Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, we have the Legislative Coordinating Commission, the $5,000 there was an appropriation in each
• As president of Minnesota Children's Museum, Kryzen said they do not take an appropriation request from
• Kryzen said that as president of Minnesota Children's Museum, they do not take an appropriation request
• In the 2023 legislative session, we passed an appropriations bill that included significant funding for
• So I would just like to, based on their request, they want a little bit more than we originally appropriated

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that my legislative assistant was working off of whatever was made available, so ...legislative
• Again, that would be contingent on passage of that bill, and that appropriation wouldn't exist if you
• Bill 2 in the non-recurring funding category, the executive request for DOT included a request to the
• legislature for $12 million of a special appropriation to DOT for beautification.
• program for the debt services category includes $30 million contingent legislation.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee met with quorum and took up only HB 3, the Department of Transportation Appropriation Act of 2026 for FY27. The bill was presented as an amended budget that would increase NMDOT’s operating budget by about $132.6 million, or 10.2%, using available cash balances, additional projected revenue, and contingent revenue tied to Senate Bill 2, the highway bond bill. Staff walked through the amendment section by section, explaining changes to project design and construction, highway operations, program support, modal programs, federal and interagency transfer lines, corrected performance-measure language, and added budget adjustment authority for the current and next fiscal years. Several members raised concerns about the late circulation of a revised amendment and the appearance of multiple bill versions, arguing the committee had not had enough time to review the changes and that the process may have violated the 24-hour rule. Others asked for clarification on how the budget distinguished between rehabilitation and maintenance, and DOT staff explained that major rehabilitation is generally tied to STIP projects while maintenance is handled through district-level plans and contracts. Members also discussed the use of cash balances for non-recurring spending, the impact of electric vehicles on road revenue, and the need for more maintenance, litter cleanup, fencing, and beautification funding. DOT and executive representatives noted the amendment includes a significant maintenance increase and said additional non-recurring funding could also come through House Bill 2 and the capital bill. The committee first rejected a substitute motion to delay action, then adopted the amendment and later voted due pass on HB 3 as amended. Public comment was opened, but no one spoke in support or opposition. After passage, members explained their votes, with some supporting the bill as a needed transportation investment and others objecting to the process and the compressed review timeline.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> by something like step- in legislation by something like step- in legislation lenders<00:47:25.920
• It is important for legislation. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments.
• It is important for legislation. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments.
• </c><01:05:42.559><c> over</c> 1320 which proposes to appropriate over 1320 which proposes to appropriate
• </c><01:46:43.199><c> thank</c> supporting essential legislation thank supporting essential legislation

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate hearing focused primarily on SB 1201, a wildfire measure that would create a wildfire recovery fund and allow securitization for electric utilities. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill, saying it would help protect customers, property owners, insurers, and the broader economy from future catastrophic wildfire liability while improving the utility’s credit profile and lowering financing costs. Support also came from DCCA Consumer Advocacy, the Attorney General’s office on written comments, Ulupono Initiative, Clearway Energy Group, IBEW Local 1260, Par Hawaii, KIUC, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Plus Power, and numerous organizations and individuals. Opponents or commenters raised concerns about the liability cap, victim compensation process, and fund structure, including the Hawaiʻi Association for Justice, the Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters, and the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council; Henry Curtis of Life of the Land supported the concept of a fund but questioned the catastrophe threshold and whether the fund would be empty without a prudency finding. Much of the discussion centered on whether the proposed fund would actually help restore Hawaiian Electric to investment grade, with senators comparing the proposal to California’s wildfire fund. Hawaiian Electric said the bill was only one part of a broader process, alongside physical risk reduction and settlement finalization, and argued that without the bill the utility would not regain investment grade. Senators also questioned the proposed $1 billion fund size, the fairness of ratepayer contributions versus shareholder contributions, and whether customers should pay for consulting and administrative costs; Hawaiian Electric said its proposed amendment would remove those consulting-related charges. The company also said the fund would accrue interest and, if unused, could be returned to customers, and that there would be replenishment and supplemental contribution mechanisms if the fund were exhausted. The Attorney General’s office said it still had further amendments to discuss, and the departments had not yet resolved where the fund should reside administratively, though Hawaiian Electric said it believed DCCA was the appropriate place but was open to alternatives. KIUC requested two amendments. No vote or final committee action was taken during the hearing, and the measure remained under discussion with questions and proposed amendments still outstanding.

