Transcript Highlights:

• in our sort of during the penal code in our sort of during the penal code review<01:00:36.319>
• <01:00:48.160> review in the context of the penal code review in the context of the penal
• So I think there are a handful of states that do this DUCC process, including Texas and Nevada.
• <01:13:38.640> So<01:13:38.800> we're including uh Texas and Nevada.
• So we're including uh Texas and Nevada.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The briefing focused on the Hawaii State Hospital’s overcrowding, construction defects in the new addition, and how Act 26 and related court-ordered processes are affecting admissions and discharges. The chair said the hospital has become increasingly forensic-focused, has lost beds after the closure of Kahimohala, and may face further costs and possible litigation over the defective addition. Hospital and Department of Health officials said they are working with the attorney general and contractors on repairs, and that the hospital is currently using all 292 licensed beds, including 13 waiver beds, while average daily census last fiscal year was 376. Officials explained that the high census is driven by both increased admissions and discharge barriers. They said the loss of Kahimohala returned patients to the state hospital, and that Act 26-related petty misdemeanor cases are contributing to admissions. They also said limited lower-level placement options delay discharges. Hospital staff reported that many patients are repeat admissions, about 22% were unhoused before admission, and a significant share are in categories such as fitness-to-proceed evaluations and conditional-release violations. They said these groups could potentially be reduced if evaluations were done elsewhere and if more community or supportive housing were available. The chair and senators questioned whether some fitness-to-proceed detainees need to be held at the state hospital at all, and whether the Clark consent order requires transfer to the hospital. The attorney general’s office said the Clark injunction does not govern unfitness-to-proceed cases; instead, the requirement comes from state statute, and the statute could be changed. Director Johnson said DCR cannot keep such detainees because the court orders them into the custody of the Department of Health, and the department cannot provide the needed therapeutic level of care in a correctional setting. The discussion also emphasized co-occurring substance use and mental illness, especially among petty misdemeanor defendants, and the need for supportive housing and a decompression plan to reduce readmissions and free beds for civil commitments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Code Red Defense. Thank you, NDI, thank you, dancers, thank you.
• House Bill 146, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the House Labor,
• House Bill 158, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the House Labor,
• House Bill 161, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the House Labor,
• House Bill 161, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the House Labor,

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentleman from Texas. Introduction of some special guests, Mr. Speaker. Proceed, gentlemen. Mr.
• Shannon County, but they're also some there from the largest county in the state of Missouri, from Texas
• Gentlemen from Texas. Introduction of some special guests, Mr. Speaker. Proceed, gentlemen. Mr.
• Shannon County, but they're also some there from the largest county in the state of Missouri, from Texas
• will be bills carrying requests, messages. from the largest county in the state of Missouri, from Texas

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the House Journal for the 64th day by a 125-0 roll call vote, and then spent much of the morning on personal privileges and introductions of guests, interns, students, and special recognitions. Members welcomed school groups, interns, a Savannah Bananas guest, and several family members, and also noted birthdays and Mother’s Day greetings. On legislation, the chamber first agreed to go to conference on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1421, appointing a House conference committee. The House then took up Senate Bill 1000, which reauthorizes the Missouri Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund and updates outdated tourism funding language; members from both parties spoke in support of tourism as an economic driver, and the bill passed 136-6. The House also considered House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1020, an omnibus Department of Revenue bill addressing fee office contracting, vehicle registration and related penalties, Real ID document retention, five-year license plates, and emissions-related provisions. Members adopted amendments reducing late-registration penalties, making document retention opt-in, restoring a five-year plate option, and removing cosmetic damage as a basis for rejecting rebuilt vehicles; despite debate over emissions testing and air quality, the bill passed 130-10. The chamber then moved to House Committee Substitute for Senate Bills 835 and 1111, a combined judiciary/civil legislation package. Members described it as a vehicle for several vetted measures, including anti-assignment-of-benefits language for insurance claims, the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, and court administration changes such as workers’ compensation procedures, judgeships, automation fees, law library surcharges, and expungement fund provisions. Amendments were offered and adopted to adjust attorney-fee language in the anti-SLAPP provisions and to add a St. Louis police legal-expense-fund provision, though the latter drew objections over procedure and whether it had received a hearing. The transcript cuts off while debate on that amendment is still underway, and no final vote on the bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Yeah, I mean it seems like labor costs were kind of out of control, especially overtime labor costs
• And what are your overtime labor costs now?
• And I was labor chair before. I know how difficult labor is.
• In that, are there plans to try to address some of these labor issues?
• I can't speak to the uh organized labor.

