Transcript Highlights:

• Third reading of the bill: an act authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water
• to the Linfield Center Water District within the town of Linfield, House No. 972.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House met in joint session, suspended Joint Rule 12 for several petitions, and then took up a series of local bills reported by the Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling. Those bills included authorizing the town of Avon to appoint a town clerk, allowing the City of Revere to pay a sum to Denise Manatra, widow of school committee member Anthony Manatra, and validating the results of a special election in Hardwick. The House suspended Rule 7A, gave the bills second readings, ordered them to a third reading, and later passed House No. 972, authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water to the Linfield Center Water District, to be engrossed. The major substantive action was on Senate No. 2540, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. The Committee on Ways and Means recommended passage with a full substitute amendment contained in House Document No. 4265, totaling $536,832,564. The House adopted the amendment, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed as amended. When the Senate returned the bill with notice that it had nonconcurred in the House amendment and appointed a conference committee, the House voted to insist on its amendment and also appointed its own conference committee members: Mr. Mike Woods of Boston, Ms. Ferrante of Gloucester, and Mr. Smola of Warren. The House then adopted an order to adjourn until Wednesday at 11 a.m., with notice of a Democratic caucus at noon and roll calls at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are convening our Committee on Water and Land.
• Next up, we have the Board of Water Supply.
• My name is Kathy Mitchell with the Board of Water Supply.
• Kira Kahane, DNR Commission on Water Resource Management. I apologize for our late testimony today.
• Aloha, Kira Kahane, DNR, Commission on Water Resource Management. We support these resolutions.

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Water and Land met on March 25, 2025, and first announced it had deleted HCR 3 and HCR 4567 from the agenda pending similar Senate measures. It then heard HR 35/HCR 40, which urges DLNR and other state agencies to work with community groups to co-steward community forests on public lands. DLNR’s urban and community forester testified in strong support, and several organizations and individuals submitted support; there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee next heard HCR 64, asking OPSD to convene a working group on establishing and placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. OPSD and the Governor’s Office of Recovery and Resilience supported the resolution and suggested friendly amendments, including replacing county civil defense representatives with mayors or their designees and allowing subject-matter experts to serve. Members questioned the office’s role, funding, and relationship to other resilience and emergency management offices, and the witness explained it was created after the Maui wildfires to coordinate long-term recovery, with special-project funding and a focus distinct from response and mental health functions. The committee also heard HR 59/HCR 65 on coordinating concurrent reviews of general plan, district boundary, and zoning amendments during land reclassification. OPSD testified with comments and warned that the proposal could facilitate spot zoning if individual landowners could use the concurrent process, recommending it be limited to county-initiated actions. A related discussion followed on HR 118/HCR 122, which would create a collaborative working group on surveying and protecting iwi kūpuna and related coastal erosion issues; DNR, OHA, and others supported it with suggested additions, and testimony emphasized cultural sensitivity and community-specific decision-making. Members asked about burial practices and a recent court ruling, and witnesses said the working group could help guide broader policy and communication. Finally, the committee heard HR 145/HCR 151, requesting DLNR to report on its lease enforcement process and procedures. DLNR said it was recruiting staff to conduct lease inspections but had difficulty filling positions due to compensation, and explained that new or extended leases can include inspection requirements, while retroactive cost-shifting would raise contractual issues. Members asked for information on lease renewal timelines and whether inspection provisions were being added to renewals; DLNR said those decisions are made in public sunshine meetings and agreed to provide additional information. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you want to engage in getting in the weeds on stuff on water, you can do that.
• </c><00:09:22.680><c> supply</c><00:09:23.079><c> systems</c> Advisory Council on water supply systems
• </c><00:19:39.640><c> supply</c><00:19:40.080><c> systems</c> advisory Council on water supply systems
• </c><00:19:56.360><c> and</c> safe this board is made up of water and safe this board is made up of water
• </c><00:20:01.039><c> or</c> about how to operate a water or about how to operate a water or wastewater

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're going to get a drink of water.
• The Ute Water worker cold emergencies.
• So there's drinking water, there's Rooms that become too hot.
• </c><02:55:45.840><c> when</c> stress on your body because water when stress on your body because water
• </c> &gt;&gt; Would you like a glass of water? &gt;&gt; Would you like a glass of water?