Transcript Highlights:

• I I would like uh perhaps to request if it's the pleasure of this committee and if it's appropriate I
• I I would like uh perhaps to request if it's the pleasure of this committee and if it's appropriate I
• I I would like uh perhaps to request if it's the pleasure of this committee and if it's appropriate I
• I I would like uh perhaps to request if it's the pleasure of this committee and if it's appropriate I
• I I would like uh perhaps to request if it's the pleasure of this committee and if it's appropriate I

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> General's report to the legislation General's report to the legislation describe<00:36:35.120><c
• an appropriation to this effect.
• an appropriation to this effect.
• </c> legislative session. legislative session.
• </c> really good legislation. Thank you. really good legislation. Thank you.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several Senate bills. SB 2149 would exempt paternity proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse from mediation and clarify the domestic abuse mediation exemption in divorce cases. The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the measure but recommended technical and conforming changes, including updating references from HRS Chapter 584 to 584A and aligning the language more closely with the Uniform Mediation Act. Members discussed whether the bill’s wording could limit who may bring a support person to mediation, and the chair suggested the intent was to preserve survivor choice while avoiding ambiguity. No vote was taken in the portion heard. SB 2203 would create an offense for law enforcement officers using masks or personal disguises. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaii, Legal Clinic, and many other supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, while still allowing safety exceptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, raised concerns about operational needs, undercover and auxiliary units, body cameras, and possible supremacy clause issues if the bill is aimed at federal officers. The chair noted the bill appeared likely to move forward and asked agencies and advocates to work on possible amendments; testimony count was reported as 114 in support, 3 opposed, and 2 comments. SB 2251 would appropriate funds for the victim witness assistance program in the City and County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying it would replace shortfalls from declining federal funding and help maintain victim services and rights information. A former program director also testified in support. When asked, the office said it would not object to a simple reporting requirement. The committee then moved on to SB 2311, which would address claims against the state and add reporting and timing requirements; the Department of the Attorney General testified with concerns and recommendations, and members began questioning current practices for handling claims and settlements.

Transcript Highlights:

• , sent it to Appropriations.
• And, I mean, yeah, it's very good to have legislators involved, but the idea is that...
• You have the governor, you have superintendent, two legislators, four legislators, and then you've got
• request.
• Chairman, I did have a number. ...how they came up with the original appropriation request.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The conference committee met to resolve differences on a bill creating or funding the K-12 Coordination Council. Members discussed the purpose of the council as a research and filtering body for K-12 studies, with several speakers emphasizing that it should draw on field expertise rather than be directed solely by DPI or another agency. They also noted concerns about giving an agency too much control over studies and the desire to have Legislative Management help direct or approve study topics. The House explained that its earlier version had included a $120,000 appropriation, but the amount was removed after concerns arose that the council lacked authority to contract. Committee members discussed whether the council could still be useful with reduced funding and whether it should be able to contract for outside research. One member suggested funding at least enough for a couple of studies, citing an estimate of $30,000 to $40,000 per study and a message from the director requesting at least two studies. A motion was made for the House to recede to the Senate version and further amend Section 2 to reduce the appropriation from $120,000 to $60,000. The motion passed unanimously by roll call, with all members voting yes. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:26.639><c> for</c> reconciling a grant's request for reconciling a grant's request for payment
• </c> supporting documentation to that request supporting documentation to that request such<00:14:32.800
• <00:41:50.960><c> OLA's</c> deputy legislative auditor for OLA's deputy legislative auditor for OLA's
• :49.280><c> reviewed</c> legislatively named grants we reviewed legislatively named grants we reviewed
• </c><00:54:03.839><c> audit</c> we reviewed, the legislative audit we reviewed, the legislative audit

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> in expedient to legislate. in expedient to legislate.
• room</c><01:07:09.119><c> or</c> legislator legislators in this room or legislator legislators in this
• </c> Representative Muse request a roll call. Representative Muse request a roll call.
• </c> to a 30-year sentence as appropriate. to a 30-year sentence as appropriate.
• </c> frivolous requests for new trials. frivolous requests for new trials.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> consideration of this3 million requests consideration of this3 million requests the<00:04:31.280
• The city is requesting an appropriation of $12.3 million in funds to support this significant regional
• </c><00:09:29.839><c> an</c><00:09:29.959><c> appropriation</c> city is is requesting an appropriation
• city is is requesting an appropriation of<00:09:30.640><c> 12.3</c><00:09:31.360><c> million</c><00:
• It was a complete rebuild the last request, and that's what this request is for as well. Thank you.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> be done without this legislation be done without this legislation calculations<01:08:39.480><c>
• ><c> that</c><02:11:16.159><c> is</c> pertains to legislation that is pertains to legislation that is
• </c><03:47:45.080><c> a</c> fed an amendment to OS and request a fed an amendment to OS and request a
• </c> legislature that when the legislative legislature that when the legislative intent intent intent
• Bill 432 is inexpedient to legislate and Bill 432 is inexpedient to legislate and that<05:22:21.480><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Questions on this exception request? request? request?
• This exception request, this only exception request.
• Um request.
• </c> three request. three request.
• </c> exception request. exception request.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So for the work session today, we first have our Attorney General's request legislation and an introduction
• And so we have today as our guest, Adam Eitman, legislative director.
• I'm the legislative director for the Attorney General's office.
• “And this legislation would do three things.
• Good morning, Victoria Hunt, representing the Fifth Legislative District.

