Transcript Highlights:

• Seven years ago, Florida had a weak rainy-day fund and modest budget reserves.
• working together, we have more than tripled our rainy-day fund and more than doubled our budget reserves

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just on the budget reserve trust fund, of course, we've had this is a great table, a really great recent
• Every single budget bill for years and years and years since the inception of the budget reserve outlines

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:01 Approval of Minutes 00:01:40 2026-2032 Statewide Capital Improvements Plan 00:02:15, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the prior meeting minutes. The board then reviewed the 2026–2032 statewide capital improvement plan, including project recommendations across maintenance, renovation, IT, and new construction categories. Staff explained that 15 projects were selected in each category and described how the board’s tiebreaker process was used to finalize the recommendations. Members asked about the asset preservation pool, specifically whether institutions receive a blanket appropriation or must identify projects. Staff explained that the Council on Postsecondary Education serves as the gatekeeper after appropriation, reviewing institution-submitted uses to ensure they meet criteria for maintaining and improving existing facilities rather than new construction. Staff also outlined revisions to the draft plan, including updated summary data, revised wording for clarity, an updated maintenance pool policy recommendation based on Pew research, and a change to cross-reference major state-funded construction project status information rather than listing it directly. During discussion, one member praised the work on the plan and commented on the budget reserve trust fund, noting disagreement with Pew’s suggestion that the process should be in statute because Kentucky has long used the budget bill to govern deposits and uses. The board then moved to final action and unanimously adopted the draft 2026–2032 statewide capital improvement plan, with authority for staff to make final technical and editorial revisions and insert the comprehensive project list before publication. The chair thanked members for their work, noting it was the final meeting of the year, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• members, I do have some witness here to help answer any questions, and I would like to respectfully reserve
• I reserve my right to close and happy to answer any questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, we will reserve you your right to close, and we will proceed to testimony.
• And we will reserve your right to close. If there are no other questions from the committee.

Summary: The Committee on State-Federal Relations heard testimony on HB 3484, which would formalize agreements between border municipalities and treat certain infrastructure, services, and facilities as Texas assets for funding eligibility if they are within 30 miles of the border. Representative Van Deaver and a witness from Texarkana described how the bill would help Texarkana, Texas, secure state funding for jointly used facilities such as wastewater, water treatment, and airport assets that are physically located in Arkansas but serve Texas residents. Members asked about whether Arkansas benefits from the facilities and whether the bill would apply only to U.S. border cities; testimony clarified that it applies to Texas municipalities bordering another U.S. state, and the bill was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. The committee also heard HCR 112, by Representative Perez, which urges Congress to allow state-issued Real ID cards, including Texas driver’s licenses, to be accepted as identification for U.S. citizens re-entering the country at land and sea ports of entry. Perez argued that Texas already verifies citizenship and lawful presence for Real ID issuance, that most Texans already have Real ID-compliant licenses, and that acceptance at the border would reduce costs and delays for routine cross-border travel without weakening security. Members asked about the security features of Real ID, implementation timing, passport delays, and how border crossings currently work; Perez said the resolution would not replace passports for international air travel and would apply only to U.S. citizens returning at land and sea ports. HCR 112 was also left pending, and the committee adjourned after HDR 125 was withdrawn from the schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, and I reserve the right to close. Are there any questions?
• I reserve the right to close. Thank you, Representative Wilson.

Bills: HB2065, HB2462, HB2621, HB3187, HB3539, HB3563, HB3726, HB4164, HB4207, HB4368, HB4706, HB4916, HB4950, HB4967, HB5177, HB4429, HB5597

Keywords: commercial vehicles, parking regulations, residential areas, local governance, land use, traffic safety, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, regional transportation, mobility program, sales tax, public infrastructure, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, I reserve my right to close and answer any questions that the committee might have.
• I respectfully reserve the right to close and ask for your favorable consideration.

