Transcript Highlights:

• </c> message 305 concurrence requested. message 305 concurrence requested.
• c> Message 301, Concurrence requested, Message 301, Concurrence requested, Senate<00:09:34.160><c> File
• We legislated were successful at it.
• . appropriation. appropriation.
• </c> outside legislative authorization. outside legislative authorization.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Boldon for authoring the appropriation for this year.
• BOLDON FOR AUTHORING THE APPROPRIATION FOR THIS YEAR THE REQUEST FOR $35 $35 MILLION COMBINED WITH THE
• programs and appropriations.
• Lucero and I have been working on this legislation for some time.
• Please talk to your legislators and senators and your reps...

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> from the 8% requirement is appropriate. from the 8% requirement is appropriate.
• </c><00:18:07.840><c> extra</c> federal government appropriated extra federal government appropriated
• </c> out from a capital appropriation out from a capital appropriation Um,<01:07:54.559><c> we</c><01
• </c> appropriation from three budgets ago. appropriation from three budgets ago.
• ,</c><01:32:30.639><c> we</c> Governor Cenounu's uh request, we Governor Cenounu's uh request, we submitted

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 1960 has been pulled off consent at the request of the Vice Chair.
• The motion is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations.
• Appropriations Secretary, please call the vote. AB 1960, Bennett.
• And with that, I do... you do enjoy the due pass request from the chair.
• Member Carrillo, do pass to the Committee on Appropriations. AB 2041.

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to public safety, emergency response, wildfire prevention, and environmental protection. AB 2152 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez would streamline CEQA litigation for new fire station projects and add best-practice requirements; supporters, including firefighters, said it would help communities and firefighter safety, while opponents argued the project labor agreement requirements would raise costs and limit participation for small and nonunion contractors. The bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2041 by Assembly Member Carrillo would expand reporting related to 911 dispatcher pre-arrival medical instructions; after amendments and stakeholder agreement, opposition groups said they would remove their opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2101 by Assembly Member Gipson would require human trafficking notices and training at disaster sites and for disaster response workers; supporters said it would protect vulnerable workers, while broadband, city, and county representatives raised implementation concerns, especially in rural disaster areas. It passed to Appropriations despite a no vote from Vice Chair Hadwick. The committee also considered AB 1805, which would require an audit and stronger oversight of the state’s Next Generation 911 project after concerns about major spending and delays. CalNENA supported the bill’s transparency and accountability provisions, and the measure passed to Appropriations. AB 1536 by Assembly Member Addis would tighten safety and public review requirements for offshore oil pipeline restarts and require decommissioning of certain spill-prone pipelines; environmental and coastal government groups supported it, while the Western States Petroleum Association warned it would threaten fuel supply and pipeline operations. The bill passed to Appropriations on a divided vote. AB 1964 would direct the State Fire Marshal to survey home hardening in fire-prone areas and estimate costs; it passed to Appropriations with broad support. AB 1960, also by Assembly Member Bennett, would use a portion of wildfire prevention grants to encourage community-level home hardening certification. The author said the bill would create incentives and broader public awareness, while the vice chair argued it would favor communities that can already afford hardening and divert resources from higher-need areas; the bill still passed to Appropriations. AB 1863 by Assembly Member DeMaio would clarify that people cannot be charged simply for calling 911 or when no services are rendered, while preserving fees for actual services and allowing billing for legitimate emergency response costs; it passed to the Assembly floor. The committee also took up consent item AB 2517, which passed to Appropriations. After add-on votes for absent members, the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second one, as you're aware, the current appropriation amount is blank.
• </c><00:29:15.200><c> uh</c><00:29:15.360><c> the</c> appropriation amount is blank. uh the appropriation
• So that's just part of our request, and I'm available for any questions. Thank you.
• So that's just part of our request, and I'm available for any questions. Thank you.
• </c> before legislating on these issues. before legislating on these issues.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to speak in support of HB 2161, which is request legislation by Attorney General Nick Brown.
• For the record, I’m Representative Osmond Saladin from the 48th Legislative District.
• This legislation does not call for extreme measures.
• I'm the Director of Legislation and Policy for State Auditor Pat McCarthy.
• I fully support the need for legislative oversight.