Summary: The committee first received an update from the Attorney General’s office on a new workers’ rights unit and two request bills. The office said the unit will focus on wage theft and civil rights enforcement, using existing resources for a small staff. It also described a bill to expand civil investigative demand authority for labor, wage theft, prevailing wage, and discrimination investigations, and an Immigrant Worker Protection Act that would require employer notice when federal immigration authorities request employee records, limit access to nonpublic work areas without a warrant, and restrict disclosure of employee data without proper legal process. Senators asked about costs, funding sources, and the scope of the proposed authority, and the office said it would follow up with more detail. The committee then heard a detailed presentation on Washington’s workers’ compensation system from Labor and Industries, including how claims are filed, how the medical provider network works, and how treatment authorizations and utilization review are handled. L&I said the network was created to improve care quality and return workers to work, and explained that most routine care is automatically authorized while certain procedures require prior approval or review. A question from Senator Conway focused on the role of the medical director and the appeals process; L&I said decisions can be protested and reconsidered, with exceptions reviewed through a complex treatment unit and medical staff. An experience panel followed with testimony from labor representatives, physicians, and an injured-worker attorney, who argued that the medical provider network and treatment guidelines can delay or deny needed care, especially in complex cases such as PTSD, brain injuries, and serious orthopedic injuries. They described long appeals, utilization review barriers, provider shortages, and the impact on injured workers and families, while L&I’s presentation emphasized the system’s structure and review safeguards. The committee then heard a report from the Underground Economy Task Force in the construction industry. L&I summarized the task force’s findings on worker misclassification, unregistered contractors, and unpaid taxes and premiums, and outlined consensus and majority recommendations, including better interagency communication, stronger penalties for repeat offenders, more authority to address successorship, possible contractor notice requirements, and further study of cash payments. The Attorney General’s office, labor, and business representatives generally supported the report’s goals but differed on some recommendations, especially those affecting independent contractors, contractor liability, and administrative burdens. The chair and Senator Conway thanked participants and said the report would inform future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:06:42.560><c> So</c> legislation to come around again. So legislation to come around again.
• As this is a department-requested legislation, we are in support of it.
• As this is a department-requested legislation, we are in support of it.
• </c> your committee or or the appropriate your committee or or the appropriate committee<03:36:22.960
• I'm the um legislative Abby Rogers.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've received appropriate responses, and staff recommends we file these.
• I requested the bank to give us monthly amounts, dollar amounts.
• And the rock request was sort of what we needed was just increasing by the day.
• What I know is that this is a report that has been filed with Legislative Audit.
• then yes, a request to audit would have to go through our executive committee.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> well-intentioned piece of legislation. well-intentioned piece of legislation.
• </c><01:32:21.520><c> an</c> these questions, requesting an these questions, requesting an appropriation
• for the legislative body to appropriate<02:21:53.920><c> the</c><02:21:54.160><c> money</c><02:21:54.399
• You're a legislative body.
• You're a legislative body.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, legislation to enact the compact is currently pending in nine other states.
• Senator from Lincoln: Yeah, at the appropriate time, Mr.
• Can we ask them how this amendment would affect the bill at the appropriate time?
• So I would prefer At the request of the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.
• I just wanted to make sure folks understood that's why this legislation is needed.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Government Organization met with a quorum present, approved the minutes, and then considered a series of House bills, most of them related to licensing, local government administration, and agency operations. House Bill 5063 would let county commissions appoint a county commissioner as a voting member of a convention and visitors bureau board, including for multi-county CVBs; it was reported to the full Senate. House Bill 5087 would join the interstate cosmetology licensure compact, allowing licensed cosmetologists to obtain multi-state practice privileges in compact states, and it was also reported. The committee then took up a strike-and-insert amendment for House Bill 4793, which combined provisions affecting barbering/cosmetology apprenticeships and lowered certain age and education requirements; after adopting a Jefferson amendment clarifying the salon training language, the bill was reported as amended. Members next approved a strike-and-insert for House Bill 5638, which clarifies the State Chief Information Security Officer’s duties, changes cyber risk review procedures, and updates references to the Office of Technology head as the chief information officer; it was reported as amended. House Bill 4483, dealing with the Board of Funeral Examiners, was amended to change the effective date for licensee-in-charge requirements and make technical corrections, then reported as amended. House Bill 5653, requested by the Department of Revenue, would expand confidentiality protections to cover audit manuals, guidelines, procedures, algorithms, and related materials to prevent taxpayers from gaming audit selection, and it was reported. House Bill 4452 repeals acreage limits on church property ownership, and House Bill 4801 expands permissible uses of hotel occupancy tax funds to include demolition of unsafe structures and planning or improvement of public property; both were reported. The committee also advanced House Bill 5622, which creates an expedited process for municipalities to conform local election terms and procedures to the state requirement that municipal elections be held with statewide primaries or general elections, and recognizes the Secretary of State as keeper of municipal charter rolls. House Bill 4546 would allow business entities to file reports biennially instead of annually, with higher biennial fees and updated enforcement provisions; its strike-and-insert amendment was adopted and the bill was reported as amended. House Bill 5613 would define and regulate telematics for state fleet vehicles, require reporting on unsafe driving and corrective actions, and include cost-benefit information in annual reports; it was reported. House Bill 5323 would let the Division of Natural Resources adjust license and stamp fees for inflation by removing a prior CPI-based restriction, and House Bill 4819 would revise criminal-record standards for certain non-Chapter 30 occupational licenses, shifting to a direct-relationship standard while preserving existing exclusions for violent sexual offenses; both were reported. The committee then adjourned after closing remarks from the chair and vice chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation is about dignity, safety, and responsibility.
• Hatcher, that you brought up that public information request.
• Is that it wouldn't require an open records request.
• It's, it's a really good piece of legislation. My sister was a.
• The construction and request one final survey of their completed facility.