Bills: HB1984, HB1593, HB2423, HB1691, HB2283, HB2386, HB1824, HB1697, HB2164, HB2165

Keywords: renewable energy, solar energy, self-certification, building permits, environmental regulations, HB1593, affordable housing, pet-inclusive housing, pet friendly housing, rental housing, affordable rental housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, tenant pets, companion animals, dogs, cats, landlord-tenant law, security deposit, pet deposit

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have a bunch of states who have already set up offices: Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri,
• And we have a bunch of states who have already, you know, set up offices, Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky,
• And then 10, Delaware should amend the Delaware Code to allow open bids for nuclear power.
• last one, I don't know that it should go under this entity because it is recommending amending the code
• Any call for holding on to this recommendation regarding the Delaware Code?

Summary: The meeting focused on finalizing recommendations from the Delaware Nuclear Energy Task Force, with most of the discussion centered on how the state should organize itself to evaluate and potentially pursue nuclear power. Public commenters strongly supported nuclear energy, emphasizing energy reliability, economic competitiveness, data center demand, and the need for Delaware to act quickly. Several speakers argued that Delaware is falling behind neighboring states and should not delay if it wants to attract developers and preserve access to federal tax incentives. Members then worked through revisions to the recommendations, especially the section on state actions moving forward. There was broad agreement that Delaware needs a clearly empowered leadership structure, but disagreement over the best form: a cabinet-level energy agency, an expanded existing agency such as DENREC, a dedicated coordinator, an expanded Sustainable Energy Utility, or a separate quasi-independent authority. Some members favored a nimble, one-off entity with bonding and financing authority; others cautioned against creating a new body outside state government and stressed the need for coordination with existing agencies, public oversight, and cost discipline. The group also discussed adding responsibilities such as site identification, public engagement, coordination with PJM and federal agencies, and financing tools, while removing or folding in items that seemed duplicative or too broad. The committee also revised earlier modules to broaden the focus from small modular reactors to nuclear power more generally, while keeping the task force’s original SMR work in view. Members agreed to keep recommendations on state and local regulatory readiness, financial mechanisms, permitting coordination, and public engagement, and to add a recommendation for Delaware to participate as an observer in the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative through NASEO and NARUC. The committee approved the revised Module Four recommendations by vote, with one abstention from Tom Noyes. Minutes from the prior meeting were also approved with minor corrections.

Transcript Highlights:

• full stop on a separate matter, the legislation that I'm carrying for you related to the procurement code
• So we're just trying to modernize the procurement code with the rising costs.
• move forward, I just want to suggest to the colleagues here that as we move forward, you know, in Texas
• under the Department of Transportation, they have a very effective campaign called "Don't Mess with Texas
• It's kind of a Texas thing that we need as a state to take a more serious, almost like a big ad campaign

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When you have Texas that just put in about $112 billion invested into roadways, and the state of Arizona
• by developing and working within different HTML platforms, and by working with different types of coding
• comprehensive increase to our partnership with the Department of... the Protective Services in the state of Texas
• So, where you talked about the Texas Department of Public Safety example, they're utilizing this, and
• integrated public information from our OEM partners. directly into our platform so that when a fault code

Transcript Highlights:

• so I would be more looking at this code so I would be more comfortable<00:14:51.160> signing<
• So the bid is when we say lump sum, that is labor and materials.
• So the bid is, when we say lump sum, that is labor and materials.
• So the bid is, when we say lump sum, that is labor and materials.
• As many of you may know, Minnesota has a huge marriage penalty built into our tax code.

