Transcript Highlights:

• there are many troubling situations. where the ABA model rule could be adopted and used as a speech code
• Our ability to access legal representation shouldn't be determined by our zip code.
• Senate Bill 18 will amend, would amend Chapter 22 of the Education Code to prohibit a school district
• Thank you, Senator Parker. is necessary for clarity for our First Amendment protections in state code
• It is unfortunate. time of session we are in, that every Senator, 31 Senators, are divided amongst 8

Bills: SB3, SB810, SB965, SB1073, SB1119, SB1505, SB 3

Keywords: Texas Education Code, public schools, school district, open-enrollment charter school, teacher speech, employee speech, biological sex, pronouns, gender identity, retaliation, discipline, workplace protections, school personnel, education policy, LGBTQ, transgender, charter schools, SB 965, religious speech, prayer

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Soles, if you'll tell us what the title of the bill is, the number and the title, please.
• If you'll tell us what that title of the bill is, the number and the title, please. Which bill, Mr.
• Senate Memorial 31, having been read twice by title, is...
• Senate Memorial 31, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the Senate Rules
• Dress code, but for tomorrow, the dress code still remains as usual.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• UTVs are titled vehicles that can... ...on our streets without state plates.
• UTVs are titled vehicles that can be recorded and registered in other states and then receive a plate
• And also, Senator Wright, it looks like nearby states like Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi do not allow
• County tax collectors serve as DHSMV agents for purposes of motor vehicle and vessel registrations and title

Bills: S0216, S0246, S0356, S0388, S0470, S0488, S0490, S0528, S0584, S0594

Keywords: reemployment assistance, fraud prevention, eligibility verification, Department of Commerce, benefit disqualification, specialty license plate, specialty plates, motor vehicle registration, license plate fees, annual use fees, Florida DHSMV, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, deauthorization, financial reporting, nonprofit organizations, college license plates, university license plates, veterans plates, law enforcement plates, Fraternal Order of Police

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered ten bills, beginning with SB 594 on local housing assistance plans. Senator Burton explained that the bill would make residents of mobile home parks and manufactured housing communities eligible for SHIP rental assistance and, in some cases, repair or rehabilitation funds, recognizing that many own their homes but rent the lot. Supporters from AARP and the Federation of Manufactured Homeowners said the bill would help seniors and low-income residents remain housed. The bill was reported favorably by a roll call vote. Members then approved two Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles measures: SB 488, the agency package updating Florida’s motor fuel tax compliance with IFTA, allowing online filing and private license plate agencies to act as agents, raising the crash-damage reporting threshold, expanding email communications, and updating tank vehicle compliance; and SB 490, a related public records exemption for email addresses collected for renewal notices. Both were reported favorably without opposition. The committee also passed SB 246, creating a specialty license plate for the UFC Foundation, despite concerns raised that the foundation is based out of state and that the plate was politically motivated; the bill was approved on a split vote. The committee gave favorable reports to SB 216 on reemployment assistance eligibility, which would tighten job-search requirements, require more frequent eligibility verification, and add reporting on fraudulent claims. The bill drew substantial opposition from labor and policy advocates who argued it would add barriers for unemployed workers, especially in rural and skilled-trades jobs, and that the state’s unemployment system remains difficult to navigate. Supporters said the bill was aimed at fraud prevention and ensuring claimants remain eligible. SB 356 on utility terrain vehicles generated extensive debate over safety, local control, and whether UTVs should be allowed on certain roads; supporters emphasized rural utility and law enforcement benefits, while opponents cited manufacturer warnings and crash risks. The sponsor ultimately temporarily postponed the bill. The committee also reported favorably SB 528 on manufacturing, which expands the Department of Commerce’s manufacturing responsibilities, codifies the chief manufacturing officer position, and creates workforce development grant support; SB 584 on commercial driving schools, which authorizes DHSMV agreements with county tax collectors to help enforce school regulation; and SB 388, which raises the annual use fee for the Florida Wildflower specialty plate from $15 to $25 to support the Florida Wildflower Foundation. The final bill, SB 470 on the Fraternal Order of Police specialty plate, was introduced as a measure to broaden eligibility for the existing plate and stabilize funding for law enforcement memorial efforts, but no final action on that bill was reached in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• government<00:31:30.640> overreach<00:31:31.200> before<00:31:31.440> it<00:31:
• It<00:31:33.039> also<00:31:33.360> saves<00:31:33.840> taxpayers<00:31:34.559><
• care we<00:31:38.399> provide,<00:31:39.200> costs<00:31:39.760> are<00:31:40.080
• 31:47.279> the<00:31:47.440> Care<00:31:47.760> Act.
• Thank<00:31:48.559> you<00:31:48.720> for<00:31:48.880> your<00:31:49.200> time

