Transcript Highlights:

• I have been in discussions with OMES and with the state purchasing director.
• ideas on how to improve the bill, including perhaps modifying existing law regarding the state purchasing
• The state purchasing director has some discretion as to disallowing contracts.
• The easiest way for us to address that is by actually working with the central purchasing office.
• So the fix to this is something the central purchasing office is getting to us.

Bills: HB4193

Keywords: procurement, foreign adversaries, national security, state contracts, compliance, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:41:16.160> and provides grants to purchase and provides grants to purchase and distribute
• But without that, I could wind up growing things that no one wants to purchase.
• 2021 I was help to buy or to purchase 2021 I was help to buy or to purchase a<00:44:58.000> farm
• <00:46:26.079> food<00:46:26.520> purchase um local food purchase um local food purchase
• recipient of two local food purchasing recipient of two local food purchasing assistance<00:48:23.720

Bills: HF44, HF2102, HF2279, HF2280, HF2281

Keywords: HF44, Casey Jones State Trail, Pipestone Trailhead, Currie Loop, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, trail rehabilitation, trail reconstruction, recreational trail, bike trail, hiking trail, infrastructure, state trail, Pipestone, Currie, bonding authorization

Transcript Highlights:

• Any establishments that want them purchase the cup from the city.
• <00:37:29.599> wrist where they do make people purchase wrist where they do make people purchase
• No more than x many at any one time of purchase, or how does that work?
• No more than x many at any one time of purchase, or how does that work?
• towards the cup fees just purchasing towards the cup fees just purchasing them<00:46:45.160>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I was so disappointed the University did not purchase it.
• I was so disappointed the University did not purchase it.
• of St Francis of the Newman purchased of St Francis of the Newman purchased the<00:38:22.880>
• <01:03:16.880> the haai History would uhb purchasing the haai History would uhb purchasing
• <01:06:57.760> um purchaser um purchaser um and<01:07:00.799> the<01:07:01.000> question

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 707, which would create a state income tax deduction for contributions to Hawaii 529 college savings accounts and conform state law to federal changes allowing 529 funds to be used for K-12 expenses. The Department of Taxation said it could administer the bill as written. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the measure but asked that ABLE accounts be included and that the program title be changed; the Department of Taxation indicated the title issue could be a problem because the bill’s expanded purpose may not fit the current program name. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 617, which would fund a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges. UH Community Colleges supported the bill, and Maui nursing staff testified that faculty recruitment is challenging but manageable, clinical placements are available, and the campus already has a statewide RN-to-BSN pathway; they said the new program would create two tracks, including a four-year BSN option. Members also heard support from several organizations, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, nursing groups, and health care associations. No action was taken. Next were several UH-related measures. HB 718 would fund faculty and staff positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine; the dean and other supporters testified in favor. HB 1279 would create a medical education liaison position tied to Project ECHO; the Attorney General raised constitutional concerns about statewide concern and grant standards, while an individual witness supported the concept but suggested the bill should focus on liaison/support functions rather than program administration. HB 1169 would consolidate conference center revolving funds, and HB 1168 would authorize up to $800 million in UH revenue bonds; UH’s CFO said both were procedural/housekeeping measures and supported them. On HB 1168, members questioned debt service, possible uses, and whether deferred maintenance would be included; the CFO estimated annual debt service could be about $33 million to $41 million at current rates, said likely uses could include student housing and research facilities, and said deferred maintenance was not the current strategy. The CFO also explained that revenue bonds require both legislative authorization and a Board of Regents resolution approving the project and amount. Finally, the committee heard HB 548, which would authorize revenue bonds and appropriations to acquire the St. Francis School campus for UH Mānoa. UH supported the bill but noted the property is privately owned and not known to be for sale. A supporter described the site as a unique 11-acre parcel contiguous to the main campus and urged the committee to seize the opportunity for future generations. No vote or final action was taken on the bills in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• purchased purchased >> A<00:11:50.040> motion<00:11:50.880> or<00:11:50.960>
• Relative<00:11:53.920> to<00:11:54.080> purchase<00:11:54.520> power<00:11:54.880
• > agreements Relative to purchase power agreements Relative to purchase power agreements for<00
• allowing utilities to sign purchase allowing utilities to sign purchase power<00:16:55.560> agreements
• Representative Thomas. >> I motion no further legislation. purchase power agreements for electric purchase

