Transcript Highlights:

• Requiring annual reports on beneficial electrification, establishing the virtual power plant program,
• for compensation to electric public utility customers for participation in the virtual power plant program
• Protected person, guardian, or conservator.
• of Soil and Water Conservation Districts statewide.
• It enacts the Strategic Water Supply Act, creating the Strategic Water Supply Program, authorizing the

Transcript Highlights:

• It is Hawaii's longest-standing foreign exchange program, and today we welcome 20 students from Okinawa
• and today we welcome 20 Exchange program and today we welcome 20 students<00:02:07.439><c> from</c><
• I'd like to introduce the first: Kate Burgess, the conservation program manager; then Grant Gleni, outdoor
• </c><00:03:43.360><c> program</c> Kate Burgess the conservation program Kate Burgess the conservation
• program manager<00:03:45.159><c> then</c><00:03:45.319><c> Grant</c><00:03:45.599><c> gleni</c><00:03

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're an independent and you're really interested in a conservative governor, but you'd like someone
• Listening to pro-jungle primary arguments reminds me of the '90s when conservatives said tax cuts would
• The financial hedge fund backers of this ballot initiative want more conservative candidates.
• The financial hedge fund backers of this ballot initiative want more conservative candidates.
• What it means to them in future elections.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-12, H.503, a proposal to implement all-party state primaries for Massachusetts state and federal elections. The committee opened with procedural remarks explaining Article 48 requirements and then heard first from two subject-matter experts. Professor Costas Panagopoulos of Northeastern University testified that top-two primary systems in other states have produced mixed results: they may modestly increase primary turnout in some cases, but the research does not show a reliable reduction in polarization, and such systems can weaken party gatekeeping, increase strategic behavior, raise campaign spending, and reduce general-election choice for voters whose preferred party is not on the ballot. Katie King of the National Conference of State Legislatures outlined the different primary models used nationwide, explained that Massachusetts currently uses an open-to-unaffiliated primary, and reviewed legal distinctions between blanket primaries and top-two systems; she noted that blanket primaries were struck down by the Supreme Court, while Washington’s top-two system was upheld because it narrows the field rather than nominating party candidates. She also said voter education and administrative preparation would be important if the system changed. The proponents’ panel, led by Danielle Allen of the Coalition for Healthy Democracy, argued that Massachusetts has chronically uncompetitive elections, low turnout, and too many uncontested races, and that all-party primaries would give every voter a meaningful choice in the first round and force candidates to appeal to a broader electorate. Allen said the proposal is designed specifically for Massachusetts and differs from other states by allowing party endorsements to appear on the ballot, which supporters said would preserve useful information while shifting control of the preliminary election from party insiders to voters. Jim Henderson, the coalition’s counsel, said the bill is narrowly tailored to state-level primaries and would amend Chapter 53 to put all voters on equal footing. Other supporters, including Kevin Johnson, Kate Kavanaugh, and Spencer Reynolds, emphasized that the reform could increase competition, reduce polarization, improve participation by independents and underrepresented voters, and create more accountability to the full electorate. Committee members pressed the witnesses on turnout, the practical effect of endorsements, whether the proposal would simply shift party influence to an earlier stage, and whether it could disadvantage minority-party or independent candidates. Senator Fattman repeatedly asked about evidence that turnout would materially increase, while Representative Peisch and others questioned whether requiring or seeking endorsements would create new barriers or pressure candidates to clear the field. Supporters responded that the system would modestly increase primary participation, that the general election would remain the decisive contest, and that endorsements would be optional and handled through party rules. No vote was taken at the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, that's our future, in my opinion, and it's one of the things I work every day for.
• Under current law, when the court appoints a managing conservator, it generally gives that managing conservator
• What this bill does is simply state that where there's a disagreement between the Managing Conservator
• and the Possessory Conservator, the Managing Conservator will make the absolute decision regarding what
• The Texas Family Code currently grants all managing conservators various rights. ...rights, one of them

