Senate File 3210 first on the calendar for the next day. Hicks said the bill, which concerns disability accommodations, had been on the general register since March 9 and had passed the Senate 46-18. Supporters argued it would strengthen the process for requesting accommodations and should be heard on the floor without further delay. Representative Niska opposed the motion, arguing the bill was poorly drafted, had not received enough committee work, and could create ambiguity in the Minnesota Human Rights Act. He focused on the bill’s use of “may” in describing failure to engage in the accommodation process and questioned how the proposal would affect existing law in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education. Hicks responded that the bill addresses the process for reasonable accommodations, not the underlying accommodation standards, and said disability advocates and the Department of Human Rights supported the language. Several members spoke in favor of calendaring the bill, emphasizing that it was bipartisan, had already moved through committee, and was important to people with disabilities. Some supporters described the accommodation process as difficult and said the bill would help ensure good-faith engagement between employers and individuals seeking accommodations. The exchange ended with the motion still under debate, with members indicating the bill would likely be taken up on the floor the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000> the<00:35:00.240> laws<00:35:00.720> that<00:35:00.960> we<00:35
• > so<00:35:07.760> as<00:35:07.920> we<00:35:08.240> talk<00:35:08.480>
• :35:13.200> me<00:35:13.680> the<00:35:13.920> the<00:35:14.560> biggest
• >> I<00:35:19.440> do<00:35:19.599> have<00:35:19.760> copies<00:35:20.160
• 35:41.760> do<01:35:41.920> you<01:35:42.000> see<01:35:42.159> how<01:35

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The working group on restrictive housing met with a quorum present, approved the August 21, 2025 minutes, and adopted a procedure to take public testimony on each agenda item with a two-minute limit per testifier, with some flexibility for follow-up questions. The main presentation came from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on restrictive housing policies and a recent outside assessment of mental health care practices at HSCF and OOTC. DCR said the assessment found strengths such as consistent medication administration and staff commitment, but also identified major problems including outdated workflows, staffing shortages, inadequate physical plant conditions, overuse of suicide/safety watch for personal safety issues, and a need for more individualized treatment plans. DCR described several corrective steps already underway: filling a long-vacant high-level mental health administrator position, adjusting evening medication passes, working with DOH on transfer and referral workflows, planning a new electronic medical records system and revised screening tools, and pursuing additional training for ACOs and mental health staff. For OOTC, DCR said the facility is overcrowded and decrepit, needs a better screening tool, and requires more mental health-specific training and staffing. For HCF, DCR said the layout limits confidential assessments and provider access, and that the proposed consolidated healthcare unit would add 43 beds, private exam rooms, and a de-escalation room. DCR also said the new unit could serve acute and chronic suicide/safety watch needs and possibly some inmates with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or significant cognitive impairment. The discussion then focused on Act 292, which DCR said is difficult to implement as written. DCR said the bill aligns with DOJ, NCCHC, and ACA guidance in defining restrictive housing, limiting duration, requiring reviews, identifying vulnerable populations, and using step-down units, but raised two major concerns: a requirement to refer vulnerable people to DOH for confinement, and a requirement for clinical assessments every 12 hours by a provider. Members responded that the law should be matched with funding and staffing, and asked what resources are needed. DCR said it submitted a request for 35 positions at a cost of about $8.6 million, and also said funding may be needed for community-based beds and contracted medical services. Members also asked about the current MOA/MOU between DOH and DCR, the working group membership, and the timeline for revisions. DCR said the group includes DCR, DOH, and governor’s office medical advisors, that a first draft is complete, and that the revised agreement should be in place by the end of the year. On staffing, DCR said ACO recruitment classes increased from five to eight, vacancy rates dropped from 34% to 24%, but OOTC still faces a projected $7.1 million shortfall and heavy overtime costs, forcing post closures and program reductions. The meeting ended with continued discussion of screening tools, including DCR’s explanation that current broad questions may over-identify people with substance-use-related symptoms as having serious mental illness, and that a more discrete tool is needed to better identify those with acute needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• > you<00:35:31.720> know<00:35:31.839> our<00:35:31.960> innovate<00:35:32.400
• :33.320> is<00:35:33.680> a<00:35:33.920> program<00:35:34.320> of<00:35:
• <00:35:38.440> hcdc<00:35:39.240> has<00:35:39.400> been<00:35:39.599> the
• c> years<00:35:42.560> now<00:35:43.440> and<00:35:43.839> um<00:35:44.000><
• :35:47.920> manufacturers<00:35:48.640> here<00:35:48.839> to<00:35:49.040> really

