Transcript Highlights:

• Deputy Attorney General Alan, on behalf of the Department of the Attorney General, we just provided comments
• So department of the attorney general.
• , the Department of Attorney General.
• Question for the Office of the Attorney General.
• </c> Question for the office of attorney Question for the office of attorney general.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2185, which would add protections for sports officials. The Department of Education, the State Public Charter School Commission, the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, HSTA, HGA, school administrators, the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, the Hawaii State Basketball Officials Association, and several individuals testified in support. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and recommended amendments, especially on the bill’s civil-action provisions and criminal language, saying the measure should be made more consistent and narrowed to clarify who is covered. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the increased criminal penalties but said its concerns were limited to that portion of the bill. The chair repeatedly noted the committee’s education-policy focus and limited discussion of legal issues. The committee then took up HB 2621 on student misconduct. The Department of Education testified and answered questions about its student discipline data, explaining that much of the information is kept in the department’s internal Infinite Campus system and is not public, but that some additional information could be added to the annual report while still protecting student privacy. Members discussed whether the department tracks incidents consistently across schools and whether more public reporting would help identify where violence or discipline issues are occurring. The department said it was not seeing an increase in suspensions in the data it had, though it acknowledged internal data showed more detail than the annual report. HB 2179, concerning DOE and e-pipes, drew comments from the Department of Education, support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii Bicycling League, and other individuals. The committee then heard HB 2534, which would recognize robotics in schools as an interscholastic sport. The Department of Education offered comments, the State Public Charter School Commission supported the bill, and multiple students and robotics participants testified in strong support, arguing that robotics provides STEM opportunities, competition, and career pathways, and that formal recognition and funding would help sustain teams and compensate mentors. No votes or final actions were taken on the bills in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's the Attorney General's designee. And Mr.
• Again, we've never heard back from the old Attorney General, but the new Attorney General has issued
• If we did that, can you put on the portal that this is a result of an attorney general's opinion, so
• conclusion, so we made the decision as the commission to sort of punt the legal analysis to the Attorney
• I think that before we sent this to the Attorney General's office, DLS had done an sort of independent

Keywords: Code Commission, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pamela Hicks with Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice. We are opposing this bill.
• So no, I'm not an attorney.
• The bill authorizes the Attorney General and county attorneys to investigate alleged violations and pursue
• The bill authorizes the Attorney General and county attorneys to investigate alleged violations and pursue
• Yes, Pamela Hicks with Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice.

Bills: SB1049, SB1053, SB1058, SB1093, SB1160, SB1211

Keywords: spousal maintenance, court guidelines, self-sufficiency, financial support, marriage dissolution, concealed carry, gun permits, firearms training, public safety, criminal history checks, local recognition, firearms, merchant codes, financial privacy, Second Amendment, data protection, riot, planning, racketeering, criminal conspiracy

Transcript Highlights:

• So former Attorney General Rob McKen has laid out why he thinks the income tax bill is unconstitutional
• And I would just note, like, I appreciate your reference to Attorney General McKenna and his opinion
• So, you know, what they say about attorneys: two attorneys, three opinions.
• We happen to have three attorneys up here. Probably at least four opinions.
• So, you know, I respect Attorney General McKenna's opinion about this.

