Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Benson, yes. >> Senator Brimman, yes. >> Senator Brock, yes. >> Senator Chittenden, no. >> Senator
• Clarkson, no. >> Senator Collamore, yes. >> Senator Cummings, no. >> Senator Gulick, no. >> Senator
• Hart, no. >> Senator Harrison, no. >> Senator Hashim, no. >> Senator Hein, yes. >> Senator Engel, yes
• . >> Senator Lyons, no. >> Senator Major, no. >> Senator Mattos, yes. >> Senator Morley, yes. >> Senator
• Bohosti, no. >> Senator Watson, no. >> Senator Week, yes. >> Senator Westman, yes. >> Senator White,

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We now have a Senate resolution, SR21, Senate resolution relating to U.S.
• Listen to the first reading of the resolution. SR21, Senate resolution relating to U.S.
• We now have a Senate resolution, SR21, Senate resolution relating to U.S.
• SR21 Senate RE resolution to US SR21 Senate RE resolution to US Immigration<00:11:28.480> and<
• to<00:11:44.079> US Senate resolution relating to US Senate resolution relating to US Immigration

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Aloha, Senator San Buenaventura and Senator McKelvey and other members of the Health Committee. >> Okay
• We have Senator Canora. Oh, thank you. We have Senator Canora.
• >> Okay. 2050 recommendation is a Senate >> Okay. 2050 recommendation is a Senate draft
• per hopefully co-introduced resolution per hopefully co-introduced resolution and<00:42:56.400><
• Recommendation is to Senate. Oh, sorry.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The HHS committee met in Room 224 and announced the hearing was being streamed live, with a one-minute limit on testimony. The chair explained that written testimony had already been reviewed and that speakers should either add new comments or stand on their written testimony. The committee first heard SB 2211, an emergency appropriation to the Department of Human Services. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including DHS, Aloha United Way, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities, and many individuals. Supporters emphasized the importance of maintaining SNAP-related food assistance and emergency food delivery, while Catholic Charities raised a question about whether the bill’s language would also reach food banks serving food-insecure households that are not on SNAP. No opposition was heard and the bill was moved on without questions from members. The committee then heard SB 2025, which would exempt actively practicing advanced practice registered nurses from jury duty. Testimony was broadly supportive from nursing and health organizations, including the Hawaii American Nurses Association, the Hawaii affiliate of the College of Nurse Midwives, the Hawaii State Board of Nursing, and others. One witness from Kaiser Permanente requested an amendment to include physician assistants, and a committee member asked the Board of Nursing to review that request. The bill otherwise drew no opposition and no further member questions. SB 2038, relating to medication labeling, drew the most extended discussion. The measure would change labeling requirements for certain abortion medications, and testimony was split between supporters who framed it as a privacy and access issue and opponents who raised patient safety, ethics, and transparency concerns. The Department of Health supported the intent but requested an amendment to allow quicker access to private information during investigations without a subpoena. The Board of Pharmacy said it supported the written comments but noted operational challenges and possible cost impacts, while Kaiser said compliance would likely require manual workarounds and could slow pharmacy processes. The chair and members questioned whether patients could simply remove labels themselves, but witnesses said there could still be safety and access issues if the patient is not the one receiving the prescription. The committee then moved on to SB 2050, relating to chiropractic, which received support from the Hawaii Board of Chiropractic and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association, with no substantive opposition noted. The hearing later turned to SB 201, relating to insurance, which appeared to be a new mandated-benefit measure tied to infertility/IVF coverage. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission provided comments, while Hawaii Family Forum opposed the bill, arguing it went beyond medical infertility and raised ethical and public policy concerns. Kaiser and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans both asked for a study or audit, saying the measure could create new insurance mandates and increase costs for residents and employers. Private Work Hawaii strongly supported the bill as an equity issue. The committee noted there was no quorum for decision-making and deferred action on the measure to a later hearing, then recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ihara votes aye. Senator Moriwaki votes aye. Senator Fevella is excused.