Bills: HB 2510, HB 3589, HB 4611, HB 4655, HB 4665, HB 4666, HB 4670, HB 4700, HB 4730, HB 4798, HB 4838, HB 5136, HB 5243, HB 5302, HB 5539

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance, group home, regulation, health and safety, inspections, resident care, criminal background checks, adoption, parental rights, registry, vital statistics, disclosure, counseling, foster care, independent living, financial literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Now let's cover the ground rules for appropriate conduct. The Assembly has experienced...
• it also has... ...state requests the federal government.
• The motion is due pass and re-referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
• AB 1540, Mark Gonzalez, is due pass and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
• Do pass and refer to the Committee on Appropriations. Bonta: Aye. Castillo: Aye.

Summary: The Communications and Conveyance Committee heard several bills focused on telecommunications, emergency response, and digital access. AB 1540 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez would restore the 988 “press 3” option for LGBTQ+ youth crisis support, with strong support from suicide prevention advocates, mental health organizations, local governments, and family groups, and opposition from groups arguing it politicizes crisis services and raises safety concerns. Members emphasized the bill’s life-saving purpose and noted it would depend on federal approval. The committee voted AB 1540 out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations. The committee also approved the consent calendar, including AB 2093 and AB 2193, both sent to Appropriations. AB 1832 by Assemblymember Ransom, as amended, would expand and stabilize statewide 211 services through a state fund, a community needs dashboard, and integration into emergency planning; supporters described 211’s role during disasters and service gaps in many counties, and the bill passed unanimously as amended to Appropriations. AB 2289, the chair’s bill, would create an Office of Broadband and Digital Equity, consolidate broadband programs, and narrow CPUC jurisdiction to voice communications; TURN and CWA District 9 opposed the regulatory changes but acknowledged shared goals, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2424 by Assemblymember Carrillo would create a new low-income telecommunications advisory board to oversee California Lifeline and address fraud and oversight concerns. Supporters said the board would add needed telecommunications expertise and improve access for low-income and immigrant communities, while opponents argued an existing advisory structure already serves that role and warned of added costs and surcharges. After discussion, the committee voted AB 2424 out on a 7-2 vote to Appropriations. The meeting concluded after all listed bills were reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation does that. I to job. This legislation does that.
• work</c> legislation and our legislative work legislation and our legislative work over<01:42:52.560>
• </c> important legislation. I yield back. important legislation. I yield back.
• </c> this legislation and I yield back. this legislation and I yield back.
• by this legislation.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, July 17, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Appropriate time. Okay. Now would be the appropriate time. I see no questions.
• Well, so the first state to pass legislation, where this policy started, they immediately passed legislation
• I would request that...
• We bring to y'all, y'all bring legislation.
• What was their request? Same fund.

Bills: HB12, HB145, HB222, HB291, HB430, HB821, HB874, HB909, HB951, HB979, HB1193

Keywords: survivor benefits, law enforcement, reserve officer, auxiliary officer, public safety, firefighters, medical expenses, dental expenses, disability benefits, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, health insurance, provider agreements, contracting actions, participating facilities, network status, survivors benefits