Transcript Highlights:

• They're actively looking for that information on, you know, on articles and our local papers and things
• and our mission is to promote the use of some money and protect people's rights to do so through lobbying
• That's just one story in New Hampshire when I was lobbying New Hampshire on the same issue, I spoke to
• So I went lobby came back. I noticed that she was distraught. Asked why you so distraught?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, everyone out there in the lobby corps, everyone out there in the lobby, everyone out there in
• > corps</c> Whereas with the lobby corps Whereas with the lobby corps their their their space<02:12:42.800
• </c><02:13:20.480><c> core,</c> everyone out there in the lobby core, everyone out there in the lobby
• ,</c> everyone out there in the lobby, everyone out there in the lobby, everyone<02:13:22.639><c> out
• </c> profession or commercial activity profession or commercial activity without<03:04:04.960><c> the

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:18.320><c> costs,</c> public reporting on activities, costs, public reporting on activities, costs
• </c> those courthouse related activities. those courthouse related activities.
• law enforcement activities.
• law enforcement activities.
• law enforcement activities.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Physical well-being includes promoting physical activities...
• So this is the host site for that, as well as a number of other activities, including theater and other
• The public is excited to have this building restored as a community hub for activities, and enthusiasm
• The lobby has been fully restored to 1900 style when the Opera House was built and became known as the
• They're actively encouraging participation from the residents of Two Harbors and the surrounding area

Bills: HF2411 , HF2471 , HF1440 , HF1393 , HF1631 , HF1259 , HF280 , HF1281 , HF1459

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: cultural heritage, funding, White Earth Nation, tribal community, construction, Delano, sesquicentennial, community events, fall of Saigon, Saigon anniversary, Vietnam War commemoration, Vietnamese Minnesotans, Cambodian Minnesotans, Lao Minnesotans, Southeast Asian refugees, Asian American heritage, cultural heritage fund, Minnesota Humanities Center, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, equity funding

Transcript Highlights:

• The Workforce Investment Council that's currently active is pretty much doing the same thing that the
• It's been a pleasure to work with you, the author, Representative Freiburg, Lobby, Pelican Institute,
• If we can have our proponents who want to speak come to the table: Mary Beth Derrickson with Lobby, Aaron
• My name is Mary Beth Derrickson, representing Lobby.
• This bill is an important step toward smart policy that benefits everyone, and Lobby is proud to support

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee first handled several criminal justice bills related to evidence, juror privacy, probation, and sex offender supervision. HB 95, by Rep. Lecombe, updates an older statute to allow electronic access to videotaped forensic interviews of protected persons for prosecutors, defense counsel, courts, and other authorized persons; it was reported favorably. HB 55, by Rep. Villio, prohibits public disclosure of juror identifying information such as names, addresses, and contact information; after testimony from District Attorney Tony Clayton about juror harassment and intimidation, the committee adopted a small amendment removing outdated language and reported the bill favorably with amendments. HB 125, by Rep. Horton, revises supervised release for certain sex offenders to address jurisdiction and notification issues, especially when violations occur outside Louisiana; after testimony from DOC and probation and parole officials and a witness describing victim-protection monitoring, it was reported favorably with amendments. HB 158, also by Rep. Horton, increases the maximum custodial treatment period for technical probation violations from 90 to 180 days, but witnesses raised concerns that the language was too broad and could impose extra jail time beyond treatment; the author agreed to work on clarifying language before floor debate, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 169, by Rep. Horton, makes probationers or parolees responsible for extradition costs if they are able to pay, and it was reported favorably. The committee then considered HB 133, by Rep. Newell, which strengthens penalties and treatment requirements for battery of a school teacher and related offenses. A large amendment package was adopted to add aggravated battery and second-degree battery involving students or school employees, define terms, require counseling and evaluations in certain juvenile cases, and adjust juvenile disposition provisions. Teachers and supporters testified about assaults in schools and the need to protect educators, while district attorneys warned that some of the amended language—especially the shift to “serious bodily injury” and some definitional changes—could make prosecutions harder or create unintended constitutional issues. Rep. Newell agreed to continue working with prosecutors to tighten the language before the bill reaches the floor, and HB 133 was reported favorably as amended. Later, the committee heard HB 821 by Rep. McFarland, which moves the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools from GOSEP to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement; the change was described as largely administrative and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also took up HB 399 by Rep. Zerang, which extends the terminally ill/incapacitated inmate release window from 60 to 120 days. Secretary Gary Westcott and DOC officials explained that the program is tightly vetted, applies to inmates who are truly at end of life, and includes victim notification and maximum supervision; supporters, including medical and faith-based witnesses, emphasized dignity, hospice care, and the practical need for more time to complete release planning. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, HB 296 by Rep. Knox repeals the inactive Reentry Advisory Council and the Offender Rehabilitation Workforce Development Act, and HB 168 by Rep. Freiburg creates a transitional reentry program for female parolees within six months of release; both were presented as public-safety and reentry measures, with strong support from reentry advocates, business groups, and faith-based organizations, and both were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Workforce Investment Council that's currently active is pretty much doing the same thing that the
• It's been a pleasure to work with you, the author, Representative Freiburg, Lobby, Pelican Institute,
• If we can have our proponents who want to speak come to the table, that's Mary Beth Derrickson with Lobby
• My name is Mary Beth Derrickson, representing Lobby.
• This bill is an important step toward smart policy that benefits everyone, and Lobby is proud to support