• <00:26:17.200> Senator chair and vice chair vote I. Senator chair and vice chair vote I.
• Senator Morywalki. >> Sen. Senator Morywalki. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Hi.
• <00:28:42.240> Chair's Senate Bill 1036. Chair's Senate Bill 1036.
• next item, which is Senate Bill 1163. next item, which is Senate Bill 1163.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Labor and Technology Committee heard testimony on several measures. SB 2245 would tighten revolving-door restrictions for state employees by barring new employees from acting on matters they worked on before state service and imposing a 12-month post-employment restriction for certain former Governor and Lieutenant Governor staff; the Ethics Commission and League of Women Voters supported it, and the committee later passed it as is. SB 99 would allow certain retirees to return to work as school resource officers or investigators without losing retirement benefits; the Attorney General supported the investigator portion, ERS and other agencies offered comments and suggested amendments, and the committee passed the bill with amendments, including changes from the Attorney General, ERS, and the Department of Law Enforcement, plus a far-future effective date. SB 2304, which would expand identity theft law to cover AI/deepfake or materially deceptive media impersonation, drew opposition from the Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor over prosecution burdens and First Amendment concerns, while some prosecutors and others supported it; the committee deferred the bill. SB 2115, dealing with collective bargaining impasse procedures for repricing public employee classes, drew opposition from human resources officials who said arbitrators lack the technical expertise needed, while unions and HGA supported the measure; the committee deferred decision-making to a later hearing. The committee also heard SB 1036, a net neutrality bill that would bar broadband providers from blocking, prioritizing, or zero-rating traffic. Supporters argued Hawaii needs stronger consumer protections, while the Hawaii Broadband Office said it saw no current problem in Hawaii and warned the bill could affect federal BEAD funding unless exempted; the committee deferred the measure. SB 1163 would prohibit the sale of geolocation and browser data and data collected through microphone-based background apps; Consumer Protection supported the intent but urged a broader privacy framework, and the Honolulu Prosecutor sought an exemption for lawful law-enforcement investigations, which the committee later accepted along with Hawaiian Telecom’s proposed amendments before passing the bill with amendments. SB 2076 would update publicity-rights law to address AI/deepfake uses of a person’s likeness; testimony supported the goal and amendments from the Recording Industry Association of America, and the committee passed the bill with amendments, including replacing references to AI/deepfake with “digital replica.” After hearing testimony, the committee recessed briefly to obtain quorum and then reconvened for decision-making. It adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass SB 2245 as is, passed SB 99 with amendments, deferred SB 2304, deferred SB 2115 to a later hearing, deferred SB 1036, passed SB 1163 with amendments, and passed SB 2076 with amendments. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Which is the committee resolution, reflecting and adopting or endorsing, if you will, Senator President
• Senator Rest moves the committee resolution. >> So it is before us for discussion, and just to be really
• Senator Rest has moved committee resolution reflecting Senate President Senator Champion's letter on
• > committee Senator Rest has moved committee Senator Rest has moved committee resolution resolution
• resolution reflecting<01:02:40.160> Senate<01:02:40.720> President<01:02:41.200> Senator

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ruth Hardy: yes. Senator Scott Beck: yes. Senator John Benson: yes.
• Senator Ann Cummings: yes. Senator Rebecca White: yes. Senator Ruth Hardy: yes.
• on the part of the Senate: Senator Colmore, Senator Vhovski, Senator Mley.
• Senator Colmore, part of the Senate.
• I have Senator Vhovski, Senator Mley.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Nelson. Senator Rasmusson.
• :04:49.360> Senator >> Thank you, Senator Nelson, Senator >> Thank you, Senator Nelson
• Senator Dibble. questions. Senator Dibble.
• Senator Rasmmanson. followup. Senator Rasmmanson.