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism, Housing, and Economic Development and Technology began with House Bill 604, which would raise the transient accommodations tax by 1 percentage point starting January 1, 2026 and direct the revenue to the Hawaiian Homes General Loan Fund. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the bill as a source of consistent funding, while the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed it, warning that Hawaii already has very high tourism taxes and that further increases could hurt visitors, workers, and the broader economy. The committees later voted to pass HB 604 with amendments as an HD1 and to defer the date; the vote was adopted, with one member noted as having reservations in the housing committee vote and one no vote in that committee. The committees then heard House Bill 973, which would require transient accommodations brokers and others to display all resort fees, taxes, and government-imposed charges upfront in advertised prices and would establish penalties. The Office of Consumer Protection expressed concerns about the bill’s intent requirement and noted a forthcoming federal FTC rule on junk fees; the Hawaii Hotel Alliance strongly supported the measure as promoting transparency and uniformity, and a public witness also supported price transparency while questioning the size of the penalties. After questions about federal rescission of the FTC rule and enforcement authority, the committees voted to pass HB 973 with amendments as an HD1, including removal of the intent requirement and technical changes, and the recommendation was adopted unanimously. House Bill 594, relating to hotel service disruptions, would require hotel keepers to give notice of disruptions to guests and third-party vendors and allow damages. The Attorney General’s office recommended amendments to add a purpose section and savings clause to address First Amendment and contract clause issues, and Unite Here Local 5 supported the bill, saying guests are not always notified of disruptions and that the measure would improve transparency; the union agreed with the legal amendments. The committees voted to pass HB 594 with amendments as an HD1 and to defer the date, adopting the recommendation. The final measures were House Bill 448 and House Bill 449, both related to technology enablement and economic development for small businesses, including tourism-related businesses. HTDC strongly supported both bills but emphasized that technology should be targeted to the actual problem and coordinated with sister agencies rather than applied broadly; the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Chamber of Commerce also supported HB 448, and HB 449 received support from HTDC and HFIA. The committees adopted amendments to HB 448, including moving a $250,000 appropriation to the committee report, and to HB 449, including deleting duplicative language tied to HB 448 and moving a $500,000 appropriation to the committee report; both bills were passed as HD1s with deferred dates, and the hearing adjourned after the votes were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• in<00:35:01.280> weighing<00:35:01.599> in<00:35:01.839> on<00:35:02.000> on
• <00:35:05.760> on<00:35:06.000> the<00:35:06.320> the<00:35:06.800> MJSP<
• <00:35:12.160> to<00:35:12.640> I<00:35:12.880> think<00:35:13.040> even<
• /c><00:35:18.560> are<00:35:18.720> coming<00:35:18.960> before<00:35:19.280>
• us that day.<00:35:20.560> And<00:35:20.800> so<00:35:21.760> I<00:35:22.160>

Bills: HF4072, HF3691, HF4613

Keywords: workforce development, journalism, local news, internships, media training, emergency management, essential employees, public safety, law enforcement, workforce, economic development, appropriation, Twin Cities Marathon, Explore Minnesota, grants, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That is<00:35:09.680> um<00:35:10.200> dangerous<00:35:11.000> for<00:35:11.240>
• > that<00:35:13.720> there<00:35:13.960> are<00:35:14.240> a<00:35:14.320
• um uh<00:35:36.440> exemption<00:35:37.280> for<00:35:37.520> the<00:35:37.760>
• uh safe um from<00:35:45.640> a<00:35:45.680> disease<00:35:46.120> that<00:35:
• And<00:35:48.960> with<00:35:49.080> that,<00:35:49.240> I<00:35:49.280> know