Bills: HB0003, HB0004

Keywords: pregnancy centers, abortion, pro-life, healthcare, women's rights, state regulation, civil rights, freedom of speech, medical assistance, birthing centers, Medicaid, Wyoming, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been on Zoom calls with witnesses from Poland, Maine, Tennessee, Colorado, Alabama.
• year, and this is the code as it was last year.
• Again, at 1:51 a.m., this is the Code Red weather warning.
• There is a camper-counselor ratio in the administrative code.
• Well, the administrative code does require age requirements. It's a little bit vague.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1893 simply addresses this by amending the Government Code and the Transportation Code to
• Code, Section 1182, is that accurate? That is correct.
• Title VIII, Section 1182 describes terrorist activity.
• Well, again, this bill is concentrating on this section of code relating to the Education Code and, with
• The amendment lifts language from the Texas Administrative Code, Title 13, Part 2, Chapter 21, and places

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, heard an invocation, dispensed with the previous journal, and received a House message. Members also recognized Dr. Namita Bardwaj as doctor of the day. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 554 honoring Christopher “Chris” Jake Stone of Santa Fe for his heroism during the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting, with several senators and the lieutenant governor offering remarks about his sacrifice and the ongoing impact on his family and community. The Senate also signed a number of bills and resolutions and adopted Senate Resolution 533 recognizing the Texas Legislative Internship Program class, with multiple senators highlighting individual interns and the program’s role in developing future public servants. The floor then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order and the three-day rule. These included HB 1639 on a study of cancer incidence among female firefighters; HB 102 granting early registration for students in military-related programs; HB 4325 increasing civil penalties for barratry; HB 5342 creating a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline trust fund and related funding study; HB 3370 allowing late timberland appraisal applications after an owner’s death; HB 3376 requiring certain guardians to complete dementia/Alzheimer’s training; HB 132 extending confidentiality protections to information about hostile acts by foreign adversaries; and HB 1978, which sought to restrict ERCOT interconnections, but its motion to pass to engrossment failed on a 20-11 vote. Additional measures passed included HB 511 on unsolicited voter registration mailings, HB 2187 on nurse staffing, retaliation, and overtime protections, HB 2510 creating offenses for unlicensed assisted living operations, HB 694 on DFPS notification timelines, HB 1893 making license plates in law-enforcement video nonconfidential for public information requests, HB 2733 updating barratry and solicitation laws for digital communications, HB 4506 allowing opt-in electronic zoning notices, HB 3751 transferring a TxDOT property to DPS, HB 3033 creating a grant program for nonprofits supporting injured or killed DPS employees, HB 4273 on Medicaid fraud prevention and eligibility verification, HB 3211 on vision care benefits, HB 4529 exempting certain DoD-certified child care facilities from state licensure, HB 2522 easing fingerprinting requirements for certain vehicle dealers, HB 4219 tightening public information request response requirements, and HB 4783 requiring a report on opioid antagonist programs. The Senate also received a House message noting passage of SB 9, and a nominations committee report was announced for future consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• > and<00:31:42.440> that<00:31:42.600> there<00:31:42.720> were<00:31:42.960
• 00:31:45.080> pay<00:31:46.080> and<00:31:46.960> one<00:31:47.320> person
• an outlier<00:31:50.720> but<00:31:50.880> we<00:31:51.039> kept<00:31:51.279>
• on<00:31:55.600> the<00:31:55.799> spot<00:31:56.480> it's<00:31:56.760>