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He gave an example of a concern where a plan is not executed and the water table is poisoned, asking
• And although we are deeply concerned about protecting the environment and our water, um, I have come
• And although we are deeply concerned about protecting the environment and our water, um, I have come
• </c> um is collected and goes to storm water um is collected and goes to storm water collection<01:11
• </c> they obviously are concerned about water they obviously are concerned about water and<03:12:00.760

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee held a hearing on HB 566, which would require permit applications for new landfills to include a detailed leachate management plan. Representative German introduced the bill and explained that it was prompted by recent reporting on leachate management problems at New Hampshire landfills, including alleged violations and deficiency letters from DES. He said the bill was intended to address public health concerns, PFAS contamination, and increased leachate volumes tied to more severe rainstorms, while still allowing innovation in treatment and transportation methods. He also described a set of proposed amendments developed after discussions with DES and a landfill operator, including changing “permit for construction” to “operating approval,” applying the bill to landfill expansions, moving contract-related language into the planning section, and removing a proposed new subparagraph. Committee members asked whether the bill would limit operator flexibility or duplicate existing DES rules. Representative German said the bill would not dictate specific treatment methods or lock operators into long-term contracts, but would require a plan showing how leachate will be managed, transported, and disposed of, with later contract changes reported to DES. Several members and the BIA representative questioned whether the bill was necessary given existing Env 806 rules and DES enforcement authority. The Business and Industry Association opposed the bill as introduced, arguing that DES already has rules and technical expertise, that the issue is better handled through rulemaking, and that moving requirements into statute could freeze the framework and make future adjustments harder. Supporters countered that a statute would provide a stronger, more durable policy commitment in response to ongoing problems. No vote or final committee action was taken during the hearing. The discussion ended with the bill still under consideration and with the sponsor indicating that a revised amendment would likely be brought forward for later work session or executive session review.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committees on water and land and commerce and consumer protection is on its Friday's agenda, February
• </c><00:02:06.000><c> and</c> Friday the uh committees on water and Friday the uh committees on water
• Okay, any comments, members of the Committee on Water and Land?
• Okay, any comments, members of the Committee on Water and Land hearing?
• Chair votes aye for the Committee on Water and Land passing SB 11 with amendments.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1 and SB 1561 on vegetation management near utility lines and wildfire prevention. Testimony focused on requiring DLNR to create and update wildfire hazard maps, setting vegetation-trimming responsibilities for property owners near rights-of-way and utility lines, and authorizing utilities to enter property to remove hazardous vegetation. DLNR, the PUC, and Hawaiian Electric all testified, with Hawaiian Electric asking for clearer access language, after-the-fact notification in imminent-risk situations, and liability limits. Committee members discussed balancing wildfire response with property rights and the need for clearer responsibility and enforcement, including on easements and utility poles. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1 pass with amendments, incorporating comments from testimony, and SB 1561 was deferred. The next major item was SB 640 on artificial intelligence disclosures. The bill would require businesses and individuals in commercial transactions to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with an AI chatbot or similar technology, and it would create private rights of action and penalties. TechNet, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about vague definitions, overbroad application, enforcement, and the private cause of action; the Chamber also argued the bill could burden small businesses that use AI tools for routine functions. In response to questions, OCP said the measure was ambiguous as to who it applies to and that the remedies and treble-damages provisions were unclear. The committee recommended SB 640 be deferred. The committee also heard SB 454 on prorating the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax when a vehicle is rented for only part of a day. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the proposal would make the tax system fairer but more complex and would require better recordkeeping by rental companies; the Department of Taxation and Enterprise Mobility also submitted comments. Senator Melby noted possible effects on the special highway fund and said that could affect his vote. The measure was referred onward, with the discussion indicating it would proceed to Ways and Means. Finally, the committee heard SB 1272 on towing, which would create a licensing framework for tow companies. Testimony from tow-industry representatives strongly supported the measure, describing unlicensed or noncompliant operators, poor insurance practices, and the need for accountability and consumer protection. They said a licensing board would give regulators a clearer enforcement avenue and help ensure fair treatment of vehicle owners. The hearing ended before a final action was taken on SB 1272 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• meter and you won't get fire water meter and you won't get fire certifications<01:12:55.199><c> so</
• They need water meters. They need fire—you can't permit, you can't get a permit exemption.
• They need water meters. They need fire—you can't permit, you can't get a permit exemption.
• </c> Analysis that there's enough sewer water Analysis that there's enough sewer water electrical<01:
• so it creates one separated by water so it creates problems<01:22:55.719><c> where</c><01:22:55.960>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance held informational briefings first with the Department of Defense on its FY 2026 budget request, then with the Hawaii School Facilities Authority. Major General Steve Logan outlined the Department of Defense request for $40.5 million in state funds, which he said would leverage about $74 million in federal matching funds and support 411 open projects that could attract up to $2.3 billion in additional federal grant money. He said the budget focuses on sustainment, safety, and reorganization in light of lessons from the Maui wildfires. Key requests included $1.3 million to sustain IT systems, $2.7 million for 32 HEMA emergency management positions, three new Hawaii Army National Guard positions plus four upgrades, and $1.9 million for the Youth Challenge Program to cover state-mandated fringe costs and staffing needs. He also reviewed capital improvement projects, including Youth Challenge facility upgrades, siren modernization, ADA improvements, building retrofits for disaster resilience, Army facility upgrades, a third state veterans home on Maui, HEMA EOC improvements, and a maintenance/fuel building at Diamond Head. Members asked about the siren modernization timeline, and HEMA said roughly 26 to 31 sirens would be modernized this year, with 15 on Maui, eight on Oahu, and eight on the Big Island. Questions also focused on Youth Challenge and Job Challenge enrollment and vacancies, with the department saying the Hilo Job Challenge Academy is growing and that combining Youth Challenge recruiting statewide into one Kilauea program has helped enrollment. Logan also answered questions about the New Year’s Eve medical transport mission, explaining the Hawaii Air National Guard’s relationship with active-duty Air Force assets and saying the flight cost is about $20,000 per flight hour, though the final bill had not yet been determined. On the Maui veterans home, staff said the University of Hawaii site was no longer viable after faculty senate opposition, so the department is now focused on a 10-acre Puna District site; the project remains tied to a certified $35 million state match and August 2025 and August 2026 federal suspense dates. Logan said the veterans home remains one of the department’s highest priorities, but it could not be moved higher in the submitted CIP ranking. The department also discussed a Governor’s add-on for a fire marshal/Office of Recovery and Resiliency proposal. Logan said the fire marshal position was reestablished last session but has not yet been filled, and that if the function is transferred to the Department of Defense, the department wants funding ready to move quickly. Staff later said the request would include about $1.1 million for seven positions and about $2.2 million for operating costs, though details were still preliminary. The committee then reconvened for the School Facilities Authority briefing, where Executive Director Ricky Fujitani described the agency as a startup created in 2020 to improve school and workforce housing development through standardized designs, prefabrication, best-value procurement, and public-private partnerships. He said Hawaii’s single school district still functions like 15 different districts because of its 264 schools across 15 complex areas, and that the authority’s goal is to create more efficient, maintainable, and cost-effective facilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ashley Walker, with Nossaman on behalf of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, testified in support
• Ashley Walker, with Nossaman on behalf of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, testified in support
• the City of San Jose about shopping carts and other trash ending up in a river and possible Clean Water
• Water District, in opposition.
• Kasha Hunt, with Nossaman, on behalf of Padre Dam Water District and a Levin-Hinman and Spoil Water District

