Transcript Highlights:

• HE WILL BE MAKING THE PRESENTATION TODAY. GOOD TO SEE YOU, SIR.
• INVESTMENTS DECISION.
• WE ARE ALL ABOUT PARENTAL RIGHTS, PARENTAL DECISIONS AND STREAMLINING THE EDUCATION PROCESS TO MAKE IT
• WHICH DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO ME.
• AD HOMINEM ATTACKS NO BEARING ON MY DECISION-MAKING IN THE RED HERRINGS ABOUT WHAT WE SPEND OUR TIME

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, I'm ready to roll into decision making.
• There’s a proposed Senate draft one, and the chair’s recommendation for this initial public decision-making
• recommendation for this initial S Cher's recommendation for this initial public<00:15:16.839> decision-making
• <00:15:17.560> meeting<00:15:18.399> that<00:15:18.519> will public decision-making
• meeting that will public decision-making meeting that will pass<00:15:19.040> this<00:15:19.240

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs met on February 13 and heard testimony on three measures before taking up decision-making. On SB 1410, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the bill as a practical way to require counties to timely respond when DHHL seeks transfer of infrastructure or facilities, and the chair later recommended passage without amendment. The committee adopted that recommendation, with Senator Ihara excused. The committee then heard extensive testimony on SB 1549, which would help fund the Kahili Homestead community’s planned multi-service center and park improvements. DHHL supported the measure, and community witnesses described a 16-year planning process, prior grant and developer funding, completed phase-one park work, and the need for state bonding to complete phase two. Members asked about community engagement, fundraising, and whether the design included features such as a lāʻau garden, Hōlua mound, imu hall, craft pavilion, and space for Native Hawaiian games and lua practice. The chair recommended passage of SB 1549 unamended, and the committee adopted the recommendation. The committee also considered SB 903, described as a housekeeping bill to create a vehicle for continued funding of OHA after the current working group sunsets. The chair recommended passage with amendments incorporating the contents of proposed Senate Draft 1 and recommittal to the Hawaiian Affairs committee, and that recommendation was adopted. The meeting then shifted to a joint hearing with Transportation and Culture and the Arts on SB 614, relating to Hawaiian Independence Day, and SB 1051, relating to Hawaiian History Month. Testimony on SB 614 was largely supportive, emphasizing cultural recognition and education, though one witness from Hawaii Sovereignty Studies opposed it; the Office of Collective Bargaining said it did not yet know the cost. SB 1051 also drew support, with testimony stressing the importance of teaching the history of the overthrow and Hawaiian sovereignty. Both bills were advanced with amendments, including technical changes and effective dates, and both committees adopted the chair’s recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• to make it happen.
• to make it happen.
• to make it happen.
• to make it happen.
• to make it happen.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We pray that we’ll make godly decisions for the state of Arkansas, Lord.
• We pray that they’ll make good decisions, and, Lord, we pray that they’ll make the decisions that are
• right. ...that they’ll make good decisions, and, Lord, we pray that they’ll make the decisions that
• in place so that we can make these types of moves.
• Our staff makes us look good.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're making a policy decision that if we want to stimulate the industry and the breeders aren't
• And we're making a policy decision that if we want to stimulate the industry and the breeders aren't
• These are, you know, it's a way for local jurisdictions to make sound decisions that meet the expectations
• These are, you know, it's a way for local jurisdictions to make sound decisions that meet the expectations
• And that's a decision that they're entitled to make.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on April 16, 2025, with one agenda item: PCB WMC-2502, the committee’s tax package. Chair Duggan presented the bill as a broad tax measure covering sales tax, tourist development taxes, ad valorem/VAB procedures, affordable housing property tax changes, tangible personal property, special assessments, fuel taxes, communication services taxes, corporate income tax updates, pari-mutuel/card room taxes, local incentives, and a redistribution of horse industry trust fund money. He also noted emergency rulemaking authority for the Department of Revenue and estimated a recurring state impact of $34.6 million in FY 2025-26. Members questioned several provisions, including the aviation fuel tax repeal, the delay of the natural gas fuel tax, the extension of the local communication services tax freeze, the charitable trust corporate income tax clarification, the reduction in card room taxes, and the affordable housing changes tied to the Live Local Act. Public testimony included support from airlines, UPS, child care management, and others, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association opposed the lifeguard/TDT change, the Florida Association of Counties and Florida League of Cities opposed the missing-middle exemption changes, and local government representatives raised concerns about revenue impacts and the loss of local opt-out authority. The committee also adopted Amendment 1 by Representative Rizzo, which limits certain special assessments on RV parks when based on square footage. During debate, members split on some provisions but generally supported the package, with comments focused on aviation competitiveness, preschool assessment relief, lifeguard funding, affordable housing, and the horse industry funding shift. Representative Duggan closed by emphasizing that the bill was only the beginning of the process and would continue through conference and floor consideration. The committee then voted 16-1 to report PCB WMC-2502 favorably, with Representative Alvarez voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Better Informed Decisions Act does not add to the courts any power that they do not already possess
• , but what it does do is give the courts the ability to review that prosecuting decision at any stage
• This is all about trying to get the decision right, based on the evidence, based on the case as it makes
• All we're doing is making sure that it is fair, it's equitable, and it's evidence-based.
• Whenever we have thoughtful prosecutors and public defenders in agreement that this makes the system