Bills: HB54 , HB55 , HB125 , HB133 , HB158 , HB161 , HB168 , HB169 , HB191 , HB245 , HB280 , HB296 , HB399 , HB821 , HB995

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: parole, rehabilitation, mental health, substance abuse, criminal justice reform, alternative sentencing, juror confidentiality, public records, criminal procedure, privacy, court disclosure, sex offender, sex offense, child predator, registry, registration, notification, supervised release, probation and parole, juvenile offender

Transcript Highlights:

• authority, and then what these do is they govern county surveyors and professional land surveying activities
• So that's who's lobbying against, one of the people lobbying against this bill.
• They're lobbying for something weaker. I'm pushing for something stronger.
• And if you want to vote yes, because META is lobbying against it, I get that. I won't blame you.
• And if you want to vote yes because META is lobbying against it, I get that. I won't blame you.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Everyday routines like transitions between activities, managing sensitivities, or communicating her needs
• encourage you, if you wanted to step into my office, I have incredible ones on display from Hobby Lobby
• I'm not a sponsor for Hobby Lobby, but... ...from Hobby Lobby, there are two very nice gold-embossed
• And I know that some are in the lobby. And so I just wanted to make clear that the amendment,...
• Obviously, there's a lot of folks in here, and I know that some are in the lobby.

Bills: S0124 , S0206 , S0420

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Keywords: Florida Virtual School, FLVS, virtual school, online education, distance learning, K-12 education, public school choice, charter-like franchise, student enrollment priorities, home education, homeschool, military families, active duty military, rural schools, inner-city schools, accelerated graduation, education technology, supplemental funding, direct-support organization, foundation

Summary: The committee first heard SB 124, which updates Florida Virtual School’s statute to remove outdated language and clarify its service, funding, governance, reporting, and district coordination provisions without changing day-to-day operations. Florida Virtual School testified in support, members praised the bill, and it passed unanimously on a roll call vote. The committee then took up CS for SB 206 on students with autism spectrum disorder. Senator Harrell explained that the bill would require autism and neurodevelopmental training in educator preparation programs, require ESE-certified teachers to complete an autism microcredential, create an Autism Educator Loan Forgiveness Program, provide salary supplements for teachers with the autism endorsement, and require district professional development to include autism-specific training with local CARD centers. A large number of speakers—teachers, parents, students, and advocacy groups—supported the bill while urging that implementation be fully funded, high quality, and not become an unfunded mandate. Several members spoke in favor, emphasizing the growing number of students with autism and the need to recruit and retain special education teachers. The bill was reported favorably by committee vote. Finally, the committee considered SB 420 on patriotic displays in classrooms. Chair Burgess explained the bill as a way to place portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in schools to encourage civic and patriotic reflection, and he offered an amendment narrowing the requirement from every classroom to one prominent display in each school and adding language making it subject to state appropriation. The amendment was adopted. Testimony on the bill was mixed: some speakers supported the idea as a spark for civic discussion, while many others opposed it as symbolic, unnecessary, or better addressed through curriculum and teacher training rather than mandated displays. In debate, some senators argued the portraits could prompt broader historical conversations, while others raised concerns about representation, classroom autonomy, and funding. The transcript ends during debate on the amended bill, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Everyday routines like transitions between activities, managing sensitivities, or communicating her needs
• I have incredible... on display from Hobby Lobby.
• I'm not a sponsor for Hobby Lobby, but... ...from Hobby Lobby, there are two very nice gold-embossed
• And I know that some are in the lobby. And so I just wanted to make clear that the amendment,...
• Obviously, there's a lot of folks in here, and I know that some are in the lobby.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a bandshell that's been around for a long period of time, hosts a lot of activities, summer or
• </c><00:02:55.200><c> summer</c> time hosts uh a lot of activities summer time hosts uh a lot of activities
• The reason they're historic is the smokehouse was one of the first structures in an active farm when
• The reason they're historic is the smokehouse was one of the first structures in an active farm when
• The reason they're historic is the smokehouse was one of the first structures in an active farm when