Summary: House and Senate Democratic leaders held a media availability focused on the late-session agenda, including the House policy cutoff, a supplemental budget, and the House Finance Committee hearing on the proposed “millionaire’s tax”/income tax measure. They said several Senate bills had moved or were moving quickly, including a face mask bill, an abortion medication access bill, a mobile devices in schools bill, a driver privacy/personal safety data protections bill, and a West Coast Health Collaborative bill. They also said the supplemental budget would emphasize food, shelter, health care, continuity of government, and other core services. A major topic was allegations of fraudulent or bot-generated remote sign-ins on the millionaire’s tax hearings. Leaders said remote testimony and sign-ins have broadened public participation, but misuse of the system is a problem that will be reviewed over the interim. They said the goal is to preserve easy public access while improving accuracy, and that the sign-in numbers should be treated cautiously because the system is informational rather than equivalent to voting. They also said there had been no direct contact with state Supreme Court justices about the tax bill. The leaders defended the need for the income tax proposal by arguing that state spending growth reflects inflation, population growth, the McCleary school-funding changes, and major investments in child care, higher education, Medicaid dental care, IT systems, and special education. They said the Legislature is trying to balance the tax code and that they do not support taxing incomes below $1 million, though they would not rule out future legislative changes decades from now. On tort claims against the state, they said Senator Dhingra’s arbitration bill has advanced the discussion but is unlikely to move further this session, and that broader liability reductions may require constitutional changes or prevention-focused investments. They also discussed long-term care workforce pressures, saying Washington is better positioned than many states but still faces an aging-population challenge. On the millionaire’s tax process, they said the House Finance Committee is expected to increase tax reductions in the bill, with leaders aiming to resolve differences with the Senate without going to conference if possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Attorney General must appoint an office director, administer the fraud fund, and The Attorney General
• From what I understand, the Attorney General has signed in support of this.
• Well, just in November, the Attorney General of Texas opened an investigation into a CATL battery facility
• The Attorney General of Nebraska sued Resideo, which is a $5 billion Arizona-based company, for selling
• Chair, we do have a local attorney here who's had some hands-on experience working on some of these issues

Summary: The Public Safety Committee approved several bills during the meeting. SB 1107, as amended, creates an alternative pathway to peace officer certification for honorably discharged veterans who served as military police, allowing abbreviated AZPOST training while still requiring certification testing, background checks, and fitness standards. The sponsor and a former military police officer testified that the bill would help address law enforcement staffing shortages without lowering standards. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 7-0. The committee also passed SB 1308, which creates a Foreign Adversary Fraud Office in the Attorney General’s Office to pursue consumer fraud claims involving technology produced by foreign adversaries and to help fund replacement of such technology in critical infrastructure. Supporters said the measure would protect consumers and critical systems from national security risks tied to foreign-made technology. SB 1020 was approved to create an Arizona Space Commission specialty license plate, with proceeds supporting the space exploration and aeronautics research fund; members and witnesses described it as a voluntary fundraising tool for Arizona’s growing space industry. SB 1160, as amended, was passed to prohibit operating drones within a mile of ticketed entertainment events, with exceptions for authorized personnel, utilities, and certain property owners. Supporters from Live Nation and NASCAR said it would improve safety and close a loophole around large events. SB 1117 was also approved to fund DPS crime lab services for evidence from counties under one million population, with the sponsor saying it would add staff to help rural counties process DNA evidence more quickly. Finally, SB 1216 passed to remove the sunset on traumatic event counseling for public safety employees and to add crime scene and digital forensic technicians to the covered employee definition. All bills received do-pass recommendations, and the committee adjourned after the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, my question is that, um, I'm sorry, the attorney there, Ms. Lee, Ms. Lee, yes.
• This situation creates an opportunity for attorneys and courts. Yes, ma'am.
• So, you're saying they bring in outside attorneys? To represent the school district.
• But they already have their attorneys.
• So it's attorneys they already have? Yeah.

Bills: HB1022, HB2856, HB3114, HJR5, HB6, HB120, HB210, HB1458, HB1188, HB3126

Keywords: HB 1022, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Texas State University System, Education Code, higher education, course levels, upper-level college, lower-division courses, community college-style courses, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Uvalde, Board of Regents, academic programs, university expansion, HB 2856, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, clinical training placements, clinical rotations

Transcript Highlights:

• information in juvenile cases is limited to the prosecutors, the child's parents, and the child's attorney
• This is where you've got a group of attorneys that are, that are managed for indigent defense.
• The MAC is in charge of appointing counsel for juveniles, paying counsel, as well as assisting attorneys
• Uh, to, uh, make sure that they are appointing counsel to an attorney who is well qualified to handle
• They must also provide a list of local resources including low and no cost or no cost attorneys who assist