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:16.560> prohibit reason prohibit from purchasing prohibit reason prohibit from purchasing
• > from purchasing or possessing from purchasing or possessing firearms<00:05:19.880> for<00:05
• She still didn’t feel safe and went out and purchased a handgun.
• <03:39:11.239> a stuff but yes you can in fact purchase a stuff but yes you can in fact purchase
• ...relative to the purchase of pistols and revolvers in such states.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:34.240> them trade while the men who purchase them trade while the men who purchase
• But people who choose to purchase sex are doing so only because they are choosing to purchase sex and
• But people who choose to purchase sex are doing so only because they are choosing to purchase sex and
• But people who choose to purchase sex are doing so only because they are choosing to purchase sex and
• But people who choose to purchase sex are doing so only because they are choosing to purchase sex and

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Corrections reported unauthorized fuel card purchases by an employee and did not properly
• Purchases totaling just over $73,000 were made without a documented business purpose for items such as
• It should be noted that, of these purchases, items totaling $7,600 were paid by county claim, and the
• We also selected non-consumable purchases totaling $33,000 to site, and we could only account for purchases
• ; therefore, the validity of these purchases could not be determined.

Summary: The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes and then adopted reports from its executive and standing committees. The Executive Committee reported on scheduled audits, denied a special report request concerning the I-owned fire department, approved questions to the Arkansas Department of Health about Title V sexual risk avoidance education funds, authorized the Office of Property Risk to hire a CPA for its annual audit, and asked staff to gather information on circuit judge caseload assignments in Benton County. The Counties and Municipalities Committee reported progress on delinquent private water and sewer audits, including reinstatement of 19 entities after required reports were filed and 59 of 64 delinquent 2023 entities submitting reports. It also noted that Adona was now in substantial compliance with municipal accounting law, while officials from Denning and Gum Springs appeared regarding noncompliance. Of 109 current reports reviewed, 15 were referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General, two were certified to the Governmental Bonding Board, 94 were filed, and 15 were deferred. The Education Institutions Committee filed 31 audit reports, including one for Cedarville School District that was referred to the prosecuting attorney, Attorney General, and Governmental Bonding Board, and the State Agencies Committee filed 10 reports involving issues at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs. The committee also heard a Medicaid Subcommittee report that included presentations from DHS, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, and the Attorney General’s Office on their Medicaid-related roles. In special reports, Legislative Audit presented a review of Cleburne County’s library expenses, finding more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases lacking a documented business purpose, undocumented disbursements, and possible improper fuel expenses; the matter was referred to the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Attorney General. The committee also reviewed the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UALR, where auditors found scholarship awards to ineligible students, numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, and that the program had ceased in 2024 with remaining funds returned to the school districts. After discussion, the committee filed both special reports and adjourned, with the next meeting set for March 12-13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:18.720> any have not had the ability to purchase any have not had the ability to purchase
• <00:15:30.560> any we have not been able to purchase any we have not been able to purchase
• program has its own account to purchase program has its own account to purchase feeasants<00:35:
• Well, then strictly used to purchase strictly used to purchase sales<00:44:51.680> items sales
• allowed to use those funds to purchase allowed to use those funds to purchase items<01:15:27.199

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds met to review inactive and dedicated accounts, note prior legislation that had passed, and begin its annual review of agency funds. Members discussed several inactive funds, including some HHS-related accounts, a law enforcement memorial fund, and possible cleanup of accounting references where funds had been reorganized or merged. Staff noted that some newer funds may simply not have started receiving revenue yet, and the committee agreed to follow up on specific accounts later rather than address everything immediately. The committee then heard from Fish and Game on its dedicated funds. Topics included the statewide public boat access account, which is used for boat ramp and access-site maintenance and is supported by boat registration fees and federal funds; the ORV education, training, and enforcement account, which has declined over time and may need attention because revenue depends heavily on weather and snowmobile use; and the search and rescue account, which is funded by Hike Safe cards, a $1 fee from boat and OHRV registrations, and court-ordered fees. Fish and Game also explained that the conservation license plate fund had been merged into the non-game species management account, which is supported by donations, federal funds, and a statutory general fund transfer, and that pheasants are treated as game species under a separate program. The committee spent considerable time on the lifetime license account, an off-book Treasury-held account that collects lifetime license sales and returns funds to Fish and Game based on annual sales plus 9% of the fund balance. Members questioned why the account’s presentation did not clearly show the transfer as a revenue reduction and suggested the reporting format needed cleanup so the flow of money would be easier to understand. Fish and Game said the account is operating properly and that the transfer to the unrestricted Fish and Game fund exceeded $400,000 in the most recent year. The committee also reviewed the publications and fundraising revolving fund, which keeps a $100,000 balance for inventory purchases and transfers excess year-end funds to the unrestricted Fish and Game fund; members again raised concerns that the reporting format did not clearly show the transfer, and staff said they could add a note or other clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, it wasn't clearly stated in statute the definition of, quote, purchase.
• However, it wasn't clearly stated in statute the definition of, quote, purchase.
• So what this legislation seeks to do on page, of, quote, purchase.
• But if they are added on as an additional immunity, out and purchases, that's one thing.
• In fact, there are many cases, depending on what insurance I have, that require me to purchase that at