Summary: The committee first heard SB 753, which would modernize California’s shopping cart recovery rules by allowing cities and counties to return abandoned carts directly to retailers, recover documented retrieval costs, and avoid the current impound-and-wait process. The author and supporters, including San Jose officials and the League of California Cities, said the bill would help clear streets, sidewalks, and waterways and reduce local costs. Grocers and retailers opposed the measure unless amended, arguing it would turn cart retrieval into a new cost burden and could create incentives for cities to charge too much for stolen property. After extensive discussion about notice periods, cost caps, and local ordinances, the committee adopted amendments and passed the bill 6-0 as amended. The committee then took up SB 445, which would speed up permitting and approvals needed for high-speed rail by requiring early engagement, setting rules for third-party coordination, and creating a dispute-resolution process. The author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier, broader transit proposal and was intended to reduce delays caused by utilities, local governments, and other entities. Supporters said permitting bottlenecks add major costs and delays to infrastructure projects, while opponents from utilities, cities, counties, telecoms, and special districts raised concerns about safety, reliability, affordability, and the need to review the pending amendments. The bill passed 8-1 to the Utilities and Energy Committee. The committee also heard SB 9, a narrower housing bill focused on accessory dwelling units. The author explained that it would require local ADU ordinances to be submitted to HCD for review and would make state standards control if a local agency fails to submit a compliant ordinance or respond to HCD findings. Supporters from housing and YIMBY groups said the bill would improve enforcement of state ADU law and prevent local barriers from slowing housing production. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 6-0. The committee then began hearing SB 79, which would allow more housing near major transit stops; the author and supporters framed it as a response to the housing shortage and transit underuse, and the hearing continued with extensive support testimony as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> areas um streets green space storm water areas um streets green space storm water ponds<00:22:26.320
• </c><00:24:02.200><c> pron</c><00:24:02.720><c> that</c><00:24:02.840><c> is</c> take a storm waterer
• It might be a down tree; you might have the hot water heater go out.
• It might be a down tree; you might have the hot water heater go out.
• It might be a down tree; you might have the hot water heater go out.