• Thank you, Madame Chair and and Senator. Senator. Senator.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The hearing of the Minnesota Senate Select Subcommittee on Federal Impacts on Minnesotans and Economic Stability focused on federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, especially ICE and CBP operations, and their alleged constitutional and civil-rights impacts. Opening remarks from both parties emphasized the need for calm, cooperation, and public safety, though they sharply differed on the causes of the current situation. Republican members argued that violent criminal undocumented immigrants should be removed and that state and local officials should cooperate with federal authorities. Senator McEwen and other Democrats described the federal presence as abusive and terrorizing, citing deaths, family separations, and community fear, and called for accountability and truth-telling. The chair also held a moment of silence for Renee Mlin Good and Alex Prey before testimony began. Testimony from the ACLU of Minnesota and the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota described what they said was a large-scale federal enforcement operation, including Operation Metro Surge, with widespread alleged violations of the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Tenth, and other constitutional amendments. Witnesses cited alleged racial profiling, warrantless arrests, excessive force, denial of counsel, detention out of state, and failure to comply with court orders. They referenced specific cases involving Susan Tinure, Abdi Khadir Nure, Victor Manuel Diaz, and others, as well as reports of journalists and community members being threatened or detained while documenting ICE activity. The witnesses also said the federal government’s lack of transparency makes it difficult to know how many people have been detained or deported and argued that the harm extends to both immigrants and citizens. Committee members asked questions about ICE entering homes without judicial warrants, federal claims about constitutional limits, and access to counsel for detainees moved out of state. The witnesses said that out-of-state detention, poor locator systems, paid phone access, and lack of privacy make legal representation difficult or impossible, and that civil-rights remedies often come too late because people are removed before cases are resolved. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the committee moved from opening statements into testimony and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• on Senate Bill 2116? on Senate Bill 2116?
• Senate Bill 218. This is relating item. Senate Bill 218.
• Senator<00:31:56.240> Morwaukee. Senator Morwaukee. Senator Morwaukee.
• Any questions for Senator Senator Senator >> Morwaukee?
• Senator Ihara, I. Senator Moriwaki, I. Senator Fevella, I. Chair, your recommendation is adopted.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 2122, which would tie public service flexible spending account contribution and carryover limits to the annual IRS cafeteria plan caps. DEER supported the bill and said it would help the state keep pace with federal limits, though it suggested deleting the words “inflation/adjusted” and “for that calendar year” as unnecessary. HGA and UPW strongly supported the measure, saying state limits lag the IRS amounts and that higher caps would help employees offset rising health care costs. In response to questions, DEER said the plan has a fund balance of about $1.6 million but noted some risk if employees leave before contributing enough to cover reimbursements. The unions agreed to DEER’s suggested wording change so long as the bill still clearly required future increases to track the IRS limits. The committee then took up SB 2116, which would create a confidential process in the Attorney General’s office for anonymous complaints against public employees, with complaints forwarded to the appropriate agency and annual reporting required. DLIR and the Attorney General opposed the bill. The AG’s office said anonymous complaints cannot truly be guaranteed to remain anonymous, that existing laws already provide confidential complaint processes in specific areas, and that the AG would effectively be only a repository without meaningful authority over how complaints are handled. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying it would begin a conversation about protecting complainants while discouraging frivolous complaints. In questions, senators raised concerns about how anonymous complaints would be investigated and whether the AG could serve as an appeal body; the AG said the proposal would likely require broader changes to existing complaint laws. The committee also heard SB 218, which would amend the amount a disbursing officer may deduct from an employee’s wages to repay indebtedness to the state. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying it would create a more lenient repayment process for employees who were overpaid and should not have to repay large amounts in a single pay period. UPW said the bill would eliminate a provision allowing recovery of debts of $1,000 or less in one pay period, which it described as problematic for members. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii was listed in opposition, and additional comments were submitted by the state controller and the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly. Finally, the committee heard SB 2114, which would repeal the prohibition on certain exempt employees grieving suspensions or discharges and allow bargaining-unit members to grieve disciplinary actions. DHRD and the City and County of Honolulu opposed the bill, arguing exempt employees are at-will employees who serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and already have other legal remedies for discrimination or harassment; they also said the issue is a negotiable matter under collective bargaining agreements. HGA and UPW supported the bill, saying exempt positions have increased in number and that just-cause protections would improve recruitment and retention. Senators questioned how unions would represent exempt employees and whether the bill would change the at-will nature of those positions; no vote or final action was taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator<00:49:13.520> Koko. >> Senator Koko. >> Senator Koko.