• Code, Title 10, Section 1408, unquote.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with committee process reminders from the chair, including rules for questioning witnesses, time limits for testimony, and how motions and committee reports are handled. The chair also discussed the committee’s history, emphasized a cooperative approach with agencies and the Judiciary, and noted that a special committee on the Family Division of Circuit Court had previously done useful work; he said a new subcommittee could be appointed later to continue looking at judicial-system issues. He also mentioned that the Speaker’s office was expected to name members to the DHHS oversight committee by Friday at 1. The substantive presentation was from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Child Support Services. Attorney John Williams introduced the bureau team, and Bureau Chief Lisa Dekowski described the program’s mission: encouraging responsible parenting, family self-sufficiency, and child well-being by locating parents, establishing paternity, setting or modifying support orders, and enforcing court-ordered child and medical support. She said the bureau operates statewide under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, works with courts, employers, and other partners, and serves both in-state and out-of-state cases, with some international and tribal coordination. She also cited program scale, saying the bureau dispersed about $76 million to families in New Hampshire in fiscal year 2023 and that most collections go directly to families. Members asked about enforcement tools, especially passport denial. In response to a question about a case involving a very small shortfall, the bureau said the federal passport-denial threshold is $2,500 in arrears, not a few cents, and that denial remains in place until the balance is resolved or an arrangement is made with the agency, with hardship factors potentially considered. The bureau also explained that either parent can apply for services when a child support order exists and that the bureau can help initiate income withholding orders. No votes or formal actions were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we send a number of our graduates to Huntsville, Alabama. We send them to Florida.
• 00:20:23.840> uh<00:20:24.000> to<00:20:24.320> Huntsville,<00:20:24.960> Alabama
• <00:20:26.000> We graduates uh to Huntsville, Alabama.
• We graduates uh to Huntsville, Alabama.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education met to hear from Morehead State University President Jay Morgan, who outlined the university’s budget and capital priorities. He described Morehead as a Kentucky-serving, largely low-income student institution with an aging campus, and said the university’s long-term plan is to renovate existing facilities, decommission older buildings, and replace outdated space with more efficient construction. He thanked the General Assembly for prior support, especially asset preservation funding, fire and tornado insurance premium support, and a prior university inflationary adjustment. On the operating side, Morgan asked that insurance premium support continue, that the earlier inflationary adjustment roll forward, and that the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education’s request for a minimum distribution in the performance funding formula be supported. He noted Morehead has received little or no performance funding in recent years and said that if no additional formula funds are added, the university would prefer a line-item appropriation. On the capital side, he requested continued asset preservation funding and outlined several construction priorities: a new applied science building, a new agriculture science building, a new space science technology building, and a cost-share replacement for the aging Maze Hall residence hall, with the state covering $10 million of a $20 million project and Morehead matching the rest. Morgan also discussed the Craft Academy, saying the current appropriation supports 200 students and that the university would like to increase the line item to expand enrollment by about 20 students. In response to questions from Chairman Tipton, he said Morehead had previously explored but ultimately rejected a public-private partnership model for housing, preferring to own and control its residence halls to keep housing costs manageable for students. He also explained that the land surveying courses in the applied science proposal are a popular part of related programs and that Morehead’s space science program is a major research-and-contracts-driven operation with about 250 students, federal and private research ties, and graduates working both in Kentucky and elsewhere. The committee then approved the prior meeting minutes and discussed that upcoming postsecondary budget meetings would continue over the next several weeks to gather input on the new budget process.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:14.240> I<00:31:14.399> do<00:31:14.760> have<00:31:15.039> that
• > an<00:31:22.159> email<00:31:23.159> uh<00:31:23.240> to<00:31:23.559>
• 31:25.799> areas<00:31:26.159> mean<00:31:27.080> yeah<00:31:27.440> and<
• <00:31:27.919> apprciate<00:31:28.240> that<00:31:28.679> um<00:31:28.840> in
• we're<00:31:30.000> funding<00:31:30.440> X<00:31:31.000> like<00:31:31.120