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, proponents of the initiative petition as documented by the Attorney General, again for 30 minutes
• We don't make the determinations of, quote, compliance; that would be the Attorney General's office for
• Senator Fattman, next we'll hear from Susan Murphy, a zoning and land use attorney. Ms.
• Attorney Murphy, and leaving two minutes to spare, so well done on the timing. Thank you.
• See you here, and then Attorney Murphy, thank you so much. Appreciate you being here today.

Bills: H5009

Keywords: collective bargaining, worker rights, labor relations, public counsel services, state employees

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-03, House Bill 5000, which would allow single-family homes on smaller lots in areas with public water and sewer service. The hearing began with committee members outlining the Article 48 initiative process and then hearing from two subject-matter experts. Under Secretary Chris Clutchman of Housing and Livable Communities explained how the proposal would amend Chapter 40A, noted that Boston would be excluded, and said municipalities would still be able to adopt reasonable regulations on setbacks, bulk, height, and short-term rentals. He also flagged unresolved implementation questions, including how to treat wetlands, infrastructure capacity, and pre-existing nonconforming situations. Attorney Susan Murphy said the measure would significantly alter local zoning, could create conflicts with existing zoning districts and Section 3A/MBTA Communities rules, and raised concerns about infrastructure capacity and the lack of any home-size or affordability limits. Supporters of the petition argued that Massachusetts faces a severe housing shortage and that large minimum lot sizes are a major barrier to building starter homes. Proponents said the measure would legalize single-family homes on lots as small as 5,000 square feet with 50 feet of frontage where public sewer and water are available, and they cited polling showing public support for lot-size reform. They said the proposal could produce thousands of additional homes per year, help young families and seniors, and expand housing choices in high-cost suburbs. Committee members pressed the proponents on how the measure would interact with affordability, home size, frontage requirements, 40B compliance, and whether the bill would actually produce starter homes rather than larger expensive houses. The Massachusetts Municipal Association testified in opposition, urging the committee to take no action. MMA representatives argued that zoning is fundamentally a local decision and that the proposal would preempt municipal authority with a one-size-fits-all mandate. They also said the bill is impractical because public water and sewer service does not guarantee available capacity, citing examples of communities facing water and wastewater limits and costly infrastructure upgrades. MMA further argued the measure lacks affordability requirements and could be counterproductive, and pointed to existing and pending state tools such as Chapter 40Y, 40R-related proposals, and other housing funding or zoning reforms as better approaches. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Washington's Attorney General was a leader of a 20-state coalition that sued HUD.
• And I want to really emphasize the leadership that the Attorney General demonstrated in this.
• It was It was a Washington State attorney that was the single attorney representing that coalition of
• I'm an attorney in the Civil Rights Division. Our office strongly supports House Bill 2266.
• Creating more affordable housing is a priority for both the state and the Attorney General.

Bills: HB2266, HB2489

Keywords: housing, supportive housing, transitional housing, emergency shelters, homelessness prevention, public space, local governance, life-sustaining activities, statewide standards, regulation, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> um attorney um attorney maral's maral's maral's concerns<00:28:11.480><c> and</c><00:28:12.120><
• that we then we do have staff attorneys that we then work<00:29:41.399><c> with</c><00:29:41.640><c>
• And as Attorney Larby said, some of these changes were made and policies have been put into place, but
• larby said some word and and as attorney larby said some of<00:35:26.440><c> these</c><00:35:26.599>
• lby is but again I think attorney lby is correct<00:35:47.680><c> that</c><00:35:48.440><c> a</c><00