• Senator Kuha: aye. Senator Kohley: aye. Senator Favlla: aye. Recommendation is adopted, Chair.
• Senator Kuha: aye. Senator Kohley: aye. Senator Favlla: aye. Recommendation is adopted.
• Senator Kuha: aye. Senator Kohley: aye. Senator Favlla: aye. Recommendation is adopted.
• Senator Kuha: aye. And noting the reservations of Senator Kokali and Senator Pavlla.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services opened its first hearing of the 2026 session and heard testimony on several bills, with the chair emphasizing one-minute testimony, written submissions, and live streaming. For SB 768, relating to an alternative water source income tax credit, the Department of Taxation said a drafting issue needed clarification on the $500 cap and estimated a revenue loss of $6.8 million per year beginning in fiscal year 2028. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Libertarian Party opposed the bill as an unnecessary subsidy and tax-code complication, while one supporter was noted. A member questioned the size of the projected loss and suggested future analysis of net fiscal impacts and methodology. The committee then heard SB 389, which expands a general excise tax exemption to additional health-related providers and purchases. The Department of Taxation said the change would be a minimal code adjustment but would require public education; the Tax Foundation said the bill should be framed in light of the original physician-shortage rationale for the exemption. The Hawaii National Guard and Aloha Care supported the measure, along with several other organizations and individuals, while the Libertarian Party opposed it as favoritism and tax-code complexity. A member asked about administrative burden and potential tax impact, and the department said it did not yet have a calculation but was working on one. The committee also heard SB 877, which would appropriate funds to increase Medicaid in-home services if federal matching funds are maximized, and SB 1139, which would direct DHS to expand Medicaid eligibility for children from birth to age five regardless of household income. DHS stood on written testimony for both bills, and Aloha Care, the Hawaii Medical Association, disability advocates, children’s advocates, and CARES testified in support, arguing the measures would improve access and family stability. The Libertarian Party opposed both bills, warning of higher long-term costs, entitlement growth, and reduced private-sector options. Members questioned the fiscal and programmatic differences between crisis and warm-line services during discussion of SB 787, a bill to fund a Department of Health warm line; the department said the warm line would serve noncrisis callers more cheaply than crisis staffing, and that about 34.7% of 2024 Hawaii CARES contacts were mild issues that could have been routed to a warm line. Supporters cited mental health needs after the Lahaina wildfire and the affordability crisis, while opponents argued the service duplicated existing resources and expanded government involvement.

Transcript Highlights:

• comment on Senate Bill 2145? comment on Senate Bill 2145?
• Sorry. >> Thank you, Senator.
• It is Senate Bill 2030. Uh this agenda. It is Senate Bill 2030.
• Senator Hashimoto excused. Senator Inouye excused. >> Aye. >> And Senator DeCorte?
• Senator Hashimoto excused. Senator Inouye excused. >> Aye. >> And Senator DeCorte?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2145, which would establish a statutory right for the public to record law enforcement activities in public. Supporters, including the Libertarian Party of Hawaii and the ACLU of Hawaii, said the bill would clarify First Amendment protections, reduce confusion, and provide a private right of action if the right is violated. Most written testimony was in support, while the Maui Police Department and Honolulu Police Department submitted opposition. A senator asked about existing court cases, and the ACLU witness said courts have consistently recognized a right to record officers in public so long as recording does not obstruct police activity. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2151 on emergency management. Testimony from the Office of Information Practices and HEMA focused on proposed changes to Chapter 127A, including limits on emergency powers and a two-thirds legislative override. Earthjustice and other supporters argued the bill was needed after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s Nakoa decision, which they said read emergency powers too broadly and could allow suspension of laws for long-term policy issues rather than true emergencies. HEMA opposed the restrictions, saying emergency managers need flexibility to respond to unknown, statewide crises such as tsunamis, hurricanes, war-related threats, and large disasters, and objected especially to limits on the governor’s ability to suspend public records requirements during emergencies. Several witnesses, including the Public First Law Center, said the bill was a step in the right direction but suggested amendments to better define emergencies and make clear the changes respond to the Nakoa decision. Committee members questioned whether the proposed limits would hinder disaster response and whether the legislature already has tools to override emergency proclamations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> The Senate will come to order.