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it's a water reactor, pressurized water reactor. This is what's running at Seabrook right now.
• </c> water pumps for 72 hours. water pumps for 72 hours. &gt;&gt; Okay. &gt;&gt; Okay.
• and water only.
• </c> written today for water and water only. written today for water and water only.
• Um, that scares with nitrogen and water.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Water is real key.
• </c><00:04:53.120><c> Water</c> especially with water development.
• Water especially with water development. Water is<00:04:53.600><c> real</c><00:04:53.840><c> key.
• </c> them on a couple projects besides water them on a couple projects besides water uh<00:05:28.800>
• "Water and wastewater." "In one-year standard, so there's..."

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, yeah, but I feel like that just watered down the bill.
• Yeah, yeah, so let's talk: pollution of water is not lawful in Texas.
• need to achieve for their people under the Water Code.
• You have the Water Code, and the local government has the Water Code.
• To use Lee's example, in the case of polluted water, you have the Water Code.

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

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

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

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 4961, which would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision. The author said the bill is intended to create incentives to maintain insurance and to address what he described as an unfair system for insured drivers. Texans for Lawsuit Reform and Texas Eagle Forum testified in support, while the Texas Trial Lawyers Association opposed it, warning the bill could also affect pedestrians, passengers, children, and others who did not choose whether a vehicle was insured. The bill author clarified that passengers would be included in the bill’s coverage. No vote was taken and the bill was left pending. House Bill 5570 would extend a legislative attorney CLE exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate to boards or commissions. The author said the measure is meant to ease time burdens and encourage service, and a witness supported it as a modest incentive for public service. A committee member noted a discrepancy in the number of affected attorneys, and the author agreed to verify the correct figure. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard House Bill 2969, which would restrict the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech based on sincerely held beliefs. The author and several witnesses from Texas Values, Alliance Defending Freedom, and Cecilia Wood argued the bill protects lawyers of faith from an ABA model rule they described as a speech code. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending. House Bill 4260, which would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction, drew opposition from the County Judges and Commissioners Association, which argued existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would burden rural officials. The author said the bill was prompted by concerns about judges using their office to pressure others. The bill was left pending. House Bill 5134 would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect actual damages and would allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill is aimed at preventing harassment and fishing expeditions, especially in family-law disputes. Questions focused on how the standard would work and how it differs from current law; the author said the main change is fee-shifting and a clearer legislative directive. The bill was left pending. House Bill 3095, a committee substitute version of a similar uninsured-motorist bill, would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages and limit economic recovery, with several exceptions. Trial lawyers argued it was unconstitutional because it capped economic damages and could unfairly affect innocent drivers, pedestrians, and older people who no longer drive. The author acknowledged constitutional concerns and said the bill would need further work; the committee withdrew the substitute and left the bill pending. Finally, House Bill 4388 would require all judges, including county judges who perform administrative duties, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct. Supporters said some elected judges avoid accountability by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents argued the bill is too rigid and unnecessary because existing remedies already exist. House Bill 3964 would limit public nuisance claims to their historical role and bar such claims against lawful conduct, conduct already covered by other remedies, and products. The author and supporters said the bill is meant to prevent courts from using public nuisance to make policy, while opponents argued it would eliminate useful remedies and could affect local actions against environmental or product-related harms. The author said the bill would not affect statutory nuisance claims, private nuisance claims, or other causes of action, and would be amended to clarify some provisions. The bill was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:46.800><c> critical</c><00:04:47.320><c> water</c> needs across the state. critical water
• </c> water to drink. That's right. water to drink. That's right.
• We're going to have water on a hot day.
• Still Water. Uh railroad quiet zones. Still Water.
• </c> many of us uh enjoy going to Still Water many of us uh enjoy going to Still Water as<02:06:07.280