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met on House Bill 553, which concerns the definitions of child abuse and neglect in RSA 169-C, including psychological maltreatment and the rebuttable presumption of harm. The chair and members emphasized that the bill is intended to clarify definitions rather than create punishments, and they discussed concerns that had arisen after the bill’s earlier drafting. Representative Eimon stated his view that the bill is constitutional, citing case law, and members noted that amendment 114 would restore language refined by the prior study committee and address trauma-informed wording, especially around substance use disorder and newborns. A major portion of the discussion focused on whether the bill could be read to treat ordinary parental discipline or disagreements with a child—such as grounding, taking away car keys or a phone, or refusing gender-affirming care—as abuse or neglect. DCF Deputy Director Jen Ross explained that screeners look at the nature of the allegation and whether the parent’s conduct is likely to cause serious psychological or emotional harm; she said routine discipline or prudent parenting would not be screened in, while persistent ridiculing, terrorizing, bullying, isolating, threats, or similar conduct could qualify. She also said that denial of gender-affirming care, by itself, would not be treated as neglect, but the agency would consider the full context and any resulting harm or need for mental health care. DCF General Counsel Susan Larby added that the legislature’s earlier definition of psychological maltreatment and related policy already focus on pervasive emotionally abusive behavior, and that the bill is meant to make the statute more understandable and transparent, not to change the core neglect standard. She and other speakers said the goal is to identify serious harm and provide services, not to remove children for ordinary parental decisions. Lisa Massio of the Office of the Child Advocate said the bill and related placement language are intended to preserve family unity and fill gaps where courts have interpreted neglect too narrowly or inconsistently. Members also discussed a proposed concise analysis from Representative Maral and asked about CPSW qualifications and training; DCF said staff generally have backgrounds in human services, social work, psychology, or education and receive a 12-week Core Academy on policy, law, investigations, and family engagement. No vote was taken in the portion provided, and members indicated they wanted to continue refining the amendment before sending anything to the Office of Legislative Services.

Transcript Highlights:

• We added funding for our district attorneys and our Attorney General.
• We specifically funded $2 million to the Attorney General's organized crime units.
• Speaker, gentlemen, I don't believe district attorneys or other...
• Speaker, regarding increased funding for our courts, district attorneys, and public defenders.
• And so even adding one attorney there would be so helpful, but it's true for all of our districts.

Bills: HB95, HB111, HJR1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM21, HM34, HB2, HB32, HB33, HB61, HJM2, HM23, HM24, HM26

Keywords: HB95, additional judgeship, district court, judicial district, First Judicial District, Second Judicial District, district judges, court administration, judicial staffing, caseload, access to justice, New Mexico courts, judiciary, judge vacancy, court backlog, state courts, water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order

