Transcript Highlights:

• In school, I had a lot of necessary accommodations, including voice dictation software plus traditional

Keywords: special education, funding, equity, advocacy, Texas Legislature, SB568, HB2, disabilities

Summary: This was a press conference calling on the Texas Legislature to increase and reform funding for special education, with speakers arguing that the current system leaves a roughly $1.7 billion gap and forces districts to stretch general education dollars to cover mandated services. Sabrina Gonzalez Ocedo of The Arc of Texas opened by framing the issue as one of equity and self-determination for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and noted support for legislative efforts including Senate Bill 568 and House Bill 2. She also thanked a coalition of advocacy groups and legislators involved in special education funding work. Representative Steve Toth spoke in favor of investing surplus dollars in special education, citing high rates of functional illiteracy and dyslexia among prison populations and saying earlier intervention could change life outcomes. Amy Litzinger described how accommodations and assistive technology helped her succeed in school and urged continued investment so other students can access similar supports. Sarah Harden, a parent and disability advocate, shared her daughter’s positive experience in a well-supported district but warned that many Texas districts cannot provide comparable services because of funding shortages and that families are increasingly worried about cuts. Rachel Hull, a special education director, said well-resourced special education is transformational and outlined the need for individualized services, therapies, vocational training, and college readiness supports. Jean Mayer, a school trustee, said districts are struggling to meet state and federal requirements because funding does not match actual costs, pointing to staffing shortages and the need for parent engagement and professional development. The speakers repeatedly urged lawmakers to fully fund Senate Bill 568 and broader special education reforms this session; no votes were taken, as this was an advocacy event rather than a committee hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• You also have to have the proper number of PFDs, or personal flotation devices, to cover or accommodate

Summary: The Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum present and first received an implementation update on CS for SB 606, the Boating Safety Act of 2022, from FWC Lieutenant Colonel Robert Roe. He described the livery permit system, safety and insurance requirements, required pre-rental and pre-ride instruction, recordkeeping, overdue-vessel reporting, accident reporting, and penalties for violations. He also reported enforcement results since the permit requirement took effect in January 2023, including 1,428 permits issued, 1,093 liveries operating, three 90-day suspensions, one revocation, and two pending revocations. Members asked whether liveries may require boating safety education even for people exempt under current law; Roe said they may do so as a business decision, but current law does not require it unless the statute is changed. A member noted concern that many accidents involve boaters in the older exempt age group and said the issue may be revisited this session. The committee then considered SB 878 by Senator Martin, which extends probation for misdemeanor offenders who were using controlled substances when they committed the offense, allowing supervision for up to one year and aligning those cases more closely with existing alcohol-related misdemeanor probation rules. With no appearance forms or debate, the bill was voted favorably. Next, the committee took up CS for SB 538 by Senator Bradley, the state court system package. The bill updates statutes to reflect current court operations, including duty judge procedures, removal of a location limit for duty hearings, repeal of a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and an alternative method for judicial authentication when a court seal is unavailable. An amendment shifting certain clerk reimbursement requests through the Justice Administrative Commission was adopted, and the bill was then reported favorably with support waivers from several court-related entities. Finally, the committee heard SB 472 by Senator Truenow, which provides that inmates who complete classes meeting required curriculum standards may receive credit toward licensure requirements for those classes. Several organizations waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• GOING TO BE YES TODAY ONLY BECAUSE I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HOW YOU CAN DO SOME GYMNASTICS AND TRY TO ACCOMMODATE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• city has grown, but the state has grown and government has grown, and this building has grown to accommodate

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met to receive an overview and tour of Capitol complex construction projects funded through the Department of Management Services (DMS). Deputy Secretary Tom Berger gave a historical and project-by-project presentation on the Capitol campus, explaining the evolution of the historic Capitol and the current tower complex, and describing major ongoing work including the Waller Park west entry/ADA and waterproofing project, the east entry security screening area, Cabinet meeting room modernization, historic Capitol re-roofing, the large Capitol HVAC replacement, window replacement, Memorial Park improvements, the Holocaust Memorial, the North Loading Zone, and Knott Plaza upgrades. He noted that the Capitol windows and HVAC work are intended to address aging systems and improve resilience, security, and accessibility, and said the broader Capitol window project will continue over several years. Members asked questions about the African-American memorial, the old bank/archives building with water damage, the roofing material and expected lifespan, the legal definition of the Capitol complex, and the history of early legislative meetings in Pensacola and St. Augustine. Berger said the African-American memorial base is built and the installation should be completed in March or April, while the archives building is owned and managed by the Department of State. He also explained that the roof uses a slate-like material designed for a 50-year life cycle, though major storms could still damage it, and clarified that the Capitol complex can be defined differently in statute versus operationally. Chair Lopez and other members requested follow-up information, including a rendering of the African-American memorial and a table summarizing the Capitol investments and when the facilities were last updated, so members can better explain the spending to constituents. Berger said he would provide the requested information, and the committee then concluded the presentation and proceeded to the tour.

