Video & Transcript : 'rules committee' :
Page 268 of 500
TX
Texas 89th Regular
89th Legislative Session - Second Called Session Aug 21st, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I move to suspend the 24-hour posting rule to permit the Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding
- Well, if it's a rule... Right. They can modify their own rules.
- committee is not done.
- This committee is important.
- I move to suspend the 24-hour posting rule to permit the Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and
Keywords:
youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Labor & Workplace Standards Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Members of the committee, for the record, Trudus Tango, staff to the committee.
- Trudus Tango, staff to the committee.
- Trudis Tango, staff to the committee.
- So the bill passed this committee.
- If the committee wants to...”
Summary:
The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee held public hearings on several Department of Labor and Industries request bills and related workplace measures. Senate Bill 6039 would allow L&I to send notices electronically with an opt-out option; Senator Curtis King and L&I supported it as a simple modernization and the committee heard no opposition. Senate Bill 6136 would require L&I to publish actuarially indicated workers’ compensation rates and explain when rates are capped below those levels; Senator King and employer groups described it as a transparency bill, while L&I said it would disclose how reserve funds and rate caps affect different classes. Senate Bill 6188 would expand L&I’s authority over asbestos certification rulemaking beyond rules specifically required to match federal standards; Senator Victoria Hunt and L&I argued this would strengthen worker safety and training, while the Building Industry Association raised concern about diverging from federal rules and asked for narrower authority. Senate Bill 6014 would create a Public Records Act exemption for people involved in pregnancy-accommodation complaints or investigations and fix a cross-reference in last year’s pregnancy accommodation law; Senator T’wina Nobles and Moms Rising said it would restore intended protections and privacy for pregnant and postpartum workers.
The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 6058, which would give L&I discretion to investigate wage complaints under the Wage Payment Act and assess penalties for willful violations when it initiates an investigation; L&I supported the bill and noted a House amendment to reduce costs and avoid conflict with another wage-recovery measure. For Senate Bill 6136, hospitality, construction, and self-insured employer representatives all supported the measure as a transparency step, with the self-insurers noting the impact of PTSD presumptive claims on rate classes. For Senate Bill 6188, L&I said the bill would let the department set stronger certification standards for asbestos workers and supervisors, while BIAW argued the bill should be limited to specific EPA model standards rather than removing the current statutory limitation.
In executive session, the committee took action on five bills. On Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5061, which requires annual prevailing-wage adjustments in public works contracts, an amendment allowing change orders for wage increases over 5% failed, a one-year effective-date delay was adopted, and the bill passed 7-2 as amended. Substitute Senate Bill 5874, allowing ESD to waive penalties for minor unemployment-insurance reporting errors, passed 9-0. Senate Bill 5944, making missed-appointment payments part of bargained compensation for language access providers, passed 9-0. Substitute Senate Bill 5972, expanding binding interest arbitration for correctional officers in city and county jails, rejected two amendments that would have limited the binding effect and required consideration of local fiscal ability, then passed 8-1. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6302, addressing misclassification of independent contractors on public works projects, passed 9-0. The committee then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Utility executive compensation 3/17/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Welcome to committee. Go ahead, get yourselves settled. Welcome to committee.
- Welcome to committee.
- Thank you committee. million per year. Thank you committee.
- </c> bright line rule.
- That bright line rule bright line rule.
Summary:
The committee heard House File 76, as amended by the adopted A1 amendment, and the chair moved the bill to be re-referred to the general register. The bill would limit the amount investor-owned utilities can charge ratepayers for executive compensation, capping recoverable pay for the top 10 executives at the governor’s salary. Representative Greenman argued the measure would protect customers from paying for lavish executive pay and said it would not affect what executives are paid, only what can be recovered from ratepayers. She cited recent Public Utilities Commission action and ongoing rate cases as evidence the issue is real and recurring.
Supportive testimony came from a Minneapolis resident describing financial hardship and rising utility bills, a local worker who said customers have no choice of utility provider and should not fund monopoly executive pay, and advocates from the Energy and Policy Institute and Utility Reform Now, who said ratepayers should not subsidize excessive compensation and that the bill is a targeted reform. Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy opposed the bill’s premise by defending the current regulatory process. Their representatives said the PUC already reviews executive compensation in rate cases, generally allows only limited recovery, and has used that process for decades. Xcel also emphasized its affordability programs and said executives help secure savings and investments for customers.
Members discussed whether the legislature should set a bright-line rule or leave the issue to the PUC. Representative Greenman said the bill is needed because the PUC process can take years and the legislature should establish a clear standard for all investor-owned utilities. Some members supported the bill as a response to an affordability crisis and the lack of consumer choice, while others said the legislature should focus on broader energy-cost issues and existing regulatory tools. The committee did not take a final vote on the bill in the portion of the meeting provided, but the amendment was adopted and the bill was moved for re-referral to the general register.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Environment and Natural Resources Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources will now come to order.
- So it's very elaborate, it's very technical, same rules apply.
- So it's very elaborate, it's very technical, same rules apply.
- the rule is finished. ...requirements as laid out by the statute until the rule is finished, revises
- Is there any other business before our committee today?
Summary:
The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and approved several bills. SB 636 by Sen. Leek would create additional pathways for counties and municipalities to obtain critically eroded beach or area of critical state concern designations, with the sponsor and supporters describing it as a forward-looking beach management approach that could improve access to state and federal funding. Questions focused on whether the bill imposed an unfunded mandate and how it would affect existing designations; the sponsor said it was voluntary and not retroactive. Pepper Uchino of the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association supported the proactive concept but stressed that funding remains the central issue. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee also considered CS/SB 544 by Sen. Truenow, which transfers the Golf Course Best Management Practices Certification Program from DEP to FDACS. The sponsor said the move would improve continuity and encourage more golf courses to enroll in BMPs, while maintaining existing environmental requirements and enforcement through DEP if problems arise. Senator Smith and an opponent from the Florida Springs Council questioned whether golf courses are truly agricultural and raised concerns about water quality protections and possible tax or land-use implications; supporters from the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association said the bill does not change taxation or existing nutrient reporting requirements. After a technical amendment, the bill was reported favorably, with Senator Smith voting no.
CS/SB 848 by Sen. Truenow, dealing with stormwater treatment and water quality enhancement areas, was also amended and reported favorably. The sponsor said the bill clarifies the difference between permanent, secured water quality credits and stormwater allocations, and the amendment would allow WQEAs to address new stormwater rule requirements until rulemaking is complete and make public-land reviews forward-looking only. A representative of Resource Environmental Solutions supported the measure and said it would help create a reliable market for water quality credits. The committee then approved CS/SB 546 by Vice Chair Mayfield, which strengthens public notice requirements for the sale or exchange of state conservation lands and extends similar notice requirements to water management districts; conservation groups and Sen. Smith supported the bill as a transparency measure. Finally, DEP presented its State Park Amenities Report, estimating nearly $759 million in repair and maintenance needs over 10 years and $1.39 billion in contemplated new construction and development across the state park system. The committee took no further action and adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 4/7/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And there's always exceptions to the rules, which is why we have a rules committee.
- </c> rules, which is why we have a rules rules, which is why we have a rules committee. committee. committee
- You know, I did talk to members of the rules committee about this and the potential of seeing a post-deadline
- You know, I did talk to members of the rules committee about this and the potential of seeing a post-deadline
- You know, I did talk to members of the rules committee about this and the potential of seeing a post-deadline
Committee:
House Commerce Finance and Policy
Keywords:
data broker, data brokerage, consumer privacy, personal data, data privacy, Minnesota attorney general, registration, public registry, civil penalties, enforcement, special revenue fund, privacy rights, data sales, data collection, consumer protection, chapter 325M, controller, processor, data broker registry, transparency
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, the bill, when we moved the bill out of committee, out of the Judiciary Committee, we had intended
- ,</c> when we moved the bill out of committee, when we moved the bill out of committee, out<00:10:55.600
- The Senate Committee on Agriculture and the Environment held a joint hearing with the Committee on Commerce
- ><c> uh</c><00:13:43.519><c> I</c> the 2025 2026 rules of the Senate uh I the 2025 2026 rules of the
- </c> any hearing notices for committee any hearing notices for committee hearings<00:15:36.480><c> on
Bills:
SB2097 , SB2317 , SB2319 , SB2177 , SB2190 , SB2424 , SB2524 , SB2627 , SB3084 , SB895 , SB896 , SB3102 , SB3157 , SB3215 , SB2050 , SB2090 , SB2211 , SB2572 , SB2096 , SB2025 , SB2127 , SB2046 , SB2262 , SB2354 , SB2387 , SB2487 , SB2955 , SB3234 , SB2851 , SB2573 , SB2391 , SB3282 , SB3055 , SB2189 , SB2194 , SB3152 , SB2635 , SB888 , SB2203 , SCR1 , SCR2 , SCR3 , SCR4 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR7 , SCR8 , SCR9 , SCR10 , SCR11 , SCR12 , SCR13 , SCR14 , SCR15 , SCR16 , SCR17 , SCR18 , SCR19 , SCR20 , SCR21 , SCR22 , SR3 , SR5 , SR6 , SR7 , SR8 , SR9 , SR10 , SR11 , SR12 , SR13 , SR14 , SR15 , SR16 , SR17 , SR18 , SR19 , SB2010 , SB3118 , SB3276
Keywords:
sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, food system resilience, grant program, Hawaii agriculture, agriculture, insurance, small producers, state support, biosecurity, farm coverage, public-private partnerships, agricultural policy, grant funding, food security, climate resiliency, housing development, zoning exemption, government assistance, affordable housing
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There is a committee.
- The committee substitute, Senator Campbell sends up the committee substitute, Senate Bill 1058, Senator
- There is a committee substitute.
- The committee Thank you.
- Thank you, Chair, committee members.
Bills:
SB264 , SB542 , SB924 , SB1008 , SB1029 , SB1036 , SB1057 , SB1058 , SB1185 , SB1202 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1376 , SB1569 , SB1664 , SB1697 , SJR50
Committee:
Senate Business & Commerce
Keywords:
SB 264, Texas Workers' Compensation Act, group self-insurance, self-insured groups, workers' compensation, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, certificate of approval, guaranty fund, trust fund, wind down, dissolution, labor code, insurance regulation, employer coverage, risk pool, business and commerce, trade workforce economic development, property owners' association, water conservation
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Rules recommends the bill be properly considered.
- The Committee on Rules recommends the bill be properly considered.
- The Committee on Rules recommends the bill be properly considered.
- The Committee on Rules reports the following bill as properly before the Committee of the Whole.
- The Committee on Rules reports the following bill as properly before the Committee of the Whole: House
Summary:
The Senate met in floor session, began with prayer and the Pledge, approved the journal, received communications, and handled a return of Senate Bill 1456 from the House for reconsideration. Members then moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars, considering and amending bills on court fees, information technology, environmental quality, agricultural property inspections, property tax notices, veterans services, zoning and electric generation siting, fuel and gas resilience, and disturbing religious services. Several amendments were adopted, including changes to HB 2265 on criminal court fees, HB 2311 on conversational AI disclosures and privacy limits, HB 2986 on environmental quality/fuel resilience, HB 2104 and HB 2105 on agricultural property inspection rules, HB 2406 on veterans services, HB 2494 on electric generation siting and environmental compatibility, HB 2696 on fuel and gas prices, and HB 4117 on interference with religious services. Most of these bills were reported out of committee with do pass recommendations, though members raised concerns on HB 2311 and HB 4117 about privacy, free speech, and prosecutorial discretion.
The chamber then took up a long series of third readings and final votes. Bills passed included HB 2015 on single-audit compliance, HB 2041 on child neglect and poverty factors, HB 2048 on AHCCCS prescription drug coverage, HB 2417 on excessive speed, HB 2611 on child welfare, HB 2793 on annexation, HB 2950 on special districts, HB 2995 on family law, HB 4018 on county officers, HB 2404 on mental health services, HB 2279 on limitations of actions, HB 2502 on the state retirement system, HB 2733 and HB 2953 on pharmacy regulation, HB 2979 on credit unions, HB 4042 on parent-child relationship determinations, HB 4010 on health professional regulatory boards, HB 4043 on public schools, HB 4049 on the Attorney General, HB 2265 on court fees, HB 2311 on information technology, and HB 2986 on environmental quality. HB 2601 on state highways and routes failed. Several members explained votes on bills involving fiscal impacts, child welfare, road safety, annexation, and criminal justice concerns.
The Senate also adopted a group concurrence motion on several conference committee reports, including HB 2003, HB 2010, HB 2133, and HB 2874, and then voted on those measures. HB 2003 on driver’s license instruction permits, HB 2010 on advertising, HB 2133 on disclosure of sexual material and synthetic depictions, and HB 2874 on campaign committees and termination statements were all advanced after conference committee action, with debate on HB 2133 focusing on First Amendment and content-moderation concerns. The session ended with introduction of a large package of transportation-related appropriations bills and a motion to suspend certain committee notice rules for Appropriations to hear legislation and strike-everything amendments on short notice.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority -OMMA- Jan 7th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- These rules are implementing legislation that was passed during the 2025 session.
- I was gonna talk about some of the rule changes, but I'm gonna change it up a little bit.
- When the rule went into effect, it was very important that we do.
- My next comment is relating to microbial enrichment in the proposed rules.
- That's what you guys' rules say that we need to report. These results.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 31 Apr 2nd, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Report of committee.
- The Committee on Rules reports recommending that the following resolutions ought to be adopted: resolutions
- 12 to the Committee on Public Service.
- Report of committee.
- Rule 7A is suspended. Second reading of the bills. The ayes have it. Rule 7A is suspended.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 4/7/26
Rules and Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration will come to order. A quorum is present.
- I move the adoption of the calendar for the day pursuant to Rule 1.21 and 3.33.
- </c> calendar for the day pursuant to Rule calendar for the day pursuant to Rule 1.21<00:01:04.920><c
- </c><00:01:06.480><c> The</c><00:01:06.880><c> Committee</c><00:01:07.200><c> on</c><00:01:07.360><c>
- Rules</c> The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration will designate Thursday, April 9th,
Committee:
House Rules and Legislative Administration
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Executive Departments and Administration (03/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> uh honorable members of the committee uh honorable members of the committee especially<01:01:32.520
- The committee has his testimony.
- </c><02:02:04.280><c> his</c> out EMA the committee his out EMA the committee his testimony testimony
- </c><03:15:51.520><c> that</c><03:15:51.760><c> this</c> to the committee that this to the committee
- </c> that there was a nominating committee that there was a nominating committee within<04:27:26.800>
Summary:
The hearing focused on House Bill 610, which would fold the Office of the Consumer Advocate into the Department of Energy rather than fully eliminate consumer advocacy functions. The prime sponsor argued the current office is small, funded by a special assessment on ratepayers, and duplicative of DOE work. He said moving the function to DOE would streamline energy policy review, reduce bureaucracy, and better focus the larger agency on lowering residential energy costs. He also disputed claims that the Consumer Advocate is independent, saying the office is appointed through a political process similar to DOE leadership.
Committee members and the sponsor discussed whether the bill would actually relocate existing positions or replace them, and whether the Department of Energy would absorb the cost of the transferred staff. The sponsor said the fiscal note shows roughly a million-dollar reduction in both revenue assessment and spending, and that the bill would effectively reduce the office from five positions to three. He also defended his cost estimates for energy-code-related housing impacts and said the Consumer Advocate has sometimes supported policies he считает increase costs, such as energy-efficiency measures and building code changes. He argued the office should focus more on energy supply and generation, including natural gas and nuclear, rather than efficiency alone.
Representative Wendy Thomas testified in opposition, saying the Consumer Advocate is an important, fair, and impartial voice for ratepayers and warning that the bill was fiscally irresponsible because the incumbent could still be owed salary and benefits if the office were repealed. She also said the bill’s drafting was confusing and that the Consumer Advocate’s role is to push back on utilities on behalf of consumers. Other members raised questions about whether the DOE would simply inherit the same political appointment structure and whether the bill would meaningfully lower bills. No vote was taken in the excerpt; the chair indicated additional testimony would follow, and the Department of Energy was present to answer questions.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House DFL Media Availability 3/27/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That particular rule that we used last night to have the vote is not available after committee deadline
- It expires at committee deadline.
- Another one is the rule legislator.
- </c><00:09:08.480><c> Um</c> least one committee hearing. Um least one committee hearing.
- DFL</c><00:18:48.679><c> support</c> committee with unanimous DFL support committee with unanimous DFL
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- We have 49 home rule petitions and home rule petitions.
- , the co-chair of the committee, Becca Rausch.
- Last year it got reported favorably out of this committee, and it did get to the House Committee on Steering
- There was a letter to everybody, and everyone on the committee... ...committee, and thank you.
- Any questions from the committee?
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held its first hearing of the year and took testimony on a large slate of home rule petitions and related local bills. Early testimony focused on H. 2314 for the Dukes County Regional Lockup Fund, with supporters from Martha’s Vineyard saying the island’s lockup is essential to local policing and that the fund would be supported by town assessments rather than state money. The committee also heard support for S. 21, a Nantucket bill to amend the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission, and for several local governance measures including Akushnet’s charter change to remove a two-year waiting period for former officials taking appointed paid positions, Rochester’s governance reform bill defining the town administrator’s role, Berkeley’s proposal to convert the treasurer-collector position to an appointed office, Hanson’s permitting enforcement bill, and a Wellfleet bill authorizing a lease for the food pantry.
A major portion of the hearing centered on S. 21 for Nantucket, with witnesses sharply divided. Supporters argued the commission needs broader representation, more transparency, and a structure that better reflects town meeting votes, citing repeated town meeting approvals and frustration with delays in bringing reforms forward. Opponents, including current commission members and staff, said the existing commission is already working on its own reform proposal, that the bill was advanced without sufficient collaboration, and that elected seats and term limits would narrow participation and complicate the commission’s advisory role. Committee members questioned both sides about the town meeting process, the commission’s responsibilities, and the timing of competing proposals.
The committee also heard testimony in favor of a bill allowing the Cotuit Fire District to pursue source-water protection projects on private property with owner consent, citing concerns about aquifer contamination and rising treatment needs, and in support of legislation requiring AEDs, with a Norfolk County register of deeds describing the low cost and life-saving value of the devices. Another witness spoke in favor of a regional commission proposal for Middlesex County, arguing that local communities need stronger regional planning tools to address development and environmental pressures. No votes were taken on the bills during the hearing; the chair later read many additional bills into the record and then adjourned the meeting.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The Judiciary and Rules Committee reports to the Senate Journal that the proceedings of February 19,
- The Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that Senate Bills 1329 and 1330 have been correctly printed
- to the Judiciary and Rules Committee.
- Senate Bill 1330 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee. February 19, 2006.
- In the House of Representatives, House Bill 518 by the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee.
Summary:
The Senate convened with 27 members present, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The prayer highlighted George and Martha Washington as a model of devotion and public service. The journal from the prior meeting was read and approved as corrected.
In committee reports, several bills were advanced: Senate Bills 1329 and 1330 were printed and referred to committee; House Bill 512 was reported do pass from Commerce and Human Resources; Senate Bill 1285 was sent to the 14th order for possible amendment; Senate Bills 1294, 1314, and 1316 were reported do pass from Health and Welfare; and Senate Bill 1297 was reported do pass from State Affairs. The Senate also received House Bill 620 from the House, and enrolled House Bills 514 and 515 were noted as already signed by the President and to be returned to the House.
During first reading, the Senate introduced Senate Bills 1331 through 1335, covering appropriations reductions and fund transfers, virtual currency kiosk fraud prevention, the governor’s authority over active duty combat service of the organized militia, and revisions to state-supported medical student provisions. These bills were referred to Judiciary and Rules for printing. On second reading, House Bills 526, 531, and 624; Senate Bill 1288; House Bill 518; and Senate Bill 1257 were advanced to the third reading calendar. The Senate then moved to miscellaneous business, heard an announcement about remaining girls’ basketball tickets, and adjourned until 9:30 a.m. Monday, February 23, 2026.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Pensions will now come to order. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.
- Do any committee members have questions for the bill sponsor?
- I'm told that this reflects the rules of the Board of Trustees.
- I have not had opportunity to go through those rules.
- And then just be curious how those quorum rules and voting rules compare to other retirement systems
Committee:
House Pensions
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, May 14, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, by the direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 405 and ask for its immediate
- Last night, the Rules Committee met and produced a rule providing for consideration of three pieces of
- Last night in the Rules Committee, their Republican colleague noted that Republicans have not increased
- Last night in the Rules Committee, their Republican colleague noted that Republicans have not increased
- Last night in the Rules Committee, their Republican colleague noted that Republicans have not increased
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I serve on its executive committee, and I'm chair of the Law and Legislative Committee.
- Chairman, members of the committee, this is my first time addressing a legislative committee in my 25
- Chairman and committee members.
- The final rule for the backup power plan is a The final rule for the backup power plan is in front of
- It was passed overwhelmingly in this committee.
Committee:
House State Affairs
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL-HWN DEFER, WTL-PSM, WTL Public Hearings 02-03-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the Committee on Water and Land, and actually the Committee on Water, Land, and Housing, which
- is a tri-committee with Water, Land, and the Committee on Housing, which is decision-making only.
- Committee on Hawaiian Affairs today.
- the committee on housing Affairs today the committee on housing will<00:00:51.360><c> be</c><00:00:51.600
- </c><00:28:58.440><c> on</c> committee on SE on the committee on committee on SE on the committee on
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 534, a measure concerning development in Kakaʻako Makai involving the Hawaii Community Development Authority and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The chairs explained that the hearing was decision-making only and no testimony would be accepted, though members could ask clarifying questions. The chair outlined amendments to clarify HCDA’s approval process, require an environmental impact statement before residential development proposals are submitted, require Department of Health documentation on hazardous substances, and specify that only OHA-owned parcels would be eligible for certain residential development with a 400-foot height limit and maximum floor area ratio of 10.0. The amendments also addressed affordability, owner-occupancy, association fees, and a special fund, while noting Attorney General concerns that the fee could be construed as a tax and suggesting further review by Judiciary and Ways and Means.
Members discussed the affordability threshold, with one senator suggesting 160% AMI instead of 140% due to high housing costs and concern that essential workers could be priced out. Others raised concerns about Native Hawaiian affordability, the long-term effect of perpetuity restrictions, and whether the process would protect OHA’s interests. An HCDA representative said 140% AMI was used in existing reserve housing rules and that lower thresholds could make development economically infeasible. OHA and other supporters said the proposal was still early in planning and emphasized the need for public hearings, community input, and compliance with environmental and remediation standards. The committees voted to pass SB 534 with amendments: Water and Land approved it 4-1, and Hawaiian Affairs also adopted the chair’s recommendation, with one member excused and one voting no.
The meeting then moved to SB 3, relating to water resource management. The bill would authorize the Commission on Water Resource Management to retain independent legal counsel, create an executive director position, allow challenges to emergency orders under certain conditions, establish fines for water use offenses, and revise emergency and shortage declaration procedures; Red Hill-related provisions were noted as removed from this version. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DLNR, the Board of Water Supply, OHA, and Sierra Club, with OHA stressing the measure’s importance to Native Hawaiian water rights and past litigation. A Department of Hawaiian Home Lands representative supported the bill with amendments and recommended explicit language directing the commission chair or designee to advocate for water rights and reservations for homelands. The chair indicated the committees would use the prior Senate-passed version as the basis for further action, and the discussion then moved on to SB 130, a search-and-rescue reimbursement bill.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I told the Rules Committee this; I'll repeat it for you again.
- One amendment was adopted in the Rules Committee that would allow for an exception.
- for Senate Rules Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 261, the footer is 067.1.
- And I just want to flag, I think the paragraph that was put in the Rules Committee is critical.
- on the Senate Judiciary Committee substitute for the Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, misappropriation, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, racketeering, criminal penalties, New Mexico, public safety, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, election integrity, voter coercion, emergency procedures, polling place security