Bills: HB368 , HB3311 , HB1734 , HB2495 , HB2716 , HB793 , HB3376 , HB2524 , HB3421 , HB3446 , HB3181

Committee: House S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships

Keywords: electronic devices, family violence, criminal prosecution, protective orders, tracking, harassment, family allowance, decedent's estate, surviving spouse, minor children, inheritance, child support, maintenance, HB 1734, Family Code, Section 155.207, suit affecting the parent-child relationship, SAPCR, continuing exclusive jurisdiction, jurisdiction transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> program and that's why it's sole source. program and that's why it's sole source.
• &gt;&gt; Conservation.
• </c> Conservation and Natural Resources. Conservation and Natural Resources.
• Conservation. Good morning.
• Legal contracts conservation. Hello. Nala Cheney.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm from the EST Foundation and the Mel MS program. First, mahalo for our Mel MS program.
• Our Mel MS program is a visual arts and culture program.
• Department of Justice program.
• that</c> Watch program a vital program that Watch program a vital program that brings<01:56:28.239><c
• Our grant application seeks to expand these programs across all islands, providing vital skills to future

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Finance informational briefing on grants and aids was held February 14 and was organized as a high-volume public testimony session with strict procedures: no Q&A, one representative per applicant, one minute per testimony, in-person testimony first, and then Zoom participants. The chairs also announced a recess at 11:00 a.m. for floor sessions and a reconvening at 1:00 p.m. Testimony was heard first from neighbor island applicants, then Oʻahu applicants, with members repeatedly directing speakers to line up and keep remarks brief. Neighbor island testimony focused on a wide range of capital and operating requests. Health and community projects included Hawaii Island Community Health Center’s workforce housing in Kau, Wuli Hawaiian Homestead Association’s learning center and predevelopment work, Rescue Tube Foundation’s beach rescue tube expansion, Puna Community Medical Center’s planned hospital/ER campus, Maui Humane Society’s free veterinary care after the wildfires, Hawaiʻi Care Choices’ palliative care readiness, and the Lyman Museum’s HVAC replacement. Other requests included the Maui Advanced Manufacturing Alliance’s Pāʻia Mill redevelopment, Laua 2020’s preschool and learning lab, Mālama Aina’s USDA-compliant meat processing facility, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association’s water safety programs, Kaha P Organization’s agriculture education support, Ohana Arts’ youth performance project, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center’s emergency closet, EOA Pacific’s Marshall Islands teacher training, and the Central Pacific Youth Athletic Club’s new facility. Oʻahu testimony included the YWCA Oʻahu/Pythink Center’s renovation of Juliet M. Atherton Hall and its community kitchen, West Oʻahu Community Health Center’s wildfire protection and security needs, the Early School’s playground improvements, Surfing the Nations’ food distribution center expansion, and Sounding Joy Music Therapy’s weekly services for people with disabilities. Speakers generally emphasized community benefit, workforce development, health access, food security, disaster recovery, and support for children, seniors, and underserved populations. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will help future families have a voice.
• It's about the future of Texas.
• Don't make it harder for qualified future physicians to study in our state.
• I think you could fix this a little bit by mentioning specific programs.
• I went off to do a master's program at UNT where I scored a 3.6 in their medical science master's program

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And let’s get it done for the future of Missouri. Thank you.
• This bill was heard in your committee on conservation and natural resources.
• This is the MO Film Program.
• And we are doing that here today with the MO Film Program.
• This is a program that performs, Mr. Speaker. It makes economic sense.