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services met with a quorum still coming together and first handled roll call and minutes. The main presentation came from the Department for Medicaid Services, with Commissioner Lisa Lee and CFO Steve Beckle giving an overview of Kentucky Medicaid, its federal-state financing structure, and the department’s 1915(c) home- and community-based waiver programs. They explained FMAP funding levels for traditional Medicaid, administration, IT, expansion adults, and CHIP, and noted the size of the program, including more than 600,000 Kentucky children eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, about 485,000 expansion adults, over 69,000 enrolled providers, and $18.5 billion in 2024 expenditures. A major focus was the waiver system, including the acquired brain injury waivers, model waiver, independence waiver, Michelle P. waiver, and Supports for Community Living waiver. The department said these waivers are intended to keep people with physical or developmental disabilities in home and community settings rather than facilities, and that many services are not covered by Medicare or commercial insurance. Officials described participant-directed services, interagency administration, and eligibility rules, including that some waiver programs use the child’s income only rather than family income. They also reported an unduplicated waiver wait list of 13,930 people and said the General Assembly had added waiver slots in the last budget, including 650 ABI slots and 1,275 more to be allocated July 1, 2025. The department also discussed a waiver rate study conducted by Guidehouse, explaining that CMS requires a defensible rate methodology because there is no Medicare or commercial benchmark for many waiver services. They said the study used cost and wage surveys, provider and stakeholder input, and aimed to improve transparency, provider stability, and rate parity. Officials reviewed prior COVID-era Appendix K rate increases and budget-driven increases, and said the budget ultimately funded rates at about 70% of the benchmark study, while preserving higher existing rates where needed so no provider would be cut. They highlighted larger differences in behavioral support and case management rates, and said a public report is available. Members asked several questions about the potential impact of federal FMAP changes, especially possible reductions in the enhanced match for expansion adults and Medicaid IT/admin activities. DMS said any FMAP reduction would require more state general fund dollars, estimating about $75 million for each 1% drop in the expansion match, while impacts on administrative IT funding would depend on the systems being built or implemented in a given year. Members also pressed for clarification on waiver wait-list procedures, funded versus filled slots, and what happens when someone on the wait list is later found ineligible. DMS said people on the wait list may not yet have been assessed, can be reevaluated if conditions change, and are still eligible for regular Medicaid state-plan services if they qualify, even if they are waiting for waiver services.

Transcript Highlights:

• God, we just pray that the legislation we look at today benefit the people of the state of Alabama.
• Members, this is a bill dealing with the Big Creek Lake in Mobile County, Alabama.

Bills: HB387, HB387

Keywords: sales tax, food taxation, local government, financial growth, tax reduction, water recreation, public use, water bodies, sewer commissions, public interest, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:31:05.360> I<01:31:05.600> don't<01:31:05.760> want<01:31:05.840> to<
• <01:31:09.840> But<01:31:10.719> I'm<01:31:11.040> going<01:31:11.199> to
• <01:31:13.840> Colorado,<01:31:14.400> we<01:31:14.560> need<01:31:14.719>
• come<02:31:45.040> and<02:31:45.200> work<02:31:45.359> in<02:31:45.520>
• And then I look<02:31:47.760> at<02:31:47.920> all<02:31:48.160> of<02:31:48.399

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<01:31:20.000> what<01:31:20.239> we<01:31:20.480> have<01:31:20.639> worked
• <01:31:20.880> on<01:31:21.360> is<01:31:21.600> a<01:31:21.920> way<
• our rural<01:31:27.120> character,<01:31:28.000> and<01:31:28.320> finding<01:31
• :50.399> now<02:31:50.560> for<02:31:51.439> um<02:31:52.319> our<02:31:52.560
• Um<02:31:55.520> suggestions<02:31:56.080> have<02:31:56.319> been<02:31:56.479>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• pause<00:31:20.559> does<00:31:20.799> not<00:31:21.240> impact<00:31:22.240
• It does not<00:31:24.799> impact<00:31:25.600> uh<00:31:25.840> municipal<00:31:
• Um and um and that's<00:31:51.440> what<00:31:51.600> we<00:31:52.000> uh<00:31:
• And so<00:31:53.519> I<00:31:53.760> believe<00:31:53.919> this<00:31:54.159>
• <00:31:58.480> I<00:31:58.720> did<00:31:59.200> uh<00:31:59.600> give

