Transcript Highlights:

• Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments adopted.
• Members, I move the adoption of authors' amendments across the desk on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,
• These amendments will be adopted, published, and the bill's return to the committee.
• rights, like the First Amendment, it was a different world.
• Well, that's a different type of First Amendment debate, I believe.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This was an amendment that came on the floor that was negotiated between Republicans and Democrats on
• Yeah, I think the guardrail that was added as we went through the amendment process was just a warning
• This was an amendment that came on the floor that was negotiated between Republicans and Democrats on
• Thankfully, we have First Amendment rights, and you're agreed, we can agree on that.
• That actually goes against our Constitution when we do that.

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Mental Health heard public testimony on House Concurrent Resolution 42, Senate Bill 878, House Resolution 538, and House Resolution 4661. HCR 42 would urge Congress to support programs intended to reduce prescription drug costs for Medicaid and Medicare patients; the sponsor said it would help elderly and low-income residents, while an opponent argued the referenced program can cost more than alternatives like GoodRx or local pharmacy pricing. No votes were taken on HCR 42, and the hearing closed after no one appeared in support, opposition, or for information. Senate Bill 878, a pharmacist practice act bill, drew the most discussion. The sponsor said it would codify pandemic-era flexibilities for pharmacists, including administering certain vaccines, providing medication therapy services, dispensing some medical devices, and allowing over-the-counter access to ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine with warning labels and standardized procedures. Supporters from pharmacy chains and the Missouri Pharmacy Association said the bill improves access, especially in rural areas, and keeps pharmacists working at the top of their training. Opponents raised concerns about vaccine authority shifting from the governor to boards, the safety and efficacy of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, and the adequacy of warning labels. The committee heard testimony but did not take a vote. The committee also heard two awareness resolutions. House Resolution 538 would designate May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month and call for support of ALS research and advocacy; members spoke in favor, citing the severity of the disease and the need for early access to communication technology and support services. House Resolution 4661 would encourage screening and public education about chronic kidney disease, especially for high-risk patients such as those with diabetes or hypertension, and would ask the Department of Health and Senior Services to consider public-private education efforts. Both resolutions were presented as nonbinding awareness measures, and no votes were taken before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Senator Allen, the bill is the national anthem bill, and I do have an amendment.
• Your amendment was included in the Senate version, so we don't need an amendment. Thank you.
• So anyway, once a week, it's a constitutional amendment, so simple. education uh the opportunity to develop
• 09:14.320> it's anyway once a week once a week it's anyway once a week once a week it's constitution
• <00:09:15.040> amendment<00:09:15.600> so Question is, Representative Estus.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In that role, I ensured that I reviewed and amended our bylaws so they were consistent with current company
• When board members learned of prior issues, I openly requested amendments to the bylaws when they were
• When board members learned of prior issues, I openly requested amendments to the bylaws when they were
• I believe as long as that is within the confines of the law and doesn't constitute hate speech, then
• That's a constitutional right, in my opinion, yeah. I agree fully with you.