Bills: HB1654, HB1691, HB2545, HB2652, HB3799, HB4144, HB5008

Keywords: peace officers, firefighters, employment protection, worker's compensation, job security, maximum medical improvement, government employment, firefighter cancer benefits, emergency medical technicians, compensation claims, cancer exposures, firefighting hazards, workforce training, rural development, grant program, job-specific training, Texas Workforce Commission, child care, single-parent, subsidized

Transcript Highlights:

• I reserve the authority to dismiss the motion as it stands. 692 693 694 695 696 697 698 Members, we have
• While working dispatch full-time he graduated from the Basic and Reserve Police Academy. academies to

Bills: HR34, HR36, HR38, HR39, HR41, HR42, HR43, HR67, HR68, HR73, HR77, HR81, HR104, HR166, HR201, HR202, HR223, HR226, HR233, HR234, HR246, HR264, HR266, HR268, HR271, HR280, HR282, HR286, HR291, HR292, HR296, HR298, HR319, HR326, HR329, HR348, HR354, HR373, HR376, HR381, HR385, HR386, HR387, HR391, HR394, HR395, HR396, HR399, HR400, HR402, HR403, HR404, HR408, HR409, HR410, HR413, HR414, HR417, HR418, HR419, HR422, HR424, HR429, HR435, HR439, HR440, HR22, HR88, HR94, HR136, HR194, HR231, HR302, HR397, HR416, HR420, HR421, HR423, HR430, HR431

Keywords: Ramadan, Islam, Muslim community, spiritual observance, cultural recognition, Eid al-Fitr, celebration, Texas legislation, Mother's Day, family, women, honor, Father's Day, gratefulness, recognition, Diwali, festival of lights, Hinduism, unity, Veterans Day

Transcript Highlights:

• We represent land owners, loggers, foresters, sawmills, any type of wood processing facility.
• We represent land owners,<04:57:18.638><c> loggers,</c><04:57:19.280><c> foresters,</c><04:57:20.160>
• <c> sawmills,</c> owners, loggers, foresters, sawmills, owners, loggers, foresters, sawmills, &gt;&gt

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Background: I have a Bachelor of Science from Case Western Reserve University.
• :35:45.320><c> Reserve</c><00:35:45.640><c> is</c><00:35:45.800><c> what</c><00:35:45.960><c> Western
• </c> case West Reserve is what Western case West Reserve is what Western Reserve<00:35:46.720><c> College
• </c><02:14:01.679><c> contacted</c> Navy captain in the reserves contacted Navy captain in the reserves
• It isn't clear to me how the money gets taken out of the reserve fund, revolving fund.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• funds</c> years in a row. our our reserve funds years in a row. our our reserve funds that<01:31:09.280
• Um, I appreciate you following up on my previous questions about the reserves.
• budget cycle increasing state funding that still required you to use your reserves?
• </c><01:33:34.000><c> I</c> previous questions about the reserves.
• I previous questions about the reserves.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , the board’s plan of operations, and additional capital working reserves.
• </c><02:10:21.360><c> so</c> additional Capital working Reserves so additional Capital working Reserves
• needs to be a reserve within the fund being created.
• be a reserve within the fund being created.
• She said the fiscal note worksheet reflects that reserve, but that is not a current-day cost.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• your concern, and I'm going to guess that a community that is remitting the excess has adequate reserves
• your concern, and I'm going to guess that a community that is remitting the excess has adequate reserves
• has adequate reserves um from what<01:26:24.360><c> they've</c><01:26:24.639><c> otherwise</c><01:26
• of funds in the state by mile if reserve of funds in the state by mile if you<01:27:07.760><c> ask</
• when I was the at 300,000 reserves when I was the finance<01:27:17.000><c> director</c><01:27:18.000

