Transcript Highlights:

• She was released. Senator Miranda. Okay, again, I appreciate it.
• You know, once you set the press releases aside, it is very nearly the same budget that this chamber
• Number one specifies that an operator may not condition access to a conversational AI service on the

Summary: The meeting began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and a guest introduction for Deputy Frank Sloop. The Senate then moved through multiple Committee of the Whole calendars, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations after brief explanations and, in several cases, floor amendments. Topics included public records, capital outlay review, local government, taxation, state budget implementation, higher education appropriations, utility regulation, towing regulation, homeowners association disclosures, nursing board regulation, veteran services, criminal justice, human services, K-12 education, state property management, and the continuation of the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Several bills were amended on the floor before receiving favorable recommendations. House Bill 2114 on motorcycle-related provisions was amended to require that at least one registered owner be legally licensed to operate a motorcycle in Arizona. House Bill 2397 on HOA/condominium disclosures was amended to change disclosure timing and fee rules and make other conforming changes. House Bill 2408 on nursing board regulatory action was amended to remove a clear-and-convincing-evidence burden in disciplinary matters and clarify complaint-sharing procedures. House Bill 2957 on driver’s license/handheld provisions, House Bill 2305 on towing regulation, and House Bill 2321 on DCS-related reporting also received amendments before do-pass recommendations. The largest item was Senate Bill 1847, the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act. Senators offered extensive floor amendments affecting agriculture, corrections, criminal justice, school safety, law enforcement equipment, vehicle theft task force funding, liquor licensing, and other budget items. During third reading and debate on the budget, Democratic senators praised negotiated gains such as funding for aging services, food assistance, civil legal aid, school meals, heat relief, and a three-year moratorium on new data center tax incentives, while criticizing border-related funding, ESA/voucher policy, and cuts to higher education and adult education. One member’s remarks were ruled dilatory after repeated off-topic comments, and the ruling of the chair was sustained by a 16-12 vote. The transcript ends with additional budget-related explanation of votes continuing after the budget’s third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• Dopamine release leads to addiction, irritability, and restlessness when not vaping.
• We've got to be very targeted in how we approach releasing the money.
• We've got to be very targeted in how we approach releasing the money.
• We cannot control the timetable in which the federal government releases the money to us.
• and a 30-day period after release.

Summary: The committee first heard extensive public testimony from youth and advocates urging stronger restrictions on vaping. Speakers described vaping as a youth-targeted public health problem, citing flavored products, social media marketing, nicotine addiction, brain development concerns, school disruption, and exposure to harmful aerosol. They recommended prohibiting vaping in public indoor spaces and aligning vape rules with smoke-free laws. Committee members praised the speakers and encouraged them to continue building support for future legislation. The main presentation was on Arkansas’s Rural Health Transformation Program, administered through DFA. Secretary Jim Hudson and program director Brad Andi explained that Arkansas received about $209 million in the first year under the federal program, with potential for roughly $1 billion over five years if performance is strong. They emphasized that the program is meant for long-term rural health transformation, not general operating support, debt relief, or new construction. The state’s plan centers on four initiatives: HEART for prevention and community health, PACT for access and provider collaboration, RISE for workforce development, and THRIVE for technology and telehealth. Officials said applications will be handled through upcoming notices of funding opportunity, with a focus on local, shovel-ready projects, regional collaboration, and transparency. Committee members asked how the program would work for hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, schools, faith groups, and urban providers serving rural patients. Officials said eligibility is broad if applicants can show a connection to rural health, and that targeted renovations, mobile units, school-based clinics, farm-to-school or garden projects, EMS equipment, residency expansion, and behavioral health initiatives may fit if they align with the plan. They stressed that the program cannot fund working capital, routine maintenance, or new buildings, but can support repurposing space and collaborative networks. Members also raised concerns about protecting existing rural providers from being displaced, and officials said applications would be reviewed by a state committee with technical assistance and a reimbursement-based process. The committee then reviewed and took no objection to several DHS and Health Department rules. DHS presented a Medicaid/CHIP rule implementing federal requirements for incarcerated youth, including pre- and post-release coverage, care coordination, targeted case management, and screening services, with no public comments received. The Health Department also presented a licensing rule for audiology and speech pathology that implements recent acts and changes the renewal deadline; that rule was likewise reviewed without objection. The meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't believe we're far apart on the substance, but I don't have WAM release. So I agree.
• I think we agree on the substance, but we need the release.
• <00:16:51.040> I<00:16:51.199> think<00:16:51.279> we Wham release.
• I think we Wham release. So I I agree.
• So, we have agreement on the content and also release from Finance and WAM, I believe.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We did just recently hear from a mom of somebody who was released from Valley Street Jail after a year
• We did just recently hear from a mom of somebody who was released from Valley Street Jail after a year
• We did just recently hear from a mom of somebody who was released from Valley Street Jail after a year
• We did just recently hear from a mom of somebody who was released from Valley Street Jail after
• No person will be released from prison the day this bill takes effect.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill also requires county jails to notify FDLE upon intake and release of a career offender.
• Thank you for that response. ...are released, not be a danger to the community in the future.
• They... ...injuries have just recently been released from a Baker Act.
• So the issue with DCF is, if they cannot be released into the community, they are not.
• Do you want somebody just released from prison? Because I represent those folks.