Summary: The House convened with quorum, offered an invocation and pledges, and then moved through a series of memorials, recognitions, and announcements. House Memorial 49, declaring February 4, 2026 UNM Day, was taken from the Speaker’s table, explained, and debated at length. Members from both parties and several guests praised the University of New Mexico for its role in education, health care, research, public service, and workforce development, with special recognition of President Garnett Stokes, interim provost Barbara Rodriguez, and Health Sciences leaders and students. The memorial highlighted UNM’s enrollment, degrees awarded, scholarship support, patent activity, and the UNM Hospital and Health Sciences Center. It passed 70-0. House Memorial 48, declaring February 4, 2026 Valencia County Day, was also brought forward and passed unanimously. Supporters described Valencia County’s history, culture, economic growth, and traditions, including the annual matanza, Route 66 heritage, and major employers and development projects. Members from the county and local officials were recognized, and the memorial emphasized both historic communities and current business and infrastructure expansion. House Memorial 50, declaring Lincoln County Day, was introduced by title and placed on the Speaker’s table, but not taken up for final passage during this segment. The chamber also recognized the Artesia Bulldogs football team for winning another state championship, Del Norte High School’s class of 1966 on its 60th anniversary, and a number of guests tied to nursing, education, and local community service. Several members used announcements to highlight nurses, school programs, and local events, including a Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus invitation and a reminder that the day was the final day to file bills with the clerk. The session closed with continued announcements and guest introductions, reflecting a day focused heavily on community recognition and celebratory memorials rather than substantive legislation beyond the memorial votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• One issue I have is with an attorney fees piece.
• fees and maybe court costs as well, at least attorney fees.
• So if you file a motion to dismiss and you win, you get attorney fees.
• The Attorney General and the city just signed a memorandum. amendment.
• Louis as well as the Attorney General, allow the powers that be to do their jobs.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the House Journal by a 125-0 roll call vote. Members then spent a large portion of the morning recognizing special guests, interns, students, and constituents, including school groups, interns, a Savannah Bananas player, and several birthday and personal privilege announcements. On legislation, the House agreed to conference on Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1421. The chamber then took up Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 1000, a bipartisan measure to reauthorize the Missouri Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund and continue support for the Division of Tourism and Missouri Film Office. Supporters from both parties emphasized tourism’s economic importance statewide; the bill passed 136-6. The House next debated House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1020, an omnibus Department of Revenue bill covering fee office contracting, vehicle registration penalties, Real ID document retention, and other DOR changes. The body adopted an amendment lowering late registration penalties, making document retention opt-in, and restoring a five-year plate option, followed by a second amendment removing cosmetic damage as a basis for rejecting rebuilt-vehicle inspections. The bill then passed 130-10. Later, the House began debate on a combined judiciary/civil legislation bill involving insurance assignment-of-benefits restrictions, anti-SLAPP protections, workers’ compensation and court administration changes, and expungement-related funding; members adopted a title change and several amendments, including one to make attorney-fee awards more even in anti-SLAPP motions, while also debating a proposed St. Louis police legal expense fund amendment and whether it had been properly vetted.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an attorney here in town, and I'm not... Good morning, Madam Chair, member of the committee.
• I am here with the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice. Can you have the mic?
• I just want to clarify, we are here on behalf of Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and although
• I didn't see any appropriations to pay for the Attorney General's office in order to enforce this law
• Yeah. ...to pay for the Attorney General's office in order to enforce this law.

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills and public testimony, beginning with introductions and then taking up several health and human services measures. A major focus was SB 1120 and SB 1121, which address radiation protection in cardiac catheterization and other ionizing-radiation procedure rooms. SB 1120 would require health care facilities to equip at least 50% of procedure rooms with radiation protection systems by July 1, 2027, while SB 1121 would prohibit requiring lead aprons in rooms with such systems and instead require real-time dosimeters for staff who opt out of lead aprons. Physicians, nurses, and a hospital executive testified that enhanced radiation protection systems can dramatically reduce occupational exposure, lower cancer and orthopedic risks, and help with workforce recruitment and retention; a hospital alliance remained neutral pending further stakeholder discussions. Both bills were amended and passed out of committee on 7-0 votes, and SB 1118, which appropriates state funds for a rural hospital grant program to install radiation protection systems, also passed 7-0. The committee also approved SB 1001, which appropriates $1 million to the Department of Economic Security for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, after testimony from blind and low-vision Arizonans and advocates describing long waitlists, the need for independent living training, and the program’s role in preventing unnecessary dependence. SB 1072, a major funding bill for home- and community-based services and room-and-board rate increases for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, drew testimony from providers about severe staffing shortages, overtime, turnover, and underfunding; it passed 6-0 with one not voting. SB 1125, requiring DCS to pursue MOUs with tribes and improve tribal communication and access to licensing and enforcement information, also passed 6-0 with one not voting. The committee then considered SB 1123, which removes a board-certification requirement so trained forensic pathologists can supervise autopsy training for residents and fellows; Maricopa County supported it as a workforce and training fix, and it passed 6-0 with one not voting. SB 1052, allowing mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy in assisted living facilities under physician order and DHS rules, generated mixed testimony: supporters argued it could improve health and independence for residents, while opponents raised concerns about off-label treatment in nonmedical settings. The bill passed 5-2. SB 1112, which reduces the number of acquaintance witnesses required in court-ordered treatment proceedings from two to one and allows the court to waive the witness requirement under certain conditions, drew strong testimony from families and mental health advocates on both sides; it passed 5-2. The committee also began hearing SB 1113, which would allow certain service of process in court-ordered evaluation and treatment cases by evaluation-agency employees or other court-authorized persons, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also modifies the attorney exclusion from the definition of travel administrator in the bill to exclude
• attorneys at law who adjust insurance losses from time to time.
• The bill to exclude attorneys at law who adjust insurance losses from time to time incidental to the
• There was an exclusion for attorneys in the underlying bill.
• many, all of the, quite a few issues that were brought up, including conflicts in the law about attorney