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Funding Committee met to review a large package of bills, with the first four—HB 717, 742, 773, and 603—focused on special education aid, formerly called catastrophic aid. Chair Ladin explained that the committee needed to move a special education bill forward by March 4 and was trying to determine which bill would serve as the vehicle. He described the current formula and the difficulty of estimating the fiscal impact of lowering the threshold from 3.5 times the statewide average cost per pupil to a lower level, noting that DOE did not have reliable data on how many students would fall into the lower-cost bands. The committee also noted that several other bills in the package addressed SWEP and adequacy issues, and that HB 510 dealt with due process rather than funding. Mark Mello of the Bureau of School Finance testified that the department only has reliable data for special education expenditures above $70,000 per student, since claims are submitted for reimbursement at that point. He said the bureau was trying to estimate how many students might fall between 2.5x and 3.5x or 3x and 3.5x the average cost, but that the basic answer was they did not know and that any estimate would be difficult. He explained that moving the threshold from 3.5x to 2.5x would create a minimum additional cost of about $13.6 million based on existing claims, not counting new students who would enter the range. Members discussed whether districts already had the underlying data, whether a survey should be required, and how districts know when to begin tracking costs for reimbursement. The committee also discussed proration and the state’s share of special education aid. Mello explained that the current 80% state share is modeled in the formula, but the actual payment has been prorated because appropriations have not matched the statutory liability; he said the state liability was about $50 million, while the budget had provided $34 million, resulting in a 68% payment rate. HB 742 was described as a bill that would eliminate proration by paying the liability directly from the education trust fund with an overflow mechanism. Members also discussed possible alternatives such as changing the state share, using a lower threshold in a transition period, or requiring districts to submit data. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the committee was still in discussion and considering which bills to advance.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I will be voting with reservations. Representative Takayama, thank you.
• Representative Perruso votes with reservations. Representative Takayama votes no.
• Representative Perruso votes with reservations. Representative Quinlan votes aye.
• </c><02:40:12.279><c> I</c> will be voting with reservations I will be voting with reservations I appreciate
• representative quinland I reservations representative quinland I and<02:43:29.000><c> noting</c><02:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committees on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs and Agriculture and Food Systems heard testimony and began decision-making on HB 1246, which would establish the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office within DCCA to regulate cannabis. Chair Tarnas described the bill as divisive and noted the hearing had received 95 testimonies in support, 135 in opposition, and 11 comments. Members were told the office would be administratively attached to DCCA, and the department emphasized it would not direct day-to-day operations. DCCA also raised concerns about banking access due to federal law, while the Department of Agriculture supported a one-plant, one-agency approach and noted its current authority over cannabis plant importation and movement. Several agencies and advocates supported the bill with cautions or requested amendments. The Department of Health said it appreciated the bill’s public health protections but remained concerned about increased adult-use access, youth mental health, pregnancy-related risks, and effects on developing brains; it requested a 12-month delayed effective date. The Attorney General’s office said legalization should include safeguards, recommended a longer implementation timeline and seed funding, and flagged issues in the bill involving impaired driving, open-container language, and penalties for under-21 possession. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill but objected to new driving and possession offenses, saying existing law already covers impaired driving. Doctors for Drug Policy Reform supported the measure, citing regulation of intoxicating cannabinoids, testing, childproof packaging, and public education as public-health benefits. Opponents focused on youth access, public safety, and the bill’s broader social effects. The Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill over access and diversion concerns, and the City and County of Honolulu Prosecutor strongly opposed legalization, citing higher-potency cannabis, youth harms, psychiatric risks, and increased poison-center calls. The Hawaiʻi Substance Abuse Coalition argued legalization should wait until prevention programs are in place and funded first, while the Hawaiʻi Family Forum and Hawaiian Republican Women also opposed the measure, citing concerns about youth exposure, added bureaucracy, and taxpayer costs. The Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi questioned the purpose of the proposed cannabis taxes, asking why cannabis should be taxed heavily if legalization is intended. The hearing continued with additional testimony after a brief audio issue for one testifier.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Pension Reserves Investment Management Board, PRIM, manages the Massachusetts pension fossil fuels
• The Pension Reserve's Investment Management Board, PRIM, manages the Massachusetts Pension Pension Reserves
• the transition to renewable energy is fossil fuel companies facing stranded asset risk, where the reserves
• I'm testifying in support of H. 2984 for divestment of the Pension Reserve Investment Trust Fund from
• I'm testifying in support of H. 2984 for divestment of the Pension Reserve Investment Trust Fund from

