Transcript Highlights:

• And here in Hawaii, we submitted an application, which was apparently well received because we received
• So, congratulations to the governor's office and all of you for your work on the application.
• There's still certain applications, for example, the maternal telehealth application is a combination
• So there's some of those applications.
• Um a lot of people have applications.

Bills: HB2246, HB2119, HB1929, HB1953, HB1572, HB2549, HB2594, HB2551, HB2595, HB2548, HB2459, HB1931, HB1604, HB1616, HB1736, HB2233, HB2241, HB1891, HB1803, HB2567, HB2534, HB2399, HB2172, HB1595, HB1811, HB2168, HB1780, HB1781, HB1785, HB2122, HB2012, HB2398, HB1779, HB2296, HB1894, HB1925, HB2019, HB1896, HB2294, HB2298, HB2300, HB2344, HB2345, HB2391, HB2037, HB2201, HB1941, HB1635, HB1943, HB2325, HB1926, HB2490, HB1710, HB2545, HB1976, HB2173, HB1804, HB1563, HB2015, HB1619, HB2475, HB1889, HB2367, HB2187, HB1765, HB1452, HB2231, HB1700, HB1705, HB1626, HB1897, HB1642, HB1523, HB2593, HB815, HB1655, HB1596, HB1732, HB1842, HB2476, HB2478, HB2022, HB1588, HB2575, HB1163, HB2153, HB772, HB1519, HB2050, HB2309, HB2147, HB2329, HB2274, HB2280, HB2547, HB2275, HB2452, HB2306, HB2148, HB2088, HB1764, HB2438, HB2117, HB1860, HB2604, HB2118, HB2017, HB2155, HB1832, HB2216, HB1601, HB1934, HB2297, HB2397, HB1893, HB2533, HB1890, HB2454, HB2004, HB2427, HB2207, HB1810, HB1840, HB1644, HB1645, HB1946, HB1648, HB2324, HB2323, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB2164, HB2165, HB2283, HB1691, HB2386, HB2423, HB2121, HB1984, HB1593, HB1671, HB2619, HB1481, HB2314, HB2319, HB1643, HB2558, HB1864, HB1898, HB2214, HB2167, HB2488, HB2009, HB2007, HB322, HB1964, HB2218, HB2616, HB1535, HB1574, HB1977, HB2054, HB2046, HB146, HB2094, HB2181, HB2250, HB2515, HB2444, HB2385, HB1740, HB1724, HB1733, HB1799, HB1725, HB2049, HB2161, HB1970, HB2519, HB1790, HB2416, HB1873, HB2001, HB2151, HB1603, HB1880, HB1753, HB2198, HB1511, HB1991, HB2546, HB1615, HB1939, HB2140, HB2429, HB1870, HB1850, HB1782, HB2137

Keywords: agriculture, federal grants, Hawaii, grant administration, revolving fund, department of agriculture and biosecurity, grant compliance, financial support, coffee, pest control, subsidy program, coffee berry borer, coffee leaf rust, economy, biosecurity, invasive species, Molokai, advisory board, quarantine, environmental protection

Transcript Highlights:

• , you know, put down on their application.
• ,<00:15:53.199> we're clients fill out applications, we're clients fill out applications,
• <00:15:56.720> We<00:15:56.880> don't put down on their application.
• We don't put down on their application.
• determining the applicable level uh will determining the applicable level uh will be<00:55:01.839>

Bills: SB2040, SB2248, SB2530, SB2732, SB2871, SB2919, SB3076, SB3300, SB3301

Keywords: freedom of speech, elections, campaign finance, non-natural persons, regulated participation, constitutional amendment, financial disclosures, government transparency, public confidence, Senate confirmation, conflicts of interest, state ethics commission, campaign contributions, state contracts, transparency, conflict of interest, government ethics, pretrial release, bail reform, financial ability