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met to consider several gubernatorial appointees, beginning with Matthew Walsh, Secretary of Juvenile Justice, for confirmation. Walsh outlined his law enforcement background, social work training, and priorities at DJJ, including staff wellness, seeking statutory recognition and training standards for juvenile detention and probation officers, and increasing bed capacity so adjudicated youth can move from detention into residential programming sooner. Members asked about the impact of detention “dead time” and the need for more beds; Walsh said DJJ is evaluating ways to let youth begin programming earlier while in detention. Public support was noted, and the committee voted unanimously to confirm Walsh and forward his nomination to the full Senate. The committee then heard from Tina Vidal-Duarte, nominee to the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees. She described her business background, service on multiple boards, and prior service on FAU’s board pending confirmation, emphasizing governance, accountability, and strategic planning. Senators questioned her about FAU’s handling of faculty social media controversies, the university’s relationship with its new president, student and faculty engagement, AI planning, diversity, and her role on the Hope Florida board and with CDR Health’s state contracts, including work related to the Everglades detention center. Public testimony included strong opposition from one speaker who criticized her ties to state contracts and Hope Florida, while another senator spoke in support, citing her community service and business experience. The committee voted 5-2 to confirm her, with Senators Polsky and Bernard voting no. Afterward, the committee considered the remaining nominees in Tabs 2 through 15, excluding Tab 10, en bloc. No separate votes were requested, and the committee approved the group of nominees by voice roll call to be forwarded to the full Senate. The meeting then concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate amended the bill by applying the provisions of the bill to committees that have not filed
• The Senate amendments also prohibit penalties for untimely campaign finance reports.
• The Senate amendments also prohibit penalties for untimely campaign finance reports.
• I'd like to see some kind of an amendment on this because it's just photographing the child.
• rights, and I think it's a slow... ...as gun violence against our Second Amendment rights.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long agenda of Senate bills across elections, commerce, education, government, health and human services, judiciary, public safety, transportation, rural development, and ways and means. Many measures were described as consent or third-read consent items, including bills on campaign finance termination statements and late-report penalties, AI provenance data for media, adjuster/contractor conduct during emergencies, Industrial Commission changes, association meeting closures, banking and remittance rules, central bank digital currency, public safety parity funding, barbering and cosmetology board continuation, digital asset reserve management, contractor licensing, gaming and racing commission continuation, school AED instruction, classroom removal procedures, school safety reporting, special education complaint transparency, foreign influence and land ownership restrictions, DCS and DES process changes, health care licensing and reimbursement rules, EMS compact adoption, and multiple tax, housing, and transportation measures. Staff repeatedly summarized each bill and answered questions, with several bills noted as mirror or identical to House measures or as strike-everything amendments from committees. A few bills drew discussion. On SB 2874, staff explained that the Senate amendment would limit penalties for untimely campaign finance reports when a committee certifies it received no contributions and made no expenditures, but the sponsor did not concur. SB 1074 prompted questions about whether parental notification changed; staff said it did not and that the bill was aimed at improving communication between teachers and principals about discipline. SB 1175, requiring DCS caseworkers to photograph children at each interaction in abuse or neglect cases, drew concern about the scope of the photos, while supporters said it would improve continuity and documentation. SB 1180 also drew comment because the sponsor and committee chair disagreed over an amendment, though the bill was advanced for further work. The most extended debate came on SB 1751, which would allow death-row inmates to choose firing squad, lethal injection, or lethal gas if voters approve the related constitutional measure. One member strongly opposed the bill on moral and personal grounds, another argued it could be a more humane option if the state is going to carry out executions, and a third raised concern that it could be used against Second Amendment rights. The bill remained on the third-read consent calendar despite the objections. The caucus concluded after moving through the remaining agenda items, with no formal votes recorded in the transcript beyond committee status and consent-calendar placement.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was an amendment to RSA 637:10, and this is now amending RSA 637:2.
• <01:42:13.880> Fifth<01:42:14.159> Amendment<01:42:14.520> not their constitutional
• Fifth Amendment not their constitutional Fifth Amendment not to<01:42:15.880> um<01:42:16.239
• No, we're not doing the amendment. I'm not bringing the amendment up.
• an amendment are we expecting<03:19:09.199> an<03:19:09.359> amendment expecting an amendment

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe you received an amendment, a proposed amendment, 0 233660 2 came out just this morning.
• Questions to ask on the amendment. But, Senator Pinto, do you have a motion to table the amendment?
• That's to adopt The amendment. You do have an amended measure.
• We've amended them the way we needed to amend them.
• If you could call the roll, please, on the amendment. No, you do have an amended measure.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 228 by Senator Duplessis: joint resolution to amend the Constitution relative to water utility
• 45 without amendments; 48 without amendments; 71 without amendments; 81 without amendments; 92 without
• amendment; Senate Bill 100 without amendments; 109 without amendments. 81 without amendments; 92 without
• amendment; Senate Bill 100 without amendments; 109 without amendments; 156 without amendments; 181 without
• House Bill 165, vice of A.B.A.B.A.B.A.B.A., joint resolution to amend the Constitution relative to lottery