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing focused first on teacher retirement legislation, especially H. 2932 and S. 1884, which would give long-serving educators a one-time opportunity to enroll in Retirement Plus after the program’s 2001 rollout was described as confusing and inconsistently communicated. Legislators, union leaders, and many teachers testified that some educators missed the opt-in window because of faulty notices, leave status, transfers, or misinformation about payroll deductions, and that many have had to work several extra years as a result. Supporters said the bills would correct an unfair administrative error, provide a buyback option with interest, and could also save local school districts money by allowing earlier retirements. Representative Mark Sylvia also testified for H. 4234, a Fairhaven-specific bill to raise the age limit for special police officers from 65 to 70 and clarify appointing authority, citing experience and budget needs. The committee then heard testimony on several pension investment and divestment bills. Supporters of H. 2811 and related climate-risk measures argued that PRIM should assess, disclose, and address climate-related financial risk in the state pension fund, warning that fossil fuel investments could threaten long-term returns and public finances. Environmental advocates and financial experts said climate risk is systemic and urged transparency, divestment planning, and alignment with the Commonwealth’s climate goals. Another set of speakers supported H. 2984, which would divest pension investments from companies selling weapons to Israel; they argued the state should not be complicit in violence in Gaza and cited humanitarian and human rights concerns. Additional testimony supported H. 2900 and S. 1869 to divest from the firearm industry, with speakers saying pension investments should not undermine Massachusetts gun laws. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs repeatedly thanked speakers, limited testimony time, and noted that written testimony could be submitted later. The hearing concluded with the committee moving through the sign-up list and hearing extensive public testimony on the teacher retirement and divestment proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the lease with Phoenix Property Group of WKY LLC for 5,598 square feet of office space with 32 reserved
• recommended approval of the lease from Cornertown Time LLC for 6,177 square feet of office space with 64 reserved
• /c><00:21:49.440><c> space</c><00:21:50.240><c> with</c><00:21:50.640><c> 64</c><00:21:51.360><c> reserve
• </c><00:21:51.840><c> paved</c> ft of office space with 64 reserve paved ft of office space with 64 reserve

Keywords: 00:02 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:45 Approval of Minutes 01:01 Information Items 06:25 Project Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions-KCTCS 10:50 Project Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 18:08 Lease Rpt from Finance and Admin Cabinet 27:12 Rpt from OFM – KY Infrastructure Authority 33:56 Rpt from OFM – CED EDF Grants 47:20 Rpt from OFM – Office of Financial Mgmt 56:53 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including approval of the February meeting minutes and several information items. Those items covered university equipment purchases, school district and transportation-related debt issuances, Northern Kentucky University’s planned construction-manager/general-contractor delivery method for the medical examiner/crime lab relocation project, a lease-space advertisement, postsecondary asset preservation allocations, and lease-law compliance reports. Members then discussed the Northern Kentucky crime lab project in more detail; staff explained that the memorandum of agreement would cover the construction portion while the lease would cover operations, and members were told the project should move forward without procurement problems. The committee approved a Kentucky Community and Technical College System project to modify the fire academy maintenance building after the related dormitory project was set aside because of major cost overruns. KCTCS said the dormitory would be about $3 million over budget, so it would not be bid; instead, the maintenance building would be expanded to add showers and restroom/locker facilities, bringing that project from $2 million to about $3.2 million. The committee also approved a Transportation Cabinet project for the Hardin County I-65 southbound commercial motor vehicle station relocation, with members asking about the estimate, the lack of a direct prior example, and the fact that the loadometer equipment itself would be purchased separately and was not included in the construction estimate. Finance and Administration Cabinet lease items were then considered. The committee approved a Department of Public Advocacy lease in Christian County and a Transportation Cabinet vehicle regulation lease in Kenton County, both negotiated down from initial asking prices and both including utilities. Two lease modifications were reported without action: a Department of Revenue fit-up in Jefferson County and an expanded vehicle regulation lease in Adair County. Members also approved a package of Kentucky Infrastructure Authority items, including four loans and six Cleaner Water Program grant reallocations, covering sewer and water projects such as MSD’s Patty’s Run flood pumping station, Paducah-McCracken County’s wastewater treatment plant, Mount Washington’s lift station replacement, and Eminence’s wastewater plant expansion. Finally, the committee heard a batch of Kentucky Product Development Initiative economic development grants and approved the action items in one vote. The projects included due diligence and infrastructure work for industrial and site-development projects in multiple counties, with local match requirements and KEDFA approvals described for each. The committee also received three line-item water grants from House Bill 1 that required no action, and the meeting ended after the grant presentations and approvals.