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There's still Water prison.
• </c> support the closing of the Still Water support the closing of the Still Water Prison.<01:39:28.159
• ,</c> from outdoor heritage, clean water, from outdoor heritage, clean water, parks<01:50:48.159><c>
• And granted, give them clean water.
• It has<02:29:02.640><c> clean</c><02:29:02.960><c> water</c> has clean water has clean water uh<02:29

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And they're here to talk about the importance of sound water policy, especially as it supports and making
• sure that there's surface water flowing in our state, our rivers, especially as it supports recreation
• loved birdwatching and doing all this stuff, but they also want to make sure we highlighted that the water-based

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, electronic roll call, and approval of the March 24, 2026 journal. Several members used points of personal privilege to introduce guests, including visitors from Arizona Business and Professional Women for National Women’s History Month, advocates for women and families, guests connected to Audubon Day and Western Rivers Day, and a guest shadowing a senator who is running for LD17. The remarks highlighted women’s contributions to Arizona history, BPW’s advocacy for pay equity, health care, and equal rights, and the importance of water policy for recreation, tourism, birding, and the state economy. The chamber also handled routine floor business. Messages from the House were waived from reading, and Senate Bills 1010, 1023, 1029, and 1211 were transmitted to the governor. Second reading was taken up on House Bills 2344, 2375, 2680, 2750, and 2976, covering topics including the local government investment pool, housing and zoning in historic neighborhoods, workers’ compensation notice, the Arizona-Sonora Trade Commission, and a sexual abuse prevention pilot program. Committee announcements were made for the next day: Judiciary and Elections at 9:00 a.m., Rules at 9:45 a.m., and both Republican and Democratic caucuses at 9:50 a.m. The Senate then adjourned by motion until Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The purple alert was done because there was an individual who left and wandered into a body of water
• And as we all know, children with autism are attracted to water.
• And as we all know, children with autism are attracted to water, and the drowning incidence is the numbers

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and first took up SB 1376, a bill by Senator Burgess to create an education grant program to help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors. Burgess explained that the program would support students pursuing genetics-related careers at state universities, noting the growing need in clinical areas such as oncology, prenatal care, and rare diseases. An amendment was adopted requiring graduate genetic counseling programs to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling and to show sufficient clinical training capacity. Members speaking in support said genetic counseling is an important and underrecognized field and that the bill would help expand access to services in Florida. After the amendment, CS for SB 1376 was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then took up SB 1570 by President Gates, which would restore a previously sunsetted statewide program, Project Leo, to help locate missing persons with special needs who are at high risk of wandering, using voluntary tracking devices through CARD centers and local sheriff’s offices, with $1 million in nonrecurring funding. Senators Berman and Harrell strongly supported the bill, citing the dangers of wandering, especially for individuals with autism or developmental disabilities, and the potential for the program to save lives. SB 1570 was also reported favorably by roll call vote. No other business was raised, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Purple Alert was done because there was an individual who left and wandered into a body of water
• And as we all know, children with autism are attracted to water.
• And as we all know, children with autism are attracted to water, and the drowning incidence numbers are