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows districts to purchase needed equipment for programs that lead to qualifying industry standards
• It allows districts to purchase needed equipment for programs that lead to qualifying industry standards
• So, if the senators would look at line 52, we're just codifying including bulk purchasing for the reasons
• So, if the senators would look at line 52, we're just codifying including bulk purchasing for the reasons
• If the senators would look at line 52, we're just codifying including bulk purchasing for the reasons

Keywords: Education - Room 216, 29 January, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several education-related bills. Senate Bill 2281, a repealer bill extending to July 1, 2029, would allow career and technical education grants to school districts to be used for additional purposes already in statute, including purchasing equipment for programs leading to qualifying industry standards. The bill was explained briefly, no questions were raised, and it was approved by voice vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2485, a department-requested bill dealing with charter school qualifications. It would clarify that charter schools are exempt from certain requirements if the program did not receive Department of Education grant funding, while adding some requirements back to the authorizer board. The bill was adopted without objection. Senate Bill 2494, also explained by Senator McMahon, would codify bulk purchasing authority for the state's regional education service agencies. An amendment was adopted to replace references to “RESA” and “ESA” with the full statutory terms for consistency, and the bill passed as amended. Finally, Senate Bill 2515, sponsored by Senator Blount, addressed state law governing the sale of closed school buildings, especially in light of Jackson Public Schools closing more than 20 buildings due to declining enrollment. The bill would reduce the effect of reverter clauses that can discourage buyers and would set deadlines for charter schools’ first right of refusal on closed school properties: interest must be expressed within six months and a lease or purchase completed within 12 months unless extended by agreement. An amendment reflecting those changes was adopted, a question was raised about whether the bill affected buildings on 16-section land, and the sponsor said it would not change land ownership. The committee then voted to do pass the bill as amended, and the meeting ended with notice of one more meeting planned for Tuesday and a motion for a rising report.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'm coming to you all to see if you all would approve us to have this one-time purchase, allowing
• But I'm coming to you all to see if you all would approve us to have this one-time purchase, allowing
• It's just we're just purchasing a one-time basically software portal to receive the payments.
• I think in to make these uh purchases I think in the<00:10:10.240> past<00:10:10.720> just
• :31.440> one-time we're just purchasing a one-time we're just purchasing a one-time basically<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The commission first returned from executive session and reported that no action was taken. It then approved a motion finding there was no reason to believe the respondent in case 25 LAC1 had committed or was about to commit a violation of the code, and dismissed the complaint under KRS 6.86(1)(b)3. Members next reviewed and approved the September financial report, which staff said was based on state accounting data and showed the commission within year-to-date budget parameters. Staff also reported that all required forms for the recent reporting period had been filed and that there were no outstanding forms. The main substantive discussion concerned a proposed one-year, $6,000 contract with Tyler Technology/Kentucky Interactive to add an online payment portal for the commission’s re-registration process. Staff said the system would let employers pay registration fees online using an employer ID, reduce manual handling of 3,000 to 3,500 forms and hundreds of credit card payments, and improve security by keeping credit card information out of commission staff hands. Members asked about user fees and procurement concerns; staff explained that users would still pay the existing credit card processing fee, that an e-check option would also be available, and that the $6,000 cost was viewed as below the de minimis threshold. The commission approved the contract. In other updates, staff said informal opinions were included in the materials and remained confidential, reported on a presentation to the UK Martin School, noted that the regular session calendar would likely require meetings to shift during the legislative session, and said the commission’s statutory recommendations had been received by LRC and referred to a state government committee. The meeting then moved into executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:48:47.680> and document uh documented um purchases and document uh documented um purchases
• anyone thanks to our own purchasing anyone thanks to our own purchasing power,<00:51:43.680>
• of that money that goes and purchases of that money that goes and purchases the<01:07:38.880>
• commodities or purchase of commodities. commodities or purchase of commodities.
• Food banks can purchase large puzzle.