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, heard a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through routine procedural business, including dispensing with the reading of the prior journal, re-referring several bills, and approving committee scheduling requests. There was also a point of order from Assemblymember DeMaio asking about a possible Governor’s message regarding Medi-Cal, but the chair said no formal message had been received at the desk. The main floor debate centered on AB 321 by Assemblymember Schultz, the Better Informed Decisions Act, which would allow courts to consider reducing certain “wobbler” offenses from felonies to misdemeanors later in the criminal process if new evidence emerges. Supporters argued it would improve fairness, transparency, and efficiency by letting judges make better-informed decisions; opponents said it would weaken felony accountability and conflict with voter intent on public safety. The bill passed on a 46-5 vote. The Assembly also adopted ACR 47 by Assemblymember Chen, declaring March 16–22 as National Surveyors Week, with 63 co-authors added and the resolution adopted by voice vote. AB 387 by Assemblymember Alanis, which expands jury duty exemptions to include probation officers, passed 64-0. On the consent calendar, ACR 46, HR 9, HR 22, and SCR 17 were adopted with unanimous votes, and the Assembly adjourned until Monday, March 17 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's the kind of information the farmers are waiting for, so that they can make planting decisions
• So, we'll be hearing it today, but deferring decision-making to it.
• Uh, likely Wednesday afternoon, but I'll announce that during our decision-making process. paraphrase
• I think we'll roll straight into decision-making since we have all members present.
• -<01:19:16.560> making roll straight into decision- making roll straight into decision- making

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 1602 HD1 drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Ulupono Initiative, and others, with testimony emphasizing the value of a dedicated grant writer who had secured nearly $9 million in federal funds and was pursuing additional grants. Members discussed how much time grant applications take and how the position helps position projects for implementation. The committee then moved on without objection. HB 1832, relating to aquaculture, received support from state agencies and industry groups, with one individual opposed. HB 1707 HD1, relating to agriculture, also drew broad support. A committee question focused on the bill’s definition of “necessary supplies,” and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said the language was broad enough to cover the inputs farmers need, including transportation-related costs, and would help reduce production costs and food prices. HB 2155 HD1, relating to agricultural statistics, prompted testimony in support of better data collection to help Hawaii compete for federal agriculture funding. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that its role would focus on production, import, and export data, distinct from the scientific data collected by another unit, and said it wanted an electronic system tied to existing manifest and GIS tools to avoid duplicative clipboard-based collection. HB 1831 HD1, relating to agricultural lands, was heard with support and no questions. HB 1650 HD1, relating to environmental assessments, drew opposition from several individuals who argued it would weaken environmental protections and resident input; no action was taken. The committee then heard HB 1652 HD1, relating to storm water management systems. The engineering industry supported clarifying that low-risk green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement should not be treated like detention or retention ponds subject to fencing and other safety requirements. Opponents, including family members affected by a drowning and other residents, argued the bill would weaken Act 281’s safety protections and increase liability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau questioned whether agricultural water infrastructure should be exempted from the fencing requirements and said the costs would vary by system, but the committee did not take final action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• decisions.
• I think the decision to continue the program does not make sense, but I do think, given that we've promised
• Thank you, **Madam Chair.** I think the decision to continue the program or not makes sense, but I do
• Make sure that it's not just **GME**, but also those clinical rotations because every taxpayer is making
• Okay, I just wanted to make sure.