Transcript Highlights:

• it needs to accomplish critical missions or are there ways full-power commercial license use can accommodate

Keywords: spectrum policy, FCC auction authority, national security, innovation, technology development, 9-1-1 modernization, adaptive technologies, China competition

Summary: The meeting centered on the critical examination of spectrum policy and its implications for innovation and national security. The committee discussed the lapse of the FCC's spectrum auction authority, which has been in effect since March 2023, emphasizing the urgency of restoring this authority to maintain U.S. technological leadership against competitors like China. Witnesses provided testimony regarding the need for adaptive and reconfigurable spectrum technologies to enhance communication capabilities for both civilian and military applications. Senator Klobuchar highlighted the importance of modernizing 9-1-1 systems and ensuring robust emergency communication frameworks leveraging new spectrum innovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• What Kim is explaining is can we modify those roads to accommodate the new weight? Can it be done?

Bills: SB46

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• state as a tourism destination and drive overnight visitation, the more visitors stay in our accommodations

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met for the second Budget Review on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. After a quorum was confirmed, members heard a presentation from Melissa Brewer of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, along with Olivia Atkins of Kentucky State Parks and Commissioner Mike Manet of the Kentucky Department of Tourism. The presentation focused on the state’s 1% tourism meeting and convention marketing fund and the broader role of tourism in Kentucky’s economy. Brewer explained that the fund is used only for marketing and promoting tourism-related activities, cannot be used for capital or construction projects, and must be reported annually to the governor and LRC. She said the Governor’s budget and enacted budget increased appropriations in response to growing transient room tax receipts, adding $3 million in FY 2025 and $7 million in FY 2026, and noted legislative support for the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority, the National Quilt Museum, and the Southern Kentucky Tourism Initiative. Manet emphasized that tourism marketing drives overnight visitation, local spending, jobs, and economic development, and described the 1% fund as the source for marketing, advertising, website development, public relations, international and group sales, trade shows, research, and regional matching funds. He highlighted efforts to secure media coverage and said the matching funds program distributed $2 million last year to 87 local tourism commissions across the state. No votes or other committee actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 8 updates the language on approved screeners to clarify that districts must provide accommodations
• Section 8 updates the language on approved screeners to clarify that districts must provide accommodations
• Section 8 updates the language on approved screeners to clarify that districts must provide accommodations
• Section 8 updates the language on approved screeners to clarify that districts must provide accommodations
• Districts must provide accommodations for screenings.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Well, the way it's written now, it would accommodate the funding, but it doesn't provide any funding
• relatively simple fix would be to lower the gallons per day per bedroom to ensure that we could accommodate
• relatively simple fix would be to lower the gallons per day per bedroom to ensure that we could accommodate
• ><01:01:48.400><c> that</c><01:01:48.559><c> we</c><01:01:48.720><c> could</c><01:01:48.880><c> accommodate
• </c> to ensure that we could accommodate six. to ensure that we could accommodate six.

Bills: SB2190, SB2338, SB2424, SB2356, SB2981, SB3028, SB3187, SB2378, SB2398, SB2192, SB2155, SB3219, SB3218

Keywords: affordable housing, employment contracts, salary caps, housing finance, public housing authority, executive compensation, parking minimums, off-street parking, transit-oriented development, TOD, housing supply, smart growth, redevelopment, adaptive reuse, micro units, rail transit, public transit stations, county zoning, land use, urban planning