Bills: HR252, HR253, HR254, HR255, HR256, HCR103, HCR104, HR244, HR245, HR246, HR247, HR248, HR249, HR250, HR251, HCR101, HCR102, SCR40, SCR60, SB112, SB131, SB145, SB194, SB268, SB307, SB312, SB319, SB333, SB341, SB346, SB464, SB466, SB488, SB495, SB503, SB507, SB509, HR9, HR196, HCR27, HCR28, HCR50, HCR62, HCR67, HCR71, HCR78, HCR81, SCR20, HB123, HB251, HB625, HB662, HB709, HB769, HB775, HB783, HB895, HB1011, HB1057, HB1155, HB1186, HB1224, HB1245, HB1247, HB1253, HB1254, HB1255, HB1256, SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB40, SB48, SB55, SB69, SB75, SB77, SB78, SB85, SB102, SB115, SB133, SB140, SB148, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB185, SB197, SB200, SB217, SB235, SB278, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB315, SB324, SB330, SB411, SB416, SB420, SB436, SB438, SB449, SB455, SB456, SB477, SB489, SB521, SB97, SB105, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, HR37, HCR64, HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR217, HCR11, HCR53, HCR60, HCR66, HCR68, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, HCR6, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB258, HB633, HB801, HB61, HB98, HB102, HB139, HB142, HB170, HB185, HB194, HB199, HB231, HB247, HB294, HB336, HB474, HB661, HB842, HB852, HB66, HB153, HB165, HB326, HB387, HB455, HB513, HB603, HB660, HB719, HB762, HB766, HB802, HB816, HB833, HB940, HB950, HB975, HB1028, HB1039, HB1051, HB1053, HB1080, HB1201, HB1215, HB1228, HB1251, HB1252, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, SB26, SB28, SB29, SB30, SB41, SB44, SB64, SB84, SB87, SB93, SB98, SB107, SB118, SB142, SB192, SB195, SB199, SB219, SB222, SB234, SB241, SB255, SB275, SB277, SB292, SB294, SB306, SB314, SB482, HCR32, HB798, HB998, HB1084, HB1223, HB59, HB955, HB1191, HB1234, HB646, HB824, HB341, SB397, SB442, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB911, HB926, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB47, SB82, SB89, SB149, SB382

Keywords: consumer protection, credit card fees, cash transactions, rounding practices, transparency, low-income, economic impact, residential construction, building codes, inspection practices, housing costs, task force, HR254, House Resolution 254, Ty Hebert, Acadiana Legislative Delegation, Louisiana State University, LSU, graduation, commendation

Transcript Highlights:

• And I don't think that the goal of the Martinez lawsuit or the Constitution implies that to get to, you
• amendment was for education.
• This is what it said: Proposing an amendment to Article 12, Section 7 of the Constitution of New Mexico
• We have been in conversations with them, and right now we are navigating a contract amendment to extend
• But they’re saying they’re a different branch, and it would be a constitutional violation.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The meeting began as an informal education budget work group focused on reviewing a revised House Appropriations and Finance Committee scenario and flagging concerns rather than taking votes. Staff outlined the main changes from the LFC recommendation, including moving the statewide student information system appropriation, adding funding for the Black, Bilingual, Multicultural and Hispanic Education Act, universal school meals overrun costs, an evidence-based CTE pilot with a 50% local match, STEM network funding, wellness room pilots, Martinez-Yazzie action plan items, and changes to innovation zone and out-of-school time appropriations. A separate handout on the seven-year CTE pilot explained spending patterns, reversions, and possible federal maintenance-of-effort concerns if the state continues funding beyond a true pilot. Members then debated CTE extensively, with several arguing it improves attendance, graduation, and career readiness and should be sustained or expanded, especially in rural areas, while staff and others emphasized that much of the current funding has gone to general operational costs rather than intentional program design and that regional or matched funding models may be more effective. Members also discussed STEM and math initiatives, the need for more industry involvement, and whether the proposed match requirements would be too burdensome for smaller districts and BIE schools. The discussion also covered the Black, Hispanic, and Multilingual Education Acts and the Martinez-Yazzie lawsuit. Some members stressed that the acts should be explicitly named in the budget language and not merely implied, while staff said the scenario reaffirms prior commitments by building the costs into agency operating budgets. Members raised concerns about charter school hold-harmless funding, declining enrollment, and the need to align spending with the needs of at-risk students. The work group ended the education portion without any votes, with staff noting they would incorporate the feedback and return with clarifications, including on CTE funding, the educational acts, and the charter hold-harmless item. The meeting then shifted to the child well-being and early childhood work group, where staff presented a revised Early Childhood Education and Care Department scenario. The proposal moved money toward child care assistance and early pre-K, kept the FIT program funding level unchanged, and used a mix of trust fund, TANF, federal, and operating-budget adjustments to close part of the gap between the executive and LFC recommendations. Members questioned the policy direction, especially the shift toward infant and toddler care and pre-K expansion, the impact on school-age child care, and the implications for continuity of care and provider costs. Staff explained that the scenario prioritizes younger children and at-risk families, includes language for a wage and career ladder, and would require legislation to raise the early childhood trust fund distribution cap from 500 to 525. Members also discussed a separate proposed CYFD pilot bill (HB 65), which would be distinct from ECECD funding. No votes were taken, and staff said they would return with more cost information on full pre-K plus wraparound care. A final work group reviewed C2 and Department of Information Technology-related appropriations. Staff compared the LFC and executive recommendations for new funding and reauthorizations, noting that the LFC generally limited new projects while the executive funded more. Members discussed several IT modernization requests, including the Secretary of State’s voter registration and election management systems, the Spaceport Authority, Game and Fish, the State Engineer’s WATERS system, ECECD’s FitKids and EPIC replacement discovery, and Aging and Long-Term Services’ enterprise system modernization. The main themes were whether to fund planning versus full replacement, how to avoid piecemeal spending, and whether new systems should wait for incoming leadership. The Secretary of State’s office said its system is nearing end of life and the planning funds would help prepare a realistic replacement request, while other agencies described aging infrastructure, cybersecurity risks, and the need for modernization. The work group did not vote on any of the items and ended with staff noting additional follow-up on funding needs and reauthorization details.

Transcript Highlights:

• The City of Houston basically has a charter amendment that was passed 20 years ago.
• If we were able to do that, I have an amendment I'll bring it up then.
• I think the constitutional amendments could pass by the upper 80s or more, but that's up to the voters
• Because when you look at the City of Houston charter amendments, there's actually two.
• Well, you should because I got that amendment over and over again repeated back to me.

Bills: SB9

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, voter-approval tax rate, no-new-revenue tax rate, tax rate calculation, Tax Code, local government finance, municipality, county, special taxing unit, sales and use tax, property tax cap, tax rollback, tax levy, maintenance and operations, debt rate, disaster relief rate, Texas Legislature, local taxing unit

