Transcript Highlights:

• The question, rhetorically, in my view, is this appropriate?
• I think I don't actually have a question.
• So, other comments, questions?
• Happy to take any questions. Thank you very much. Members, questions or comments?
• If you don't have anything else, I've got some questions. No other members, so fewer questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe I've got two questions. Representative Pyle, will you yield to two questions? I will.
• May I ask the carrier a question? Representative Dr., will you yield to a question? Yes, I will.
• Anderson answer a question? Representative D. Anderson, will you yield to a question?
• I agree with the previous speaker.
• Members of the Assembly, to answer a previous question, not only did I support the original prohibition

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then approved journal corrections and recognized visiting students from Underwood School. The chamber also handled several conference committee appointments after failing to concur with Senate amendments on House bills 1022, 1049, 1229, and 1029, and after the Senate failed to concur on House amendments to Senate bills 2010 and 2113. The House then concurred in or passed a series of amended measures, including House Bills 1481 (dental insurance loss ratio and reporting), 1511 (physician guidance on abortion law, with an emergency clause), 1562 (mandated reporter training), 1197 (correctional facilities study), 1095 (child protective services liaison work group), 1317 (barber licensing board changes), 1549 (corrections facility grants and reentry-related provisions), 1354 (appraiser evaluations), 1374 (open meeting exemption for township supervisors during on-site inspections), 1355 (abbreviated notice for administrative rulemaking), 1025 (advanced nuclear energy study), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes), 1592 (Lignite Research Council updates), and 1375 (alcohol service/photo ID provisions). Final passage votes were recorded on each bill, with most passing comfortably and some drawing notable opposition, especially HB 1470 and HB 1549. The House spent substantial time on Senate Bill 2011, the Highway Patrol appropriation. Members discussed shifting one-time funding from the general fund to the Electronic Motor Carrier Permit Fund, including body armor, preliminary breath tests, an emergency vehicle course, resurfacing, fleet costs, and handgun/taser replacement, while also noting a federal grant and no new FTEs. Questions focused on salary-line increases and the new-and-vacant FTE pool, with Appropriations explaining that those dollars had been moved back into agency budgets from OMB. The bill passed 84-6. The House also passed Senate Bill 2013, the Commissioner of University and School Lands appropriation, after discussion of Trust Lands operations, unclaimed property staffing, and distributions from the Common Schools Trust Fund; one member was excused for a conflict, and the bill passed 67-22. Senate Bill 2023, the Racing Commission appropriation, passed 65-25 after a brief explanation of the agency’s responsibilities and funding. A major policy debate centered on Senate Bill 2385, which revises mobile home park regulation. Supporters said it creates receivership procedures if a license is revoked, requires clearer tenant notices, limits certain fees, and strengthens protections against eviction and utility overcharges. Two members were excused from voting due to conflicts tied to mobile home park ownership, and the bill passed 84-4. Another extended debate occurred on Senate Bill 2159, which allows the State Energy Research Center to study nuclear-related projects with approval from the Industrial Commission and consultation with the radioactive waste advisory council. Supporters said it is meant to help study advanced nuclear energy while preserving existing prohibitions on high-level radioactive waste storage; opponents raised concerns that the language could weaken prior protections and open the door to waste-related research or storage. The transcript ends during that debate, before a final vote on SB 2159 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:07.519><c> federal</c> administration, but the previous federal administration, but the previous
• questions on the bill.
• Any questions on the A3 amendment?
• </c> thank you for your question on that. thank you for your question on that.
• This will be on the bill question.

Bills: HF2446

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• Let me ask a broad question.
• Members, any other questions for our panel?
• Members, questions? Dean Zaffirini, you're recognized.
• A question for President Staples.
• Yet one producer actually dropped that production, and that was really the spirit of my question. question

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I'd be happy to answer any questions. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
• </c> Any questions, Mr. Chair? Any questions, Mr. Chair?
• Question? Question? Question? &gt;&gt; Nope. &gt;&gt; Nope. &gt;&gt; Nope. &gt;&gt; Okay.
• </c> I'm here if you have any questions. I'm here if you have any questions.
• </c> Any questions, comments, or concerns? Any questions, comments, or concerns?