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But<00:31:04.480> we<00:31:04.640> always<00:31:04.920> assumed<00:31:05.440>
• <00:31:10.400> So,<00:31:10.560> here's<00:31:10.840> what<00:31:11.040>
• > we<00:31:20.360> would<00:31:20.480> came<00:31:20.760> in<00:31:21.440
• The<00:31:27.760> Senate,<00:31:28.640> when<00:31:28.720> it<00:31:28.800> sit
• > of<00:31:31.160> it<00:31:31.520> and<00:31:31.680> spent<00:31:31.920>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they have certain Title 31 training for anti-money laundering.
• <00:31:03.080> Title Secrecy Act.
• So, they have certain Title 31<00:31:03.840> training<00:31:04.160> for<00:31:04.320>
• Yes, they they fill<00:31:15.160> those<00:31:15.440> out<00:31:15.800> on<00:31
• That<00:31:52.520> we<00:31:52.640> can<00:31:52.760> deal<00:31:52.960> with

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• but<00:31:01.360> they<00:31:01.760> were<00:31:02.559> very<00:31:03.279>
• :04.080> by<00:31:04.320> the<00:31:04.559> fact<00:31:04.640> that<00:31
• :31:07.520> I<00:31:08.159> appointment<00:31:08.559> changes,<00:31:09.200>
• 00:31:16.080> right<00:31:16.240> at<00:31:16.399> the<00:31:16.559> same
• I<00:31:17.120> think<00:31:17.200> that<00:31:17.600> probably<00:31:17.919>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its June 3 meeting and received an opening update on transportation revenues. Leadership noted that the gas tax formula dropped 4.1 cents on July 1, reducing road fund revenue by about $125 million, and warned that city, county, rural, and secondary road funding will be affected. The chair said the committee would likely have to be selective about transportation project requests given the reduced revenue outlook. The main presentation was an update on the I-69 bridge project. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials said the project is the missing link in the Henderson-Evansville corridor and is being delivered in three sections, with Kentucky leading section two. They said section two is a $933 million project, with Kentucky’s share described as $58 million and the balance Indiana’s, and that toll revenue will be used to finance the project through a TIFIA loan and Garvey bonds. Officials said Kentucky and Indiana have executed an agreement under House Bill 546 to use tolls, are working on a broader bi-state development agreement, and will ask the General Assembly next session to carry forward $150 million in general funds without conditions and to ratify the agreement. Members asked about the timeline, toll sharing, whether tolls would sunset, and whether US 41 bridges would remain open for local traffic; officials said construction is planned for 2027, tolling would begin in 2031, toll revenue would be shared 50/50, and at least one US 41 bridge would remain open for local use. The committee then heard a combined update from the Department of Vehicle Regulation and the Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing on implementation of several recent changes. Officials reported that the new registration category for special-purpose vehicles is fully operational statewide, with all counties enrolled and 292 vehicles processed so far; they also said counties received at least five plates each and that the program is permissive, not mandatory. They described implementation of Senate Bill 43’s medical review board reforms and third-party driver’s license issuance framework, saying the medical review process has been updated and that third-party partners may eventually handle easier transactions such as renewals, name changes, and address changes, while initial issuances would remain at KYTC regional offices. They also reported that the sheriff’s inspection process has been integrated into CAVIS, reducing paperwork and fraud and improving tracking. Members asked about communication to counties and cities with differing local rules, the number of counties participating, and how to coordinate multiple policy changes; officials said all counties are enrolled, though not all have submitted applications, and that they are still finalizing the scope of third-party services.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:02.360> to<00:31:02.640> be<00:31:02.840> the<00:31:02.960> host.
• <00:31:03.520> We<00:31:04.160> and<00:31:04.320> we<00:31:04.440> open
• >> And<00:31:06.440> is<00:31:06.560> it<00:31:06.600> right<00:31:06.800>