Summary: The House approved the journal from the prior day and received Senate messages on House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, along with committee reports recommending passage of several measures, including House Bill 2180, House Bill 1870, House Bill 2596, House Bill 1866, House Bill 2536, House Bill 2855, and House Joint Resolution 115. The chamber then took up a series of Senate amendments and third-reading bills, with members frequently debating fiscal impacts, constitutional issues, and policy details. House Bill 2180, dealing with notice procedures for blind pension recipients and allowing electronic opt-in, was adopted and finally passed by overwhelming votes after supporters said it would save the state money and better accommodate blind and rural Missourians. House Bill 1870, updating bankruptcy exemptions and garnishment procedures, also cleared the House despite some opposition over a minor Senate wording change. The House refused to adopt Senate changes to House Bill 2596 and requested a conference committee, while House Bill 1866, concerning peace officer licensing and school protection officers, had Senate amendments concurred in and was finally passed. The chamber then passed House Joint Resolution 115, which would place before voters a property tax exemption for 100% service-connected disabled veterans and their spouses; debate centered on whether the measure would shift tax burdens to others, but supporters emphasized veterans’ sacrifice and the small number affected. Other bills passed included House Bill 1736 on park sales tax funds for stormwater and flood mitigation, House Bill 1887 and related bills on AI/truth-in-advertising issues, House Bill 2855 lowering workers’ compensation assessment rates, House Bill 1906 allowing more flexible tax payment schedules, House Bill 2297 on fence responsibilities for livestock, House Bill 2142/2058 revising the Missouri Film Program, House Bill 3004 on hardwood industry labeling, House Bill 2536 defining male and female by biological sex for certain government facilities, and House Bill 2151 raising income thresholds for a workforce-related program. Several of these passed on divided votes, with House Bill 2536 and House Joint Resolution 115 drawing especially sharp partisan and policy debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• told their stories on celluloid, the scientists who work in aerospace, the inventors who created the future
• And I think the flowers that you see growing today and in the future are who we as Jews are.
• When we confront history honestly, we are better equipped to shape a future rooted in dignity, fairness
• As a conservative, as an openly gay Republican, As an openly gay Republican.
• But I am at home as a conservative. You think that that's impossible.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 737 was referred to the Resource and Conservation Committee, and House Bill 740 and 741 were
• It is supported by the Association of Soil and Conservation Districts, representing 50 soil and water
• conservation districts around the state.
• Commission and its districts. ...of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission and its districts.
• I've been through the chairs of IASCD, the Idaho Conservation Soil District Conservation Association,

Summary: The House opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal and received messages from the Governor and Senate, including enrolled memorials and several Senate bills filed for first reading. Standing committee reports were also received on a number of House bills, with several measures reported out for second reading and others referred to committees. The House then introduced a series of new bills from the Ways and Means Committee covering vehicle titles and electronic ownership records, enforcement of the law, biometric identifiers, collective bargaining and taxpayer funding of unions, fire deficiency warrants, abatement districts, public records, city annexation, programmable money, and a sales tax rebate change. On third reading, House Concurrent Resolution 28 passed unanimously after debate urging Idahoans to observe March 1, 2026, as a day of fasting and prayer for guidance, unity, and moisture. Members also discussed House Bill 639, updating Idaho’s midwifery statute to allow medication administration within scope of practice; it passed 67-0 with three absent. House Bill 532, dealing with DMV identity and Social Security number documentation, passed 66-1, and House Bill 629, allowing drivers to show proof of registration on a phone, passed 43-26 despite concerns from opponents and sheriffs about officer safety. The House also passed House Bill 503, moving the Soil and Water Conservation Commission to the Department of Water Resources while preserving its voluntary, non-regulatory mission and projecting savings, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, a companion resolution emphasizing that any consolidation should protect that mission. House Bill 543, updating Percy’s retirement plan language to comply with SECURE Act 2.0 and allow Roth contributions, passed 67-0. House Bill 671 was returned to committee for a replacement, the remaining third-reading bills were held over until Monday, and the House adjourned until 10:30 a.m. on February 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; In<01:03:36.640><c> the</c><01:03:36.799><c> future</c> &gt;&gt; In the future &gt;&gt; In the
• future and<01:03:39.039><c> any</c><01:03:39.359><c> future</c><01:03:39.680><c> JBC</c><01:03:40.160
• </c> and any future JBC members. and any future JBC members.
• a robust program. >> Thank you.
• </c> while creating a robust program. while creating a robust program.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm so proud to be able to bring these young future leaders to the floor today.
• I've got I'm so proud to be able to bring these young future leaders to the floor today.
• Justice Ginsburg was a principled liberal and O'Connor was a pragmatic conservative.
• who worked alongside many of California's most influential leaders and helped open the doors for future
• who worked alongside many of California's most influential leaders and helped open the doors for future