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > uh<00:35:04.240> but<00:35:04.480> in<00:35:04.640> fiscal<00:35:05.040>
• optimism<00:35:06.480> only<00:35:06.720> a<00:35:06.880> 0.1%<00:35:07.839>
• last time we had<00:35:19.520> assumed<00:35:19.760> a<00:35:20.000> 2.1%<00:35
• <00:35:26.000> again<00:35:26.240> a<00:35:26.400> little<00:35:26.480> more<
• :35:55.040> 2<00:35:55.280> 5.6<00:35:55.920> and<00:35:56.160> 5%<00:35:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on reaching consensus on official Kentucky revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 through 2028, using updated S&P Global economic forecasts compared with the September presentation. Staff explained that the updated forecast relied partly on alternative data because of the federal government shutdown, and they walked through changes in national and Kentucky economic assumptions across control, optimistic, and pessimistic scenarios. The control forecast was described as slightly more optimistic in the near term but more cautious in fiscal 2027 and 2028, with GDP growth revised up for the current year and down somewhat in the outer years. The pessimistic scenario now assumed a two-quarter recession beginning in the current quarter, while the optimistic scenario was given a higher probability weight than before. The presenters highlighted several Kentucky-relevant variables that changed since September, including weaker manufacturing employment, weaker housing starts, weaker consumer sentiment, and lower expected non-farm employment in fiscal 2026. At the same time, wage and salary disbursements were revised upward in fiscal 2027, reflecting higher disposable income from tax changes, and real consumer spending was expected to be stronger in the near term. They also discussed assumptions about tariffs, business profits, the Federal Reserve, unemployment, oil prices, retail sales, vehicle sales, exports, and consumer sentiment, noting that some indicators were little changed while others shifted materially. Consumer sentiment was attributed to affordability concerns, tariff impacts, and a general sense of malaise, but was expected to improve in later years from a low base. Members asked follow-up questions about why the forecast worsened in later years and about the consumer sentiment assumptions. Staff responded that the forecast assumed larger take-home pay and refunds from tax withholding changes, along with some easing of tariff effects, which they believed would help offset a negative wealth effect from stock market declines. They also noted that S&P Global’s December forecast, which had already been published, was essentially consistent with the presentation and that the firm believed its earlier assumptions had tracked recent data well. No vote or final action was recorded in the portion provided, but the discussion was aimed at settling the revenue estimates that will underpin the upcoming branch budget bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.160> on<00:35:00.400> the<00:35:00.560> panel<00:35:00.960> and<00:35
• > that<00:35:11.760> she<00:35:12.000> just<00:35:12.160> says<00:35:12.800>
• > uh<00:35:23.839> we<00:35:24.079> need<00:35:24.240> a<00:35:24.480>
• > get<00:35:34.560> to<00:35:34.720> make<00:35:34.800> the<00:35:35.040>
• > the<00:35:36.480> worst<00:35:36.640> day<00:35:36.720> of<00:35:36.800

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the October 22, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel on accidental ingestion of illegal drug products by children. Panel members said pediatric ingestions have become the most common case type they review, with the highest-risk children ages one to four, and that fatal cases have increased in recent years. They reported that the substances most often involved are fentanyl, cannabinoids including THC products, methamphetamine, and increasingly xylazine; they also noted a decline in buprenorphine-related ingestions, which they viewed as a positive trend. The panel used several case examples to highlight recurring problems in investigations and medical response, including delayed DCBS involvement, failure to administer Narcan, inadequate drug testing, lack of child abuse team involvement, and limited or absent law enforcement investigation. They said law enforcement issues are especially common in pediatric ingestion cases and are concentrated in Jefferson County and the Bluegrass/KIPA regions. One example involved a one-year-old who died from fentanyl and Benadryl intoxication; another involved a two-year-old who died after ingesting multiple substances; and a third involved a four-year-old with near-fatal THC gummy ingestion where delayed treatment worsened the child’s condition. They also described a 10-month-old THC ingestion case that resulted in a criminal abuse conviction, which they presented as an example without missed investigative opportunities. Committee members discussed possible policy responses, including creating a more specific criminal child abuse offense or clarifying existing abuse and neglect definitions to cover unsafe access to illegal drugs, while preserving room for true accidents and prescribed medications. Members also raised the need for statewide standardization in reporting, investigation, and medical response, and suggested the panel should be able to call in agencies such as law enforcement, DCBS, judges, and hospitals for closed-session review of selected cases. The panel chair said they were already pursuing meetings with LMPD and would provide Jefferson County-specific breakdowns, and members expressed interest in additional data and agency follow-up before considering legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:19.480> Aloha<00:35:20.000> again<00:35:20.160> Michael<00:35:20.400>
• <00:35:21.400> of<00:35:21.480> PRI<00:35:21.800> work<00:35:22.040> heem
• <00:35:26.560> as<00:35:26.760> we<00:35:27.160> as<00:35:27.240> we<
• <00:35:30.079> of<00:35:30.320> a<00:35:30.480> blank<00:35:30.760> vote<
• :35:53.239> way<01:35:53.360> I<01:35:53.480> do<01:35:53.800> so<01:35:53.960