Bills: SB2319 , SB2407 , SB2489 , SB2153 , SB2321 , SB2805 , SB3010 , SB2892 , SB2595 , SB2781

Committees: House Agriculture & Food Systems , House Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: agriculture, biosecurity, grant funding, food security, climate resiliency, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, agribusiness, state employment, invasive species, lease provisions, environment, food safety, farmers, local food systems, rural development, livestock, forage grasses, pest management

Transcript Highlights:

• I interpreted your question a little differently, and I thought the question was if the school has four
• And with that, I’ll stop unless you don’t have any questions. >> Any questions for Mr. Brown?
• I'll stand for questions or your work. I'll stand for questions or correction. >> All right.
• I'm glad to take any questions. Any questions. >> Thank you, Mr. Pearson.
• Now that does raise some questions of equitable access... ...raise some questions of equitable access

Committee: Joint Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> quick question on too. quick question on too.
• Are there other questions?
• See no questions.
• </c> Do you have questions? Do you have questions? Senator<00:16:27.680><c> Marty.
• </c> Are there any further questions? Are there any further questions?

Committee: Senate Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Would Representative Olson yield for a question? Representative Olson will yield to a question.
• </c> In the previous weeks. In the previous weeks.
• And so, I would Representative Davids yield for a question?
• Madam Speaker, would Representative Schultz yield for a question?
• Madam Speaker, would Representative Schultz yield for a question?

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, a great question.
• </c> under the previous $5 million limit. under the previous $5 million limit.
• Any other questions? Uh, Madam Chair, that was my question exactly.
• </c> have a bunch of questions. Yeah. Okay. have a bunch of questions. Yeah. Okay.
• Senator thank you for the question. Senator thank you for the question.

Bills: HF3599 , HF3761 , HF3523 , HF3515 , HF573

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, bond issuance, Becker, sewer improvements, sanitation, Hibbing, state bonds, infrastructure funding, capital investment, safety improvements, mobility, U.S. Highway 12, bonds, transportation funding, trails, Prior Lake, bond funding, recreational improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, I’ll take any questions.” “So with that, I’ll take any questions. Discussion. Anyone?
• And with that, I would take any questions.
• Are you going to ask a question or just...
• I move the previous question.
• By your vote of 82 yay and 42 nay, you have moved the previous question. Gentleman from St.

Transcript Highlights:

• So my question is, I mean, it isn't really a question. You can comment on it, Derek.
• I think if there are no questions... Representative Schauer has one more question.
• I have a question, Mr. President. Thank you. I have a question.
• Any other questions?
• Good question, Mr. Chairman. Question? Yep. Senator Davison.

Committee: Joint Employee Benefits Programs Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Good question. You always do have good questions, sir. I appreciate that.
• Good question. You always do have good questions, sir. I appreciate that.
• Well, okay, so I'm going to ask you a question for that question, because it was an agreement with the
• Further questions from the committee?
• Any questions for this witness? 88. Thank you, gentlemen. Any questions for this witness?

Committees: House Elections , House Local Government, Elections and Pensions

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:39:53.040><c> legislatures</c> in the past, previous legislatures in the past, previous legislatures
• </c> it makes a decision like in the previous it makes a decision like in the previous IMA<00:55:03.200
• &gt;&gt; Can I have the words of the previous &gt;&gt; Can I have the words of the previous speaker<03
• </c> to adopt the words of the previous to adopt the words of the previous speaker<03:28:00.399><c> as
• </c> &gt;&gt; Any questions? All those in favor say I. &gt;&gt; Any questions?

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're going to open it up to questions.
• And we're going to open it up to questions.
• No further questions. Any other members with questions? Representative Holcomb, you're recognized.
• I can't answer that question for you. I can't answer that question for you.
• Thank you for your question.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee met to review how county budgets are developed and how constitutional officers fit into that process. Davin Suggs of the Florida Association of Counties gave an overview of county budgeting, explaining the statutory framework, the role of property taxes and TRIM notices, the fiscal-year timeline, fund balances and reserves, and the Department of Revenue’s oversight. He emphasized that county budgets include the board’s budget plus the budgets of constitutional officers, and that relationships and communication are critical to resolving budget issues. A panel of constitutional officers then described their offices’ budget processes and responsibilities: Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons discussed law enforcement budgeting and the importance of negotiated agreements with county commissions; Alachua County Property Appraiser Aisha Solomon explained the June 1 budget deadline, valuation methods, and the appeal process for property assessments; Manatee County Clerk and Comptroller Angelina Coleniso outlined the clerk’s court and finance duties, the county-side budget process, and the clerk’s personal liability under section 129.09 for unlawful expenditures; Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Early described the cyclical nature of election costs, staffing, equipment, and the impact of turnout and election law changes; and Columbia County Tax Collector Kyle Keene explained that tax collectors’ budgets are reviewed by the Department of Revenue, with fee offices funding themselves through service charges and budget offices relying on county support. Members asked about personal liability for unlawful spending, conflicts between clerks and county commissions, property valuation and storm damage adjustments, reserve levels, and whether tax collectors can retain excess fees. Responses noted that clerks must refuse illegal expenditures, property appraisers use market-based assessments with VAB and court review available, counties should maintain healthy fund balances for cash flow and emergencies, and tax collectors generally must zero out year-end balances and distribute excess revenues to taxing authorities. The committee took no votes and adjourned after thanking the panelists for their testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• The question had come up at a previous meeting: why isn't there anything in the capital budget proposal
• question.
• question.
• Chairman, and thank you for taking my questions. I actually have two questions, if that's okay.
• So just to answer your previous question, we actually allow less for general fund is about $400 million