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:

• Real-time data dashboards will allow agencies to make decisions based on data on the current state versus
• Real-time data dashboards will allow agencies to make decisions based on data on the current state versus
• <01:08:16.480> decisions<01:08:17.440> based allow agencies to make decisions based
• SB 192 represents a significant opportunity to improve data-driven decision-making, reduce duplicative
• SB 192 represents a significant opportunity to improve data-driven decision-making, reduce duplicative

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are tradeoffs, tradeoffs that you make, that we have no standing to make, but part of our profession
• hire lawyers: they spell out in great detail exactly who’s responsible for what, who’s got what decision-making
• hire lawyers: they spell out in great detail exactly who’s responsible for what, who’s got what decision-making
• That's your decision. That's a policy decision. But it has practical implications for the...
• And in some cases, it also potentially can make a sort of, I don't want to call it, imprimatur decision

Summary: The committee met to approve prior minutes and receive updates on the Legacy Fund transparency website and fund performance. Staff reported the website procurement was in contract negotiations, with a planned go-live around November 1, and that the site would provide downloadable, more transparent information on fund holdings, allocations, history, and legislative appropriations while protecting confidential data. The investment office then reviewed performance through January 2026, describing strong returns relative to benchmarks, noting real estate and fixed income as weaker areas, and explaining that the fund’s diversification and internal management had helped offset market volatility, including recent geopolitical impacts. Members also discussed the in-state investment program, especially the Bank of North Dakota’s CD-match allocation. Several members questioned whether the program had been static for years and whether the uncommitted balance should remain parked there if it was not being used. The committee voted to pause further transfers into the program until the Bank provides a report and the committee can consider possible statutory changes; the motion also requested a cost-benefit analysis from RVK, and it passed by roll call vote. In the afternoon, RVK presented its review of the investment policy statement as it relates to the in-state investment program. The consultant said it found no major policy impediments, and that implementers and stakeholders generally felt the program was proceeding as intended. RVK emphasized best practices such as third-party due diligence, competitive risk-adjusted returns, diversification, pacing, and exit strategies, while cautioning that required lower-return investments or spending commitments can create pressure on the fund’s long-term real value. The consultant also raised ancillary concerns about state-level concentration risk, the need to distinguish between public and commercial infrastructure, and the lack of a central repository for all state funding commitments to the same projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> the toolbox to make decisions on stuff the toolbox to make decisions on stuff the reports<00:03
• strategies to make informed life-saving decisions<01:08:37.600> schools<01:08:37.920> and<
• <01:15:50.120> safer<01:15:50.719> decisions empowered them to make safer decisions
• empowered them to make safer decisions about about about substances<01:15:53.199> this<01:15:
• 42:33.599> a appropriately or at least we make a appropriately or at least we make a decision<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• My staff did not make the decision, but I welcome their input.
• My staff did not make decision myself.
• My staff did not make the<04:11:24.560> decision<04:11:25.040> but<04:11:25.279> I
• He doesn't believe that courts have the ability to make judicial and judicious decisions.
• He disrespects the power of the judiciary to make decisions, and if you differ with them, to appeal.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think I'm qualified to make that decision.
• I think the Prince George's County Council is far more qualified to make that decision.
• enabling the county council to make enabling the county council to make these<00:26:27.120> decisions
• I think the to make that decision.
• more uh qualified to make that decision. more uh qualified to make that decision.