Summary: The House Housing Committee heard testimony on a series of housing-related Senate bills. SB 2190 SD2 on inclusionary zoning drew support from HHFDC, Hawaii YIMBY, Grassroot Institute, Housing Hawaii’s Future, and Hako Seed Center, with opposition from OHA and Aloha Independent Living Hawaii. SB 2338 SD1, dealing with housing agency personnel authority, received comments from the Attorney General cautioning that the bill should be clarified to avoid conflicts with civil service and collective bargaining laws and recommending removal of a provision limiting employment contracts; HHFDC said its comments addressed those concerns and supported the measure. SB 2424 SD1, concerning HHFDC, received broad support from housing, business, and community groups, with one opposition. Testimony focused on changing the definition of “qualified resident” so people who already own an HHFDC-assisted unit could later purchase another if their housing needs change; HHFDC said the current rule forces people to sell before buying again and that the bill would help people move up the housing ladder and encourage more housing development. SB 2356 on parking also drew broad support from state agencies, housing advocates, business groups, and local officials, with Unite Here Local 5 in opposition. SB 2981 on land use had strong support from many organizations and 67 individuals, with Unite Here Local 5 opposing. SB 3028 SD2 on property conveyance generated the most detailed policy debate. Supporters, including Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Indivisible Hawaii, and others, backed restructuring the conveyance tax into a marginal rate system and urged changes to revenue allocations, including dedicated funding for homeless services, DHHL, and the rental housing revolving fund. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii supported the marginal-rate concept but opposed dedicated special-fund allocations and criticized the bill’s blank sections. Committee members questioned the historical purpose of the conveyance tax, and the Tax Foundation explained it was originally a modest tax tied to property-value tracking when the state still ran the property tax system. The committee also heard SB 3187 SD2 on off-site construction, SB 2378 SD2 on housing permitting, and SB 2398 SD2 on residential housing utilities. OPSD supported SB 3187 but said it preferred the House version and wanted clarification that off-site certification should apply to factories in Hawaii, not out of state, to avoid outsourcing labor; it also suggested starting with a small scope. SB 2378 SD2 drew support from engineering, housing, and labor groups, with testimony that the House version included needed fixes to make the program insurable. On SB 2398 SD2, the Board of Water Supply opposed the bill, saying it could require disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information beyond ordinary water-availability assessments and raise critical-infrastructure and cybersecurity concerns; developers and housing groups supported the measure. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ulap Pono if they would help us with a survey of the aquaculture industry, and they were very accommodating
• Ulap Pono if they would help us with a survey of the aquaculture industry, and they were very accommodating
• if it's quarterly, it would at least triple the workload, and so we would need more resources to accommodate
• </c><01:10:41.840><c> um</c><01:10:42.000><c> for</c><01:10:42.480><c> enforcement</c> accommodate that
• . um for enforcement accommodate that. um for enforcement purposes<01:10:44.000><c> as</c><01:10:44.239

Bills: SB2350, SB2349, SB2407, SB3320

Keywords: agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, agribusiness, Department of Agriculture, regulatory functions, employee benefits, restorative practices, sustainability, environmental stewardship, local food systems, Native Hawaiian, workforce development, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, state employment, SB3320, Hawaii, Agribusiness Development Corporation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SP 2350, which would transfer oversight of the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Development Division and the aquaculture and livestock support services branch to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. The Department of Agriculture and ADC both testified, with ADC opposing the bill as written while supporting the goal of strengthening agriculture. ADC said the transfer could create federal operational and coordination risks, jeopardize federal funding and program continuity, and was unnecessary because ADC is a business development entity, not a regulatory agency. The Hawaii Farmers Union also expressed concern that moving the programs could weaken the department’s ability to access federal resources, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau submitted written testimony and the Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association and H-Plan were noted as supporting the measure; the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council was noted as opposing it. Much of the discussion focused on aquaculture’s economic potential and the role of regulation, permitting, and funding. Committee members questioned why aquaculture had not grown faster, citing current gross revenues of about $66 million last year, a prior high of $82 million, and a possible long-term target of $500 million. Testimony identified permitting and feed costs as major barriers, along with market conditions and water quality issues affecting producers. ADC described ongoing efforts on feed development, permitting streamlining, coastal-state collaboration on seaweed and restorative aquaculture, and national advocacy for more parity in seafood import standards. Members also pressed the Department of Agriculture on its leadership and priorities, criticizing the lack of bills and resources dedicated to aquaculture and asking whether the department should have more authority to pursue land purchases and development opportunities. The department said it relies on divisions and industry feedback for bill ideas, noted it funds an annual aquaculture survey, and said it was pursuing congressional earmarks and other funding for aquaculture parks, research, and export/import issues. ADC said it would work with the department if the bill passed, but that its current statute does not give it regulatory authority and any such change would require a statutory amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• federal legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited segregation in public accommodations
• federal legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited segregation in public accommodations
• 27.840><c> teachers</c><02:21:28.560><c> as</c> The tribe is now looking to build a new school to accommodate
• </c><02:21:56.399><c> The</c> school to accommodate its growth.
• The school to accommodate its growth.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any additional funds will accommodate... typically the answer is no because typically the answer is no
• 38.360><c> additional</c><00:20:38.799><c> funds</c><00:20:39.240><c> will</c><00:20:39.640><c> accommodate
• </c><00:20:40.640><c> uh</c> Any additional funds will accommodate what I just said earlier: potential
• items here are showing what we're doing both technologically and also operationally to be able to accommodate
• to</c><01:26:00.719><c> be</c><01:26:00.840><c> able</c> And also in operationally to be able to accommodate