Summary: The Public Works and Highways committee held a capital budget orientation led by Legislative Budget Assistant Office staff, who walked members through the budget materials, the capital budget process, and the committee’s compare sheet. The presentation explained that agencies begin developing capital requests nearly a year in advance, submit them by May 1, and that the governor’s recommended capital budget is a reduced version of the much larger agency wish list. Members were told the agencies initially requested about $1.1 billion in projects, the catalog was trimmed to just over $400 million in general fund projects, and the governor’s recommendation in the pink book totals about $143 million in general fund capital appropriations. The committee also reviewed the prior capital budget and related statutes and committee procedures. Several specific projects drew discussion. The Department of Education’s CTE projects were explained as having been shifted into the operating budget in the prior cycle and now returning to the capital budget recommendation; members asked whether there was a backup CTE project and whether local approval had been secured for the named project. The Cannon Mountain tramway request was highlighted as a $20 million recommendation, with the presenter explaining that an earlier $18 million appropriation would be lapsed back to the general fund to help balance the budget. The Department of Corrections’ new prison project was also discussed; members were told the state has already appropriated $50 million for planning and site evaluation, but the governor’s current capital budget does not include a new prison construction appropriation because the project is not yet ready for that phase and may need to be funded differently, possibly through a separate, staggered appropriation. State Treasurer Monica Mezzapelli then presented on debt affordability and the state’s borrowing capacity. She said the state’s credit position has improved, with the debt-to-revenue ratio falling from 8.2% in 2015 to 3.8% in 2024, and explained that RSA 6-C limits debt authorization to 10% of unrestricted prior-year revenue. She noted that the Treasury’s planning assumes $60 million in annual bond issuance, with the prison-related $40 million now expected to be issued in 2026 rather than 2025 because the project is not ready to spend the funds. She said the state can still borrow more, but additional debt service must be paid from operating funds, and recommended keeping capital bonding in the $120 million to $130 million range to preserve affordability and the state’s credit rating. Members asked for clarification on the CTE funding shift, the prison schedule, and the meaning of the large agency request totals. The chair and treasurer discussed the governor’s $143 million recommendation versus the committee’s usual target range, and the treasurer said $130 million would be more comfortable than $140 million, with $135 million described as a possible compromise. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the portion provided; the meeting was informational and ended with the presenters offering to answer follow-up questions as agencies come before the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, and this fits with your earlier question, too, but the question... Right.
• A couple of specific questions and then maybe some more general questions.
• A more broad question.
• And my last question is another really big, big-picture question.
• Yeah, that's a great question.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative [questionable: nne] said they had a question and asked Miss Cameron to read the first
• Thank you for that question.
• Thank you for that question.
• Representative Nani, do you have a question for Ms. Brum? I just have one question.
• Representative Nani, do you have a question for Ms. Brum? I just have one question.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm available for any questions.
• Okay, members, any questions?
• Okay, members, any questions?
• Okay, members, any questions?
• Okay, members, any questions?