Bills: HF2078, HF777, HF841, HF1112, HF1098, HF1926

Keywords: child care, day care, child care center, licensing, license requirements, parent access, guardian access, custody order, court order, furnishings, equipment standards, learning materials, early childhood education, infant care, toddler care, preschool, school-age child care, play materials, sensory materials, gross motor equipment

Transcript Highlights:

• , let me... ...subdivisions and just tried to make this purchasing limitation only applicable to state
• contracts and state purchasing.
• I think the purchasing director would just have to reference that list.
• I think the purchasing director would just have to reference that list.
• Again, I think the state, the way I understand the statute and the role, the state purchasing director

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• purchasing lasting community assets. purchasing lasting community assets.
• He said that when you purchase a digital license, it is for single use.
• but you know, most uh when you purchase but you know, most uh when you purchase a<00:36:37.920><
• And so the licenses that are purchased And so the licenses that are purchased by<00:36:42.000>
• <00:52:09.040> in number of books that are purchased in number of books that are purchased

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the parking garage which uh purchase the parking garage which uh purchased<00:13:47.200> the<
• purchase purchase then<00:14:22.880> the<00:14:23.360> option<00:14:24.160> for
• I'm sorry. >> Purchase.
• Are you saying purchasing?
• Are you saying purchasing.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several housing-related measures. On SB 2068, which would create an affordable housing land inventory task force within the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to study how to maximize housing on transit-oriented development and other state and county lands, testimony was mostly supportive from agencies and housing groups, with one opposition witness. In response to questions, OPSD said it was already working on a list of potential parcels but could not yet identify unit counts or a timeline, and estimated about $250,000 would be needed for staffing and contractual support. The committees also heard SB 2227 on rental assistance, which would require HPHA to make monthly rent supplement payments, prioritize certain tenants including kupuna, allow agreements with counties and nonprofits, and create a special fund supported by a transaction fee on recordings. HPHA supported the bill, and the Department of the Attorney General said it recommended amending the measure to describe the fee as a tax. Additional testimony included support from elder and community organizations and one opposition witness. For SB 2061, relating to residential condominiums and the 99-year leasehold program, HCDA and the project developer testified in support of amendments intended to preserve owner-occupant requirements while making the project more marketable and financially feasible. Members focused heavily on parking, affordability, and financing. HCDA and the developer said the parking stalls would be unbundled from the units, that the project would be a 99-year leasehold with 60% of units reserved for buyers at or below 140% AMI and 40% market-rate, and that the state’s $15 million equity contribution would cover only part of the parking garage and commercial component. The hearing then moved on to SB 3327, relating to HCDA and complete communities, but the transcript cuts off before that measure was fully discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bulk purchasing is when a group of buyers.
• After the bulk purchase, it ended up at $95 million, and that bulk purchase... group ended up winning
• And by the way, was it a, um, the group of financiers that were making all these purchases and purchases
• I know that they recently did purchase, they were involved in a mass purchase. Okay.
• Well, I think we can take the bulk purchasing.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The most worrisome product that I saw was purchased in Shelby... purchased in Shelby County, and this
• It was legally purchased, no ID was given.
• Narcotics officers legally purchased 12 products out of nine vape stores in our city.
• So, adults would still be able to purchase a version of this... ...able to purchase a version of this
• harmed if the adult purchases them, just like they have in the...