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2248 would expand financial disclosure requirements to certain gubernatorial nominees subject to Senate confirmation. The State Ethics Commission supported the measure, saying disclosures should be filed before confirmation so the public and interested parties can review them in advance. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with 22 supporters, no opposition, and one comment. SB 2530 would broaden Hawaii’s campaign contribution ban for state and county contractors to include officers and immediate family members, and would extend the ban to certain grantees and their officers and family members, with specified contract thresholds. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is its own proposal and would align the thresholds with procurement guidelines. Testimony was entirely favorable, with 30 in support, no opposition, and two comments. Members asked about conforming amendments and how the existing prohibition on soliciting contributions applies; CSC said the calendar-day language clarifies current practice and that the solicitation ban already applies to contractors, with the bill extending the same standard to officers and immediate family members. SB 2732 would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail, including excluding public benefits from income calculations and clarifying the 40-hour affordability benchmark for those above 150% of the federal poverty level. The Office of the Public Defender, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that unaffordable bail creates wealth-based disparities, contributes to jail overcrowding, and can cause severe collateral consequences for people not yet convicted. There was one opposition testimony and 18 supporters. Committee discussion focused on when the 40-hour period should begin, how income would be verified, and whether misrepresentation could affect bail; the Public Defender said the measure should be read to start from initial appearance and that judges could address false statements through existing remedies. SB 2871 would prohibit discrimination based on perceived characteristics, association with someone who has or is perceived to have protected characteristics, and intersectional combinations of characteristics. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked for clear definitions, while the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the bill does not add new protected classes and simply codifies the Lamb v. University of Hawaii decision on intersectional discrimination. LGBTQ+, civil rights, ACLU, and other advocacy groups testified in support, with one opposition testimony and a total of 27 in support, two opposed, and one comment. The committee then heard SB 2919, which appropriates funds for one full-time public deputy public defender position. The Public Defender’s Office said the position would provide statewide legal support and a centralized resource on constitutional, appellate, and immigration-related issues; several advocacy groups supported the measure, and committee questions focused on how the new position would complement existing training and keep staff updated on changing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• This funding is solely for Texas and will only be drawn with the proper project applications.
• Authority to make decisions about those permit applications.
• And through experience, you know that the applicant has turned in one application after another, after
• Another amended application with deficiency after deficiency after deficiency.
• To reject those applications based on lies or based on repeated deficiencies.

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:

• business is to receive public testimony and vote to accept, reject, or modify the port priority applications
• committee will receive public testimony and vote to accept, reject, or modify the port priority applications
• For quarter one of 2026, we received two applications from the same port for the program.
• And having a larger state cost share, they're able to ask and have a better application to the feds requesting
• We have a motion by Chairman Borak to accept the port priority applications received through March 1,

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works met to receive public testimony and act on port priority applications for inclusion in the FY 2027-2028 Port Priority Construction and Development Priority Programs. After a roll call showing 18 members present, the committee adopted the March 9, 2026 minutes without objection. Commissioner Andrew Killshaw of the Office of Multimodal Commerce explained the Port Priority Program criteria and presented two applications from the Avoyelles Harbor and Terminal District: a $3.4 million building addition and infrastructure project requesting $2.853 million in state funds, and a $1.5 million Workforce Training Center redevelopment requesting $1.287 million. He said the projects were projected to create 265 jobs and generate substantial state benefits, with very high benefit-cost ratios. Members expressed support for the projects and for strengthening the port program overall. Chairman Boriak moved to approve the applications, and Senator Carter and others discussed the need to increase investment in ports and develop a statewide strategic plan to better compete for federal dollars. DOTD Multimodal Commerce staff, including Molly Bergoin, testified that the program has more than $200 million in backlog, that annual Transportation Trust Fund financing has made it difficult to reduce, and that the department hopes to clear 10 to 12 low-balance projects this year. They also said the request cap had been increased to $7 million per project this year and up to $21 million going forward, and that most projects are proceeding under reimbursement agreements because construction costs have risen sharply. After discussion, the committee voted without objection to accept the port priority applications received through March 1, 2026, for the FY 2027-2028 program. The committee then adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• operator of brick-and-mortar casinos located in the U.S. to apply for a license by submitting their application
• It requires an approved applicant to pay $150 million to the commission, which is the cost of the inland
• It requires an approved applicant to pay $150 million to the commission, which is the cost of the Inland
• It also allows an applicant to include a financial commitment to the horse racing industry within their
• application.

Keywords: 964, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll get you an application form. OK, with that, we'll open the queue for a vote.
• It's defined as an agency statement of general applicability, which is also the same language that is
• statutes and reports says rule means any agency statement or group of related statements of general applicability
• And so it's really is these high-level things that are applicable across the board.
• and forth when somebody asks a question It's just these broad categories, statements of general applicability