Summary: On January 20, 2026, the committee held public hearings on House Bill 2102, House Bill 2161, and House Bill 2332. HB 2102 would sharply limit legal financial obligations by prohibiting courts from imposing costs unless specifically authorized by statute, repealing many fees and interest on restitution, and making eliminated debts unenforceable and satisfied. The sponsor and supporters argued that LFOs are harmful, inconsistently applied, and create uncollectable debt that burdens indigent defendants and hinders reentry. Opponents, including local government and collections representatives, warned the bill would shift costs to cities and counties, reduce accountability tools, and could cost local jurisdictions millions. No vote was taken. HB 2161 would expand the Attorney General’s authority to issue civil investigative demands for possible violations involving civil rights, labor standards, jail standards, immigration-related restrictions, and police use-of-force laws. Supporters from the Attorney General’s office, labor groups, and civil rights advocates said the bill would make investigations faster and more effective, especially in wage theft and discrimination cases, while not changing substantive enforcement authority. Opponents from law enforcement, cities, and business groups argued the bill was overbroad, lacked sufficient standards, and could create due process, confidentiality, and separation-of-powers concerns. Members asked about safeguards, and staff and the AGO described court challenge procedures and internal review standards. No action was taken. HB 2332 would regulate automated license plate readers used by state and local agencies, generally limiting use to specified law enforcement, parking, toll, and transportation purposes, restricting sharing and retention, and prohibiting uses tied to immigration enforcement or protected health care. The sponsor and privacy, immigrant-rights, and reproductive-rights advocates said the bill was needed to prevent misuse of sensitive location data and to close loopholes that could allow out-of-state or federal access. Law enforcement, cities, vendors, and some business and campus representatives supported privacy guardrails but said the 72-hour retention limit, warrant requirements, and other restrictions were too strict and could hinder investigations, victim recovery, and parking enforcement. The hearing ended with testimony still underway and no vote or final action reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• Appropriations for one-time capital projects that have been deferred.
• The next slide really is just to show you the volatility and appropriation appropriations year over year
• Appropriations for capital projects that have not been spent entirely already.
• The next few slides are really just a history of appropriations in prior years.
• Funding appropriations this year.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, for example, Lahina was a requests.
• :31:17.520><c> to</c><00:31:18.159><c> override</c> legislators have that power to override legislators
• </c> &gt;&gt; I got to check with my legislative &gt;&gt; I got to check with my legislative experts
• </c><00:36:41.440><c> an</c> Senate Bill 2030 seeks to appropriate an Senate Bill 2030 seeks to appropriate
• </c> the research to provide the legislator the research to provide the legislator with<00:46:01.920>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2145, which would establish a statutory right for the public to record law enforcement activities in public. Supporters, including the Libertarian Party of Hawaii and the ACLU of Hawaii, said the bill would clarify First Amendment protections, reduce confusion, and provide a private right of action if the right is violated. Most written testimony was in support, while the Maui Police Department and Honolulu Police Department submitted opposition. A senator asked about existing court cases, and the ACLU witness said courts have consistently recognized a right to record officers in public so long as recording does not obstruct police activity. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2151 on emergency management. Testimony from the Office of Information Practices and HEMA focused on proposed changes to Chapter 127A, including limits on emergency powers and a two-thirds legislative override. Earthjustice and other supporters argued the bill was needed after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s Nakoa decision, which they said read emergency powers too broadly and could allow suspension of laws for long-term policy issues rather than true emergencies. HEMA opposed the restrictions, saying emergency managers need flexibility to respond to unknown, statewide crises such as tsunamis, hurricanes, war-related threats, and large disasters, and objected especially to limits on the governor’s ability to suspend public records requirements during emergencies. Several witnesses, including the Public First Law Center, said the bill was a step in the right direction but suggested amendments to better define emergencies and make clear the changes respond to the Nakoa decision. Committee members questioned whether the proposed limits would hinder disaster response and whether the legislature already has tools to override emergency proclamations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the appropriate time, I'd like to move favorable. All right.
• And at the appropriate time, I'd like to move favorable.
• Is that a motion at the appropriate time? Yes. Representative...
• Owen on our discussion in appropriations. And I agree.
• You guys are doing the reset in this legislative body.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think it's appropriate.
• </c><00:17:36.559><c> for</c> the taxpayers so this was a request for the taxpayers so this was a request
• </c><00:45:34.359><c> their</c> you know that if somebody requests their you know that if somebody requests
• </c><01:40:00.960><c> the</c> it because we have to appropriate the it because we have to appropriate
• deem anything else appropriate.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Your input is not only a request, but an imperative part of this process.
• Legislative staff in our quarterly LEGE briefing in September, I believe, was the month.
• You know, some question has been raised as to the appropriate number of board members.
• As to the way that you're requesting at the moment. So I just wanted to clarify the process.
• Thank you for LAO and my constant, constant request.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services heard testimony on Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and related budget and trailer bill proposals, with a major focus on the impacts of H.R. 1 on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). DDS and the Department of Social Services (DSS) said H.R. 1 could affect Medi-Cal and CalFresh access, but that people with disabilities and caregivers are exempt from the work requirements; the administration is working on data matching and automation through the statewide eligibility system to identify exemptions, with June 1, 2026 as the implementation date for CalFresh changes. Witnesses and advocates warned that any loss of Medi-Cal could create fiscal pressure on regional centers and households, while public commenters described the real-life consequences of losing services. Committee members repeatedly expressed concern about cost shifts to counties and asked for harm-mitigation strategies before the May Revision. The committee also reviewed the governor’s IHSS-related proposals. DSS said the budget would set a baseline for authorized hours, align IHSS disenrollment/reinstatement with Medi-Cal eligibility processes, and eliminate the IHSS backup provider system, while emphasizing that individual service hours would still be based on assessed need. DDS said if a person loses IHSS or Medi-Cal, regional centers may have to step in as payer of last resort for some services, potentially at higher state cost. Members and the Legislative Analyst’s Office questioned whether counties could absorb the proposed shifts without reducing services, and asked for more detail on implementation, data quality controls, and how regional centers could help families navigate disruptions. A separate trailer bill on DDS rate reform and the Quality Incentive Program drew mixed reactions. DDS proposed extending a contract exemption and delaying final rate reform regulations to 2030, saying the changes are budget-neutral and needed for implementation. DDS reported that about 81% of providers had completed the current Quality Incentive Program requirements, but providers and advocates argued the 90-10 structure can function like a penalty and may destabilize services if providers lose 10% of funding. Committee members asked for clearer assistance to providers, possible flexibility for good-faith efforts, and a redlined version of the language before the May Revision. The committee also heard DDS’s proposed trailer bill on regional center governance and provider capacity. DDS said the language would consolidate regional center contracts and performance measures, strengthen board training and oversight, require consumer advisory committees, expand independent legal support, raise the threshold for board approval of contracts, and remove barriers such as physical-office requirements and duplicate vendorization. DDS said the goal is to improve accountability and efficiency while preserving person-centered services, and members indicated they wanted further refinement and stakeholder input before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, it inserts a legislative findings section.
• Several years ago, we appropriated $12 million to do that.
• Madam Chair, members, Ralph Heap, Legislative District 10.
• Madam Chair, members, Ralph Heap, Legislative District 10.
• So what if we were to make a small appropriation?