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee met on February 4, 2026, and removed House Bill 2629 from consideration. The committee received briefings on House Bill 2428, which would require insurers to give 30 days’ written notice before an individual life insurance policy lapses for nonpayment and to notify policyholders of the right to designate a third party for lapse notices; an amendment clarified the notice requirements and proof-of-delivery language. The committee also reviewed House Bill 2399, which would prohibit assignment of post-loss property insurance benefits, and House Bill 2087, which would enact the Washington Travel Insurance Act and regulate travel insurance products, producers, retailers, and administrators. Members also noted they had already been briefed on House Bills 2483 and 2477 before taking executive action after caucus. House Bill 2428 was amended and passed out of committee unanimously with a due pass recommendation. Supporters said it would help prevent unintentional life insurance lapses and protect consumers, especially older policyholders and families relying on coverage later in life. House Bill 2399 also advanced, but only after a divided vote of 8-7; supporters described post-loss assignments as predatory and harmful to insured homeowners, while opponents argued the bill was too broad and could hinder homeowners who use contractors to repair damaged property and resolve insurance disputes. House Bill 2087, as a proposed substitute, was reported out with a due pass recommendation by a 12-3 vote. Members said the substitute reflected stakeholder and Office of the Insurance Commissioner work to resolve conflicts in the underlying travel insurance framework and add guardrails for consumers. House Bill 2483, dealing with data broker registration, was amended several times to narrow exemptions, add Department of Licensing implementation details, and make the registry public; it then passed 8-7 after debate over privacy, public safety, and whether the bill was too limited or too broad. House Bill 2477, which concerned appraisal-related liability and reports, was amended to clarify appraiser liability and intended users, then passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lubbock County Sheriff Kelly Rowe and Lubbock County District Attorney Sunshine Stani are also here to
• I'm the Lubbock County District attorney.
• I've been the elected district attorney for Galveston County for 14 years.
• I'm the Nueces County District Attorney.
• to take those slots or attorneys that were willing to work at the pay we were offering.

Bills: HB318, HB198

Keywords: ERCOT, interconnection, electric utilities, power grid, transmission, election administration, school board elections, trustee terms, general election, Education Code

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a deputy attorney general um I'm a deputy attorney general um standing<00:01:50.880><c> in</c><00
• Deputy Attorney General Travis Moon, Attorney General's Office, provided written comments previously
• Deputy Attorney General Travis Moon, Attorney General's Office, provided written comments previously
• Deputy Attorney General Travis Moon, Attorney General's Office, provided written comments previously
• Deputy Attorney General Travis Moon, Attorney General's Office, provided written comments previously