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government met to hear Senate Bill 9, which would lower the voter-approval tax rate for certain local taxing units from 3.5% to 2.5%. Sen. Bettencourt, the bill author, argued the change would continue the state’s property tax reforms begun in 2019, slow local levy growth, and give voters more say over larger tax increases. He and supporters cited data showing property tax levies have grown faster than population plus inflation, and said the bill would help protect taxpayers while preserving the state’s broader investments in school tax relief, water, rural law enforcement, and ambulance funding. Supporters included the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, the Texas Association of Business, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and the Texas Association of Manufacturers. They said the bill would improve transparency, encourage more disciplined budgeting, and create certainty for homeowners and businesses. They argued that lower tax-rate growth would help attract and retain employers and investment, and that voters would still be able to approve higher rates when needed. Local officials and other opponents said the bill would constrain cities and counties facing rapid growth, inflation, infrastructure needs, and public safety costs. Testimony from county judges, city finance officials, firefighters, and urban county representatives emphasized pressures from jail operations, roads, water, EMS, police and fire staffing, and unfunded mandates. Several witnesses asked for carve-outs or exemptions for public safety and disaster-related costs, warning that a one-size-fits-all cap could force service cuts or shift costs elsewhere. The committee heard extensive questioning but no final vote or disposition on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm going to the Senate, where they don't fix bills; they don't amend bills.
• I'm happy to go through specific constitutional provisions.
• And so we'll do a Senate amendment to that bill, an omnibus amendment.
• I look forward to amending those. That's true, amending the introductions.
• Yeah, right, we should start amending the introductions; you're right.

Transcript Highlights:

• It amends the Special District Local Laws Code to allow Harris County Municipal Utility District Number
• property from the district and its services, the bill meets legal, governor, environmental, and constitutional
• property from the district and its services, the bill meets legal, governor, environmental, and constitutional
• House Bill 5682 amends the Special District Local Laws Code to create the Comina Ranch Municipal Management