• The Senate met pursuant to adjournment.
• identical Senate Bill 8791, Third Reading Calendar 77. 9043 AND SUBSTITUTE THE IDENTICAL SENATE BILL
• Motions and Resolutions. Senator Gianaris. >> Good morning, Madam ... CALENDAR 778.
• MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS. SENATOR GIANARIS.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on January 28, 2026, approved the prior day’s Journal, and then took up a series of messages from the Assembly to discharge bills from committee and substitute identical Senate bills for third reading. The chamber then proceeded through the calendar, considering measures in public health, business, labor, social services, economic development, agriculture and markets, education, county law, and general business law. Several senators briefly explained votes, including Senator Bailey, who spoke in support of Calendar 67 and asked to be recorded in the affirmative. Most bills passed with broad support, though some drew limited opposition. Notable negative votes included Calendar 64 (4 nays), Calendar 66 (1 nay), Calendar 70 (1 nay), Calendar 73 (2 nays), Calendar 77 (18 nays), Calendar 78 (2 nays), Calendar 80 (2 nays), and Calendar 92 (2 nays). At the end of the session, the Senate completed the reading of the day’s calendar, reported no further business at the desk, and moved to adjourn until Tuesday, February 3 at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also joined by Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.
• Moved by Senator Scarcella-Spanton. Seconded by Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.
• Moved by Senator Scarcella-Spanton. Is there a second? Seconded by Senator Weik.
• We have Senator Weik and Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick without rec.
• Moved by Senator Scarcella-Spanton, seconded by Senator Weik. All those in favor? Aye.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Women’s Issues Committee held its first meeting of the 2026 legislative session on January 29, with a quorum present and Senator Baskin excused. Senator Webb opened the meeting, welcomed members, and invited remarks from ranking member Senator Weik, who said she looked forward to working on important issues during the session. The committee considered four bills. S.1683, relating to the Public University Emergency Contraception Education Act, was reported to finance; Senators Weik and Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick were without recommendation. S.3866B, which would require access to menstrual products and toilet facilities in certain state public buildings, was also reported to finance, with Senator Weik without recommendation. The committee then approved S.4692, which would require free menstrual products in restrooms at private colleges and universities, and S.6227, which would add menstrual disorders to the public school health education curriculum. Both of those bills were reported to first reading. The meeting concluded with thanks to members and staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, thank you, Senator Rawlinson, for being here.
• Our third bill is S. 1812, sponsored by Senator Fernandez.
• S. 3632, sponsored by Senator Fernandez.
• Our fifth bill is 495, sponsored by Senator Harkham.