Keywords: House streaming session for Thursday, February 19, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 124 members present, offered prayer, approved the previous day’s journal by consent, and then moved through introductory matters and a ceremonial resolution recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for its 113 years of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action in Maryland. Members welcomed visiting sorors and applauded the recognition. The chamber later confirmed 131 members present and proceeded to third reading bills. Several bills were passed without opposition, including House Bill 7, authorizing limited music therapy licenses; House Bill 42, revising the State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners; House Bill 164, on yard waste collection and disposal; and House Bill 177, on bicycles, play vehicles, and unicycles at crosswalks. House Bill 55, which would expand speed camera authority to local jurisdictions statewide for certain roads and areas, drew the most debate. Supporters argued it would give counties and municipalities local control to address speeding and safety concerns, while opponents raised concerns about local autonomy, revenue use, and whether camera fines supplement or supplant public safety funding. The floor leader clarified that the bill would extend authority now limited to three counties, that existing notice and public hearing requirements would remain, and that revenues must still be used for administrative costs and public safety. During debate on House Bill 55, members asked about the speed threshold, fine structure, whether citations go to vehicle owners, and whether the bill would change how local governments use camera revenues. The floor leader said the bill itself does not alter the existing rule that revenues after administrative costs must go to public safety, and that local jurisdictions could still further restrict use of funds. After debate, House Bill 55 passed 98-35. House Bill 164 passed 96-38, while House Bill 7 passed 133-0 and House Bill 42 passed 132-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• It only impacts the amount of they make.
• It just makes who run our entire state?
• compensation council makes.
• <00:25:26.000> uh governor, our chief executive makes uh governor, our chief executive makes
• You heard in his testimony making.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 76, as amended by the adopted A1 amendment, and the chair moved the bill to be re-referred to the general register. The bill would limit the amount investor-owned utilities can charge ratepayers for executive compensation, capping recoverable pay for the top 10 executives at the governor’s salary. Representative Greenman argued the measure would protect customers from paying for lavish executive pay and said it would not affect what executives are paid, only what can be recovered from ratepayers. She cited recent Public Utilities Commission action and ongoing rate cases as evidence the issue is real and recurring. Supportive testimony came from a Minneapolis resident describing financial hardship and rising utility bills, a local worker who said customers have no choice of utility provider and should not fund monopoly executive pay, and advocates from the Energy and Policy Institute and Utility Reform Now, who said ratepayers should not subsidize excessive compensation and that the bill is a targeted reform. Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy opposed the bill’s premise by defending the current regulatory process. Their representatives said the PUC already reviews executive compensation in rate cases, generally allows only limited recovery, and has used that process for decades. Xcel also emphasized its affordability programs and said executives help secure savings and investments for customers. Members discussed whether the legislature should set a bright-line rule or leave the issue to the PUC. Representative Greenman said the bill is needed because the PUC process can take years and the legislature should establish a clear standard for all investor-owned utilities. Some members supported the bill as a response to an affordability crisis and the lack of consumer choice, while others said the legislature should focus on broader energy-cost issues and existing regulatory tools. The committee did not take a final vote on the bill in the portion of the meeting provided, but the amendment was adopted and the bill was moved for re-referral to the general register.

Transcript Highlights:

• It makes sure that those counties who need help get the help that they need.
• I guess, make an argument to keep those funds retroactively.
• I want to make a point before I go into my comment about the bill.
• It is making sure that the future of rural Florida is improving.
• If not, I will make the point to come visit both of you and talk about it.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He noted that the current language gives the cabinet very little latitude in making decisions and can
• force them to make decisions they do not want to make. policies, uh being more stricter, um and policies
• It’s very simple and primarily just gives some more latitude to make the best decision, looking at exigent
• just given some more latitude to make just given some more latitude to make the<00:06:40.000>
• > at<00:06:41.360> exigent the best decision and looking at exigent the best decision and

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Families and Children met for its first meeting, established a quorum, and took up Senate Bill 160, sponsored by Chair Danny Carroll, which would change child care regulatory enforcement. Carroll said the bill is intended to give the cabinet and OIG more discretion when responding to complaints or self-reported incidents, including considering a center’s policies, training, supervision, self-reporting, corrective actions, and history before issuing plans of correction, directed plans of correction, suspensions, or revocations. He also said the bill would provide new child care centers with more support during a six-month probationary period, including at least two support contacts, one in person, and limit violations during that period unless a violation was knowingly committed after clear instruction or posed an immediate threat to children. Members discussed the bill in the context of child safety and enforcement. Senator Frommeyer raised a personal tragedy involving her infant niece’s death in child care and asked about inspection frequency and how quickly unsafe conditions are corrected. Carroll responded that serious incidents would trigger immediate reporting and likely Child Protective Services involvement, while less severe issues could take longer; he said inspectors would direct centers to correct unsafe items and that emergency suspension could follow noncompliance. He also noted existing rules on baby bed replacement and mattress requirements. Frommeyer and other members said the bill struck a balance between protecting children and giving centers more time and guidance, especially smaller private centers that struggle with staffing and funding. After discussion, the committee called the roll and Senate Bill 160 received a favorable expression by a vote of 10-0. Carroll then previewed other child-focused legislation expected later in the session, including a bill addressing pediatric ingestion of illegal substances, a House child care bill, a child welfare omnibus bill, and a resolution related to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to make sure Terry can have her time as well.
• All I'm asking is this: when you make a decision, when you make decisions for our seat, don't overlook
• Couldn't you make $17 an hour?
• Tell me, how did that raise make you feel? It makes you feel great.
• this accommodation, but if it's a small business owner, they can make that decision.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not a voting member, so I'll just qualify that I don't get to make those decisions.
• So how seriously are you taken over the years in the bodies that need to consider making decisions?
• the right thing and make money.
• I just wanted to make that plug for our event.
• It doesn't, it doesn't make sense, that I'm convinced of.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused on the Atlantic sea scallop fishery, with particular attention to Massachusetts ports, federal scallop management, the proposed reopening of the Northern Edge on Georges Bank, and permit stacking/consolidation. The chair opened by noting the hearing would take written and oral testimony, that time was limited, and that the discussion was intended to inform legislative engagement with federal regulators rather than decide the issue directly. Dan McCarron of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and Dr. Kate O’Keefe of the New England Fishery Management Council outlined the federal management structure under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the role of annual catch limits and rotational closures, and the economic importance of scallops to New Bedford, Gloucester, and other Massachusetts ports. O’Keefe said the council’s current scallop framework is based on annual management, research surveys, and public input, and that recent environmental changes and uncertainty are affecting catch advice and biomass. Dr. O’Keefe and later Dr. Kevin Stokesbury of UMass Dartmouth described the fishery’s recent condition: abundance has increased in some areas, but biomass has fallen because many scallops are still too small to harvest, and changing ocean conditions and natural mortality are affecting the stock. They said the Northern Edge action was considered as a joint scallop/habitat framework but was discontinued in 2024 because the council could not reconcile competing objectives involving scallop yield, habitat protection, and impacts on other species such as cod, lobster, and herring. Stokesbury emphasized the long-running collaborative survey work with industry, said the fishery remains highly productive, and argued that the science supports careful rotational management and that the Northern Edge could be highly productive for scallops, though he acknowledged habitat tradeoffs. Committee members pressed both witnesses on why the issue had remained unresolved for so long and whether the council could revisit it through a future framework. Representatives of the Sustainable Scalloping Fund, including attorney Drew Kavage, John Lees, Sam Blasley, and Tony Alvernes, urged support for reopening the Northern Edge and for permit stacking, which would allow more than one scallop permit on a vessel while keeping ownership caps in place. They argued the fishery is a major economic driver, that industry-funded research has supported sustainable management, and that stacking would help family-owned operators reduce costs, improve safety, and avoid financial distress. They also stressed the need to protect working waterfront infrastructure in New Bedford and other ports. The chair said he was not opposed to stacking in principle but wanted to avoid a slippery slope toward excessive consolidation or private equity control; he noted that any stacking change would require an amendment to the fishery management plan or federal action. No votes were taken, and the hearing concluded with an invitation for continued engagement and future updates on the council process.