Bills: S0132, S0418, S0442, S0646, S0748, S1326, S1332, S1660, S1734, S1742, S1750

Keywords: voting rights, felony conviction, database, Florida Commission on Offender Review, restoration of rights, autism spectrum disorder, law enforcement, communication, training, blue envelope, blue card, search warrant, remote appearance, drones, data privacy, drug paraphernalia, narcotic testing, fentanyl, controlled substances, civil forfeiture

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 646, allowing the use of drug testing tools such as fentanyl test strips and reagent kits to detect dangerous adulterants, was presented as a harm-reduction measure and reported favorably after supportive testimony from advocates and criminal defense groups. SB 442, extending the return period for warrants involving digital evidence from 45 days to one year, also passed unanimously amid testimony from prosecutors and law enforcement about encryption, backlogs, and large volumes of child exploitation evidence. SB 418, creating autism-related law enforcement training and a Blue Envelope Program for traffic stops and other encounters, was reported favorably with support from police, disability advocates, and families. SB 132, creating a public database to help people determine eligibility for restoration of voting rights, and SB 748, requiring notice of voting-rights restoration information on sentencing score sheets, both passed with broad support from voting-rights and criminal defense advocates. The committee also approved SB 1734, recognizing juvenile probation and detention officers as officers under Florida law and extending related training and benefits, and SB 1660, designating June as Responsible Firearm Safety Awareness Month. SB 1742, which repealed the existing “unnatural and lascivious acts” statute and created a new offense for indecent exposure of sexual organs to a minor, was amended with a delete-all amendment and then reported favorably. SB 1750, a major overhaul of career offender registration requirements, was later reconsidered after a bill-number mix-up and then reported favorably as SB 1332, with FDLE and sheriff’s association support. The most contentious measure was SB 1326, which would eliminate the traditional insanity defense and replace it with a lack-of-culpable-mental-state defense, require malingering assessments in competency evaluations, and limit downward departures based on mental illness. Criminal defense attorneys and disability advocates argued it lacked a treatment component, raised scientific and cost concerns, and could worsen public safety by sending mentally ill defendants to prison without adequate care. Supporters, including the sponsor and the Attorney General’s office, argued it would close gaps and better protect the public. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote, with several members voting no. At the end of the meeting, members recorded additional votes on some bills, and Senator Pizzo moved for reconsideration of SB 1326 for a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• May I please get immediate release for both?
• Speaker, we need to ask for immediate release on that bill. All right.
• Gentleman asked for immediate release on that conference report we just adopted, HB 1761.
• Also, I'd like to ask immediate release of the last three reports. Andrew, is that a Okay.
• , you may make that. >> To ask immediate release of those three.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 2 April, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• procedure under which detainees or inmates upon release are transported to a site other than residential
• facilities and establish a release facilities and establish a release procedure<00:10:48.399>
• detainees or procedure under which detainees or inmates<00:10:49.839> upon<00:10:50.160> release
• c><00:10:50.800> are<00:10:51.120> transported<00:10:51.680> to inmates upon release
• are transported to inmates upon release are transported to a<00:10:51.920> site<00:10:52.160>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 158, which had been amended from an automatic voter registration-related request to a resolution urging the administration to follow the law and comply with federal court orders. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from the League of Women Voters of Hawaii, the Democratic Party of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Hawaii women lawyers, and others. One witness spoke against automatic voter registration, warning it could be exploited by bad actors, though the chair clarified that the amended resolution was focused on court orders rather than AVR. Members asked questions about whether states or Congress can enforce compliance with court orders and whether there were historical examples of presidents refusing to follow them. The response emphasized separation of powers, checks and balances, and the importance of state support for the rule of law. The committee then voted to accept the proposed SD1 for SCR 158; the measure passed with one no vote recorded from Senator Awa. The committee also took up SCR 154, a resolution supporting implementation of applicable United Nations Human Rights Council universal periodic review recommendations. No testimony was received on that measure, and it was deferred. In a later decision-making agenda item, the committee considered a measure directing the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to include circuit and district court facilities in planning new correctional centers and to establish a release procedure away from residential communities and public spaces; the committee recommended passage as amended, and the measure passed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair has been informed that House 4648 has been released by the Committee on Third Reading.
• The Chair has been informed that House 4781 has been released by the Committee on Bills on Third Reading
• The Chair has been informed that House 4781 has been released by the Committee on Bills on Third Reading
• The Chair has been informed that House 4815 has been released by the Committee on Bills on Third Reading
• The Chair has been informed that House 4815 has been released by the Committee on Bills on Third Reading