Bills: HB103

Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee met to hear and act on a series of municipal utility district and municipal management district bills, most of them presented as template or cleanup measures. The committee first heard HB 5672, which redefined the boundaries of the Driftwood Conservation District in Hays County to match acreage added through landowner petitions; no one testified, and the bill was reported favorably and placed on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then took up HB 5696 for the Reserve Municipal Management District in Mansfield, where Senator Birdwell explained a committee substitute that conformed the bill to the standard MMD template; the bill was left pending subject to call of the chair. Similar template or technical bills followed, including HB 5680 (Bayou Bell No. 1 MMD in Liberty County), HB 5654 (Montgomery County MUD No. 263), HB 5662 (Fort Bend County WCID No. 12 with road powers), HB 5658 (Craver Ranch MMD in Denton County), HB 5661 (Fort Bend County MUD No. 286), HB 5699 (an exclusion/contract provision for Harris County MUD No. 405), HB 5679 (Hills of Walnut Creek MUD in Parker County), HB 5437 (validation language for Austin County MUD No. 1), HB 5665 (Waller County MUD No. 70), HB 5656 (Fort Bend County MUD No. 263), HB 5670 (Montgomery County MUD No. 259), HB 5651 (Montgomery County WCID with drainage powers), HB 5682 (Comina Ranch MMD No. 1 in McKinney), HB 5320 (merging Starr County drainage-related districts), HB 5677 (Pura Vida MMD No. 1), and HB 5666 (Fencey Road MUD in Harris County). In each case, the sponsor described the district, acreage, location, and powers, and committee substitutes were often used to align the bills with the chamber’s standard template language or correct drafting errors. Public testimony was repeatedly opened and closed with no witnesses appearing for or against the bills. The committee consistently adopted committee substitutes when offered, then voted to report the measures favorably, usually with recommendations that they do pass and be printed, and to place them on the local and uncontested calendar. Most roll calls showed 4 or 5 ayes and 0 nays, with some members absent or not voting. HB 5680 and HB 5682 were reported with committee substitutes in lieu of the filed versions; HB 5658 was reported with a do-not-pass recommendation on the filed bill but do-pass on the substitute; HB 5677 was handled similarly as a companion/template cleanup measure. The committee also noted a few procedural issues, including quorum concerns early in the meeting and a mislabeled bill number that required clarification. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted several motions in writing and then recessed to reconvene 15 minutes after adjournment of the floor, anticipating possible additional bills later in the day.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment has passed.
• adopted by the House, engrossed Senate Bill 2262 is amended by the 0-2002 amendment.
• adopted by the House, engrossed Senate Bill 2129 is amended by the 0-2006 amendment.
• adopted by the House, Engrossed Senate Bill 2297 is amended by the 1002 amendment.
• Engrossed Senate Bill 2297 is amended by the 1002 amendment. Senator Clemens.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge, a quorum call, and approval of journal corrections. It then handled several House messages, appointing conference committees on Senate Bills 2004 and 2006 and House Bills 1018, 1019, and 1363, and re-referring House Bill 1216 to Appropriations. The chamber also adopted amendments to House Bill 1601, which would have expanded special assistant attorney general authority for certain offices, but the bill failed on final passage after strong opposition centered on preserving the Attorney General’s control and avoiding a solution in search of a problem. A major portion of the day focused on education funding. House Bill 1369 was amended to raise per-pupil aid from 2% and 2% to 3% and 3% and to increase the school construction loan transfer from $75 million to $100 million; supporters said this would help local schools and military base projects, while opponents raised questions about special education placement language and state coordination. The bill passed 44-3. House Bill 1013, the DPI budget, was also amended extensively to adjust staffing, funding sources, grants, meal assistance, teacher training, and other education programs; it passed 45-2. House Bill 2234, dealing with Choice Ready grants, was amended to shift funding away from general funds and toward federal or other sources, but then failed on final passage after the sponsor urged a red vote. The Senate also approved House Bill 1482, restricting bond and indebtedness elections for counties, cities, school districts, and park districts to primary or general election days, and House Bill 1332, creating a value-added agriculture facility incentive program with an emergency clause. House Bill 1010, the Insurance Department budget, passed unanimously after amendments reflecting the merger of the Securities Department into Insurance and adding staff and fee changes, while House Bill 1011, the separate Securities Department budget, failed because its funding was already included in HB 1010. House Bill 1584, a major pharmacy benefit manager reform bill, passed with an enforcement fund and new licensing/enforcement structure despite debate over ERISA and market transparency. In other action, the Senate concurred in House amendments and passed Senate Bills 2226, 2230, 2069, 2082, 2387, 2385, and 2186, with SB 2186 on parenting time interference and a child custody task force passing 27-20 after debate over whether the issue should be left to the courts. Senate Bill 2234, on Choice Ready grants, and Senate Bill 2243, on driver’s license points and traffic penalties, both failed after concurrence motions were adopted but final passage votes were overwhelmingly negative. The chamber also advanced Senate Bill 2291 to conference committee consideration near the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Amendments are received. >> I offer the following amendments third reading bill, Senator Martinez
• Madam President, I believe there is an amendment at the desk. [Laughter] Amendments are received.
• Act to amend the Correction Law.
• Senator Brouk, an act to amend the General Law. Harckham, an act to amend the Highway Law.
• AMEND THE STATE TECHNOLOGY LAW.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then processed a series of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills, which were so ordered. Several bills were also recalled from the Assembly, had reconsideration votes taken, and were restored to the third reading calendar after receiving 58 ayes. Amendments were received on a number of bills, and those measures retained their place on the calendar. The main business of the day was Privileged Resolution 2318, sponsored by Leader Stewart-Cousins, honoring Senator Michael Gianaris with the President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader’s Legislative Legacy Award. The resolution and floor remarks reviewed his long career in the Assembly and Senate, his role as Deputy Majority Leader and floor leader, and his work on housing, criminal justice, voting rights, labor, environmental, consumer, transit, animal welfare, and other major legislation. Members from both parties spoke at length, praising his strategic skill, mentorship, humor, and influence, while also noting his support for younger members and his commitment to family. Several senators described personal experiences showing Gianaris’s mentorship and political guidance, and many referenced his Greek American identity, Queens roots, and interests such as Star Wars and the Mets. Senators also emphasized that he was leaving on his own terms to spend more time with his wife and daughters. The resolution was adopted with broad support, and Gianaris then spoke in response, reflecting on nearly 30 years in state government, the major laws passed during his tenure, and the relationships he built in the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• Safe storage is constitutional.
• The Supreme Court noted constitutional.
• Our office does not see any Second Amendment issue here. The Second Amendment, by the U.S.
• Our office does not see any Second Amendment issue here. The Second Amendment, by the U.S.
• amendments and their testimony. amendments and their testimony.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs met on March 19, 2025, and heard testimony on several firearms-related bills. HB 125 would require firearm sellers or transferors to provide buyers notice about secure storage laws, expand secure-storage requirements, and clarify criminally negligent storage. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Department of Education supported the bill. The Office of the Public Defender raised constitutional concerns under District of Columbia v. Heller and suggested narrowing the bill so a firearm need not be made inoperable when the lawful owner is home. Supporters, including Brady, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, veterans, and other advocates, said secure storage would reduce accidental shootings, youth access, theft, suicides, and school shootings. Opponents argued the bill was redundant, could criminalize victims of theft, and imposed strict liability. The committee noted 24 individuals in support and 103 in opposition. The committee also heard HB 137, which would impose a mandatory prison term for violent felons who violate firearm or ammunition possession prohibitions. DLE, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, and the Hawaii County Prosecutor supported the measure, arguing it targets repeat offenders and strengthens public safety. The Office of the Public Defender opposed mandatory sentencing, saying judges already have discretion to impose lengthy sentences and that mandatory terms can be inappropriate in some cases. The committee then heard HB 392, which would prohibit ghost guns and establish mandatory minimum sentencing for use of a ghost gun in a felony. DLE and the Honolulu Prosecutor supported it, while the Public Defender and several opponents said parts of the bill were redundant or could create definitional problems; the committee recorded five supporters and 70 opponents. HB 995 would amend deadlines for annual firearms carry reporting by the Attorney General and county police chiefs. The Attorney General’s office and HPD supported the bill, with the Attorney General asking for more time for police departments to submit complete data and for the April 1 deadline to be removed. The committee also heard HB 664, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a grant program, a resource bank, and a special fund. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended consolidating the new office’s duties with the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission to avoid duplication and possibly repealing the existing commission statute. DLE supported HB 664, while the Tax Foundation objected to the special fund. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you, do you agree with the, the requested amendment by the executive director? All right.
• Well, let's publish the proposed amendment to Chapter 34.
• Has everybody seen the, the amended? Yeah, and just, just you can call it out.
• Do I have a motion to adopt the draft opinion as amended by Mr.
• And he opposed the, the amended draft opinion as written. will be adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• amendment to the amendment. amendment to the amendment.
• amendment to the amendment. amendment to the amendment.
• So, in 2016, the people voted on an amendment to the state constitution that took the ability of the
• And I think it does make things more transparent and clearly in line with the constitutional amendment
• constitutional amendment and the salary constitutional amendment and the salary legislative<03:28