Bills: HB2099, HB2263, HB2264, HB2330, HB2341, HB2492, HB2757, HB2782, HB2843, HB2889, HB2912, HB2915, HB2918, HB4025, HB4100, HCR2020, HCR2057

Keywords: water storage, long-term storage credits, groundwater management, drought contingency, Arizona water regulations, Colorado River, replenishment, groundwater savings facility, groundwater storage, underground water storage, active management area, irrigation non-expansion area, Arizona water law, water rights, water replenishment, recharge, water conservation district, multi-county water conservation district, CAP water, Central Arizona Project

Transcript Highlights:

• All appropriate requests for information will be responded to expeditiously and fully.
• Once that request came in, this unfortunately...
• Are these appropriate uses of FISA 702?
• Is that appropriate? I don't believe so, Senator. Mr.
• In fact, the plain text of the legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hi, Lindsay Nakano, Senior Legislative Counsel with the FPPC.
• Hi, Lindsay Nakano, Senior Legislative Counsel with the FPPC.
• I look forward to seeing you all in my new role in Appropriations.
• The motion is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations. Excuse me, one moment.
• Motion is due pass to the Committee on Appropriations. Current votes 2-1. Chair voted aye.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result, the appropriation will not be used.
• The cost of that would be included in our administrative appropriation.
• So this bill does have a $96 million, or $96.56 million, appropriation.
• There is a $5 million appropriation for the next two years.
• Chair, I am Shana Morris, Legislative Director for Early Childhood at DCYF.