Bills: HF1698, HF632, HF1352, HF2197, HF618, HF1248, HF1697

Keywords: property tax, exemption, leased land, public use, commercial property, HF632, Minnesota property tax, conservation easement, conservation restriction, assessed value, property valuation, tax assessment, real property, land conservation, farmland preservation, natural areas, riparian buffer, water quality, water quantity, county assessor

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:09:49.760> the<00:09:50.000> cornbt, throughout the cornbt, throughout the cornbt, Texas
• <00:09:53.519> Here<00:09:53.839> in Texas, and West Virginia.
• Here in Texas, and West Virginia.
• They're attended by extension, safety experts at places like Department of Labor and Industry and DED
• and Industry and DED and other Labor and Industry and DED and other interested<01:14:42.320> folks

Bills: HF2103, HF4508

Keywords: energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, elk, cervidae, cervid importation, chronic wasting disease, CWD, animal health, livestock, wildlife disease, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, state veterinarian, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA

Transcript Highlights:

• there may be a difference to labor there may be a difference to labor unions<00:54:24.800> or
• c> labor.
• Yes, include all labor.
• the residential landlord tenant code. the residential landlord tenant code.
• This measure landlord tenant code.

Bills: SB2045, SB2354

Keywords: combat sports, boxing, mixed martial arts, health regulations, safety standards, licensing, event regulation, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees first took up SB 2071 on rent-to-own housing. Testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC and Hawaii Realtors, but Sierra Club of Hawaii and others opposed the bill unless it was amended to exclude ceded lands from the 99-year lease provision. Members discussed the scope of ceded versus non-ceded lands and whether an inventory exists. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including HHFDC’s proposal to make the fixed-price period flexible by tying it to an option period and Sierra Club’s language limiting the program to non-ceded state or county land. They then heard SB 2191 on limited profit housing associations. HHFDC supported the measure, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Office of the Auditor urged caution about tax exclusions and asked for clearer, more targeted limits and measurable outcomes. The committees adopted amendments to add a statement of purpose, include measurable metrics, apply the tax provisions to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and delay the effective date to allow for administrative changes. SB 2191 was recommended for passage with amendments. The committees also considered SB 2197, which would have replaced the five-year fixed-price period in rent-to-own housing with an option period set by HHFDC, but deferred it indefinitely because its issues were addressed in SB 2071. SB 2180 on deposits of public funds drew comments from the Hawaii Bankers Association questioning definitions and noting banks are already subject to Community Reinvestment Act requirements; decision-making was deferred to the next day in the CPN committee and to a later date for the housing committee. Finally, SB 2210 on housing discrimination received support from disability advocates and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, which asked for one additional investigator; the committees passed it with amendments adding a blank appropriation for one full-time position and planned to notify Ways and Means for possible re-referral.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's no surprise that across these two programs, coding intensity is different.
• Coding intensity has three components. One is fraudulent coding.
• The third is clinically-appropriate coding intensity and better communication.
• And that's elementary school level coding. Is the concept of just sharing data?
• Because the issues about diagnosis coding, right, there's clinically appropriate diagnosis coding intensity

Keywords: artificial intelligence, waste reduction, fraud prevention, government efficiency, improper payments, data reliability, oversight