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several committee orders extending reporting deadlines to March 18, 2026 for the Committees on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, and Public Safety and Homeland Security, and adopted each after suspending the rules. It also adopted a House resolution recognizing Russell Carrier for 44 years of service to the Forbes Library. The chamber concurred in Senate petitions referred under suspension of Joint Rule 12, including proposals related to a sick leave bank for a trial court employee, creditable service for certain police officers and firefighters, and mobile driver’s licenses, and it suspended Joint Rule 12 on another sick leave bank petition for a Department of Correction employee. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended four bills for House consideration: anti-retaliation protections for public employees, “Getting to Zero Week,” local and regional cultural council membership, and a Boston police age-waiver bill for Giselle Mello. The House suspended Rule 7A, gave the bills second reading, and ordered them to third reading. It also passed to enact two local bills: one increasing the age limit for retired police officers serving as special police officers in Weston and another dissolving a special fund in Athol. Later, the House passed to engrossment a bill authorizing the purchase or lease of Fenn Farm in Stockbridge, a Bridgewater charter amendment for gender-neutral language, and an Arlington local option bill to place a ballot question on increasing certain alcohol licenses. Members also observed a moment of silent tribute for former Lowell legislator Philip L. Shea, and the House ordered special adjournment in his memory. The chamber then adopted an order to meet again Thursday at 11 a.m. and adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Chris, uh, no, I'm released yet. So, if you want to, we can roll till tomorrow.
• Again, too, we have no FA uh WHAM release. Yeah. Um, we can road is also 9:50 a.m.
• Again too, we have no FA uh WHAM release.<00:04:21.919> Yeah. release. Yeah. release. Yeah.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so Near releases a state of preschool yearbook that assesses the quality of pre-K classrooms across
• Also, the bill didn't speak to any conditions that might be necessary for renewing the license, so in
• <00:37:28.319> for<00:37:28.520> the setting forth conditions for the setting forth
• conditions for the issuance<00:37:29.520> of<00:37:29.760> the<00:37:29.960> license
• might be to any conditions that might be necessary<00:37:36.720> for<00:37:37.440> renewing