• Our seventh bill is S. 5105 by Senator Pete Harckham.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders held its first meeting of 2026, chaired by Senator Nathalia Fernandez, who opened with remarks about the committee’s recent work, declining overdose deaths in New York overall, continuing disparities in some communities, and the need to protect state funding amid possible federal cuts. She also emphasized alcohol-related harm, the importance of maintaining treatment and recovery supports, and the need to prepare for expanded gambling with downstate casino development. Senator Rob Rawlinson and Ranking Member Senator Oberacker participated, with Oberacker later praising the committee’s bipartisan approach and Fernandez’s leadership. The committee considered eight bills, all of which were advanced. The measures included S. 489 on referrals to appropriate substance use disorder service providers; a scholarship program bill for addiction professionals; S. 1812 on certifying innovative statewide substance use disorder treatment services; S. 3632 establishing a problem gambling advisory council; S. 4950 concerning payment of substances at addiction treatment centers operated by OASAS; S. 4953 creating an intensive addiction and medical services integrated services pilot program; S. 5105 directing OASAS to issue rules for providers in rural locations; and S. 5382 related to privacy protections for chemical dependency services. Several of the bills were sponsored by Senator Fernandez, while others were sponsored by Senator Peter Harckham and Senator Harkham. Discussion focused heavily on integrated care, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, the value of dual licensing and collaboration among providers, and the practical barriers faced in rural areas, including long travel distances, weather, transportation shortages, and limited broadband for telehealth. Members also noted the importance of privacy in treatment settings and the need for accessible, centralized services so people are less likely to fall through the cracks. Each bill was moved and reported either to the calendar or to finance, with no negative votes recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are here with Senator Oberacker [member_7095], Senator Helming [member_7012], Senator Ryan [member
• Next bill: Senate 1239E by Senator Kavanaugh.
• Senator O'Rourke. Yes, thank you. And again, Senator, thank you for the bill.
• Senator Borrello.
• Our next bill: Senate 4162 by Senate... We'll move to finance.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Agriculture Committee met for its first 2026 meeting and took up a full agenda of bills focused on food safety, agricultural programs, consumer transparency, and farm-related policy. Early measures included S.592 on a youth and agriculture entrepreneurship summer employment program, which was reported to finance without opposition, and S.1239E, the Food Safety and Technical Disclosure Act, which would require disclosure of certain food ingredients to the state and public and also ban three substances outright. Senator Kavanaugh described the bill as closing a loophole in federal food safety law; Senator Borrello opposed it as a state-by-state approach that could raise costs and disrupt the supply chain, while Senator O’Rourke supported it as a science-based measure with available substitutes. The bill was reported back to the board with one no vote and one without recommendation. The committee also advanced S.1783A on liquefied petroleum/propane fee disclosures, with supporters saying it would prevent consumers from being charged for improper or hidden fees and opponents arguing it should not single out state-related charges; the bill moved to the board. S.4041, creating a sanitary retail food store grant program, was reported to finance. S.4162, relating to the Fresh Connect program and local produce purchases, prompted discussion about whether state resources should instead be concentrated on the Double Up Food Bucks program; sponsors said both programs are needed and that Double Up has capacity limits, and the bill was moved to finance. Later, the committee advanced S.6286A, establishing an agricultural tax viability pilot program tied to agrivoltaics; supporters said it would address a need raised in recent hearings and work with farm groups, while Senator Borrello voted no. The final bill, S.7618 on food safety and quality date label requirements, drew debate over whether New York should act without a federal standard and whether the bill could create confusion or unintended costs, especially for dairy and other perishables. Supporters said the bill would reduce food waste and simplify the many existing date labels without forcing new labeling on those who do not already use it; members also discussed refrigeration references in the bill, and the sponsor said the language could be adjusted. The committee then adjourned and announced that future meetings will be held on the third floor in the new location.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator<00:21:11.679> Fata, >> Senator Fata, >> Senator Fata, >> that's
• >> it's Senator Abler. >> it's Senator Abler.
• Senator Muhammad, Mr.
• Senator Muhammad, Mr.
• So, um Senator<00:24:06.000> Muhammad, Senator Muhammad, Senator Muhammad, >> Mr.<00:24:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just have a quick resolution. The New Hampshire Senate presents a resolution.
• > Hampshire<00:09:39.920> Senate resolution.
• The New Hampshire Senate resolution.
• The New Hampshire Senate presents<00:09:40.640> a<00:09:40.880> resolution.
• . >> Senator Gray, yes. >> Senator Inis, yes. >> Senator Ward, yes. >> Senator Rashardy, no. >> Senator

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, just a note that all of our live stream Senate standing committee meetings are available on the Senate
• To my right, Senator Hashimoto from Maui.
• The Senate standing committee meetings are available on the Senate YouTube channel, in case you want
• To my right, Senator Hashimoto from Maui.