Summary: The meeting was chaired by Chairman Schweikert and involved a comprehensive discussion on how to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for reducing waste, fraud, and improper payments within federal programs. Key witnesses, including Mr. Andrew Canarsa from the Council of the Inspectors General, provided insights on the potential of AI in enhancing government efficiency. The committee emphasized the importance of reliable data and thorough examination of AI application to avoid unintended consequences while addressing the estimated $162 billion in improper payments reported by the federal government. Concerns were raised regarding the recent firing of inspectors general and the impacts that could have on oversight and accountability processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we need to make it flexible for the districts, but we also need to update some code pieces so that
• So, we need to make it flexible for the districts, but we also need to update some code pieces so that
• You know, I'm on the labor and pieces.
• <00:10:29.839> And<00:10:30.399> um Department of Labor and Industry.
• And um Department of Labor and Industry.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The interview focused on Minnesota K-12 education, with the representative describing schools and educators as doing strong day-to-day work but saying policymakers need to address major problems such as literacy, math performance, and chronic absenteeism. He argued for more local control, fewer mandates, and flexible funding so districts can meet local needs, while also saying the READ Act and science-of-reading implementation should be carried out with fidelity to improve reading outcomes. A substantial portion of the discussion centered on chronic absenteeism and truancy. The representative said he has worked in a bipartisan way with Rep. Keeler on the issue, including home visits and district reporting efforts, but argued schools cannot solve every social problem alone and need families and other partners to help get students to class. He also criticized the Department of Education for not prioritizing a simple reporting mechanism related to the 15-day drop rule for students who disappear from enrollment. School safety was another major topic, especially after the Annunciation Catholic School shooting in Minneapolis. He said students should be safe regardless of whether they attend public or nonpublic schools and supported giving nonpublic schools access to safety funding. He said he and Sen. Pratt are working on flexible school-safety funding ideas and mentioned the Shield Act and multi-layered safety approaches as models. He also revisited universal school meals, saying the program has constrained future budget options and that a prior proposal would have redirected some of those dollars into flexible supplemental aid for districts. The interview ended with brief discussion of other constituent concerns, including age verification, cell phone use, and a youth skills training program that he said should allow students to gain office-based experience. No votes were taken; the representative mainly outlined policy priorities and frustrations with agency implementation and legislative priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've estimated a $40 million cut to labor and outside contractors.
• Forcing residents that are skilled labor to keep employment in other cases.
• A lot of that comes in labor. Some of it's material.
• The majority is labor, internal and contractors. In labor. Some of it's material.
• The majority is labor, internal and contractors. All right.

Bills: SB287

Keywords: solid waste, recycling, universal recycling, single-stream recycling, multifamily housing, apartment recycling, commercial recycling, waste diversion, recycling grants, low-interest loans, Delaware Recycling Fund, Delaware Solid Waste Authority, DNREC, waste hauler, curbside recycling, yard waste, source-separated recycling, pay-as-you-throw, extended producer responsibility, waste bans

