Transcript Highlights:

• And I know that our acting chairperson has talked to, I think, the Minister of Primary Industry or Minister
• of Primary Industry about establishing an MOU.
• think, the chairperson has talked to, I think, the Minister<00:18:12.720><c> of</c><00:18:13.000><c> Primary
• </c><00:18:13.800><c> Industry</c><00:18:14.520><c> or</c> Minister of Primary Industry or Minister of
• Primary Industry or um<00:18:15.880><c> about</c><00:18:16.840><c> uh</c><00:18:17.280><c> establishing

Bills: SCR184 , SCR169 , SCR47 , SCR57 , SCR170 , SCR163 , SCR189

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: SCR184, Senate Concurrent Resolution 184, Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, HCRC, civil rights, anti-discrimination, algorithmic decision making, automated decision making, artificial intelligence, AI bias, machine learning, employment screening, tenant screening, housing discrimination, credit decisions, lending discrimination, public benefits eligibility, state services, equal opportunity, algorithmic discrimination

Summary: The committee met in Room 430 on April 17 at 8:30 a.m. and heard several resolutions focused on Hawaii’s sister-state and international relationships. Measures discussed included SCR 184, SCR 169 SD1, SCR 47, SCR 57 SD1, SCR 170 SD1, and SCR 163 SD1. Testimony generally supported expanding or formalizing ties with Japanese prefectures and other partners, including Yamaguchi, Okayama, and Aotearoa/New Zealand, as well as maintaining the Hawaii-Taiwan relationship. DBED’s Dennis Ling explained that sister-state agreements provide a framework for broader government, nonprofit, and private-sector relationships, and cited existing exchanges in transportation, health, education, culinary rice development, biosecurity, and food innovation. Catherine Stanway of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife supported the Aotearoa measure for predator control, biosecurity, and conservation cooperation. Jerry Chang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office testified in support of the Taiwan resolution, noting 33 years of sister-state ties and ongoing cooperation in education, culture, economy, and disaster management. One witness raised a concern about language in SCR 57 SD1 related to double taxation, saying that portion did not relate to the sister-state relationship, but the committee chose not to amend the measure to avoid possible delay or conference issues. A committee member also asked about how sister-state relationships work and whether other states have similar country-level arrangements; Ling said Hawaii has an MOU with Israel and mentioned Singapore as another possible partner, while noting that such arrangements often depend on the governor and are not standardized across states. After testimony, the committee voted to recommend passage of all measures as is. SCR 184, SCR 169 SD1, SCR 47, SCR 57 SD1, SCR 170 SD1, and SCR 163 SD1 were all adopted by the committee without amendments. Some members were excused during the hearing, and the meeting adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• disabilities, did extraordinary work, and Senator Wicklund making sure there was additional funding put into primary
• 03:48.959><c> into</c> there was additional funding put into there was additional funding put into primary
• 50.159><c> with</c><00:03:50.400><c> our</c><00:03:50.640><c> f</c><00:03:50.959><c> federally</c> primary
• care with our f federally primary care with our f federally qualified<00:03:51.840><c> health</c><00
• this session knowing we had to balance the budget, and because we're in the majority, that's our primary

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no debate, Senator Leak, you're recognized to close on your bill. I'll waive close.
• Seeing no debate, Senator Wright, you're recognized to close. Waive close.
• Seeing no debate, Senator Wright, you're recognized to close. Waive close.
• I think it's best to say waive close, and you can waive close. Senator Wright waives close.
• Now, Senator Grohl, you recognize to close on the delete all amendment. Weave close.

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Closing the water's edge loophole is projected to bring in three...
• Closing the water's edge loophole is projected to bring in $3 billion to our state.
• Closing the water's edge loophole is projected to bring in $3 billion to our state.
• Closing this loophole will ensure our system works for everyone, and we look forward to working with
• And I think if we can close this tax loophole, increase the funding, And just another reason to come

Summary: The joint informational hearing examined California’s taxation of multinational corporations, especially the Water’s Edge election versus worldwide combined reporting. Chairs opened by framing the issue as a review of whether current rules fairly and sufficiently tax foreign subsidiary income, given profit shifting concerns, budget pressures, and the long history since Water’s Edge was adopted in the 1980s. The first panel from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and Franchise Tax Board explained the mechanics of unitary taxation, apportionment, and the Water’s Edge election, and provided filing data showing Water’s Edge filers are a small share of returns but account for a large share of corporate tax liability. FTB witnesses said the agency already administers both methods and could handle a shift to mandatory worldwide reporting with education and outreach, though revenue estimates are difficult because foreign affiliate information is not directly available. Committee members asked about foreign government pushback, administrative burden, industries with more profit shifting, revenue uncertainty, and whether companies would leave California. LAO and FTB witnesses said pushback from foreign governments was plausible, but they did not expect major business flight because California’s tax is largely based on sales rather than physical presence. They also said worldwide reporting could reduce profit shifting but might increase revenue volatility and litigation risk. A second panel of academic and tax policy witnesses argued that Water’s Edge is a loophole that rewards aggressive tax planning, that worldwide combined reporting would better capture income tied to California, and that modern federal and international rules such as NCTI/GILTI, CAMT, and Pillar Two reduce compliance concerns and make a return to worldwide reporting more feasible. They also said California’s current system can create selection effects and may under-tax large multinationals. In the next panel, a California Budget and Policy Center witness urged eliminating the Water’s Edge election, calling it a costly loophole that benefits large global corporations over smaller domestic businesses and deprives the state of billions in revenue that could support health care and other services. A Silicon Valley Leadership Group witness gave historical context for why Water’s Edge was adopted and began outlining concerns about compliance, double taxation, and the risk of overreaching beyond income truly connected to California. No bill was voted on or advanced; the hearing was informational only, with members using the testimony to weigh the policy trade-offs and possible transition periods if the Legislature were to change the current rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, do something that's meaningful for them in the community, to be able to give respite to primary
• caregivers at home to it you to primary caregivers at home to it you know<00:34:31.200><c> to</c><00
• Our team works closely with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Department of Public Safety, the
• </c><01:37:34.360><c> care</c><01:37:34.679><c> provider</c> that tends to be a primary care provider
• that tends to be a primary care provider maybe<01:37:35.760><c> it's</c><01:37:35.880><c> an</c><01:

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no debate, you're recognized to close? I'll waive to close.
• Senator Sharief, you are recognized to close. Wave closed, Mr. Chair.
• Seeing no debate, you are recognized to close. Wave closed.
• Seeing no debate, you recognize, close. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We have closed. We have closed.
• You recognize to close. We have closed. Robin, would you please call the roll?

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you like to close?
• Would you like to close? Yes, Mr.
• I would like to close. Yes, Mr.
• Maybe I'll take that as a close.
• Is that your close? No. Oh, okay, go ahead. My close is going to be very brief.

Summary: The committee heard several bills and took action on a number of them. SB 1234 by Senator Alvarado-Gil would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; there was no opposition, a committee member confirmed it would apply to caregivers rather than children, and the bill was supported for moving forward. SB 1257 by Senator Arreguín would require the Attorney General to publish an annual public report on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations such as schools, hospitals, courthouses, and places of worship; supporters from immigrant advocacy and health groups testified about fear and chilling effects in communities, while questions focused on how data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 by Senator Choi would bar foreign adversary entities from buying California agricultural land; supporters cited national security concerns, but committee members pressed on enforcement, straw buyers, and who would be responsible for identifying prohibited purchasers, and the bill was held on a 2-4 vote after debate. The committee also heard SB 1146 by Senator Gonzalez, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, describing deepfake health ads as deceptive and harmful; it passed the committee 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 988 by Senator Grayson would regulate auto glass insurance practices by restricting assignment of benefits, requiring claim numbers and itemized estimates, and addressing steering and billing practices; supporters said it would curb fraud and stabilize premiums, while independent glass businesses worried about steering and market concentration. After discussion of consumer choice and small-business impacts, the bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 1288, presented by Senator Grayson on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make a good-faith effort to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would reduce barriers to claiming those assets, especially for nonprofits. Nonprofit witnesses described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements, while SIFMA and bankers opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactivity and verification. The bill passed 8-0 to call. The committee also heard SB 941 by Senator Padilla, which would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; the Attorney General’s office and immigrant advocates supported it as a response to exploitative pricing and poor conditions, and it passed 8-0 to call. Finally, SB 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors opposed the fee and penalty structure as uncapped and costly. The bill was moved forward on a vote and remained on call after committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're tracking them closely on our data tool.
• Or is this a closed process?
• Its primary use and purpose allow us to Its primary use and purpose allow us to compare school to school
• The significance of the test scores is that the scale score is a primary score, the primary interpretive
• At this time, I think we're pretty close to...

Committee: Joint Education Committee

Summary: The meeting focused heavily on dual credit programming across North Dakota, with presentations from Valley City State University, Lake Region State College, Fargo Public Schools, and teachers from West Fargo and Drake-Anamoose. Speakers described dual credit as a way to give high school students college-level rigor, reduce future tuition costs, and help students explore academic and career pathways. Several presenters emphasized that strong local relationships between colleges and school districts are central to program quality, especially in rural areas where access to advanced coursework can be limited. Valley City State University outlined its quality-control model, including annual teacher trainings, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty evaluations, qualification standards, school visits, and a goal of building 24-credit College Studies Certificates. The university reported about 504 students in the fall and 559 in the spring, with roughly 5,539 projected credit hours and about 130 students expected to earn the 24-credit certificate. Members asked about faculty qualifications, online versus in-person delivery, student retention, revenue, and whether a more centralized statewide model might be more efficient; the presenter said centralization could reduce duplication but might weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College described a broader regional model, with about 913 dual credit students last fall across 44 school districts, roughly half of them taking online college courses and half taking face-to-face courses taught by qualified high school teachers serving as adjuncts. The college said it has paid for graduate credits to help teachers meet credentialing requirements and reimburses districts for teacher support and materials. Fargo Public Schools reported 50 dual credit courses through multiple higher-ed partners, 1,571 enrollments, and a 12.61% increase in participation, while also raising concerns about inconsistent registration systems, credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity across institutions. Teachers from West Fargo and Drake-Anamoose reinforced the value of dual credit, while noting concerns about retention in foundational science courses and the importance of maintaining rigor and support for students.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:13.839><c> and</c> they happen being that close to it. and they happen being that close to
• </c><00:50:56.960><c> Closing</c><00:50:57.359><c> comments.</c> Mr. Chair. Closing comments. Mr.
• Closing comments. Representative<00:50:58.559><c> Elkins.
• c> way</c><01:04:38.559><c> that</c> Rebates are the primary way that Rebates are the primary way that
• </c> Representative Elkins, closing comments. Representative Elkins, closing comments.

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:41.919><c> We</c> Seeing none, testimony is closed. We Seeing none, testimony is closed.
• All right, one closing question before we wrap up.
• Maki to close us out on questions.
• It's primary treatment.
• And so, in closing, I'm for um farms.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The task force held its first meeting, beginning with roll call and introductions of members and participants in the room and on Zoom. The chair emphasized Sunshine Law transparency, noted the meeting was on September 11, and opened public testimony on the orientation report. No one testified in person or on Zoom, and the chair observed a moment of silence in remembrance of 9/11 before moving into the agenda. The chair then reported on several orientation presentations given statewide between July 18 and September 5, including meetings with transit-oriented development, the Maui Chamber of Commerce, the Kona-Kohala Chamber, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce on Hawaiʻi Island, the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce, the Hawaiʻi Island Native Hawaiian Chamber, and the Capo Chamber of Commerce. The main presentation item was a detailed overview from Kauaʻi County on its permitting process. County staff explained that zoning and building permits are handled separately on the outer islands, with zoning focused on form, character, and compatibility, and building permits focused on health and safety. They described a two-tier zoning system: ministerial permits that are automatically approved if not acted on within 30 days, and discretionary permits that go to the planning commission and can become lengthy contested cases if there is intervention. They also discussed special management area review in coastal areas, which can add time, and explained that building permits must conform to what was approved in zoning. Kauaʻi County staff also outlined the building permit process, including online and in-person submission, coordination with planning, engineering, water, wastewater, health, and fire agencies, and the county’s fully electronic review system using ProjectDox and related software. They noted that applicants are encouraged to check zoning, water, wastewater, and floodplain issues before hiring someone to prepare plans, especially for homeowners. The county shared permit and utility statistics and said the public can check permit history through Click2Gov. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided; after the Kauaʻi presentation, the chair opened a question period for members.

Transcript Highlights:

• What the primary objective of this legislation is, it establishes a study committee that's tasked with
• University Governance Study Commission. what<00:03:26.159><c> the</c><00:03:26.400><c> primary</c><00
• :03:26.800><c> objective</c><00:03:27.280><c> of</c><00:03:27.519><c> this</c> what the primary objective
• of this what the primary objective of this legislation<00:03:28.480><c> is.

Committee: Joint Universities and Colleges

Keywords: Universities and Colleges - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 4:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's probably this office's primary goal: it's an independent oversight authority that would make
• office</c><00:02:30.440><c> is</c><00:02:31.000><c> uh</c><00:02:31.360><c> the</c><00:02:31.480><c> primary
• </c> probably this office is uh the primary probably this office is uh the primary goal<00:02:32.280>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or</c><00:10:32.680><c> you're</c> uh closing a brief closing or you're uh closing a brief closing or
• </c> called me and said the road was closed called me and said the road was closed it<00:15:42.040><c
• </c> have construction going on that closes have construction going on that closes down<00:20:34.120>
• Do you have any closing comments before—no closing comments?
• Do you have any closing comments before—no closing comments?

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh session on House Bill 1457 is closed.
• </c><01:50:22.080><c> So</c> really close. So really close.
• <01:54:39.599><c> on</c><01:54:39.760><c> House</c> close the executive session on House close the executive
• It's close to us.
• Just watch closely.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, Chair recognizes Chairman Ashby to close. I close. Thank you, members. Thank you.
• McLaughlin, do you close? I close. We'll see you later. Thank you for being here. The committee...
• McLaughlin, do you close? I close. We'll see you later. Thank you for being here.
• Seeing none, close. You close. Thank you. All right.
• Seeing none, Chair recognizes Representative Martinez to close. And I close.

Bills: HB48 , HB66 , HB68 , HB71 , HB75 , HB164 , HB171 , HB254 , SB3 , SB18 , HB123 , HB149 , HB117

Committee: House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Keywords: HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert, Silver Alert, Blue Alert, missing persons alerts, accessible alerts, hearing impaired

Summary: The committee met in special session to hear a series of flood, preparedness, and youth-camp safety bills, with members repeatedly noting that many of the measures were intended as planning, warning, or authority-clarifying bills rather than direct spending bills. House Bill 254 would expand eligibility for the Rural Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program to include Kerr County and 18 other flood-affected counties by raising the GDP cap and lowering the poverty threshold; it drew no opposition and was left pending. House Bill 68 would direct a study of flood mitigation in flatland areas, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, to develop cost-effective drainage and infrastructure recommendations; local officials and advocates supported it, and it was also left pending. The committee then heard several youth camp bills tied to the recent Hill Country flooding. House Bill 75 would impose flood-aware building and site standards for youth camps near floodplains, and House Bill 71 would require camps and youth activity entities to submit emergency preparedness plans to TDEM, coordinate with local responders, and maintain readiness protocols; both bills were supported by safety advocates and camp representatives, and both were left pending. House Bill 171 would require campgrounds near flood-prone waters to give written flood-risk notice to campers and obtain signed acknowledgment; it was presented as informed consent and left pending. Testimony on these bills emphasized Camp Mystic and other recent flood tragedies, with some witnesses urging broader building-code and floodplain reforms. The committee also heard House Bill 117, which would let counties regulate impervious cover for flood mitigation in unincorporated areas. Supporters, including county officials, environmental groups, and residents, argued that rapid development in the Hill Country and other growing areas is worsening runoff and downstream flooding; opponents from the builders’ association said counties already have substantial authority and warned about overreach into rural property use. After extensive testimony, the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 18 would streamline permitting for certain flood control districts to repair dams and reservoirs and build small holding areas, and it was left pending after supportive testimony from Plum Creek Conservation District. Senate Bill 3 would create a state-backed outdoor flood warning siren program for identified flood-prone areas, funded through a grant program; witnesses generally supported it, though some cautioned that sirens are not sufficient by themselves and may not be heard indoors or in overnight storms. It too was left pending. The committee also began hearing House Bill 149 on public-safety radio interoperability, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s full testimony or action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:19.879><c> comments</c> the yes all right any closing comments the yes all right any closing
• Any closing comments?
• Representative Hollins was on the list, and we'll let you close.
• any closing comments representative any closing comments representative Johnson<01:40:49.599><c> no</
• </c> before we come back to this bill closing before we come back to this bill closing comments<02:09

Bills: HF1082 , HF1042 , HF1295 , HF1686 , HF1998 , HF1775 , HF1163

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: public safety, law enforcement, mental health, domestic violence, appropriations, criminal justice, Minnesota corrections, victim services, task force, personal safety, Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers, law enforcement oversight, Minnesota National Guard, U.S. armed forces, military installation, armory, air base

Transcript Highlights:

• As I like to say when we're so close to the weekend, I'm delighted that y'all were able to join us.
• And then both Senator Miranda and I have had a slew of close family member deaths in also the last six
• You know, I think there was sort of a public announcement yesterday that Methuen is planning to close
• , I believe it was Peabody, was closing their center, and Brockton as well.
• Similarly, we talked about the closing of the birthing centers that are happening.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met to reopen its work for the year, with roll call and attendance confirmations followed by remarks from the co-chairs and members. Senator Liz Miranda stepped down as co-chair, citing multiple responsibilities and personal losses, and Senator Adam Gomez was welcomed as the new Senate co-chair. Gomez said he would listen and learn from commissioners and advocates, and both outgoing and incoming leaders emphasized continuing the commission’s work on maternal health, postpartum depression, and equity. Members discussed several current policy and implementation issues. The Department of Public Health reported a new regulation to implement the 2024 midwifery access law, including temporary licenses for licensed certified professional midwives. Commissioners also raised concerns about birthing hospital and inpatient obstetric unit closures, OB-GYN workforce shortages, reimbursement changes, and the need to expand midwifery, doula, and birth center capacity. Other topics included substance use and perinatal mental health supports, the limited $220,000 appropriation for community-based perinatal mental health organizations, and the need for stronger funding in the budget to implement the maternal health law. The commission also focused on future priorities and information sharing. Members suggested more presentations from clinicians, regulators, infant and early childhood mental health experts, and PSI of Massachusetts; greater attention to parent-child relational health and postpartum screening in pediatric settings; and possible commission action such as a letter to the governor on workforce and access issues. The group agreed that there was not enough time to plan a May event and instead would use the commission to publicize related events, including Black Maternal Health Week activities. Commissioners voted to create a biweekly digest for sharing updates, with urgent items to be sent by email, and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• They got you. >> Close the machine, Madam Clerk. >> There's a quorum present, Mr.
• </c> Close machine, Madam Clerk. Close machine, Madam Clerk.
• Close machine, Madam Clerk. By vote of 121 yeas, zero nays, the bill passes.
• Close<00:21:43.160><c> machine,</c><00:21:43.480><c> Madam</c><00:21:43.680><c> Clerk.
• </c> Close machine, Madam Clerk. Close machine, Madam Clerk.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 14 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We give you the right to close. Thank you, members. I close. Let's just stay right there.
• We recognize you to close. Thank you, Chairman and members. I close.
• Chair, I recognize you to close. With that, Speaker, I close. Thank you for being no objection.
• I'd be happy to close.
• Wait, are you going to close? Can I also close?

Bills: HB341 , HB791 , HB1564 , HB1695 , HB1722 , HB1729 , HB1772 , HB2003 , HB2954 , HB2989 , HB3084 , HB3134 , HB3135 , HB3309 , HB3611 , HB3679 , HB3727 , HB3832

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates

Transcript Highlights:

• But<01:10:55.200><c> the</c><01:10:55.320><c> primary</c><01:10:55.840><c> concern</c><01:10:56.400><
• concern that I have with But the primary concern that I have with this<01:10:57.280><c> bill</c><01:
• He said that was close to 40 years ago and that it still has not been properly fulfilled, and is not
• So, I want you to close your eyes and imagine that this envelope is a plastic box. Hm.
• So, I want you to close your eyes and imagine that this envelope is a plastic box. Hm.

Keywords: 981, all