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 627, which concerns Department of Education school safety funding and staffing. DOE said the bill would restore two positions and related funding that had been removed from the governor’s budget: a targeted violence prevention and threat assessment program manager and a security technology manager. DOE described ongoing work on school vulnerability assessments, fire suppression measures, security camera research, panic buttons, and active shooter prevention training. Testifiers from DOE, the Department of Law Enforcement, fire services, HSTA, and an individual witness all supported the bill, with the individual citing a past school shooting experience as a reason to increase school resource officers and safety measures. Members asked about the positions’ duties, how the request differed from existing security funding, and the status of active shooter training; DOE said it would provide more information on training statistics. The committee then took up HB 249, relating to Executive Office on Early Learning family child interaction learning programs. The Early Learning Board, EOEL, Commit to Kids, Early Childhood Action Strategies, Partners in Development Foundation, and others testified in support. EOEL said it currently spends about $800,000 annually on FCI program contracts and supports expanding state funding for FCIL programs, including infant and early childhood mental health, if the appropriation covers the broader scope. Testifiers emphasized that FCIL programs are trauma-informed, evidence-based, and help families and children, with one provider sharing a long-term example of a parent and child benefiting from the program. Members asked how many programs are supported, whether FCIL exists on all islands, and whether the request was in the governor’s budget; EOEL said the expansion was requested by the office but not included in the governor’s budget. HB 429, concerning pre-K expansion, drew broad support from the Lieutenant Governor, EOEL, HSTA, and community groups. Supporters said the Ready Keiki initiative has already opened more than 50 classrooms and would add another 50 over the next two years, including Hawaiian immersion classrooms. EOEL said it currently administers 72 public pre-K classrooms across 74 campuses and that the bill’s funding was included in the governor’s budget request. Testimony stressed kindergarten readiness, affordability for working families, equity across islands, and inclusion classrooms. Members asked about national quality benchmarks, with EOEL stating Hawaii meets 10 of 10 benchmarks and that only five states had done so at the time referenced. The Lieutenant Governor also described construction and delivery efforts, including refurbishing existing classrooms, modular options, possible use of state buildings, and even collaboration with libraries to expand child care access. Finally, the committee heard HB 439 on J-1 teacher licensure. DOE supported the bill, while the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposed it, arguing licensure standards are not place-based and should remain rigorous and uniform for all educators. The Attorney General’s office offered technical comments, including replacing “educators” with “teacher” and clarifying the bill’s language on issuance and renewal conditions. Several organizations and individuals testified in support, including school, cultural, business, and educator groups. One witness, a teacher from the Philippines, said J-1 educators are highly qualified and described the rigor of teacher preparation in the Philippines. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• is foundational law that has been used to interpret how the Public Information Act authorizes the release
• Except as provided by subsections D, E, and F, a law enforcement agency may not release any information
• And the law says that it can't be released to any agency or person unless required by law.
• Without those four words, it is implied that department file information can't be released even when
• According to the bill analysis, this bill is meant to address concerns about the release of sensitive

Bills: SB7, SB14

Keywords: gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 14, which would create a confidential department file for law enforcement officers and jailers and limit public access to records involving unsubstantiated misconduct, while preserving access for hiring agencies, TCOLE, and certain criminal justice uses. TCOLE’s Gretchen Grigsby explained the current rollout of law enforcement recordkeeping reforms, including the distinction between the public personnel file and the confidential G-file, and answered questions about when TCOLE would request files during investigations. Senator Perry and other members focused on how the bill would interact with existing personnel-file rules, public transparency, and criminal discovery obligations. Public testimony was largely opposed. Critics argued the bill was drafted too broadly, could sweep in records beyond misconduct files, and would reduce transparency for the public, journalists, oversight bodies, and families seeking answers in cases such as Uvalde and jail deaths in Tarrant County. Several witnesses said the bill could allow small or single-officer agencies, including elected constables, to shield their own records, and some warned it could chill reporting and oversight. Supporters, including law enforcement representatives, said the bill would protect officers from false or unsubstantiated allegations, align agencies without civil-service protections with those that already have G-files, and preserve confidentiality for records that should not be public. Dallas County prosecutors and Harris County deputies supported the general policy but asked for clarifying amendments, especially to separate language they said could affect the Michael Morton Act and to preserve existing protections through in-camera review or protective orders. Committee members spent significant time questioning witnesses about how substantiated versus unsubstantiated allegations would be handled, whether body camera footage and case files would remain public, and how the bill would affect discovery in criminal cases. After hearing all registered witnesses, the chair closed public testimony. Senate Bill 14 was left pending, and the committee recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• the two special reviews that we released the two special reviews that we released in<00:30:09.080
• Program evaluations tend to be released January to March.
• Financial audits and performance audits tend to be released September to December.
• But we usually put out a notice about a week before we're going to release a report.
• So, we have just released one on the State Auditor's Office.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate File 563, a bill to change the board makeup of the Northern Koochiching Area Sanitary District. Senator Hild said the proposal had been heard the previous year and had broad support from local officials and stakeholders. Cali Briggs, the district’s executive director, explained that the board structure no longer reflected current populations and sewer service patterns: International Falls now holds six of eight seats after earlier consolidations, while East Koochiching has grown through sewer expansions and should receive additional representation. The bill would reduce the board to seven members, with International Falls having three seats, East Koochiching two, Rainier one, and one at-large member chosen by the board. The committee raised no substantive objections, and Senator Gustafson moved the bill to pass and go to general orders; the motion prevailed. Members then briefly joked about the topic and moved on to an overview from the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall described the office as a nonpartisan legislative branch agency serving both chambers, with a mission of strengthening oversight, promoting accountability, and producing objective, useful reports. She outlined the office’s structure, including financial audits, program evaluations, and a growing special reviews unit, and explained the Legislative Audit Commission’s role in appointing the auditor and selecting program evaluation topics. Randall also emphasized the office’s broad access to records and data, its independence, and its responsibility to protect nonpublic information. Randall answered questions about the office’s authority over entities such as the University of Minnesota, explaining that OLA has audit authority there but often relies on the university’s internal audit function and can also conduct special reviews and program evaluations. She noted that public employees are required to cooperate and that subpoenas are available if needed, though the office prefers to maintain cooperative relationships. Special Reviews Director Katherine Tyson then described how her unit handles complaints and allegations involving misuse of public funds, data, or noncompliance with law, including preliminary assessments, communications with complainants and agencies, and deeper reviews when warranted. She said allegations and reports have increased steadily, with 481 received from 2020 through 2024 and nearly 10 per week on average last year, contributing to a heavier workload for her small team.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair is informed that House Bill 4092 has been released by the committee and is in third reading
• The Chair is informed that House Bill 4142 has been released by the Committee on Bills and Third Reading
• House Bill 4142 has been released by the Committee on Bills in Third Reading.
• The chairs are informed that House Bill 4246 has been released by the Committee on Bills in Third Reading
• The chairs are informed that House Bill 4246 has been released by the Committee on Bills in Third Reading