Bills: HF2436, HF470, HF2643, HF2456, HF102, HF1367

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, early education, scholarships, funding, children, families, Minnesota education, child care licensing, family child care, child care center, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, correction order, conditional license, fix-it ticket, documented technical assistance, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation is critical.
• So we respectfully request your aye vote. Thank you.
• The motion is due pass to the Appropriations Committee.
• And when the time is appropriate, I respectfully request your aye vote.
• The motion is due pass to the Appropriations Committee.

Summary: The committee heard several local government-related bills, with testimony focused on permitting, transportation funding, EV infrastructure, and commercial revitalization. AB 1578 by Assembly Member Jackson would require elected local and state officials to take anti-hate speech training through existing sexual harassment training. Supporters said elected officials should understand the impact of their words on hate and democracy; opponents argued the bill lacked a definition of hate speech and could chill protected speech, especially around sex-based issues. AB 2083, also by Jackson, would authorize a regional child care special district serving Moreno Valley and Paris to expand child care facilities and programs for five years. The California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions opposed the bill’s mechanism but said it was working with the author. AB 1693 by Assembly Member Suber would streamline retail tenant improvement permits by extending a process similar to a prior restaurant permitting law, with qualified professional certification and tighter local review timelines. It drew broad support from retail, business, and property groups and no opposition. Assembly Member Gonzalez presented AB 1679, which would create a temporary commercial activation permit for pop-up businesses to operate in vacant storefronts for up to 120 days. Supporters said it would help fill vacancies and lower barriers for small businesses; there was no opposition, and the bill advanced. Gonzalez also presented AB 2418, which would set timelines for nonresidential plan checks and inspections and allow private plan checkers after excessive delay. Business groups supported it as a way to reduce costly delays, while local government groups had no position but continued discussions with the author; the bill advanced with amendments. Assembly Member Shevlin presented AB 1820, which would cap local permit fees for EV charging installations and create a statewide fee schedule. Supporters said fees vary too widely and can deter charger deployment, while cities and counties argued existing law already requires reasonable cost recovery and that the bill could undercut local budgets and public safety review. Assembly Member DeMaio presented AB 1783, which would prohibit state and local mileage taxes or road user charges. Supporters framed it as a defense against a new tax burden, while opponents said studying road user charges is necessary to address declining gas tax revenue and future transportation funding needs. AB 1693, AB 1679, and AB 2418 were moved forward with motions and roll calls; AB 1783 was taken up with a motion and roll call left open, and AB 1820 remained under discussion at the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jill Thayer, Bureau of Legislative Research.
• have the ability to request an additional 10% from the— and that would be approved by legislative council
• Bishop; is that appropriate at this time? Yes, while he's here.
• would have the ability to request an additional 10% from the, and that would be a ability to request
• Bishop, is that appropriate this time? Yes, why he's here.