Summary: The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and considered three Senate bills. SB 287 with Senate Amendment 2, a DNREC cleanup bill on recycling, would tighten recycling collection rules for haulers and commercial generators, require multifamily recycling education, repurpose the Delaware Recycling Fund, and add annual reporting; after brief questions and no public comment, the committee motion to release did not initially receive enough votes, so the bill was circulated for signatures. SB 346, which would speed Environmental Appeals Board hearing and decision timelines so DNREC secretary decisions become final if deadlines are missed, drew support from the Nature Conservancy and also failed to get enough votes at the meeting, so it too was circulated for signatures. The committee then took up SB 326, a major utility-regulation bill sponsored by Senator Hanson and Representative Heffernan that would cap certain non-mandatory utility spending, limit interim rates, increase oversight and transparency, and streamline rate-setting. SB 326 generated extensive testimony and debate. Supporters, including the Public Advocate, Sierra Club, PSC staff, and some legislators, argued that Delmarva Power’s spending on non-mandatory infrastructure has risen far faster than inflation, that the company is a regulated monopoly, and that the bill would help restrain future delivery-rate increases without harming reliability because mandatory reliability, storm response, and vegetation management spending would remain allowed. Opponents, including Delmarva Power, business groups, contractors, labor representatives, and the Delaware Contractors Association, argued the cap would delay needed reliability and capacity projects, hurt economic development, reduce jobs, and interfere with utility planning; they also said supply costs, not distribution spending, are the main driver of recent bill increases. After public comment and additional questioning, the committee voted to release SB 326 on a split roll call, but because several members were absent the bill was also walked for additional signatures. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2324, Fire Code, Municipality. Thank you.
• Madam Chair, members, House Bill 23, 24, Fire Code, Municipalities, County buildings passed out of the
• organization or perform labor organization activities during working hours.
• We stand by our labor unions, and we stand by the ability to organize ourselves.
• We stand by our labor unions, and we stand by the ability to organize ourselves.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of bills and resolutions, with staff giving brief descriptions and members flagging which items were on consent, had unanimous committee votes, or should be pulled for further discussion. Topics included education, health care, public safety, labor, water, taxation, housing, and elections. Several measures were noted as party-line or mixed votes, while many others were reported as unanimous and placed on third-read or consent calendars. Among the more discussed items were bills on school and labor policy, including a proposal to prohibit teacher strikes, a measure restricting school district bond actions, a bill requiring school safety protocols and assigning felony penalties for noncompliance, and a resolution limiting public money for labor organization activities. Members also raised concerns or requested further review on bills involving pharmacist testing authority, expired opioid antagonists, a county sheriff-related measure, a housing affordability district proposal, and a tobacco/vape regulation bill. Some measures were explicitly pulled from consent, including a Medicaid audit resolution, a budget-related pay-withholding resolution, and several education and public safety bills. The caucus also heard multiple health and human services measures, such as genetic counselor licensing, nursing board and pharmacy board continuations, foster care rights, psychiatry access funding, and free school meals. In addition, there were water and energy bills on Colorado River management, groundwater, transmission-line review, and renewable energy valuation, plus election and campaign-related proposals. The meeting ended with announcements, including an upcoming Colorado River breakfast briefing and an internal award recognizing Representative Brian Garcia, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• hearing the news over the weekend of the catastrophic flooding that swept through the great state of Texas
• Item 67, SB 853, Committee on Labor.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is coded 2000. Line 21 shows the other miscellaneous special revenue fund that's coded 2001.
• This is coded 2000. Line 21 shows the other miscellaneous special revenue fund that's coded 2001.
• This is coded 2000. Line 21 shows the other miscellaneous special revenue fund that's coded 2001.
• This is coded 2000. Line 21 shows the other miscellaneous special revenue fund that's coded 2001.
• This is coded 2000. Line 21 shows the other miscellaneous special revenue fund that's coded 2001.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's the administrative code of the City of New York.
• And then the Labor Law. Moved by Senator Mayer, seconded by Senator Mayer.
• And that's the Administrative Code of the City of New York.
• And then the Labor Law. Moved by Senator Mayer, seconded by Senator Mayer.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Rules convened for its first 2026 meeting and considered a long list of Senate and Assembly bills, mostly moving them from committee to the floor. The transcript reflects routine motions, seconds, and voice votes on measures spanning election law, public authorities, public health, real property, insurance, labor, environmental conservation, general business, local tax, domestic relations, state finance, and New York City administrative code provisions, along with several chapter amendments and bills from 2025. No substantive debate or testimony is recorded in the excerpt; the discussion is largely procedural, with bill numbers and sponsors announced as they were reported out. Most items were approved without objection and reported to the floor, including Senate Print 324 and numerous bills such as 568, 1035, 1036, 1085, 8604, 8646, 8754, 8761, 8762, 8764, 8768, 8772, 8774, 8778, 8783, 8800, 8822, 8823, 8824, 8825, 8827, 8831, 8832, 8834, and 8835, as well as several Assembly bills. The chair noted that all bills would go to the floor, with seven to be taken up and returned to session shortly. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve on Health and Human Services and also served on Labor last year also.
• Representative Gagne said his son and daughter-in-law, who live in the greater Austin, Texas area, reacted
• daughter-in-law who live in the greater daughter-in-law who live in the greater Austin,<00:15:56.639> Texas
• <00:15:58.079> Dad, Austin, Texas area said, "What? Dad, Austin, Texas area said, "What?
• Constitution and the New Hampshire Constitution already ensure that no foreign law or religious code

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We oppose this bill because it does not address forced labor in the sex trade.
• It won't stop forced labor in the sex trade, and it won't stop the sex trade.
• We oppose this bill because it does not address forced labor in the sex trade.
• It won't stop forced labor in the sex trade, and it won't stop the sex trade.
• So I just want to ...existing law and other parts of the code.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This means that our tax code is tied to the version of the Internal Revenue Code as amended through a
• Revenue Code as amended through a Revenue Code as amended through a particular<00:09:53.360> date.
• There are the Internal Revenue Code.
• definitions in the Internal Revenue Code definitions in the Internal Revenue Code are<00:11:26.880
• code. Okay, let's uh move forward here. code. Okay, let's uh move forward here.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all