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 5, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills. HB 918, relating to labeling, drew support from the Department of Health, INDA (the nonwoven fabrics industry), and Hawaii Realtors. INDA said the bill aligns with do-not-flush labeling laws in other states but raised a concern about the six-month compliance deadline tied to FIFRA approval. In response to committee questions, witnesses explained that the bill is aimed mainly at disinfecting wipes, that most products are already labeled nationally, and that the proposed timing issue could be addressed by using Oregon’s approach. No vote was taken on the measure during the portion shown. The committee also heard HB 1482, relating to controlled substances. HPD supported the bill, and Aloha Green Holdings and the Department of Health both said they supported the intent but recommended technical amendments. Their testimony focused on clarifying the treatment of Delta-8 THC, distinguishing synthetic or artificially derived cannabinoids from naturally occurring forms, and avoiding confusion in the hemp law. Members asked whether Delta-8 would show up on drug tests; witnesses said it would test positive for THC and would not be distinguished from Delta-9. The bill was then set aside as the committee moved on. HB 981, relating to attorney’s fees, drew opposition from a law firm representing homeowners and associations, which argued the bill would limit access to legal services, favor developers and contractors, and make settlement harder. The witness suggested instead using existing consumer-protection fee-shifting concepts, and committee members explored whether a capped fee award or a broader attorney-fee rule would be more appropriate. The committee then took up HB 807 and HB 336, both relating to condominiums. HB 807 received support from the Green Infrastructure Authority and the Hawaii Bankers Association, while one testifier urged deferral over unresolved questions about commercial PACE financing; the bank association asked for more time to work with HGIA, and the chair indicated decision-making could be deferred to allow that discussion. On HB 336, the Community Associations Institute opposed the bill as removing checks and balances, while the Hawaii Workers Center and others supported it as a step toward clearer enforcement of health and safety issues in condominiums and rental housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there questions?
• I'm happy to take questions. Thank you, sir. Are there questions of our witness?
• question way back when?
• Are there questions to ask? Are there questions to ask Elena? Elena? Thank you.
• Are there questions of our witness? I do have just a very brief question.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Summary: The hearing focused mainly on two subjects: expansion of the Massachusetts bottle bill and bills to remove woody biomass from state clean-energy and greenhouse-gas programs. On the bottle bill, supporters from municipal, environmental, public health, and local government groups argued that the 5-cent deposit is outdated, redemption rates have fallen, and expanding coverage to more beverage containers—especially water, sports drinks, and small alcohol bottles—would reduce litter, cut plastic waste and microplastics, and save cities and towns money. Several speakers also backed raising handling fees for retailers and redemption centers, and some supported restoring a Clean Environment Fund so unclaimed deposits would support recycling-related purposes. Opponents, including the Massachusetts Beverage Association and the National Waste and Recycling Association, argued that curbside recycling and transfer-station systems are more convenient, that the targeted containers are valuable to local recycling programs, and that the proposal would shift costs onto consumers and municipalities. Committee members questioned witnesses about redemption rates, handling fees, the 2014 ballot question, and whether the bill had changed from prior sessions. The biomass portion drew strong support from Springfield officials, state legislators, environmental advocates, and public health groups. They said woody biomass should not count as clean energy because burning wood produces particulate pollution and carbon emissions, and they warned that current law contains a loophole that could help finance the proposed Palmer Renewable Energy biomass plant in Springfield. Witnesses emphasized Springfield’s air-quality and asthma burdens, the public health impacts of PM2.5, and the need to close the loophole before a January 1, 2026 deadline. One forest-industry witness supported a separate bill promoting modern wood heat with pollution controls, arguing it is cleaner than older wood systems and has minimal ratepayer cost, while noting that those credits would be affected if the governor’s broader energy affordability bill repeals the alternative energy portfolio standard. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs managed testimony by alternating between the bottle bill and biomass topics, asking speakers to keep remarks brief and to note when they agreed with prior testimony. Several legislators also testified in support of the bills, and committee members asked follow-up questions on deposit levels, retailer handling fees, recycling economics, and the public-health rationale for the biomass restrictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So any questions? Okay, Representative Fryberg for one question. One question? I think I have two.
• My question piggybacks on Representative Amedee’s question.
• My question piggybacks on Representative Omidy's question.
• Number two, the question was about previous five years' performance objectives, which are in the governor's
• I'd like to follow up on my esteemed colleague's previous question and tie it directly to.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee met on March 17 to review the FY27 budgets for the Department of Education and several special schools and commissions. Fiscal staff outlined the Department of Education’s roughly $6.4 billion budget, noting that most funding goes to the Minimum Foundation Program and subgrantee assistance. Major changes discussed included the removal of one-time teacher pay stipends, increases for the LA GATOR scholarship program, and projected adjustments in early childhood funding. Members also reviewed the constitutional amendment proposal tied to using about $2 billion to pay down teacher retirement obligations and provide future teacher pay raises. Dr. Cade Brumley testified that Louisiana’s education outcomes have improved and answered questions on math performance, charter school funding, the LA GATOR scholarship, and the special education Choice program. Members pressed the department on the sustainability and balance of funding between LA GATOR and Choice, the number of applicants and current recipients, and outreach efforts. Brumley said charter schools are funded through the MFP like other public schools, that LA GATOR currently serves about 5,500 students with applications recently reaching about 17,000, and that the Choice program serves about 500 students with a waiting list of about 700 applicants. He also said the department would implement whatever funding levels the legislature approves. The committee then heard the special schools and commissions budget, including the Special School District, Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, Thrive Academy, École Pointe-au-Chien, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, and BESE. Testimony focused on facility needs, enrollment, and program outcomes. LSU? No—LSM leaders described urgent roof and ceiling repairs estimated at about $800,000, while Thrive Academy highlighted student achievement, community service requirements, and economic impact. LPB said it is facing a federal funding loss of about $2.5 million and is responding with higher Passport fees, underwriting, and private fundraising. BESE’s small staff and administrative role were also explained, with members asking about board operations and the use of statutory dedication funds.