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He has had a close relationship with a lobby firm since he's been here that has clients now whose names
• Now that lobby firm has a partner who is a sitting member and is the chairman of the Department of Corrections
• Well, I mean, you were very actively nodding your head, so I was just wondering what it is that you disagreed

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee first reviewed a list of bills already marked ready for due pass, including several House bills (HB 1010, 1018, 1020, 1023, 1041, 1055, 1077) and Senate bills (SB 4, 16, 24, 55, 59), along with a few items in the budget packet. The JBC Personnel Subcommittee report was then taken up, and Senator Rice offered a substitute motion to separate out the governor’s staff-related item for a separate vote and a roll-call division. After discussion about the request and the underlying personnel issue, the substitute motion failed on a roll-call division, and the committee then adopted the personnel subcommittee report as a whole. The committee next heard questions for Treasurer John Thurston on House Bill 1034 and the Treasurer’s office budget request. Members raised concerns about salary increases for executive staff, the size of raises under the approved pay plan, office hours, and whether the office was prioritizing raises appropriately. Thurston said the salaries were within the previously approved pay plan, that the request was for full funding of that plan with a negotiated 10% amount, and that office hours remained the same though vault tours had been adjusted for scheduling. Several members expressed dissatisfaction with the increases, while others noted the compromise reached with committee leadership. The committee then adopted the letter for HB 1034. The committee also considered special language items, including a proposal tied to extension office improvements through a DFA-administered program for the Division of Agriculture, which was described as unfunded. That item was adopted. The committee then moved through the remaining ready items, giving do-pass or adopt motions to SB 29, SB 51, HB 1034, HB 1010, HB 1018, HB 1020, HB 1023, HB 1041, HB 1055, HB 1077, SB 16, SB 23, SB 24, SB 55, and SB 59. SB 4 was set aside as not ready. The meeting adjourned with notice that the committee would reconvene in 15 minutes in another room to handle special language.

Transcript Highlights:

• The complainant says they have an active shooter in the building.
• Okay, multiple gunshots are heard from the lobby, possibly 20 to 30 shots.
• And so you can have platforms that permit people to Activity.
• I'm pleased to share today that we have an active civil rights division.
• actively weaponizing the oppression of Jews to implement its own agenda.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The meeting focused on the commission’s work addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, including security, education, victim services, and legal responses. A major presentation came from former federal prosecutor Eric O’Sham, who described the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, the attack’s planning and execution, the 11 victims killed, the defendant’s white supremacist and antisemitic online activity, the federal prosecution, and the long aftermath for the victim community. Commissioners asked about prevention, radicalization online, security for houses of worship, and how to support victims; O’Sham emphasized the limits of law enforcement when speech is protected, the importance of public education, security grants, and victim-witness support. The commission also heard from Ariel Holman of Agudath Israel, who described a wide range of antisemitic incidents affecting Orthodox Jews, including assaults, threats, vandalism, school harassment, and zoning barriers, and urged expanded security personnel grants, mental health resources, kosher food access, and support for synagogue development. Other speakers included advocates and local officials who supported Holocaust education, the planned Boston Holocaust Museum, cemetery protection, and broader public education efforts, while some public commenters criticized the commission’s focus or raised concerns about definitions of antisemitism and free speech. The meeting concluded with approval of prior meeting minutes and the start of public comment, which was limited to three minutes per speaker due to time constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> program through d d and we've actively program through d d and we've actively recruited<00:14:13.720
• </c> a lot of like some of the activities a lot of like some of the activities that<00:29:55.559><c>
• and beautiful lobbies and then you look for the staff, you're in the back.
• and beautiful lobbies and then you look for the staff, you're in the back.
• in and empty Lobby and beautiful lobbies<01:21:10.199><c> and</c><01:21:10.360><c> then</c><01:21:10.520