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We make attempts to follow up and reach out to individual applicants to finish those applications.
• We make attempts to follow up and reach out to individual applicants to finish those applications.
• We make attempts to follow up and reach out to individual applicants to finish those applications.
• We make attempts to follow up and reach out to individual applicants to finish those applications.
• their application.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Legacy applicants were three times as likely to be admitted as equally qualified non-legacy applicants
• <00:18:51.919> were points on the SAT Legacy applicants were points on the SAT Legacy applicants
• to be admitted than an equally qualified non-legacy applicant.
• Students complete an application through the form available online or via an app, and those applications
• Um, so what is the process time from time of application to time of approval, if approved?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Once an application is received, the commissioner has 18 months to appraise, advertise, and auction the
• Additionally, applicants are allowed to bundle multiple parcels into a single application.
• Additionally, applicants are allowed to bundle multiple parcels into a single application, and the auction
• except that ADOT may transfer the photo image required in issuing a driver license to a qualified applicant

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Once an application is received, the commissioner has 18 months to appraise, advertise, and auction the
• Additionally, applicants are allowed to bundle multiple parcels into a single application.
• Additionally, applicants are allowed to bundle multiple parcels into a single application, and the auction
• except that ADOT may transfer the photo image required in issuing a driver license to a qualified applicant

Summary: The committee heard concurrence and Senate-amendment explanations on a series of House measures. HCR 2001 would place a constitutional question before voters on election-related changes, including limiting voting to U.S. citizens, banning foreign national election contributions, requiring government-issued ID, and allowing ballot tabulation at the voting location; supporters described it as an election-security and faster-counting measure, while members noted possible county costs and the need for future appropriations if approved. HB 2305 on private towing was described as a statewide response to predatory towing, with Senate changes delaying local rate updates and creating a study/reporting framework for towing enforcement. HB 2321 would require DCS to place security freezes on children’s credit records, but the Senate removed the appropriation. HB 2397 revised HOA/condominium sale-notice procedures, and HB 2398 required insurance coverage for peer-to-peer or charter watercraft rentals while clarifying that ordinary boat ownership would not be mandated to carry insurance. The committee also reviewed HB 2406, which the Senate struck and replaced with confidentiality protections for records involving deceased minors and minor victims of child abuse; HB 2408, which revised nursing board complaint and expungement procedures, added complainant confidentiality protections, and required public posting of policy statements; and HB 2755, which was substantially rewritten to facilitate the sale of underperforming state trust lands by allowing certain lessees to apply to purchase parcels through an appraisal-and-auction process. Members discussed a specific Dairy Queen/state land parcel example as the practical impetus for HB 2755. HB 2957 would bar governments from requiring digital/mobile driver licenses for services and limit ADOT’s retention and use of identity documents and biometric data, with the sponsor emphasizing privacy and federal-law carveouts. Finally, HB 4005 would require AI instruction in schools, with the Senate expanding it from district-level instruction to grade-specific student requirements and directing ADE on curriculum development. Supporters framed AI literacy as essential for students’ future competitiveness and ethical use, while opponents objected to the mandate and questioned its fit for charter schools and core academics. The meeting ended after the committee moved through the bills and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, just to clarify that um applications and eligible entities are counties, cities, any sort of public
• They have submitted applications that have totaled in $15 million in match money for the state.
• They<00:02:55.040> have<00:02:55.520> submitted<00:02:55.800> applications<00:02
• :56.480> that They have submitted applications that They have submitted applications that have
• principally located, but in terms of the counties that are participating in getting on, say a regional application

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:00:007 HB 647 Discussion 00:00:40 HB 647 Vote 00:04:38 HB 651 Discussion 00:05:52 HB 651 Vote 00:06:45 HB 816 Discussion 00:07:03 HB 816 Vote 00:08:12, 958, all

Summary: The Appropriations and Revenue Committee met with a quorum and considered three House bills. House Bill 647, sponsored by Rep. Shawn McPherson, would continue the Grant Ready Kentucky program. Testimony described it as a successful third iteration that leverages state funds to attract federal and other project dollars, with examples cited from Jefferson County and Perry County. Members asked about county participation and the local match structure; the witness explained that the bill doubles the prior match scale based on population density, from 1-5% to 2-10%, to require more local contribution in more populous counties. House Bill 651, sponsored by Rep. Josh Bray, was presented as a cleanup measure for the Waters program, which targets the state’s most distressed water districts and provides financial incentives for system improvements and best management practices. The committee adopted a committee substitute before approving the bill. House Bill 816, the annual claims bill, was described by the chair as covering audited claims against the state that were not previously paid because of lapsed or insufficient appropriations or missing procurement documents; the claims ranged from small amounts to tens of thousands of dollars. All three measures received favorable expression by unanimous roll call votes, with 12 ayes and no nays each time. After each vote, the committee also moved the bills onto consent, and those motions were approved as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've contracted with the same vendor that was used last cycle to relaunch the map drawing application
• The census data and census geography are in the map drawing application.
• The census data and census geography are in the map drawing application.
• By staff to draw maps is in this map drawing application, including the geography, which is how we construct
• All of that is located in the map drawing application that's available to members of this committee.

Summary: The Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting held its first meeting, established a quorum, and opened with remarks from the chair outlining the committee’s purpose and scope. The chair said the committee will focus only on congressional redistricting, will not take public comment at this introductory meeting, and may consider whether to propose a new congressional map ahead of the 2026 session. He emphasized that the work would rely on the 2020 census data, the current congressional map, and the House’s map-drawing software, and he stressed transparency, record retention, and compliance with constitutional prohibitions on drawing districts to favor or disfavor a party or incumbent. House outside counsel Andy Bartos then gave an educational presentation on redistricting basics and legal standards. He distinguished reapportionment from redistricting, explained that Florida was apportioned 28 congressional seats after the 2020 census, and reviewed the one-person, one-vote rule, noting that congressional districts must be drawn with near-exact population equality. He also described census geography and how counties, tracts, block groups, and blocks are used to build districts, and explained that congressional redistricting follows the ordinary legislative process rather than the special process used for state legislative districts. Bartos also covered contiguity, explaining that districts must be one connected piece and that mere point-touching is not enough, while bodies of water within a district do not necessarily break contiguity. No questions were asked after the presentation, no votes were taken, and no public testimony was heard. The meeting ended after the chair thanked attendees and said the committee would meet again the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• They also stated in a joint status report that a part of their perceived unconstitutional application
• They also stated in a joint status report that a part of their perceived unconstitutional application
• They also stated in a joint status report that a part of their perceived unconstitutional application
• They also stated in a joint status report that a part of their perceived unconstitutional application
• They also stated in a joint status report that a part of their perceived unconstitutional application

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• According to the Department's last 2024 rules proposal, the anticipated application fee will be around
• This application fee, along with all other associated licensure fees, is unusually high for this department
• In fact, it is four times higher than the next closest application fee.
• For reference, even the largest financial institutions operating in the state pay only a $5,000 application
• All to say that this high application cost creates an environment that is not conducive to digital asset

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're accepting applications.
• We expect to start the applications.
• certification fills out an application. certification fills out an application.
• Um if um reviews those applications.
• Their Their email application is there.

Bills: HF2825

Keywords: expungement, criminal justice, background check, security industry, private detective, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It's really the option of the applicant which way they want to go.
• application, because process, the full application, because otherwise<00:31:20.960> you<00:31
• <01:15:18.239> I'm expedited uh permit applications.
• I'm expedited uh permit applications.
• :21:03.360> a<01:21:03.520> person laundering applicable when a person laundering applicable

Bills: HB0120, HB0043, HB0128

Keywords: energy production, natural gas, industrial sovereignty, manufacturing, tax exemptions, money laundering, illegal investment, financial institutions, criminal activity, Wyoming legislation, severance tax, oil production, tax exemption, energy sector, economic impact, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, with 25% of the applicants of Girl State being denied access to Girl State, we feel like
• Hudson and Senator Davis indicated, in years past, it's been a fairly common practice that the application
• , It's been a fairly common practice that the application window would be extended.
• Boys State, on the other hand, has continued to take applicants. So that's factually what happened.
• Preventing students from attending due to an application error undermines that purpose of the program

Summary: House Management took up a series of House resolutions, mostly honoring Arkansas schools, teams, and individuals. Resolutions passed recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and commending CASA programs, the Mountain Home Bombers’ 2025 boys and girls 5A cross-country championships, a corrected resolution for a girls’ championship team roster, Mount St. Mary Academy’s 6A girls golf title, Central Arkansas Christian High School Choir, a local candy shop for state and national awards, Joe T. Robinson’s 5A football championship and 1–4A swim and dive title, Arkansas Tech University Golden Suns coach Dave Wilbers and the Golden Suns cross-country team, and North Rock’s girls basketball championship. One resolution honoring the Passion Play was pulled from the agenda and moved to regular session. The main substantive discussion centered on House Resolution 1052, which urged support for Arkansas Girls’ State applicants who missed a school deadline because of counselor or administrative error. Sponsors and supporters said roughly 150 girls statewide were affected, that the deadline fell during spring break, and that the American Legion Auxiliary had previously extended deadlines but declined to do so this year. They argued the girls had met the requirements, that the issue was caused by adults, and that the program is a once-in-a-lifetime civic opportunity. They also said they had contacted the board, offered help with space, funding, and volunteers, and received no willingness to change course. Committee members asked about the impact on students, including families with both a son and daughter where only the boy was being allowed to participate, and about whether the message to girls was fair. Supporters said the situation teaches civic engagement, grace, and advocacy, but that it also sends a harmful message if girls are denied because of adult mistakes while boys are still being accepted. After discussion, the committee voted to pass the resolution, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• As far as applications for new mining, you still handle that, or was that affected by this?
• We're talking about a water right application since it's tied to land and other ownership issues, so
• The proposed rule came out with the applicant covering all that based on our board's recommendation.
• And that is a A great cost and time issue for not just the board but for the applicant typically that
• We are just attacking the backlogs and prioritizing, especially when it comes to water applications.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This proposed rule amendment sets forth the requirements for dealers, applicators, training, and record
• And also that the end date occurs when the full determination is made on the regular application for
• And this is where we have added the requirement for a TEA or WorkPays applicant who is determined job
• ready to be required to complete some job search activities before the application is processed.
• Well, I can just, in general, at application and at recertification, we verify income.

Summary: The Arkansas Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a large set of agency rules and reports. Early items were routine filings: emergency-rule reports, subcommittee review reports, and administrative directive reports were filed without objection. One rule from the Department of Agriculture on maternal health providers and remote monitoring was noted as pulled by the agency and not considered. The committee then reviewed and approved several Agriculture rules, including repeal of equine ID-chip rules after Act 703 of 2025, updates to finance rules adding a new water and sewer treatment facilities grant and consolidating revolving-fund rules, and a pesticide rule creating a Class J pesticide category for feral hog toxicant use. It also approved a Commerce/Insurance rule removing duplicative workers’ compensation plan provisions, and a Corrections rule creating a unified visitation rule for correctional facilities and community correction centers. A member asked about prison visitation hours during COVID, and staff said they would check on that. The committee next approved multiple Department of Human Services rules. These included marketing rules for provider-led organizations under Act 301 of 2025, a comprehensive revision of the DCFS policy manual, changes to Medicaid eligibility to include fictive kin placements and to expand ABLE account eligibility under Act 875, presumptive eligibility changes for pregnant women to align with federal rules, and a follow-up SNAP/TEA/Work Pays rule with updated work requirements, mandatory employment and training, alien eligibility changes, and job-search requirements for certain applicants. DHS also presented a rule implementing federal coverage for certain incarcerated youth before and after release, and the committee approved it. Another DHS rule updated nurse aide training requirements to match federal CNA hour standards and moved criminal-records-check procedures to the agency website. The most extended discussion involved DHS Division of Medical Services’ dental rate rule under Act 1025. The agency explained that it was increasing pediatric dental rates and certain oral-surgery-related rates, but not orthodontic rates or a broader special-needs benefit limit because CMS would not approve a diagnosis-based limit. Members debated whether the statutory language was intended to cover general dentists performing oral surgery procedures, with legislators, the Dental Association, and DHS discussing legislative intent, fiscal impact, and whether a future fix or emergency rule might be needed. Despite the disagreement, the committee approved the rule. The committee also approved other DHS medical rules: adverse-decision appeal changes and prior-authorization posting requirements, an increased RSV administration fee for children, expanded emergency treat/triage/transport ambulance authority, and clinic-based physical and occupational therapy coverage. Later, the committee approved permanent rules for the new state insurance program under Shared Administrative Services, procurement rule revisions recommended after an ACASO review, and commodity-management rule updates including a new revenue distribution model. Under Act 595 of 2021, the committee granted two Department of Commerce/Insurance requests to be excluded from rulemaking requirements: one for Act 772 on forced organ harvesting, and one for restorative reproductive medicine, with the department saying it would promulgate rules later when clinical guidelines are available. Finally, the committee accepted a recommendation to keep and extend the Department of Education, Division of Career and Technical Education rules, filed outstanding rulemaking updates, and adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a very difficult process and it makes it hard on the applicants.
• Big applicants can go Back and they can find ways to find additional resources.
• They have staff to do the applications. For small communities, we do it for them.
• This would allow us to put in separate application cycles for the smaller communities that need more
• The applicant receives the output or the outcome, which could be a preliminary engineering report, a

Bills: HM26, HB243, HB109

Keywords: insects, ecosystem, education, public awareness, wildlife conservation, state agency involvement, New Mexico, equine welfare, animal rescue, shelter funding, trust fund, veterinary care, water project fund, water project finance act, New Mexico Finance Authority, water infrastructure, water grants, water loans, regional water planning, water rights adjudication