Transcript Highlights:

• record that I'm going to support this motion today, but I'm still doing a deep dive on this, and I reserve
• I'm going to follow Representative Cannon's lead and reserve my right to make a final decision on the
• but I think I will also follow Representative Cannon and Representative Cheatum's lead on this and reserve
• I'm not going to support the motion at this time, but I do reserve the right to reconsider this on the
• I'm not going to support the motion at this time, but I do reserve the right to reconsider this on the

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first introduced a new page and approved minutes from January 27 and 29. It then heard House Bill 703, which would consolidate numerous DOPL disciplinary provisions into a single procedural framework in Title 67 without changing substantive licensing standards. The sponsor and a contractor group testified in support, and the committee voted to send HB 703 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation. The bulk of the meeting focused on House Bill 704, a universal E-Verify mandate for employers. Sponsors Jordan Redman and Jaron Crane argued it would protect Idaho workers, create a level playing field, align with federal law, and be easy and free to use. Supporters, including business advocates, legal immigrants, and law-enforcement voices, said it would improve enforcement and fairness. Opponents, including the Idaho Dairymen’s Association and several citizens, warned of labor shortages, economic harm, administrative burden, privacy concerns, and problems with errors in the E-Verify system. Committee members also raised questions about biometric identifiers, whether the bill would apply to service contractors or household help, and whether the implementation date should be delayed. After debate, the committee first voted down a substitute motion to send HB 704 to general orders, 11-7. It then approved the original motion and sent HB 704 to the floor with a due-pass recommendation by a vote of 16-2. The committee then began hearing House Bill 700, which would add criminal penalties for knowingly hiring unauthorized workers while providing a defense for employers who use E-Verify in good faith. The sponsor and several supporters said it would strengthen enforcement and deter illegal hiring, while opponents argued it duplicated federal law and could create errors and burdens; the transcript cuts off before the committee’s final action on HB 700.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to be present today, but reserve my right to, we're going to vote on this again, so I'm present
• Obviously, I reserve my right to vote differently depending on what the final bill looks like, but I'm
• I also have a lot of questions I still want answered, so I definitely reserve my right to change the
• Obviously, reserve my right to vote differently, depending on what the final bill looks like, but I'm
• I also have a lot of questions I still want answered, so definitely reserve my right to change the vote