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They could probably afford the fee if there were something, but would it be possible to accommodate some
• They could probably afford the fee if there were something, but would it be possible to accommodate some
• They could probably afford the fee if there were something, but would it be possible to accommodate some
• "Um, and then the changes we've made today so far at least sounds like we can accommodate with all the
• "Um, and then the changes we've made today so far at least sounds like we can accommodate with all the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division II work session focused on Fish and Game’s budget-revenue proposals and several statutory changes the department said it needs to support its operations. The department recommended raising the fisheries habitat fee and wildlife habitat fee to $5 each, estimating additional annual revenue of about $640,000 and $144,000 respectively. Members clarified that these are habitat fees added on top of licenses, not reduced by senior or youth license categories, and discussed the need for RSA changes to allow the revenue to be transferred into the Fish and Game Fund. The department also said it would work internally on any broader license fee increases through the commission process. The committee then reviewed proposals to cap several dedicated accounts and transfer excess balances to the unrestricted Fish and Game Fund. Those accounts included the fisheries and wildlife habitat funds and the game management account, with the department proposing a $750,000 cap on each and transfer of amounts above that threshold. The department said the cap was based on several years of expenditures and the fact that dedicated funds are often used as match for federal funds. Members asked for reports on fund activity and questioned whether the cap and mandatory transfer language should be “shall” or “may,” with the department indicating it would prefer “may” for flexibility. The committee also discussed a Pheasant Management Program account, where the department said current law limits use of the money to buying and propagating pheasants and it wants authority to use it for broader program management. A substantial portion of the meeting addressed Fish and Game’s environmental review unit and the transfer of ARPA-funded positions to DEES under the governor’s initiative. The department said four positions are currently ARPA-funded, that DEES supports keeping them in place through the end of the year, and that the transition will require time because environmental review work is intertwined across the agency. The department explained that before the ARPA positions, biologists handled the work and that current staffing has helped eliminate a backlog and meet deadlines. Members also discussed a proposal to expand environmental review fees beyond private developers to state, federal, municipal, and local governments, with the department saying it would need rulemaking and stakeholder input. Additional requests included authority to conduct raffles to raise funds, creation of a revolving account for donations and raffle proceeds, and repeal of the obsolete fish food sales statute because the vending machines are no longer functional and the account generates no revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• everybody has that opportunity, and we need to get through this agenda today in a timely fashion to accommodate
• agenda today in a timely<00:01:32.560><c> fashion</c><00:01:33.079><c> to</c><00:01:33.520><c> accommodate
• </c><00:01:34.079><c> all</c><00:01:34.320><c> those</c> timely fashion to accommodate all those timely
• fashion to accommodate all those folks<00:01:36.000><c> and</c><00:01:36.159><c> so</c><00:01:36.439
• by statute in the Outdoor Recreation Act, utilize the natural features of the park that can be accommodated

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• so consequently, to be able to look at COPEG, you have to be able to switch out the factory to accommodate
• so consequently, to be able to look at Kopeg, you have to be able to switch out the factory to accommodate
• To switch out the factory to accommodate those different parts.
• There to accommodate the Novo Fly, so it would be a switchover.
• The challenge is that that's... ...and materials can accommodate the Novo Fly.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• accountable than any state agency, and certainly today our agencies have been less effective, less accommodating
• accountable than any state agency, and certainly today our agencies have been less effective, less accommodating
• today, unfortunately, our state agencies are less accessible today than they've ever been and accommodating
• <01:47:39.040><c> ever</c><01:47:39.280><c> been</c><01:47:39.840><c> and</c><01:47:40.040><c> accommodating
• </c><01:47:40.720><c> the</c> they've ever been and accommodating the they've ever been and accommodating