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened under a call, established a quorum, received the House message on Senate File 4807 concerning benefits for veterans of the secret war in Laos, and voted not to concur in the House amendments, appointing a three-member conference committee. The chamber also received a batch of House files, laid several of them on the table, and adopted committee reports and other routine motions. Senate Resolution 84 was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration, and Senator Murphy designated special orders for immediate consideration. The main floor debate centered on Senate File 4059, the supplemental finance omnibus bill. Senators described the bill as a slim, supplemental budget focused on urgent affordability needs, including $52 million for state grants in higher education, $15 million for LIHEAP, school district compensatory revenue adjustments, support for public television stations facing federal cuts, Medicaid fraud enforcement, and consumer restitution for scam victims. The Jobs article was presented first, with roughly $4.9 million in Workforce Development Fund appropriations for workforce and job-training programs, including support for rural oncologist training, homelessness-related employment programs, youth training, local news talent development, transportation-related employment assistance, and manufacturing support. Several amendments were offered and debated. Senator Farnsworth offered the A14 amendment to extend unemployment benefits for laid-off Iron Range miners, but withdrew it after being told it would unbalance the bill and after receiving a commitment to continue working on the issue in conference committee. Senator Draheim offered the A18 amendment to redirect Cookie Cart funding to rural hospital maternity training grants; after debate, the Senate rejected the amendment by a roll call vote of 32 ayes and 34 nays. The discussion emphasized competing priorities between youth workforce programs and rural health care needs. The Senate then moved into Article 1 on K-12 education, where Senator Kunesh outlined provisions including anti-grooming language, a district health insurance reporting requirement, extension of a gender-neutral bathroom grant, compensatory hold-harmless aid, operating capital flexibility, literacy aid hold harmless language, and several cost-neutral district fund transfers. Senator Nelson offered the A29 amendment to require school sports teams and participants be designated by biological sex at birth; debate on that amendment began near the end of the transcript, but no final vote was shown before the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Okay, so um, Senator, if we can actually amend that and change reconvening this bill, SB 2024 SD2
• It's not a major amendment, but it does help to clarify concerns. Thank you for that.
• Do those amendments, are they acceptable to you, Chair? Yes, it's acceptable.
• Do<00:15:05.320> those<00:15:06.000> um<00:15:06.160> amendments,<00:15:07.000><
• c> are<00:15:07.160> they Do those um amendments, are they Do those um amendments, are they