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several election-related and governance measures. On SB 176, relating to recounts, the Office of Elections supported clarifying that recount triggers should be based on the final Election Day report rather than the 6:00 a.m. next-day report, citing a 2022 recount example. The chair noted 3 testimonies in support, 42 in opposition, and 1 comment. On SB 1337, relating to the Stadium Authority, the authority supported changing quorum rules so only voting members count, explaining that the current interpretation makes it difficult to conduct business; written testimony from DBEDT was also received. On SB 289, relating to ethics administrative fines, the Ethics Commission supported uniform procedures to resolve uncontested enforcement matters more quickly while preserving due process; written support was also noted. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment on freedom of speech and money in elections. Supporters, including Community Alliance on Prisons, Our Revolution Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Common Cause Hawaii, and others, argued that money in politics distorts democracy and that the amendment would help prevent wealthy interests from buying influence. Opponents, including the Hawaii Christian Coalition and individual testifiers, argued that changing the constitution was too serious, that the proposal should be handled by ordinary legislation instead, and that the measure could create legal conflict. Deputy Attorney General Candace Park said the bill would only matter if key federal cases such as Buckley and Citizens United were overturned, and the chair thanked her for the legal input. The committee also heard SB 780, relating to election ballot disqualification, which would exclude candidates disqualified by constitutional or statutory provisions and create procedures for challenges. Opposition testimony said the bill would undermine voter choice, burden courts and election officials, and invite misuse; the Hawaii Christian Coalition echoed those concerns. Members raised questions about whether the measure would apply only to state and county offices, and the Attorney General’s office said it would follow up. Finally, on SB 1030, relating to election intimidation, supporters said firearms should not be brought near polling places or ballot drop boxes, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary and could affect lawful possession; the committee received 12 testimonies, with 39 in support. The committee then began SB 1225, a proposed constitutional amendment changing the vote threshold for legislative amendments to a majority of votes tallied, excluding blanks, spoiled ballots, and overvotes; testimony in support was heard from the LGBTQ+ Commission and others, and the discussion was still underway when the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• help<00:35:05.000> even<00:35:05.240> more<00:35:05.440> people<00:35:05.800>
• <00:35:38.200> speak<00:35:38.560> in<00:35:38.800> support<00:35:39.240>
• calls<00:35:49.599> each<00:35:49.880> year<00:35:50.720> and<00:35:50.880>
• work in order<01:35:02.159> before<01:35:02.520> they<01:35:02.760> even<01:35:
• <01:35:04.400> for<01:35:04.639> the<01:35:04.840> for<01:35:04.960> the<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Tribes<00:35:00.800> in<00:35:01.040> Minnesota<00:35:01.839> are<00:35:02.160><
• 00:35:06.160> work<00:35:06.320> quickly<00:35:06.720> to<00:35:06.960> help<
• The<00:35:12.800> staff<00:35:12.960> of<00:35:13.119> the<00:35:13.280> M
• ><00:35:20.240> for<00:35:20.480> the<00:35:20.640> tribes<00:35:21.200> is
• <00:35:28.800> funding<00:35:29.200> for<00:35:29.440> over<00:35:29.680>

Bills: HF3403, HF3410, HF3424

Keywords: HF3403, emergency rental assistance, rental aid, homelessness prevention, housing crisis, imminent risk of homelessness, eviction prevention, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aids, general fund appropriation, Minnesota revenue commissioner, poverty level, low-income housing, housing stability, family homeless prevention and assistance, emergency housing assistance, eviction, rent, redemption

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:37.599> I<00:35:37.839> I<00:35:38.160> would<00:35:38.400> hope
• Um, as I said,<00:35:42.880> this<00:35:43.119> was<00:35:43.520> a<00:35:43.599
• <00:35:46.079> and<00:35:46.400> we<00:35:46.800> have<00:35:46.960> the<
• Um,<00:35:54.160> thank<00:35:54.320> you<00:35:54.640> uh<00:35:54.800> thank
• Uh Senator<01:35:20.480> Nelson,<01:35:20.880> I<01:35:21.040> want<01:35:21.120

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > to<00:35:12.960> become<00:35:13.200> a<00:35:13.359> shareholder<00:35
• c> pay<00:35:16.640> the<00:35:16.880> farmer<00:35:17.440> at<00:35:17.760>
• <00:35:19.040> And<00:35:19.200> so<00:35:19.359> by<00:35:19.599> doing<
• c> can<00:35:25.359> be<00:35:25.440> meat,<00:35:25.680> it<00:35:25.839>
• <00:35:28.640> it's<00:35:28.880> once<00:35:29.119> a<00:35:29.280> week

Keywords: 958, all