• 42 of the U.S. code, seeking to amend or renew an existing waiver granted under title 42 of the U.S.
• 42 of the US Medicaid law under title 42 of the US code<01:22:59.320> seeking<01:22:59.680>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board first approved the September 24 minutes and then heard a presentation from four certified community behavioral health clinic providers: Pathways, NorthKey, Seven Counties Services, and NewVista. The presenters explained the difference between traditional community mental health centers and CCBHCs, describing CCBHCs as an enhanced model that integrates behavioral health, primary care, wraparound services, and crisis response. They reviewed the federal history of the model, Kentucky’s entry into the Medicaid demonstration in 2022, and the scheduled end of the enhanced federal match on December 31, 2027. They also emphasized required services such as 24-hour mobile crisis, care coordination, and services for veterans, and described care coordination as a key feature that helps patients follow up after hospital or emergency discharge, manage medications, and connect to transportation and other supports. The presenters gave examples of improved outcomes, including a patient who was able to remain living independently because of coordinated home-based and telehealth support, and they argued that CCBHCs are helping Kentucky build a more responsive crisis system through 988, mobile crisis teams, and crisis stabilization units. They said the model is data-driven, uses performance metrics, and has led to stronger collaboration among community partners. One speaker said more than 100 agencies participated in a Jefferson County community health needs assessment and continued meeting afterward to reduce redundancies and barriers to care. They also said crisis call hub compliance and mobile crisis outreach compliance improved significantly over the past year. Members asked about how navigators and connectors fit into the model, how CCBHCs work with managed care organizations, and how the program could expand statewide. The presenters said navigators are not built into the CCBHC model but may be used through referrals, while the CCBHCs continue to bill MCOs the same way and receive a Medicaid wrap payment for the enhanced rate. They said the goal would be for all community mental health centers to become CCBHCs, but that a state plan amendment would be needed and could not be limited only to CMHCs if submitted to CMS. They estimated about $28 million would be needed statewide to continue the program in the next biennium, combining the loss of enhanced federal match and the state share of enhanced service costs. The board also discussed transportation, with one presenter explaining that their program arranges Medicaid transportation for eligible appointments, and members raised concerns about mental inquest warrant transport and whether sheriffs should remain involved. No votes were taken on the CCBHC or transportation items during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So<00:31:38.880> during<00:31:39.279> testimony<00:31:39.919> to<00:31:40.159>
• 31:50.399> thing<00:31:50.480> is<00:31:50.799> each<00:31:51.039> of<00:
• ><01:31:20.639> and<01:31:20.880> beyond<01:31:21.120> what<01:31:21.280> is<
• :24.239> this<01:31:24.480> is<01:31:24.639> this<01:31:24.880> is<01:31:
• > to<01:31:27.120> be<01:31:27.199> able<01:31:27.360> to<01:31:27.520>

Bills: HF751, HF3550, HF3764, HF1490

Keywords: parental notification, school safety, bullying, harassment, violence, prohibited conduct, student discipline, charter school, school district, data practices, student privacy, parent rights, guardian notification, school incident reporting, cyberbullying, restraint, reasonable force, anti-bullying policy, school administration, student conduct

Transcript Highlights:

• c> one<00:31:04.399> else<00:31:04.559> is<00:31:04.799> doing<00:31:05.039>
• Um, and so I<00:31:14.000> do<00:31:14.240> think<00:31:14.320> it<00:31:14.559>
• > is<00:31:18.080> not<00:31:18.240> on<00:31:18.399> a<00:31:18.720> a
• c> K<00:31:21.039> groups<00:31:21.840> help<00:31:22.240> to<00:31:22.559><
• >> Well,<00:31:28.399> I<00:31:29.760> appreciate<00:31:30.240> your<00:31

Keywords: Discussion of BR 25 (2026 RS) 04:15 Presentation on voting systems by ES&S 48:14 Presentation on voting systems by Hart InterCivic and Harp Enterprises 01:13:07, 958, all