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Ways and Means and Government Operations committees received a biennium budget preview from Keith Regan, Comptroller and Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), who introduced department leadership and described DAGS’ broad responsibilities across accounting, public works, procurement, elections, archives, risk management, and other attached agencies. He emphasized that DAGS supports nearly every state department and cited ongoing workforce challenges, while noting progress in reducing the department-wide vacancy rate from 21% in 2023 to 17.7% in 2024. He also highlighted recruitment efforts, including new salary schedules for engineers and architects, job fairs, internships, and outreach to retiring federal employees. A major focus was modernization of the state’s aging financial systems, especially the 55-year-old FAMIS platform and the Enterprise Financial System (EFS) project. DAGS said it expects to release the RFP for the FAMIS replacement by the end of January and is seeking a second tranche of CIP funding, including $35 million, plus position augmentation and creation of a Business Transformation Office to manage EFS and future modernization work. The department also described major capital projects such as the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, Wahiawā Civic Center, Kauaʻi Civic Center, and Ahuimanu Community Correctional Center, and reported that Public Works is managing 455 projects statewide valued at more than $2.5 billion. Other budget requests discussed included funding for cemetery operations, with DAGS asking for two positions and $1 million in operating funds to support maintenance of eight cemeteries; a $200 million ceiling increase tied to anticipated insurance proceeds for West Maui fire-related recovery and rebuilding; and several staffing and operating items for district offices and facilities. These included full-year funding for positions in West Hawaiʻi and East Hawaiʻi, support for a small business coordinator at the State Procurement Office, funding for cloud hosting and PeopleSoft licensing, six positions and staff augmentation for the EFS project, electricity costs, and security-related funding. DAGS also noted that two requested reductions totaled $7.9 million, including transferring the security contract to the Department of Law Enforcement and reducing nonrecurring expenses; members discussed whether some security funding should remain with or be moved to DLE, and DAGS said it would not object to that transfer. No votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, join me in welcoming a team of FSU students who are interning for Lobby Tools to the Florida
• I will tell you that I don't know about you, but I rely on Lobby Tools every day, and we couldn't do
• So, interns, stand up from Lobby Tools. Yay, in the East Gallery. Thank you.
• Turn, stand up from Lobby Tools. Yay! In the East Gallery. Thank you.
• That money was distributed to our general fund for consumer advocacy activities, to our law library,