Summary: The committee heard several appropriations and policy bills, beginning with HB 263, which would appropriate $1.5 million to fund the Independent Correctional Oversight Office. Representative Blackman argued the office is needed to address serious problems in the Department of Corrections, including lawsuits, staffing shortages, injuries, and safety concerns, and said he was open to shifting existing dollars to cover the cost. A supportive witness from Justice Action Network said the funding would make the oversight office operational and is a small investment compared with the department’s overall budget. The bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 17-1 vote. The committee then considered HB 2993, as amended, which would let the Department of Public Safety spend money on legal services independent of the Attorney General and move $5 million from the Consumer Protection/Consumer Fraud Revolving Fund to the Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission Fund. Speaker Montenegro said the bill was intended to support law enforcement and shift resources toward frontline public safety work. The amendment changed the destination of the $5 million from the Peace Officers Training Fund to GITEM, and the bill passed 11-7. HB 2271 followed, dealing with firefighter cancer insurance reimbursement and rate deviations for insurers. Witnesses described it as a technical, unfinished consensus measure meant to bring fire districts into the existing cancer reimbursement structure without changing claim handling for firefighters. Members repeatedly noted more work was needed, but the bill still received a do-pass recommendation on a 16-1-1 vote. HB 2416 appropriated $20 million to DPS for local border support, including law enforcement positions, prosecution and detention costs, and equipment. Sheriffs and the Arizona Sheriffs Association testified in support, saying the funding has been used for drug interdiction, fentanyl seizures, and joint task forces, while opponents argued the money should go elsewhere. The bill passed 11-6-1. HB 2692, a procurement bill, would create or revise rules for construction delivery methods, including one-step competition and progressive design-build for federally funded public infrastructure projects. Construction and procurement stakeholders said it was a long-negotiated consensus measure, while some members worried about taxpayer risk and wanted more information; it passed 10-7-1. The committee also amended and passed HB 2478, which creates the Arizona Commission on Student Outcomes and funds it with Classroom Site Fund dollars to study K-12 accountability, standards, graduation requirements, early childhood education, and a possible trade pathways diploma. Supporters said Arizona needs a broader conversation about student outcomes and school accountability, while opponents questioned the funding source and whether the work should instead be done by existing education agencies. The amended bill passed 11-7. Finally, HB 4044 was introduced to create a Public Safety Parity Fund for DPS and Corrections salaries using proceeds from forfeited digital assets and interest from the Budget Stabilization Fund; the sponsor and a troopers association witness said it would help address long-standing pay parity and vacancy problems, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• self-supporting debt that allows it to go to the water board and get a lower interest rate, have less reserves
• We do have some expert witnesses, and I'm happy to answer any questions and reserve my right to close
• I too can answer any questions, and I reserve my right to close.
• I'm happy to answer questions that the committee might have, uh, and I respectfully reserve the right
• So for example, the surety bond, for example, having reserves.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone voting with reservations? Any nos? Recommendation is adopted. So thank you very much.
• Anyone voting with reservations? Any nos? Recommendation is adopted. Thank you.
• Any reservations? Recommendation is adopted.
• Any reservations? Recommendation is adopted.
• Any reservations? Recommendation is adopted. And with that, the 110 calendar is adjourned.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Higher Education hearing took up HB 441 HD2, a measure to increase cigarette taxes and dedicate the revenue to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. The Department of Taxation said it had no substantive objection but requested an effective date of January 1, 2026 if tax rates change so it can order new stamps. The Department of Health, the Deputy Attorney General/tobacco enforcement, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Hawaii Medical Association, and several other health organizations and youth advocates supported the bill, arguing that higher cigarette prices reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and help fund cancer research and care. Several supporters asked for a larger increase, including at least $1 per pack, while opponents from retail, wholesale, and tobacco-related groups argued the tax would be regressive, burden low-income smokers, and drive sales to the illicit market. The Tax Foundation and other opponents also criticized reliance on sin taxes and said smoking rates are already at historic lows. After testimony and questions, members discussed how the revenue should be used and whether higher taxes change smoker behavior or push people toward vaping or other alternatives. The chairs announced they would pass HB 441 HD2 with amendments, replacing the contents with SB 528 SD1 except for changes reflecting the Department of Taxation’s request and a provision directing all proceeds from the tax increase to the Hawaii Cancer Center’s debt reduction, with an effective date of December 31, 2025. The House Health, Human Services, and Higher Education committees then voted to adopt the recommendation; the Health, Human Services committee vote was adopted with Chair and several members voting aye and one member voting no in the Higher Education committee vote. The hearing also briefly covered HB 1334 on meat donation, which drew support from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, food industry, and community groups, though no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1098 on crimes against protective services workers. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying assaults on protective services workers can have chilling effects and deserve stronger deterrence; a committee question raised whether the bill should instead be part of a broader, more proactive approach to assault statutes. The Department of Human Services also described safety steps such as panic buttons and phone apps for social workers. The excerpt ends before any final vote on HB 1098.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joe joined the United States Naval Reserve in July 1964, at the age of 17.
• Inspections and structural integrity reserve studies are now being completed, and with each milestone
• Inspections and structural integrity reserve studies are now being completed, and with each milestone
• The Senate bill provides... ...most needed repairs, before beginning to reserve for future needs.
• Another difference regards investment of reserves.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, and a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Senators also paid tribute to former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron with a moment of silence. The chamber then moved to special-order bills after routine announcements that no committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk. The first major bill, SB 138/HB 687 on transportation offenses involving death, increased penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide offenses and added warnings and misdemeanor penalties for refusing lawful breath or urine tests. After a brief amendment and questions about attorney rights and prior impairing-substance language, the bill passed 37-0. SB 306 on Medicaid providers followed, requiring broader provider access, including after-hours availability and more primary care access for Medicaid enrollees; it also passed 37-0. The chamber then took up the major condominium reform bill, SB 1742/HB 913, addressing post-Surfside safety, reserve funding, milestone inspections, budgeting, reserve flexibility, manager regulation, conflicts of interest, and condo sale rescission periods. Senators from both parties praised the sponsors for extensive stakeholder work and the bill passed 37-0 after multiple amendments. The final major item was SB 7016/HB 1205 on constitutional amendments and petition-gathering rules, with sponsors arguing the bill was needed to combat fraud in the 2024 petition process and opponents warning it would burden citizen initiatives. The Senate adopted the House bill and then considered numerous amendments on petition circulator rules, submission deadlines, invalid-signature thresholds, voter notification, and related enforcement provisions; several amendments were adopted, and the substitute was later withdrawn, leaving the chamber to continue on the underlying bill and remaining amendments.