Bills: HB441, HB445, HB477, HB441, HB445

Keywords: speech-language pathology, licensure, clinical supervision, educational qualifications, healthcare assistant, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, THC, delta-8, delta-9, delta-10, consumable hemp products, psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, ABC Board, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, retail hemp sales, wholesale hemp distribution, hemp tax

Transcript Highlights:

• The Parks Department has limited funds available to purchase critical lands needed to increase outdoor
• And we've had some very small purchases that have gotten backlogged significantly as a result of this
• purchases.
• Here we're talking about smaller standalone purchases, so yeah.
• giving more flexibility for these smaller purchases. I understand that part.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several natural resources and water-related bills. SB 224 by Senator Hurtado would require the Department of Water Resources to implement audit recommendations, improve climate-informed water supply forecasting, and provide annual updates to the Legislature; supporters emphasized the need for better transparency and more accurate water planning, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 556, also by Senator Hurtado, would fund floodplain restoration in the Tulare Basin to reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, and provide habitat and other community benefits; local officials and conservation groups supported it, some initial concerns about Proposition 4 were resolved, and the bill passed as amended. SB 630 by Senator Allen would streamline State Parks and other state real property acquisitions by raising review thresholds and reducing duplicative approvals; conservation groups and park advocates supported the measure, while some members raised oversight and fiscal concerns, and it passed as amended. SB 718 by Senator Allen would reduce hunting and fishing license costs for low-income Californians, framed as helping subsistence users and disabled veterans and seniors, and it passed as amended. The committee also approved SB 427 by Senator Blakespear, which extends the sunset of the Habitat Conservation Fund from 2030 to 2035. Supporters said the fund has protected more than 1.2 million acres, leverages other funding, and supports habitat, recreation, and climate resilience; members highlighted its importance for areas like the Salton Sea and the need to protect the funding stream from future sweeps. SB 586 by Senator Jones, an e-moto off-highway vehicle bill, was taken up with little discussion and passed as amended. SB 639 by Senator Ashby would extend the deadline for Sacramento-area flood protection projects in the Natomas Basin and Beach Lake subareas from 2025 to 2030 to allow completion of remaining work and avoid delays to infill housing; city, county, and flood agency representatives supported it, and it passed as amended. Throughout the hearing, witnesses and members repeatedly emphasized water reliability, flood protection, conservation funding, and reducing bureaucratic delays. Several bills drew broad support from local governments, water agencies, tribes, and conservation organizations, and multiple members requested to be added as coauthors. All of the measures discussed were reported out of committee, generally with amendments and with some items left open for add-on votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because gold maintains its purchasing power.
• That's going to maintain that purchasing power over time.
• So we have a— That's going to maintain that purchasing power over time.
• I believe this is the best way to protect citizens' purchasing power.
• She has not have the cash to go purchase gold and sit in a depository, and you're not going to get the

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on April 2, 2025, with a quorum present and took up four bills. The committee first heard HB 4041, which would create the Corkscrew Grove Stewardship District in Collier County to finance and maintain infrastructure such as transportation, utilities, and stormwater systems without changing county regulatory authority. The bill drew no opposition, was reported favorably, and passed 14-0. The committee then considered HB 1485, which repeals Florida’s aviation fuel tax provisions. The sponsor argued the change would simplify the tax code, attract airline investment, and support lower fares and more routes. Members raised concerns about the estimated recurring $22.8 million impact on the State Transportation Trust Fund and $2 million on general revenue, and airport representatives warned of reduced grant and development funding, especially for general aviation and municipal airports. Supporters said the change would increase competition and fuel sales in Florida. The bill was reported favorably on a 12-5 vote. Next, the committee heard HB 999, which would recognize gold and silver as legal tender, allow electronic debit access to bullion accounts, and remove tax burdens on transactions involving precious metals. The sponsor and supporters described the bill as a way to protect purchasing power and provide an alternative parallel to the dollar, while opponents and some members raised concerns about consumer protections, predatory practices, privacy, and the role of the Office of Financial Regulation in rulemaking. After extensive testimony, the bill was reported favorably 19-0. Finally, the committee considered PCB WMC 25-01, which would reduce the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25% and also lower several related taxes, including the business rent tax, nonresidential electricity tax, mobile home sales tax, and coin-operated amusement machine tax. The proposal was estimated to reduce revenue by about $5.5 billion annually. Members discussed impacts on the budget, education funding, and whether savings would reach consumers, while supporters emphasized relief for Floridians and business competitiveness. The bill passed unanimously 19-0 and was reported favorably. The chair then noted a prior procedural apology on the record, and the meeting adjourned.