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Proportional representation could silence smaller conservative states like Idaho.
• The same Congress that is taking away our children's futures. They are one and the same. As Mr.
• Pretty much a lifelong conservative. I love the goal of this, but I stand in strong...
• Pretty much a lifelong conservative.
• I think it makes us vulnerable as a country. ...hard to see what the future holds.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee approved the February 11, 2026 minutes and then heard House Concurrent Resolution 25, which would apply for an Article V convention limited to proposing a balanced budget amendment, with a seven-year sunset on Idaho’s application. Senator Ricks and supporter Lauren Enz argued that federal debt is unsustainable, Congress has failed to act, and the states should use Article V pressure to force a balanced budget amendment. Supporters said the resolution is narrowly limited, that ratification would still require 38 states, and that Idaho should join the 28 states already on board. Opponents, including representatives of the Idaho GOP and several private citizens, warned that an Article V convention could not be safely limited, could become a runaway convention, and would place the Constitution at risk. They argued Congress, not the states, controls the process once a convention is called, and that the real problem is federal overreach and failure to follow the Constitution rather than the need for a new amendment. Several speakers also said Idaho should not pursue a balanced budget amendment while relying heavily on federal funds. After public testimony and committee discussion, Senator Foreman moved to send HCR 25 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation, seconded by Senator Ricks. The committee debated the risks of a convention versus the urgency of federal debt, then took a roll call vote. The motion failed 5-4, and HCR 25 was held in committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our Mel program is a visual arts and culture program.
• Vision</c> program our program provides Vision program our program provides Vision hearing<03:43:55.960
• that</c> Watch program a vital program that Watch program a vital program that brings<03:56:13.960><c
• > not</c> re-entry programs this program does not re-entry programs this program does not exist<05:02
• Our grant application seeks to expand these programs across all islands, providing vital skills to future

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, the first re-referred bill we're going to discuss is House Bill 105, creating a new conservation
• Uh, my concern with this all along has been how it's going to affect our other two conservation plates
• that, um, there is an LSR that's due out shortly under my own to form a task force to find a funding program
• </c> our other two conservation plates. our other two conservation plates.
• for Sinoacteria looking at five program for Sinoacteria looking at five or<00:10:30.640><c> six</c><