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Agriculture and Environment hearing on January 27, 2025, took up multiple measures, beginning with a proposed constitutional amendment, HB 559, to recognize a right to clean water and air, a healthful environment, climate, native ecosystems, and beaches. The Attorney General’s Office testified with concerns that the amendment’s broad language could create challenges for future legislatures and environmental enforcement, while the Climate Commission and DLNR supported it. Environmental and advocacy groups, including Climate Protectors Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others, strongly supported the measure, arguing it would strengthen decision-making and protect Hawaii’s natural resources. Committee members raised questions about how the amendment would interact with existing constitutional protections and recent litigation, and the AG’s office said the proposal could lead to broad judicial interpretation and possible liability issues. The hearing then moved on without a recorded vote on this bill. The committee next heard SB 552, which would establish a healthy soils program in the Department of Agriculture and require annual reporting and funding. The Climate Change Commission supported the bill, and the Department of Agriculture said it stood on its submitted testimony but noted existing commissions and the greenhouse gas sequestration task force already address similar objectives, suggesting SB 552 may duplicate current efforts. Agricultural and environmental advocates, including the Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others, supported the concept of a consolidated healthy soils program, saying it would better organize existing efforts, improve access for producers, and support conservation practices. The Agribusiness Development Corporation said it would support either DOA or ADC administering the program, and committee discussion focused on implementation, program overlap, and whether the bill should better integrate existing compost reimbursement and related efforts. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was SB 678, which would create an Agricultural Development Food Security Special Fund, dedicate a portion of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to it, and appropriate funds equal to 3% of the state budget for agriculture. The Department of Agriculture strongly supported the bill, saying the funding would align with its goals and help support farmers and ranchers. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Department of Budget and Finance raised concerns that the proposed special fund may not meet statutory criteria. Farm and industry groups generally supported the measure but suggested changes, including adding uses related to local food sourcing, distribution, and biosecurity. Committee members questioned the scale of the appropriation, noting it could amount to roughly $250 million and a major increase in DOA’s budget, and discussed whether the department could realistically implement such a large program. The hearing ended with testimony counts noted for the measures heard, and the chair indicated the committee would reconvene later for any unfinished business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Deputy Attorney General Alyssa K. on behalf of the Department of the Attorney General
• Good afternoon, Deputy Attorney General Alyssa K. on behalf of the Department of the Attorney General
• </c> afternoon good afternoon Deputy attorney afternoon good afternoon Deputy attorney general<00:29:
• </c> and I think I think the Attorney and I think I think the Attorney General's<00:37:19.760><c> office
• Is the Attorney General still here?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard House Bill 229, which would establish a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Testimony on the bill was limited and came in support from the City and County of Honolulu’s transportation services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. No one testified in opposition, and there were no questions. The committees then took up House Bill 860, which would grant immunity from liability to the state or counties when they repair or maintain a street whose ownership or jurisdiction is disputed between them. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted written testimony, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member Heather Kimble, and the Iolani Homestead Community Association for Justice testified in support. The Ho Association for Justice opposed the bill, arguing the immunity was too broad and that the issue had already been addressed by prior legislation. In discussion, members raised concerns about liability and asked whether a different approach, such as extending the 2017 law transferring Oahu roads in limbo to the counties, would be acceptable; county representatives said that path could be considered if immunity were removed. House Bill 1161, which would authorize counties to use a road usage charge mechanism similar to the state’s, drew support from the Department of Transportation, the Energy Office, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, several county and city offices, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rental car companies and industry groups supported the concept but asked for amendments, including a flat fee instead of a per-mile charge, relief for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a delayed implementation date. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii also supported relief for hybrids. Members questioned the rental car representatives about the flat-fee proposal, and they said a per-mile charge would be difficult to calculate and pass on to customers. At the end of the joint agenda, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1161 to Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., and the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also deferred the three measures to that date and time. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then began hearing House Bill 925, which would create a Performing Arts Special Fund, and House Bill 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts Grants Program and Special Fund and revise the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and funding sources. HB 925 received support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and written support or comments from DBEDT, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, and others. HB 1378 drew extensive testimony and discussion focused on preserving arts funding while addressing concerns about the use of Works of Art Special Fund dollars for positions and programming. The Governor’s office said it supported the intent but had concerns; the Attorney General warned that the bill’s cap and transfer provisions were unclear and could affect the tax-exempt status of bond-funded dollars; and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts opposed the measure, urging an audit, tracking of deposits, and a shift of positions and programs to general funds instead of changing the law. The chair explained that the bill was intended to protect arts funding while tightening the legal guardrails around bond-financed dollars and preserving federal support, and asked testimony to focus on new points as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• law to the General Court, the petition purports to grant the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Attorney
• law to the General Court, the petition proposed to grant the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Attorney
• And as a reminder, and I think this is very important to take note of, while the Attorney General did
• members of the committee and many members of the Senate, quite frankly, were not reviewed by the Attorney
• But again, it should be noted: the Attorney General's review, when it comes to moving ballot initiatives

