Transcript Highlights:

• So, would urge member support."
• So, would urge member support. capacity. So, would urge member support.
• > civic bipartisan support because civic bipartisan support because civic education<00:43:42.880
• Secondly, eligible for veteran support Secondly, eligible for veteran support program<01:10:01.800
• helpful and yeah, I support this 100%. helpful and yeah, I support this 100%.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• help support Hawaii. help support Hawaii.
• We know that we need to support that.
• So, um, how do we support it?
• So, um, how do we support it?
• So, um, how do we support it?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on how federal policy changes, tariffs, funding cuts, the federal shutdown, and delays in the farm bill are affecting Hawaii agriculture and food access. Opening remarks emphasized Hawaii’s heavy dependence on imported food and farm inputs, the state’s vulnerability to disruptions in USDA services, and the need for stronger state, county, and community coordination. Speakers also noted that immigration enforcement and broader global supply-chain pressures can affect local farm labor, production, and food availability. Sharon Herd, chair of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, described both positive and negative federal impacts. She said Hawaii has benefited from some recurring grants and a large new $8.8 million federal grant, but also reported about $22 million in losses from suspended or terminated grants, including farm-to-school and water-related projects. She said some USDA programs, such as microgrants for food security and FISMIP, are currently suspended, while the specialty crop block grant remains active. She also said Hawaii farms declined from 7,328 to 6,569 between the 2017 and 2022 censuses and argued the state cannot rely on imports alone to feed its people. Amanda Shaw of Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii presented findings from federal funding cut reports. She said the first report, in March, identified about $88 million in potential cuts, and the newer report found $64.7 million in confirmed cuts and about $175 million in potential cuts. She said federal shifts are creating uncertainty for farmers, food-system organizations, and school and community food programs, and noted that 4,000 to 5,000 Hawaii farmers could receive less money because of changes to payment-factor provisions for socially disadvantaged farmers. She also said Hawaii has lost 18% of local USDA staff since September 2024, with possible further national reductions expected. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only, and the chair noted that any legal questions, including the reported SNAP changes, would be for the Judiciary Committee to assess later.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I really support, and on my personal behalf, I supported this bill, and I work for U.S. Bank.
• I'm in support of this bill.
• Texas Eagle Forum supports H.B. 1375.
• Texas Eagle Forum supports H.B. 1375.
• So we support the bill.

Bills: HB2242, HB2446, HB2799, HB4502, HB2920, HB2790, HB5620, HB5060, HB5076, HB5080, HB5081, HB5128, HB5130, HB3847, HB5116, HB2969, HB4546, HB4202, HB5624, HB3964, HB4803, HB872, HB4775, HB4777, HB4961, HB5570, HB2988, HB4260, HB1375, HB5009, HB5411, HB5134, HB4388, HB3095, HB1387

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers. HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending. HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending. The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:06.080> of philanthropy and through the support of philanthropy and through the support
• Joyce has supported us previously, so it's continued support from them and new support from ECMC, really
• <00:15:25.839> for course continuing to provide support for course continuing to provide support
• Your previous support paved the way for this...
• with your all's support, you made it possible.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:46:08.280> the to the underlying mandate we support the to the underlying mandate we support
• 1918 and I'm here to share our support 1918 and I'm here to share our support for<00:47:53.800><
• We very much support this amendment, support Senator Dornink's amendment, and please continue to improve
• It's why I support workers having these options.
• <01:09:59.560> workers voted for it it's why I support workers voted for it it's why I support