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:08.279><c> and</c> advisory committee grant program and advisory committee grant program and
• </c><00:27:31.080><c> to</c> consider fixing this in the future to consider fixing this in the future
• plate program, commonly referred to as the Moose plate program, RSA 261:97-c1a, was the result of asking
• . referred to as the Moose plate program referred to as the Moose plate program RSA<01:27:17.320><c>
• </c> position you also no the total program position you also no the total program is<01:29:45.000><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up several bills in executive session, beginning with HB 568 on subdivision regulations concerning water supply. Representative Donnelly moved ITL, arguing the bill would create costly studies, that towns already have jurisdiction over needed studies, and that the issue was not widespread. The committee voted ITL 9-7. HB 582, dealing with safety requirements for personal watercraft, was also moved ITL on the grounds that existing law already covers the issue and the bill was unnecessary after recent action on personal flotation devices. Representative Derby opposed the ITL, saying the bill was a common-sense safety measure and would restore a misdemeanor penalty, but the committee voted ITL 9-7. The committee then retained HB 595, relative to coastal resilience zones, after members said the bill was important but needed more work and time because of its complexity. Members noted it should be revisited later, and the motion to retain passed 16-0. HB 607, funding the Hampton Beach Area Commission and making appropriations, received an ought-to-pass recommendation 15-1, with support from members who described Hampton Beach as an important economic driver and one dissenting member saying the state should not bear the full cost. The committee also adopted Amendment 2025-3 on HB 624, establishing a local river management advisory committee grant program, by a 16-0 vote; the amendment shifted funding decisions to the Department of Environmental Services based on demonstrated need and a first-come, first-served process. The bill as amended then received an ought-to-pass recommendation 16-0 and was placed on consent. Later, the committee retained HB 629, funding the operation, maintenance, and repair of state dams, after members said the dams need attention but the bill required more work because suggested amendments had just been received. That motion passed 16-0. HB 644, concerning drones in state parks, was ITL’d because the Department of Parks and Recreation is already working through rulemaking on UAS use in remote areas, and the committee voted 16-0 for ITL. HB 657, the short notice booking act access for New Hampshire residents to state parks, was also ITL’d at the request of the prime sponsor, passing 16-0. The committee then adjourned and announced a later hearing on HB 663, which would allow the Division of Historical Resources to use a portion of Moose plate funds for administering its grant program; testimony from the sponsor and the division supported the bill as clarifying existing authority, and no final vote on HB 663 was included in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, our programs regularly graduate at least 75% of enrollees, a benchmark for success.
• Comp Corp is funding a number of promising programs to support this population.
• We've seen a major involvement in these programs, absolutely.
• So, yeah, we definitely see a major interest and involvement in those programs.
• My third ask would be to continue to invest in micro-lending programs.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held an informational hearing focused on the conditions facing small and micro businesses in Massachusetts and the state programs intended to support them. Chairs Andy Vargas and Adam Gomez opened by emphasizing equitable economic development, the importance of CDFIs, and the need to help underserved entrepreneurs, especially women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and other groups facing barriers. Committee members noted the hearing would not take up bills, and testimony was limited to 10 minutes per organization. State and quasi-public agency witnesses described current programs and funding. Dico Gibral of the Executive Office of Economic Development highlighted the Business Front Door, multilingual access, small business office hours in Gateway Cities, and funding in the Mass Leads Act, including support for CDFIs, small business technology, and capital grants. Tom Hooper of Commonwealth Corporation described workforce training programs such as the Workforce Training Fund, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and Career Technical Initiative, saying they help small businesses train workers, fill labor shortages, and support returning citizens and people with disabilities. Committee members asked about federal funding uncertainty, workforce migration, training schedules, and program uptake. Business and advocacy groups focused on cost pressures and regulatory burdens. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged continuation of outdoor dining and takeout alcohol sales, and pressed for relief from high credit card swipe fees, support for surcharging, and streamlining municipal licensing. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts cited survey results showing inflation, utility costs, payroll taxes, health insurance, and interchange fees as major concerns, and said many members might sell or close within five years; it also backed ending the state prohibition on surcharging and creating an Office of Main Streets Massachusetts. MACDC, BECKMA, and the Coalition for an Equitable Economy emphasized the need for more technical assistance, CDFI and small business funding, and protections against rising costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and immigration enforcement impacts on immigrant-heavy business districts. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• addresses schools, Nirviland schools, one addresses Nirvine the commercials court, one addresses water conservation
• We need water conservation. We need notification.
• Um, and, and that's a program that's been highly successful in Harris County to the tune of $60 million
• concern of my citizens, a concern of my constituents, and my commissioner's court as we plan for the future

Bills: HB23

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support, youth programs, community education, county population threshold, large county, local government revenue, leasehold interest, possessory interest, county property tax, nonprofit-owned property

Transcript Highlights:

• Norvine-The-Commissioners Court, one addresses water conservation...
• We need TIAs, we need water conservation. We need notification.
• In those communities and that's a program that's been highly successful in Harris County to the tune
• concern of my citizens, a concern of my constituents, and my commissioner's court as we plan for the future

Bills: HB23 , HB363 , HB447 , HB954 , HB23

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Keywords: third-party review, property development, local government, permits, construction inspection, regulatory authority, land development, liability, occupancy certificate, municipal utility district, petition, county clerk, water code, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, traffic impact studies, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, extraterritorial jurisdiction, county authority

Transcript Highlights:

• their families with California's longstanding commitment to responsible wildlife management and conservation
• the existing permitting requirements, established conservation standards, and supervision of licensed
• Our programs are very well structured. We want to make a positive, rewarding experience.
• And so they've been a very blessed asset to our program.
• They set aside special opportunities for our program, and it opens up great opportunities for these kids

Committee: House Water, Parks, and Wildlife

Keywords: 988, house, all