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assistant Attorney General Kanek-Lewis Jr. and John Francic with AVS. You may proceed.
• As I stated, I'm Assistant Attorney General Kanek-Lewis Jr. Mr.
• And I'm Catherine Languah with the Attorney General's office. Okay.
• I'm Assistant Attorney General Catherine Langua, appearing on behalf of the Division.
• Board members, I'm Assistant Attorney General Catherine Langua, appearing on behalf of the Division.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Louisiana Gaming Control Board met on January 15, 2026, approved the December 18, 2025 minutes, and received a revenue report showing continued growth across several gaming sectors. State police reported December riverboat AGR of $167.8 million, Caesars New Orleans revenue of $283,602, racetrack slot AGR of $26.9 million, video gaming net device revenue of $67.1 million, retail and mobile sports wagering totals of $24.7 million and $373 million respectively, and daily fantasy sports gross revenue of about $4.8 million. The board noted increases in year-to-date revenues and fees in multiple categories, including the impact of Bally’s Baton Rouge landside opening and gains in the Shreveport-Bossier and Lake Charles markets. The board then approved a second temporary certificate of compliance for Bally’s Shreveport Casino and Hotel through February 28, 2026. AVS and the Attorney General’s office reported that most life-safety deficiencies had been corrected, including repair and successful testing of the emergency generator system, but a final verification blackout drill still needed to be completed. The extension was granted to allow AVS to complete that inspection. The board also approved a $1,500 settlement with MPL Enterprises, Inc. for late filing of annual forms and fees required for its Type 6 video draw poker license. In the final item, the board heard Thomas Rasko’s appeal of a revocation decision involving his non-key gaming employee permit. After argument from both Rasko and the Division, the board voted to affirm the hearing officer’s decision, revoking the permit and finding him unsuitable to participate in Louisiana’s gaming industry. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a question, Noah, that maybe since you're—are you an attorney? Mr. Chair, Senator, stand by.
• I have a question, Noah, that maybe since you're—are you an attorney? Mr.
• And we even had a couple of other county attorneys that were responsible for this nonsense.
• And we even had a couple of other county attorneys that were responsible for this nonsense.
• And we even had a couple of other county attorneys that were responsible for this nonsense.

Summary: The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee heard two bills. SB 1055 would require immediate notification to ICE or CBP when a person unlawfully present in the U.S. is arrested by state or local law enforcement for a state or local offense. Supporters said it simply strengthens cooperation with federal authorities and clarifies existing law; opponents, including the ACLU of Arizona and several public commenters, argued it is redundant with current statute, could pressure officers to prolong stops or arrests, and would increase fear, racial profiling, and distrust of police in immigrant communities. Members debated whether the bill conflicted with SB 1070-era law and whether it would create new legal liability or merely add a reporting requirement after arrest. The committee voted 4-3 to give SB 1055 a do-pass recommendation. The committee then considered SB 1065, which appropriates $300,640,000 in FY 2027 from the general fund for a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Military Veterans Fund. Senator Rogers described hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a non-drug treatment that could help veterans with PTSD and improve quality of life, while supporters emphasized the need to explore options for veterans’ mental health and trauma care. Some members said they supported moving the bill forward but had budget concerns or wanted more detail on how veterans would be selected for the program. The committee approved SB 1065 unanimously, 7-0, with a do-pass recommendation, and then adjourned until the following week.