Summary: The committee met to review an audit and recommendations from the Alliance for Opportunity on reforming Arkansas workforce and social service delivery. Members discussed creating a more integrated, regional, “one-door” system that would combine eligibility screening, job training, and service referrals across DHS, workforce, health, and related programs, with an emphasis on reducing administrative overhead and redirecting more funds to direct services and training. Several members raised the need to include groups such as people in generational poverty, rural residents, reentry populations, and people involved in the court system, while also ensuring access for those without digital skills or technology. Artificial intelligence was a major topic. Members suggested using AI and a centralized database or virtual hub to pre-populate forms, identify program eligibility, notify workforce agencies, and improve efficiency, while still maintaining case managers and in-person support for those who need it. There was also discussion of benefit cliffs, DHS processes that may hinder employment, and the need for industry input and working groups to study AI and other issues. Members repeatedly asked for measurable outcomes, including return-on-investment estimates, cost savings, and performance metrics tied to the number of people moved into self-sufficiency and employment. The committee then reviewed a draft consultant services agreement with Work Ed Consulting LLC, represented by Mason Bishop, to assist with the study under Act 145 of 2025. The contract would run from March 20, 2025 through June 30, 2027, with a maximum amount of $158,000 plus possible additional services up to 10% if approved. Bishop said his work would include ongoing ROI updates and that his experience included helping create Utah’s workforce department and assisting Louisiana with similar reforms. After questions about oversight and deliverables, Representative Beck moved to advance the contract, Senator Sullivan seconded, and the committee approved it by voice vote before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:54:19.639><c> committees</c> testify before legislative committees testify before legislative
• </c> overcrowded and there is no legislative overcrowded and there is no legislative fix<01:59:38.599
• </c> the appropriate the appropriate 704<02:06:57.760><c> examinations</c><02:06:58.520><c> in</c><02
• </c> you can't respond to all of the requests you can't respond to all of the requests but<02:16:42.240
• as well as reasserting or requests as well as reasserting or clarifying<02:29:58.160><c> legislative

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: At the joint hearing on SB 951 SD2, the committees heard testimony on a child protection measure requiring mandatory child abuse and neglect reports to include military status and to improve communication between DHS and the Department of Defense. The U.S. Department of Defense testified in support and described its coordinated community response process for abuse reports, saying the bill would help ensure child safety and better coordination with DHS. DHS was initially absent, later appeared, and said it supported the measure but was still working with DOD on implementation details and staff training. Members asked about how DHS becomes involved and whether there were gaps in the current process. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments, including changing the effective date to 7/1/25 and conforming related language, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote. The Public Safety committee then heard SB 1377 SD2, which would create a Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Office of Veterans Services in the Department of Defense to provide guidance, education, and technical assistance to state veteran cemeteries. DOD supported the bill and explained that county-run cemeteries must meet National Cemetery Administration standards to remain eligible for federal reimbursements and grants; witnesses described past compliance problems at several cemeteries, including one still not compliant in Hilo, and said the board would help counties prepare for future site visits and improve oversight without taking over operations. Members asked about costs, reimbursement amounts, and whether the state would assume cemetery operations; DOD said the current reimbursement process runs through the state to the counties and that direct takeover would be costly. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The committee also heard SB 1382, which would make intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to a National Guard member performing duty a class C felony. The Hawaii National Guard and HPD supported the bill, citing incidents during the Maui response where Guard members encountered noncompliant and sometimes physically confrontational individuals while assisting police and protecting impacted areas. Testimony emphasized that Guard members are often unarmed and should receive protections similar to first responders. One witness opposed the bill, but the committee moved forward and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments. Finally, the committee took up SB 1379 SD2 on emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers. Hawaii Emergency Management supported the bill, and supporters said it would create a statewide framework for resilience hubs that can provide supplies, action plans, and refuge during disasters. Testimony highlighted recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other hazards, and argued the measure would complement existing county efforts rather than replace them. County of Hawaii testimony opposed the bill, raising concerns about overlap and cost, while members asked about estimated expenses and implementation. The discussion ended with questions about planning and whether the bill would enhance existing programs; no final vote was captured in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we respectfully request your aye vote. Thank you. Thank you so much. Okay.
• The motion was due pass as amended to the Appropriations Committee.
• The motion was due pass as amended to the Appropriations Committee.
• The motion was due pass to Appropriations.
• I respectfully request your I vote. Thank you, Assembly Member.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When legislators request data for a mandated audit, critical information is withheld.
• ><01:02:16.000><c> oversight</c> given to the legislative oversight given to the legislative oversight
• /c><01:30:45.679><c> that</c><01:30:46.080><c> are</c> requests and um and requests that are requests
• &gt;&gt; appropriate &gt;&gt; appropriate &gt;&gt; Senator<01:36:17.679><c> Alill.
• ,</c> write a written request, write a written request, &gt;&gt; correct?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all