Transcript Highlights:

• But as has happened already this year, just to make a decision and poke at the staff, the correctional
• But as has happened already this year, just to make a decision and poke at the staff, the correctional
• year, just to make a decision and and year, just to make a decision and and poke<01:15:42.880>
• <01:21:58.400> those<01:21:58.639> decisions actually govern and make those decisions
• actually govern and make those decisions about<01:21:59.440> what's<01:21:59.840> going

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a decision.
• <00:27:26.720> a<00:27:26.960> decision.
• <00:28:02.000> their a long time and never making their a long time and never making their
• Number one, in the vast majority of cases, judges already make these decisions quickly.
• <00:30:52.720> these cases the um judges already make these cases the um judges already make

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee took up a proposed amendment to HP 598, with Nick Norman walking members through changes intended to preserve the existing eviction framework rather than create a separate expedited process. He said the amendment folds the bill’s changes into current law, adds limits on post-judgment motions and continuances, shortens or eliminates certain discretionary stays in default situations, and speeds issuance of notices and writs of possession. The amendment also adds language to RSA 540A to allow action against tenants, family members, guests, or occupants engaging in conduct that damages property or threatens health and safety, and it changes the effective date to 90 days after passage. Norman also said the amendment was meant to reduce frivolous delays and court fiscal impacts. Members raised concerns about several provisions, especially the clause barring discretionary stays after tenant default, the use of the word “immediately” for issuing writs, and the reduction of discretionary stays from 90 days to 60 days. One member asked for clarification on whether any meritorious circumstances should still allow a stay, and another suggested defining a specific timeline for judgments after hearings. Norman responded that the default provision was aimed at cases where tenants do not appear at all, and he said the intent was to prevent abuse of the process. He also discussed the new RSA 540A language as a way to address serious health and safety problems, including unauthorized occupants and hoarding. Other testimony was generally supportive of the amendment as an improvement over the original bill, but several witnesses urged changes. New Hampshire Legal Assistance said it would likely be neutral if recommended edits were made, and suggested clarifying language, preserving the ability to strike defaults, and allowing longer stays by agreement of the parties. That witness and others argued that a 60-day cap could interfere with negotiated move-out agreements and could be too short in some cases, especially for elderly or disabled tenants. There was also discussion of narrowing the new 540A remedy to the specific person causing the problem, while preserving protections for innocent household members, particularly in domestic violence situations. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt; the chair indicated the committee would consider revised language before executive session.