Bills: S1376 , S1570

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Keywords: genetic counseling, education grants, state universities, faculty recruitment, student financial assistance, missing persons, special needs, autism, search-and-rescue, Florida, voluntary program, funding

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and first considered SB 1376, which would create an education grant program to help address Florida’s shortage of genetic counselors by supporting students in genetics programs at state universities. Senator Burgess described genetic counselors’ roles in oncology, prenatal care, rare diseases, and other clinical settings, and noted Florida’s limited number of licensed counselors. The committee adopted an amendment requiring graduate programs to be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling and to show sufficient clinical training capacity. Members spoke in support, and CS/SB 1376 was reported favorably by roll call vote. After a brief recess, the committee took up SB 1570, which would revive Project Leo, a prior Florida program that helped locate missing persons with special needs who are at high risk of wandering or elopement. President Gates explained that the bill would allow participating CARD centers to work with local sheriff’s offices to provide voluntary tracking devices and included $1 million in nonrecurring funding. Senators Berman and Harrell supported the measure, citing the dangers of wandering, especially for individuals with developmental disabilities or autism, and the importance of preventing drownings and other tragedies. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. No other business was raised, no senators requested to be recorded on the bills, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Purple Alert was done because there was an individual who left and wandered into a body of water
• And as we all know, children with autism are attracted to water.
• And as we all know, children with autism are attracted to water, and the drowning incidence numbers are

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The next measure is SB 541 SD1, relating to the water system.
• It appropriates funds for the water system for bond debt service and tunnel repair.
• :40:32.679><c> our</c> good source of emergency water if our good source of emergency water if our sheds
• Moving on to SB 541 SD1 relating to the Waho water system.
• Moving on to SB 541 SD1 relating to the Waho water system.

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So regarding the H5N1, we've detected it in the water. We've detected it in a...
• So regarding the H5N1, we've detected it in the water. We've detected it in a...
• users statewide on water rate increase put in as a priority request?
• to inflict on the water users Statewide on<02:43:08.840><c> water</c><02:43:09.080><c> rate</c><02:43
• you're not asking for that water increase.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard budget testimony first from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Director Tommy Johnson outlined short-term goals to reduce overcrowding, improve living and working conditions, fill vacancies, expand mental health services, and update the correctional master plan. He said the department is still dealing with severe overcrowding at facilities such as OCCC and HCCC, with 947 people at OCCC against a design capacity of 628, and noted 938 inmates are currently housed on the mainland because of temporary repairs at Halawa. He also reported progress on staffing, saying the correctional officer vacancy rate has dropped from 34.3% to 24% through expanded recruitment. The department’s major budget request was $30 million for planning and design for a new Old Triple C project, along with other requests for re-entry services, identification documents, security systems, radios, sink-toilet modules, and trauma-informed care. Members asked about the timing and scope of the OCCC project, courtroom space in new facilities, and the department’s plan to use the funding to improve re-entry and reduce recidivism. The committee then heard from the Department of Law Enforcement on a wide range of priorities. The department described requests to expand agricultural crime enforcement, traffic enforcement, illegal fireworks enforcement, and facilities such as a police building at the DKI airport, a state training center, and new police facilities in central and Leeward Oahu. It also discussed a major IT request for a statewide law enforcement and critical infrastructure notification platform, plus funding for grants management, the Wahiawa Civic Center and court complex, the prescription monitoring program, narcotics enforcement operations, and the narcotics lab. A significant portion of the discussion focused on a proposed traffic enforcement program for commercial vehicle inspections, speeding, and DUI enforcement, which the department said would be funded with federal dollars and would operate concurrently with county police. Committee members questioned whether the effort duplicated county jurisdiction and how the program would be trained and staffed. Members also pressed the department on salary disparities for deputy sheriffs and related vacancies, and the department said the administration was working on a supplemental agreement and placeholder funding to address the issue. Additional discussion covered agricultural crime staffing, the Silver Alert program, and expansion of the forensic lab to handle explosives, firearms, and related evidence. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the meeting moved from the corrections presentation to the law enforcement budget review with questions and answers throughout.