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:01.679><c> for</c> drills and perform other activities for drills and perform other activities
• anybody here, excuse my ignorance, anybody from the Big Island Senate, you have probably the most active
• anybody here, excuse my ignorance, anybody from the Big Island Senate, you have probably the most active
• Do you know what I'm trying to gather is if we lobby Congress instead of limiting one essential service
• </c> trying to to gather is if we Lobby trying to to gather is if we Lobby Congress<00:38:10.880><c>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 540, which would make the most recent state building codes supersede county codes beginning in 2028 and limit county changes without State Building Code Council approval. Grassroot Institute testified in support, while IBEW Local 1260 strongly opposed the bill as written, warning it could let counties weaken state minimum standards and create problems for fire code and sprinkler requirements. Members discussed the need for consistency in building codes and the impact of the State Building Code Council’s status, and the chair said the measure would be deferred indefinitely. The committee also heard SB 626 on disaster preparedness, which would prohibit planting large trees along evacuation routes and require HEMA to identify and remove obstructive trees. Testimony included comments from DLNR, HEMA, and others, with HEMA opposing the measure. The chair said more coordination was needed between DLNR and HEMA and deferred the bill. SB 692, regulating retail and wholesale spray paint sales and assigning jurisdiction to the Department of Law Enforcement, drew opposition from the Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi, which said the bill would impose costly storage and reporting burdens on small retailers and raise identity-theft concerns. The committee deferred that measure as well. In a separate decision-making segment, the committee considered SB 9 on fireworks and recommended passage with amendments. The amendments narrowed or removed several sections, increased certain penalties from $500 to $1,000, adjusted forfeiture allocations, accepted an Attorney General amendment, added an appropriation for community safety education programs, and changed the effective date to July 1, 2077. The motion to pass with amendments was adopted by a vote of 2-1. Later, in a joint hearing, SB 1102 on the aircraft rescue firefighting unit drew support from DOT but opposition from the Hawaiʻi Firefighters Association, which asked that the bill be held. SB 41, establishing Hawaiʻi Disaster Drill Day on August 8, received support from HEMA and a public testifier. SB 1570, addressing Molokaʻi air service disruptions and a possible runway expansion, drew strong public support from Molokaʻi residents and service providers, while the Attorney General raised separation-of-powers concerns about the emergency declaration language and DOT noted the high cost and feasibility issues of runway expansion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:31.440><c> the</c> congressional delegation uh lobbying the congressional delegation uh lobbying
• Is the key word there in your request active?
• Uh I think the idea is request active?
• opposed</c><00:29:46.399><c> to</c><00:29:47.039><c> just</c> active producers as opposed to just active
• </c> oversee and manage program activities oversee and manage program activities addressing<01:09:27.679

Bills: SB2309 , SB2317 , SB2318 , SB2319 , SB2321 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2405 , SB2485

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: agricultural loans, financial support, Hawaii agriculture, food security, revolving fund, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, agricultural statistics, data collection, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, economic analysis, market development, grant funding, climate resiliency

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, fourth, and fifth graders who came to lobby me today, which I was taught that 1.5 billion people
• Third, fourth, and fifth graders who came to lobby me today, which I was taught that 1.5 billion people
• Omari serves her community not only through her activities at the Teen Center, but with her JROTC group
• Congratulations, Omari. only through her activities at the Teen only through her activities at the Teen

Bills: SB3225 , HCR53 , HCR57 , HCR101 , HB1878 , HB1481 , SCR40 , SCR59 , SCR114 , SCR197 , SCR198 , SR30 , SR107 , SR185 , SR186

Keywords: statutory revision, Hawaii Revised Statutes, clarification, obsolete provisions, legal accuracy, University of Hawaii, Board of Regents, associate degree, degree audit, reverse transfer, credit audit, student completion, credential attainment, community college transfer, four-year campus, higher education, postsecondary attainment, workforce development, student retention, graduation pathways

Transcript Highlights:

• And just reviewing your 990s, it looks like in 2022 you spent $456,000 lobbying.
• Um is that a common practice lobbying.
• </c> um on lobbying um on lobbying this<00:15:00.160><c> year?
• So that's why those conversations are happening actively and have been for the last 12 months.
• </c> and I mentioned $4.6 million in active and I mentioned $4.6 million in active loans<01:02:02.960

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He was a cabinet secretary and then became a very big part of the lobbying firm that he helped found.
• House Bill 90, an act relating to educational lobbying. Representative Gracel.
• House Bill 102, an act relating to misconduct in schools and at school-sponsored activities.
• 33:16.159><c> at</c><00:33:16.399><c> school</c><00:33:16.640><c> sponsored</c><00:33:17.360><c> activities
• </c> and at school sponsored activities. and at school sponsored activities.

Keywords: Video Starts 00:00 Convene 01:02 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 07:51 Stand at Ease 11:46 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 26:33 Adjournment 46:41, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I know you've been very active in the last couple of weeks.
• It's an active tool that states are using to manage risk. As of last year, we had 25,000.
• And they also published it, so as of this week, that is now active live.
• further if you just lobbied into one, and then all the way across everyone would receive something.
• And we had indexed everything instead of doing some active management.

Committee: House Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee