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:

• So, the primary purpose of that structure is a residence, and it is provided by the Game and Fish for
• So, the primary purpose of that structure is a residence, and it is provided by the Game and Fish for
• So, the primary purpose of that structure is a residence, and it is provided by the Game and Fish for
• So, the primary purpose of that structure is a residence, and it is provided by the Game and Fish for
• use is at the use and what its primary use is at the on<00:15:46.000><c> January</c><00:15:46.399><c

Bills: SF0024

Committee: Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources

Keywords: lottery, debit card payments, gambling regulations, state revenue, financial transactions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have released the RFP and we recently closed the initial response round.
• I can say that it has not closed yet, but the response window closes shortly.
• There are two primary programs supported by this funding.
• We see it as a pathway to close equity gaps. $100 million investment for dual enrollment.
• We see it as a pathway to close equity gaps.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the primary benefits of dual enrollment, again, is those pathways, and it expands the pie, the
• We have released the RFP and we recently closed the initial response round.
• I can say that that has not closed yet, but it closes shortly, the window for responses.
• We think it is a successful program, but we have had to work really closely with them.
• We see it as a pathway to close equity gaps.

Summary: The committee heard an update on the administration’s Career Education Master Plan and the new California Education Interagency Council. Administration and agency staff described efforts to better connect K-12, higher education, workforce, and data systems, including the California Cradle to Career Data System, e-Transcript California, and a proposed career passport. They emphasized regional coordination with workforce boards and community colleges, and said the new council’s immediate tasks are to hold its first meeting by the end of June, enter into a data-sharing MOU, and complete a strategic plan by the end of November. Members asked about the council’s authority, reporting requirements, and how it would relate to the broader Master Plan for Higher Education; staff said the council will make recommendations but does not have implementation authority. The committee then took up the Governor’s proposed $100 million one-time expansion of dual enrollment grants and related changes to instructional minute requirements. Finance and the Department of Education said the proposal would support middle college, early college, and CCAP programs, add technical assistance, prioritize high-need LEAs, and reduce the minimum instructional day for certain dual enrollment students from 240 to 180 minutes to ease scheduling barriers. The Chancellor’s Office strongly supported the investment, citing access, acceleration, and equity benefits, while the LAO recommended rejecting the funding, arguing the state already provides ongoing support and that the proposal does not address major barriers. Members raised questions about adult learners, A-G alignment, reporting on outcomes and expenditures, rural access, transportation, staffing, and whether the funding would create lasting program capacity. The item was left open after discussion. The committee also considered trailer bill language to align the definition of long-term English learners across data systems. Finance and CDE said the change would simplify identification by defining LTELs as students who have not attained English proficiency within seven years and RTELs as students not proficient within six years, matching the dashboard and research-based timelines. CDE said the current mismatch between dashboard and assessment definitions creates confusion and delays, while some members and advocates worried the change could reduce earlier intervention or should be handled through policy committees rather than the budget process. The committee voted to reject the proposal and refer it to policy, though the administration said it still supports the budget language. Finally, the committee heard a proposal to extend the Supporting Inclusive Practices project by one year, through June 30, 2027. CDE said the project is promising but raised concerns about the contract structure and fiscal management, while Marysville Joint Unified School District testified that SIP had helped expand inclusive preschool and district-wide practices and reduce reliance on more restrictive placements. Members questioned why funds had not been fully encumbered and whether the remaining money should be redirected to areas with greater implementation need. The item was discussed but no final action was described in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you like to close, Mr. Fontno? Wait, Mr. Chairman. All right.
• Members, this is kind of a cleanup bill from our closed primary work that we did.
• You want to close? I just ask for favorable passage. All right.
• David Bordalaw, Ethics Administrator, like to close on your bill? No, sir.
• The board is clear on your closing. Thank you.

Committee: House House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The committee took up several House bills dealing mainly with ethics, elections, and legislative procedure. HB 858 by Rep. Riser, creating a public records exception for GPS data on wildlife and aquatic life held by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, was reported favorably without objection. HB 661, which expands existing nepotism exceptions to allow school board members and superintendents to hire immediate family members as paraprofessionals and janitors, drew support from members concerned about staffing shortages in schools; the Ethics Administrator noted the board’s concern that repeated exceptions erode the nepotism rules, but the bill was still reported favorably without objection. HB 359, a cleanup bill on the death of a non-major-party primary candidate, was also reported favorably without objection. HB 258, which clarifies that volunteer firefighters are not subject to dual office-holding restrictions and allows retired judges to serve on certain boards while still being available for ad hoc judicial service, passed on an 8-4 roll call vote. Rep. Newell’s HB 705, which would strengthen contempt of the legislature penalties and add provisions addressing disorderly conduct and interference with legislative proceedings, generated the most debate. Members raised concerns about the proposed jump in fines from $1,000 to $50,000, due process, and the breadth of language that could be read to cover ordinary advocacy or passionate testimony. After discussion, the author agreed the bill needed more work, and it was voluntarily deferred in committee. The committee also heard HB 177, allowing retired court reporters to return on a contractual basis to address shortages, which was amended and then reported favorably without objection. HB 238, which would remove a waiting period and population-based restriction for former school board members or certified psychologists to return to work in school districts, prompted a lengthy debate about the judiciary and per diem rules because of related ethics concerns raised in the discussion; the author ultimately asked to voluntarily defer the bill, and the committee agreed. Finally, HB 398, which would cap lodging, meal, and incidental expense reimbursements for state officials and employees at GSA rates and limit emergency exceptions, drew sharp opposition from several members and a retired judge who argued the current judicial per diem is reasonable and tied to safety and travel needs. The author said he would work on amendments and voluntarily deferred HB 398. The committee then began discussion of HB 752, which would move the timing of regular legislative sessions into joint rule and change the session start/end dates, with the author explaining it was intended to give the Legislature more flexibility without needing constitutional amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over the weekend, I discussed with Representative Woods a situation where if it was a primary involved
• So there's going to be an amendment offered that says if the candidate is involved in a primary and wins
• We discussed over the weekend whether or not it would continue after a primary.

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Starting point, and with that, I close.
• You are recognized to close.
• Seeing no debate, Representative Rizzo, you're recognized to wave close. Wave close?
• Seeing no debate, Representative Yarkoski, you're recognized to close. Waive closed.
• Seeing no debate, Representative Busada, you're recognized to close. Waive closed.

Transcript Highlights:

• So those are our primary topics today. Our presenters will be providing content around that.
• Those are our primary topics today. Our presenters will be providing content around that.
• Closing the device gap. So if there's an educational need, absolutely.
• They form these close connections with these AI companion chatbots.
• You know, behind closed doors goal. And at some level, they're saying it out loud goal.

Committee: Joint Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we will be watching this bill closely, let's say.
• And we will be watching this bill closely, let's say.
• And we will be watching this bill closely, let's say.
• Bill closely, let's say.
• Um and let this be our primary mission.

Bills: HB0150

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: Wyoming business council, economic development, task force, evaluation, policy reform, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, I hereby close this public hearing.
• </c><03:46:57.080><c> with</c> campaigns in Vermont worked closely with campaigns in Vermont worked closely
• </c> departments do so I think the primary departments do so I think the primary driver<05:06:36.878>
• Medical access to cannabis was believed to be a primary source and cause of diversion.
• </c><06:05:43.680><c> the</c> a paint card seeing none close the a paint card seeing none close the public

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> All right, I'll close public testimony. All right, I'll close public testimony.
• Just closing thoughts here.
• Just closing thoughts here.
• Just closing thoughts here.
• </c> close out your bill. close out your bill.

Bills: HF3831 , HF3603 , HF1900 , HF495 , HF3750 , HF4316 , HF2136 , HF4384

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: SNAP, income limits, asset limits, nutrition assistance, children and families, federal poverty guidelines, federal waiver, food assistance, low-income families, nutritional support, day care, tax subtraction, child care costs, licensed child care, dependent care assistance, child care, family child care, child care center, licensing, correction order

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:

• However, as chart three shows... ...and the Baker and Healey administrations to close the SNAP gap.
• When I'm not seeing patients in our primary care center, I serve as an associate medical director in
• I've seen people, farmers, actually close up.
• Well, with that, I have closed there. Thank you. to say that. All right.
• Well, with that, I have closed there. Thank you.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House Committee on Children and Families held a hybrid hearing on a broad set of anti-hunger, family support, and basic-needs bills. Early testimony focused on SNAP and DTA operations: Rep. DeRosa and others urged passage of H. 196/S. 167 to require DTA to identify staffing, technology, funding, and operational needs to improve timeliness and customer service, warning that unanswered calls, delayed recertifications, and federal changes could sharply raise state costs through higher SNAP administrative burdens and payment-error penalties. Speakers from Massachusetts Law Reform Institute and Project Bread said DTA is under-resourced, caseloads have grown, and families are being denied or delayed due to phone and paperwork barriers. Another major SNAP-related bill, H. 254/S. 147, would require the Commonwealth to replace stolen EBT/SNAP benefits; testimony described more than $13 million stolen from about 27,000 households since June 2022 and argued families should not bear losses from organized theft rings. The committee also heard strong support for H. 207/S. 117, which would restore state-funded nutrition assistance for legally present immigrants excluded from federal SNAP under recent federal changes. Advocates from Project Bread, the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, local immigrant services, and public health groups said the federal cuts would leave thousands of residents, including refugees, asylum seekers, trafficking survivors, and children, without food support, and argued Massachusetts has a history of filling this gap. Testimony also supported H. 222/S. 104 to make the Healthy Incentives Program permanent and year-round; supporters said HIP improves nutrition, boosts local farms and regional economies, and had already served more than 212,000 households in FY25. A related child-support bill, H. 201/S. 110, would increase the amount of child support passed through to TAFDC families and expand good-cause exemptions; witnesses said the change would put more money directly in families’ hands, reduce poverty, and better protect survivors of domestic violence and families with complicated co-parenting situations. A large portion of the hearing was devoted to deep-poverty and diaper-related legislation. Supporters of H. 214/S. 118 said cash assistance grants have lost value over time and should be raised annually until they reach half of the federal poverty level; advocates from Children’s HealthWatch, Hopewell, the Lift Our Kids Coalition, and parents described the links between deep poverty, poor child health, family stress, and child welfare involvement. They argued that higher grants would help families meet basic needs, reduce hospitalizations and neglect reports, and provide stability amid federal cuts. Finally, multiple witnesses backed diaper legislation, including H. 220/S. 151 and related bills, to create a diaper benefits pilot and/or diaper allowance commission. Testimony from the National Diaper Bank Network, MassCAP, Children’s HealthWatch, local diaper banks, and parents said diaper need is widespread, affects parental employment and mental health, and can cause health problems for infants; a federally funded pilot in Massachusetts was cited as showing improved employment, financial stability, reduced stress, and fewer diaper rashes. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and asked questions throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• President Peterson, any closing statement? He's good. He's ready to get out of here.
• So to me, this is an important way of closing that loophole.
• Any closing statement? No? Okay, a motion would be in order. Mr.
• I think that's close enough. Sometimes the data lags behind. If you... I think that's close enough.
• Closing comments for the sponsor? Okay, motion be in order. Mr.

Committee: House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 1566, which would prohibit municipalities and counties from maliciously delaying licensing, permits, or approvals, with expedited court review and AG enforcement. The sponsor and supporters framed it as an affordability and property-rights measure aimed at stopping intentional government delay, while local government representatives and some members raised concerns about the bill’s scope, enforcement, and whether ordinary administrative delays or incomplete applications could be swept in. The sponsor said the county language would be fixed to match the city language in a floor amendment. The bill was moved and passed out of committee on a 7-3 vote, with one present and one absent. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1787, which would require written notice and individualized determinations for municipal or county exactions, allow appeals, and provide judicial review. The sponsor and supporters argued it would curb excessive or unrelated conditions imposed on development and align Arizona law with constitutional takings principles. Opponents from cities and counties said existing law already requires nexus and proportionality, and warned the bill would create a duplicative process, confusion, and a more punitive, winner-take-all system. After testimony from property owners and advocacy groups on both sides, the bill passed on a 7-2 vote, with one present and one absent. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1478, a largely technical liquor-regulation cleanup bill that clarifies interim permits, updates terminology, and makes other conforming changes. Stakeholders described it as a consensus measure developed by industry participants and the Department of Revenue, and the bill received broad support. It passed unanimously, 10-0, with one absent. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1431, which would bar municipalities from dictating certain home design features and from requiring some shared amenities that lead to HOAs. Supporters said it would reduce housing costs and preserve homeowner choice, while opponents argued it would weaken local control, reduce design quality, and limit crime-prevention and neighborhood-character standards. Testimony focused heavily on aesthetics, HOAs, and affordability, but no final vote on SB 1431 was included in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Behind closed doors, in the appropriate form.
• I hope you take a very close look at NGAD as we move forward, assuming you're confirmed for this role
• So I've literally watched nuclear deterrence work up close and personal.
• We've got to have something close. I think what President Trump is talking about is very similar.
• It remains the primary source of instability in the Middle East.

Committee: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: defense, geopolitical tensions, military readiness, China, Russia, U.S. military, Indo-Pacific, alliance, procurement

Summary: The meeting focused on critical defense and security matters, particularly concerning the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving China and Russia. There were discussions surrounding U.S. military readiness, with significant emphasis on the potential threats posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region. Members expressed concerns about America's military capabilities in relation to the growing Chinese fleet and the importance of maintaining strong alliances with nations like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Additionally, the notion of prioritizing the defense industrial base was highlighted, emphasizing the need for effective procurement and modernization efforts to counter adversarial threats. Furthermore, notable commentary included a reference to President Zelensky's remarks regarding peace negotiations with Ukraine, expressing a willingness for further cooperation with the U.S.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> deny us use of these bases, the primary deny us use of these bases, the primary reason<00:39:37.359
• Close<02:22:14.000><c> quote.
• Cash should continue to be Close quote.
• </c><02:23:54.560><c> close</c><02:23:54.960><c> quote.
• </c><02:23:55.439><c> And</c> a serious problem." close quote. And a serious problem." close quote.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, May 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Vice Chair Lee, any closing remarks? Vice Chair Lee, any closing remarks?
• Representative Vering, would you like to provide any closing remarks?
• Okay, seeing none, any closing remarks? Representative Virnig?
• Closing<01:07:04.000><c> remarks.</c> Closing remarks. Closing remarks.
• </c> our primary concern. our primary concern. &gt;&gt; Representative<01:18:16.000><c> McDonald.

Bills: HF3884 , HF3881 , HF3882 , HF3883 , HF3363 , HF3362

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: tribal governments, Metropolitan Council, grant programs, funding, local government, small business, contracting, veteran-owned businesses, compliance, government contracts, housing finance, reporting requirements, regional development, city programs, elected officials, campaign access, multiple unit dwellings, residential access, voter registration, 1183

Transcript Highlights:

• to the beginning of our very close to the beginning of our session.
• I was watching on closed captioning because I was in another committee.
• I was just reading the closed captioning.
• I was just reading the closed<01:21:40.560><c> captioning.
• </c><01:21:41.440><c> Um</c> closed captioning. Um closed captioning.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several Senate bills. SB 2149 would exempt paternity proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse from mediation and clarify the domestic abuse mediation exemption in divorce cases. The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the measure but recommended technical and conforming changes, including updating references from HRS Chapter 584 to 584A and aligning the language more closely with the Uniform Mediation Act. Members discussed whether the bill’s wording could limit who may bring a support person to mediation, and the chair suggested the intent was to preserve survivor choice while avoiding ambiguity. No vote was taken in the portion heard. SB 2203 would create an offense for law enforcement officers using masks or personal disguises. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaii, Legal Clinic, and many other supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, while still allowing safety exceptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, raised concerns about operational needs, undercover and auxiliary units, body cameras, and possible supremacy clause issues if the bill is aimed at federal officers. The chair noted the bill appeared likely to move forward and asked agencies and advocates to work on possible amendments; testimony count was reported as 114 in support, 3 opposed, and 2 comments. SB 2251 would appropriate funds for the victim witness assistance program in the City and County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying it would replace shortfalls from declining federal funding and help maintain victim services and rights information. A former program director also testified in support. When asked, the office said it would not object to a simple reporting requirement. The committee then moved on to SB 2311, which would address claims against the state and add reporting and timing requirements; the Department of the Attorney General testified with concerns and recommendations, and members began questioning current practices for handling claims and settlements.

Transcript Highlights:

• I close the executive session. I close the executive session.
• </c><03:42:09.520><c> the</c> none consent and I might close the none consent and I might close the executive
• I close the executive session.
• I close the I'll go on consent. I close the executive<03:45:48.000><c> session.
• </c><03:47:15.680><c> the</c> consent calendar and I close the consent calendar and I close the executive

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all