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several local and personnel-related bills. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee recommended Senate Bill 2895, concerning amendment of a conservation restriction in Hanson, and House Bill 4962, establishing a sick leave bank for Sally DeRosiers of the Department of Correction; both were advanced to third reading. The House also considered and passed to enactment House Bill 463, authorizing the Milford select board to appoint a highway surveyor. The chamber then acted on a series of bills directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for specific applicants: House Bills 4092, 4142, and 4246. Each bill was read a third time and passed to be engrossed. No debate or recorded roll call votes were noted; actions were taken by voice vote. At the end of the session, the House adopted an order to adjourn until Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. It also approved a special adjournment in memory of James A. Sheets, a former Quincy representative and mayor of Quincy. The House then adjourned to meet Tuesday in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• review it, and if the CD looks fine or if we need to make changes, then we can proceed with a WHAM release
• Okay, I believe we do have agreement on the CD1 as well as FIN release. Is that correct?
• Yeah, we have WHM release. myself, Rep. Todd rep Lee as co-chairs, myself, Rep.
• <00:11:24.160> Is<00:11:24.240> that as well as Finn Wam release.
• Is that as well as Finn Wam release. Is that correct?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• requires offenders who are able to pay court-ordered restitution to make those efforts before they are released
• arrested and taken to jail, including what factors should be considered before that person is just released
• arrested and taken to jail, including what factors should be considered before that person is just released
• arrested and taken to jail, including what factors should be considered before that person is just released
• Will Ghislaine Maxwell be released from government custody?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate File 4760, a public safety package, and first adopted an amendment to insert House language into the Senate file. Members then heard brief explanations of several included provisions, including a section from House File 3870 that would make Office of Justice Programs research and victim-related data private, clarify privacy for data collected by the Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls office and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives office, and remove outdated statutory language. Representative Novotny also described the package as combining a number of previously passed stand-alone bills and a few additional provisions. The chamber then adopted amendments A5, A7, and A8. A5 inserted House language and adjusted an effective date related to public employer discretion in hiring; A7 allowed the Office of Legislative Auditor to request BCA fingerprinting and federal tax information as required by federal rules; and A8 clarified language affecting jail medical services and custody-related safeguards after collaboration among Representative Witty, the sheriffs association, the Department of Corrections, and advocates. Representatives Hansen, Moller, and Witty all urged support for those changes. A proposed A3 amendment from Representative Duran, which would have kept the current age of delinquency rather than implementing the previously enacted change, drew extensive debate. Supporters argued counties, law enforcement, and other stakeholders were not ready for the change and lacked infrastructure, while opponents said the 2024 law was intended to address serious gaps in juvenile justice and child welfare and should take effect as planned. After a roll call, the House rejected A3 by a vote of 66 yeas to 67 nays. The transcript then indicates another Duran amendment, A2, was called up, but the excerpt ends before its disposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we will release the 10% restriction so that you can complete the end of the year.
• Then we will release the 10% restriction so that you can complete the end of the year.
• of the 10% oce can we ask for release of the 10% restriction<00:27:23.159> then<00:27:23.320>
• we<00:27:23.399> will<00:27:23.600> release<00:27:23.919> the<00:27:24.039
• > 10% restriction then we will release the 10% restriction then we will release the 10% restriction