Summary: The committee met to approve the October 21 minutes and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and public resources. The sponsors said the bill is intended to strengthen existing law by adding civil and criminal penalties for taxpayer-funded advocacy on ballot questions, especially in light of controversies during the 2024 election over school officials and districts using public resources to oppose a constitutional amendment. They also described related concerns about school districts hiring third-party lobbyists and public relations firms, particularly in Fayette County, and said the proposal was meant to keep tax dollars focused on public services rather than political persuasion. Committee members raised several concerns about scope and drafting. Some asked whether the bill should specifically mention schools, school boards, and school employees, and the sponsors said they would add that language. Others questioned whether the measure would also affect local government lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, and the sponsors said they intended to focus narrowly on schools while exempting certain advocacy organizations and internal government lobbyists. Members also asked whether public employees could still speak as private individuals, and the sponsors said yes. Several members suggested splitting the lobbying and ballot-advocacy issues into separate bills, and the sponsors said they would consider that. Members also pressed for clarification on how the bill would apply in practice, including whether it would cover legal challenges to petition drives or only advocacy after a question is on the ballot. Counsel for the sponsors said the bill would not cover some petition-related litigation as drafted, though they believed it should. The sponsors and supporters argued the proposal was needed to give the existing prohibition real enforcement, while some members warned that the language could unintentionally limit legitimate public representation or be too broad if not carefully drafted. No final vote was taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.679> uh<00:31:00.799> revenues<00:31:01.240> would<00:31:01.440> go<00
• :31:01.799> from<00:31:02.799> uh<00:31:02.960> fines the uh revenues would go from
• c><00:31:03.799> and<00:31:03.960> asked<00:31:04.159> that<00:31:04.279> it<
• > uh<00:31:07.159> is<00:31:07.240> a<00:31:07.440> special<00:31:07.720>
• <00:31:11.080> so<00:31:11.960> um<00:31:12.320> my That's correct, yes.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 282 would increase penalties for using an uncrewed aircraft, or drone, in the commission of a felony. The Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney strongly supported the bill, saying drones are being used to facilitate crimes such as burglaries, sex offender registration violations, and even murders, and that the measure would create a stronger deterrent and address sentencing issues. Members discussed how drone use could be investigated and noted that a prior Uncrewed Aircraft Offenses Act already covers a range of drone-related offenses. Testimony also included support from a Kauaʻi County Council member and the Office of the Public Defender, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved on. The committee also heard SB 1032 on campaign finance, which would amend restrictions on foreign nationals and foreign corporations making contributions and expenditures. Testimony was listed in support from labor, civic, and advocacy groups, with some opposition, but the measure was not debated further in the portion provided. SB 1160, a consumer protection bill on ticket resale, drew support from venues and event groups and opposition from the Chamber of Progress, which argued the bill should target scalpers and deceptive practices rather than legitimate resale platforms. The Attorney General suggested an amendment to limit the bill’s scope to Hawaiʻi events, citing Commerce Clause concerns. On SB 344, requiring skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets, the Department of Transportation, Honolulu Police Department, and the Kiki Injury Prevention Coalition supported the measure. SB 106, which would let pedestrians cross outside marked crosswalks when a reasonably careful pedestrian would see no immediate danger, drew mixed testimony: public health and equity advocates supported it as a safety and anti-profiling measure, while others opposed it, warning it could increase danger on wider, faster roads. Committee members questioned whether Hawaiʻi’s current law is more dangerous because pedestrians must step into the roadway before drivers are required to stop, and the discussion continued at length without a final vote in the excerpt. The committee also heard SB 10009 on accessible parking fines, with DCAB and DAGS supporting the intent; a member asked that any new fine revenue go to the state parking revolving fund. SB 820, shortening the vehicle title transfer deadline from 30 days to 14 days, drew opposition from the Public Defender and Honolulu Customer Services, who said the current deadline is reasonable and the bill did not clearly solve a problem. Later measures included SB 1095 on license plate decal restrictions, SB 215 on towing and immobilization fees, and SB 1117 on electric mobility rebates and age/helmet rules, which received support from transportation and safety groups, though the transcript cuts off before any final actions or votes on those bills.