• >> Senator<00:16:22.320> Kedani, >> Senator Kedani, >> Senator Kedani, >&

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Will the Senate please come to order?
• <00:13:47.519> resolution<00:13:48.399> relating Senate resolution relating Senate resolution
• The question is, shall the Senate adopt the joint resolution on its part?
• >> Senator from Rutland. >> Senator from Rutland.
• >> Senator from Windham. >> Senator from Windham.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:35.440> floor caucus or discussed on the Senate floor caucus or discussed on the Senate
• Amendment 007-7 passed the Senate floor with the approval of Senator Mann, who originally offered the
• who with the approval of Senator Mann, who with the approval of Senator Mann, who originally<00:
• Thank you, Senator Seberger.
• >> Senator<00:50:04.400> Coleman, >> Senator Coleman, >> Senator Coleman, >

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Seclusion Working Group met for its final meeting on January 28 and first approved the prior meeting minutes after correcting two roll-call vote errors involving Miss Woodward. The chair then gave an extended recap of the history of seclusion policy, including the pre-2023 emergency-only framework, the 2023 ban on seclusion for children birth through grade 3, the 2025 introduction of SF 1830 to restore prior law, and the compromise amendment that allowed limited seclusion in grades 1 through 3 with added safeguards. The chair also reviewed the working group’s timeline, noting it had met from August 2025 through January 2026 and was required to submit findings by January 30, 2026. The main substantive discussion focused on the chair’s proposed timeline for eliminating seclusion and an alternative proposal from Mace. Several members criticized a Minnesota Department of Education letter that opposed parts of the working group’s recommendations, arguing it mischaracterized district practices, questioned informed consent and mental health professional provisions, and did not reflect the realities faced by schools. Members supporting the current use of seclusion said districts already use MTSS, PBIS, Ukeru, and other interventions, but still need seclusion in limited emergency situations. They also said the department’s comments felt inflammatory or unsupportive. On the timeline issue, Mace proposed allowing limited seclusion for students in grades 1 through 12 receiving certain special education services until July 1, 2036, with data collection on outcomes and related interventions. Some members supported a “runway” toward elimination, saying it would allow time to build alternatives and avoid an abrupt ban, while others said they could not support including grades 1 through 3 in any extended timeline and preferred elimination sooner. Members also questioned whether MDE currently collects enough data on law enforcement interventions and related outcomes. The meeting ended with continued discussion of the timeline proposal, but no final vote or report approval was recorded in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bailey, Senator Persaud, and two members of the minority, Senator Gallivan and Senator Murray.
• Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Senator.
• Thank you, Senator. Senator Pilebo? Yep. Certainly, Senator.
• Next is Senate Print 660 by Senator Generis.
• Next, the Senate Print 866 by Senator Bailey. An act to amend the penal law. Senator Bailey.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Codes Committee held its first meeting of the year with a 10-bill agenda, opening with brief remarks from the chair and Ranking Member Palumbo emphasizing the committee’s bipartisan tone and noting that several bills related to National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The chair also announced quorum, identified members present, and introduced the clerk and counsel. The committee discussed and reported a series of bills, many involving criminal procedure, penal law, and civil rights. Several measures focused on human trafficking and sexual exploitation, including bills addressing statutes of limitation for sex trafficking cases and a new bill to close a loophole involving 16- and 17-year-olds in commercial sex offenses. Other bills dealt with appellate review, plea-related criminal procedure issues, consent and autonomy, and executive-law changes. Some sponsors and members explained their support or concerns, particularly on appellate finality and judicial economy, but the overall tone remained respectful and collaborative. Most bills were reported out of committee, several to the Finance Committee. Recorded negatives or without-recommendation votes appeared on a few measures, including opposition from Senators Palumbo, Murray, and Gallivan on one criminal procedure bill and mixed votes on others. The final bill, Senator Mayer’s measure on commercial sex involving minors, was praised as closing a dangerous loophole and was reported unanimously, concluding the meeting.