Bills: SB2057, SB2109, SB2400, HB1752, SB2599, SB2930

Keywords: immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen, migrant rights, local police cooperation, law enforcement cooperation, hold request, judicial warrant, probable cause, civil immigration enforcement, county police, state police

Transcript Highlights:

• Everyone has the amendment. Any questions on the amendment?
• Everyone has the amendment. Any questions on the amendment?
• on the amendment okay You have a question on the amendment?
• Robinson, you have an amendment. This is amendment set 4900.
• And if anything, that should be part of a constitutional amendment to the people to decide whether or

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 513 by Representative Young, which would regulate name, image, and likeness activity for intercollegiate and interscholastic athletes, especially high school athletes. Young said the bill reflects recommendations from a task force and sets guardrails such as parental consent and prohibited NIL categories. The committee adopted a technical amendment and then reported the bill favorably as amended. Members then heard several Senate bills from Senator Mizell and Senator Cloud. Senate Bill 233 would create a statewide data exchange compact to allow state agencies to share information more efficiently; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 300 would make various changes to the Procurement Code, including auction techniques, sole sourcing for consulting services in limited cases, and procurement process clarifications; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 303 would allow executive branch agencies to buy or share technology solutions with other states and use the federal GSA schedule, and it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 411, removing a 20-year lease limitation for certain Orleans Parish state property, was also reported favorably. The committee spent substantial time on House Bill 660 and House Bill 719, both dealing with district attorney funding and staffing. HB 660 would raise the state warrant amount for assistant district attorney salaries from $50,000 to $60,000, with supporters arguing it is needed to recruit and retain prosecutors; an opposition witness argued the state should fund both prosecutors and public defenders more equitably. The committee adopted an amendment making the bill effective only upon appropriation and reported it favorably as amended. HB 719 would increase the number of assistant district attorney warrants statewide, with most of the new warrants directed to Baton Rouge, St. Tammany, and Caddo; it too was amended to be subject to appropriation and reported favorably as amended. House Bill 596, which would have created an inactive well-feet assessment credit for oil and gas operators, was voluntarily deferred after concerns that it could reduce funding for the oil field site restoration fund. Later, the committee reported favorably as amended House Bill 802, which redirects existing revenue to watershed and flood restoration work in the Amite River Basin, and House Bill 940, which creates a task force and rules framework for law enforcement responses to unlawful drone activity. It also reported favorably House Bill 76 on coverage for orally administered anti-cancer medications, House Bill 950 on consumer protection materials for seniors, and began discussion of House Bill 1028, which would require higher Medicaid reimbursement rates for non-emergency medical transportation providers.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is an amendment at the desk. The clerk will report the amendment.
• The clerk will report the amendment. The amendment is coded A5.
• The amendments are... And the A-16 amendment, there are amendments at the desk.
• As amended, the amendment is coded A-18.
• The amendment prevails. There is an amendment at the desk.