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Your speaker and myself put out a press release saying this would be a top priority for us coming back
• Um, I would like to draw your attention to cases, case U press releases from the U.S.
• Um, I would like to draw your attention to cases, case U press releases from the U.S.
• 12.319> appears<00:44:12.640> this this press release, it appears this this press release
• I could read the entire press release I could read the entire press release for<00:45:23.520>

Bills: SF0101

Keywords: Second Amendment, firearm regulation, state legislation, public safety, civil penalties, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Roughly 90% of incarcerated individuals will be released back into society after completing their prison
• males is not conducive to their healing, recovery, and overall preparation to be successful upon release
• that many women have not come forward due to fear of retaliation or losing privileges like early release
• Roughly 90% of incarcerated individuals will be released back into society after completing their prison
• Next testifier will be Deva Guy. release and the opportunity to pray on release and the opportunity to

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 435 was taken up with an author's amendment that added a definition of “female,” “woman,” and “girl” based on biological sex. The committee debated the amendment at length, with supporters saying it was needed for clarity and opponents arguing it was unscientific, dehumanizing, and imported from outside model legislation. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was laid over because no fiscal note had yet been received. As amended, HF 435 would require the commissioner of Corrections to house only biological females at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee and to transfer any nonbiological females out within seven days of enactment. Chair Franson described it as a common-sense women’s rights and human rights bill intended to protect incarcerated women. Alicia Beckman, a former Shakopee GED teacher, testified in support, saying the current policy had allowed biological males with violent histories into the facility and created fear, retraumatization, and safety concerns for staff and inmates. Several testifiers opposed the bill. Deva Guy, Lucy Ailia G., Reverend Dr. Justin Saia Tannis, and Jess Braverman argued that the bill would endanger transgender women, scapegoat a vulnerable minority, and conflict with research, the Prison Rape Elimination Act, and constitutional protections. They urged the committee to focus instead on broader prison conditions and safety issues. Committee members also questioned Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell about the placement process; he explained that transgender placements are reviewed through a multi-step process involving behavioral health and medical staff, a gender identity committee, and final review by the deputy commissioner and commissioner. He said 49 people systemwide have identified as transgender. The discussion ended with the bill laid over and the chair noting that a constitutional challenge would likely follow if the bill became law.

Transcript Highlights:

• okay with you, I'll prepare a proposed CD1 with that and a clean date and then go ahead and request release
• I agree with that approach, and um so we will use that and I request the release from Finance Committee
• I agree with that approach, and um so we will use that and I request the release from Finance Committee
• I agree, and we could then use that agreement and request FIN and WAM release. also co-chair, and managers
• Thank you. release and WAM release. So, we'll release and WAM release.

Bills: HB389, HB469, HB1510, HB1573, HB1705, HB1858, HB1875, HB1946, HB1961, HB1962, HB2001, HB2093, HB2096, HB2097

Keywords: HB389, uncrewed aircraft, drone, drones, UAS, unmanned aerial vehicle, misuse of uncrewed aircraft, criminal offense, felony enhancement, drone crime, public safety, police, deputy sheriff, fire department, intoxicated operation, registration number tampering, property damage, bodily injury, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Package, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, could I get immediate release on that? Is there objection to immediate...
• Is there objection to immediate release? Hearing none, we will follow that procedure.
• I would like immediate release on that. Gentleman requests immediate release on the resolution.
• Gentleman requests immediate release on the resolution.
• I would ask for immediate release. All right, gentleman's motion is for immediate release.

Bills: HR144, HB4182, HC51, HR169, HB4178, HB4179

Keywords: commendation, sports, team achievement, high school, state championship, suffrage, restoration of voting rights, conviction, probation, law-abiding citizen, congressional term limits, constitutional amendments, Article V, state resolution, political reform, Jackson State University, Veterans Memorial Stadium, economic growth, property tax, multi-purpose facility