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you think that the allowable uses of the special fund already accommodate that, or would there need
• </c><01:20:53.560><c> that</c><01:20:53.760><c> or</c> special fund already accommodate that or special
• fund already accommodate that or would<01:20:54.080><c> there</c><01:20:54.199><c> need</c><01:20:54.360
• day, the financial crisis, to somehow undermine all of those hard-fought wins by being overly accommodating
• day, the financial crisis, to somehow undermine all of those hard-fought wins by being overly accommodating

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on several energy and environmental bills. On HB 470, relating to noise and leaf blowers, the Department of Health supported the bill’s intent to reduce noise pollution but raised concerns about using decibel limits alone and suggested using dBA measurements; testimony also noted the bill would regulate future sales rather than current use, and there were three additional testimonies, two in support and one in opposition. No questions were raised before the committee moved on. The committee then heard HB 742 on transit-oriented development, which would require HCDA to prepare a programmatic EIS for Ewa, Kapalama, and West Oahu improvements. UH supported the bill, HHFDC said it was already preparing a master plan and programmatic EIS for the Ewa area, and HCDA explained that the projects are already underway or completed, including infrastructure work funded by prior appropriations. Supporters said the bill would streamline environmental review and potentially reduce costs for future housing, while HCDA emphasized the work is already in progress. On HB 340, concerning a streamlined grid-ready home interconnection process and related cost recovery, DCCA provided comments, the Attorney General suggested changing a deadline to a specific date, and the PUC said it wanted to study the matter further while still meeting the 180-day reporting requirement. Solar and clean energy groups strongly supported the bill as a way to speed interconnection and advance grid-interactive technologies, while Hawaiian Electric supported the goal of more DERs but opposed the process, saying its interconnection performance has improved and that collaboration would be preferable to legislation. Members asked about newer technologies, UL 1741, and ratepayer impacts, and the Consumer Advocate said removing the cost-recovery section would alleviate its concerns. The committee also heard HB 243, requiring PV- and EV-ready new residential construction, which the Hawaii State Energy Office described as a cost-saving no-brainer because installing these features during construction is much cheaper than retrofitting later. The hearing then shifted to HB 350, expanding the water-heater systems that can satisfy building-permit requirements to include heat pump water heaters alongside solar hot water systems. The Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray supported the concept but asked for amendments to align efficiency standards and noted the bill’s removal of a 15-year lifespan limit for solar thermal systems, and Hawaii Solar Energy Association raised questions about how heat pump performance should be measured and whether PV-plus-heat-pump combinations should qualify. Committee members asked about impacts on smaller homes and ADUs, and the discussion remained focused on technical standards and possible amendments; no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• When you look at the original bill, we have trimmed it down and trimmed it down to accommodate the members
• </c><01:38:59.600><c> Um</c><01:39:00.080><c> but</c><01:39:00.320><c> I</c> accommodate the members
• Um but I accommodate the members here.
• </c><02:12:24.400><c> Thank</c> in order to accommodate this one.
• Thank in order to accommodate this one. Thank you,<02:12:24.719><c> Mr.</c><02:12:24.960><c> Chair.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Wiklund has for her committee here in the Senate, would her committee here in the Senate accommodate
• Senator Wiklund has for her committee here in the Senate, would her committee here in the Senate accommodate
• Senator Wiklund has for her committee here in the Senate, would her committee here in the Senate accommodate
• Senator Wiklund has for her committee here in the Senate, would her committee here in the Senate accommodate
• Does the target that Senator Wiklund has for her committee here in the Senate accommodate the passage

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for rent, whether or not the major portion of its operating receipts is derived from sleeping accommodations
• out to the public by offering itself out to the public by offering sleeping<02:02:09.199><c> accommodations
• for rent whether sleeping accommodations for rent whether or<02:02:11.360><c> not</c><02:02:11.520><
• </c><02:02:16.320><c> The</c><02:02:16.560><c> term</c> sleeping accommodations.
• The term sleeping accommodations.

Keywords: 1189, house, all