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So please support that.
• So please support that.
• supporting that. supporting that. members, Senator Westrom. >> Thank you, Mr.
• fund, which is a fund that supports fund, which is a fund that supports school<01:39:59.199>
• support her underlying bill. support her underlying bill.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with a call of the Senate, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum and moved to messages from the House. The chamber received several House-passed Senate files, including SF 2814 (real estate appraisers), SF 3637 (transportation), and SF 4244 (technical corrections), and took up SF 1714 on payment transparency and public contracts. The Senate concurred in the House amendments to SF 1714, advanced it to third reading, and then passed the bill 65-0. The Senate also received House amendments to SF 3432 on public safety, but instead of concurring, it voted to send the bill to a five-member conference committee. The Senate likewise agreed to a conference committee request on HF 4188, a commerce bill dealing with consumer protections for insurance and financial products. The Senate then handled additional House messages and routine business, including first reading of several House files and adoption of committee reports. A committee report on SF 453, relating to thermal energy networks as public improvements and water works, recommended amendment and passage under Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, and the report was adopted except for the referenced resolution item. The chamber also completed second readings of several Senate bills and one House bill, and approved a motion to withdraw SF 4464 from the Committee on State and Local Government and return it to the author. The main floor debate centered on HF 1141, the housing finance and policy omnibus. Senator Port described the bill as focused on affordability, including $50 million in housing infrastructure bonds, greater Minnesota infrastructure grants, manufactured housing protections, limits on large institutional investors buying single-family homes, and increased oversight of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. The Senate adopted several amendments, including a technical A12 amendment, A7 to dedicate $5 million of bonding to manufactured home park improvements, and A4 on manufactured housing protections such as rent receipts and longer move-out time after eviction. Senator Abler then offered A14, which would limit rent increases in certain non-market-rate, tax-credit housing for seniors to CPI-based increases; supporters framed it as a humanitarian measure for elderly residents facing steep rent hikes, while opponents raised concerns about rent control, the scope of the amendment, and the need for more detail. The transcript ends during continued debate on A14, with no final vote shown on that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I cannot support this amendment.
• And I cannot support this amendment.
• And I cannot support this amendment.
• And I cannot support this housing. And I cannot support this amendment.
• Senator Abler and others who support Senator Abler and others who support this.<00:39:41.520>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• about REITs and amortization schedules and extenders and opportunity zones, we can get a little bit remote
• Um, it completely gutted medical and food support for low-income Americans.

Bills: HR1, HF387

Keywords: January 6 insurrection, pardon, law enforcement, violent crimes, public safety, justice system, political accountability, Blaine, local sales tax, special tax, restaurant tax, lodging tax, admissions tax, amusement tax, hotel tax, redevelopment, capital improvements, municipal finance, bonding authority, tourism tax

Transcript Highlights:

• On the other issue as well, that we're basically in full support.
• Hold these accountable, and I am in support of that.
• And I join the others who support House Bill 1761.
• I'm here to express strong support for House Bill 2680.
• Um, I urge you to support this bill.

Bills: HB4011, HB2680, HB4325, HB4327, HB4944, HB1761, HB4688, HB3453, HB40, HB1707, HB4749, HB2322, HB3647, HB4139, HB4081, HB2203, HB2100, HB4170, HB3104, HB4623, HB40

Keywords: partition, heirs' property, real estate, co-ownership, family property, non-heir cotenant, right of first refusal, pilot services, liability limitation, maritime commerce, Matagorda Bay, Lavaca Bay, transportation code, maritime industry, civil liability, barratry, penalties, legal actions, damages, wrongful death

Transcript Highlights:

• And we've been supported by discharge from the Carrizo-Wilcox.
• And we know of one person that lives there that would support it.
• place to support the aquifer. That's a great question.
• Again, we support economic growth. We're heavily invested in the future.
• I'm very supportive of his efforts to move surface water.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So members, I'm asking for your support So members, I'm asking for your support on<00:05:16.400>
• through crow crossbow inclusion supports through crow crossbow inclusion supports that<00:07:40.319
• Thank you for your support. Thank you for your support.
• And not only does it support the state parks and allow you entry, it's also supporting conservation and
• also supporting you entry, it's also supporting conservation<00:31:25.520> and<00:31:25.760><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of very positive work in uh supporting of very positive work in uh supporting victims<00:08:26.720
• comprehensive approach to support comprehensive approach to support students<00:39:06.720> who
• be connected to support and next steps. be connected to support and next steps.
• BFAS, I think that the supporters of BFAS, I think that the supporters of VFAS<05:38:17.920> would
• New Hampshire wants to really support New Hampshire wants to really support this<05:40:23.200>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You you might get a lot more support for You you might get a lot more support for it. it. it.
• <01:35:56.080> local used properties that support local used properties that support local
• They support the local community.
• I speak today in support of HB 1707.
• support of this bill. Thank you. support of this bill. Thank you. >> Sure.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1596, which would raise New Hampshire’s cigarette excise tax from $1.78 per pack to about $2.80, using an inflation-based adjustment since the rate was last set in 2008. Representative Jerry Stringham, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure would keep New Hampshire competitive with neighboring states, generate revenue, and help offset other budget pressures. He also described the bill as repealing an income-based premium charge in Medicaid/CHIP-related programs and restoring cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, arguing that the combined package would still leave the state in a positive fiscal position. He said the tobacco tax increase would likely have some cessation effect but would remain low relative to other New England states, and he cited prior testimony from health groups supporting a larger increase. Members questioned the sponsor about how the new rate was calculated, the prior tobacco tax reduction and restoration, whether tobacco companies would absorb or pass on the tax, and the fiscal note’s estimates for Medicaid premium revenue and UNH funding. Stringham said he used Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data, that the earlier 10-cent reduction did not produce the expected sales increase, and that the current bill would eliminate the premium charges now in the budget. He later clarified that the Department of Medicaid Services had updated the revenue estimate, but said the bill still showed a surplus overall. He also said the federal government already imposes a $1-per-pack tax and that New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase. Two public witnesses testified in opposition to the tax increase. Anna Bettincourt, a tobacco category manager, argued that higher tobacco taxes would unfairly target smokers, reduce New Hampshire’s tax advantage, and likely shift purchases to other states or illicit markets rather than reduce use. She said tobacco companies generally do not lower prices and that Massachusetts’ flavor restrictions had not eliminated sales. In response to questions, she maintained that a smaller increase would still be harmful and that enforcement problems make bans ineffective. The sponsor and some members countered that smokers impose higher health costs and that tobacco taxes are a policy tool for both revenue and public health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just for those in the room, we have Jacqueline, Jessica, and Tim right now on Zoom joining us remotely
• a recommendation, you know, of support a recommendation, you know, of funding<01:01:15.200> for
• And I just support Mr. Bricky's comment on broadening this to the commercial side.
• <01:40:19.280> Bricky's<01:40:20.080> comment >> And I just support Mr.
• Bricky's comment >> And I just support Mr.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The task force approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then reviewed the structure and statutory requirements for its final report. Staff explained that the report must go to the commissioners of commerce, housing finance, and economic development, as well as relevant legislative leaders, and must include a summary of task force activities, adopted findings and recommendations, tort reform recommendations to reduce insurance costs, any draft legislation, and other necessary information. A draft report, likely excluding recommendations and draft legislation, is expected to be circulated before the first January meeting. Most of the meeting focused on the Fair Plan and whether it could be expanded to help homeowners associations, affordable housing, and common interest communities that are struggling to obtain coverage. Supporters said these groups are facing availability problems and often end up in the surplus lines market, which lacks the consumer protections of the admitted market. They argued the Fair Plan could serve as a third-market option with stronger protections and better access, especially for properties that are having difficulty getting quotes. Several members and witnesses raised concerns that the Fair Plan was never intended to be a broad affordability solution and warned against using it to artificially lower prices below risk-based levels. They said doing so could shift losses onto other policyholders through assessments and potentially weaken the broader insurance market. The Fair Plan administrator explained that any expansion would require substantial research, staffing, actuarial and underwriting expertise, reinsurance planning, IT changes, and likely assessments or other capitalization decisions, and that the plan would need to focus on a limited subset of properties rather than the entire market. No votes were taken on policy recommendations, and the discussion ended with agreement that more information and scoping work are needed before any formal recommendation is made.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hope you support this bill, and it will be laid over, I assume.
• The member fully supported the bill.
• She fully supported it.
• She fully supported it.
• Um, is there someone from the Environmental Policy Alliance for automotive... oh, it's remote.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:09:19.480> our affordable, if we want to support our affordable, if we want to support
• to supporting tribal communities. to supporting tribal communities.
• I rise in support Pallone is recognized. I rise in support of<03:34:56.640> H.R.
• I rise in strong support of Mr.
• I rise in strong support of Mr.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we want to support teachers, and you always say that we need to support teachers.
• communication and a lot of our support communication and a lot of our support is<00:50:35.440>
• currently in a shape where I can support currently in a shape where I can support it<00:53:53.680
• Does a kid need additional supports? And you think about that tiered intervention support that Mr.
• with that I cannot I cannot support with that I cannot I cannot support sending<01:48:39.400>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:01:24.880> uh<00:01:24.960> to<00:01:25.439> support us to help supporting
• it. uh to support us to help supporting it. uh to support it<00:01:26.080> and<00:01:26.320><
• :00.959> the<00:03:01.120> system training, support aligning the system training, support
• services and supports for our students. services and supports for our students.
• this is a good bill and I support it. this is a good bill and I support it.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope this proposal earns your support. help support small processors, help help support small processors
• And uh I would appreciate your support And uh I would appreciate your support as<00:18:28.640>
• and others for authoring and supporting and others for authoring and supporting this<00:22:32.000
• support. Thank you, Commissioner Volvo. support. Thank you, Commissioner Volvo.
• support this bill. Thank you. support this bill. Thank you.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:06.280> for of background on federal support for of background on federal support for
• I just want to emphasize that these services do not just support the state but support local election
• do not just support the state but<00:07:07.759> support<00:07:08.360> local<00:07:08.840
• support of this bill election support support of this bill election support and<00:45:56.559>
• <00:47:42.559> of<00:47:42.720> this support of this support of this Bill<00:47:45.520>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all