Transcript Highlights:

• </c> chapter 462A. chapter 462A.
• <c> in</c><01:22:27.480><c> their</c><01:22:27.640><c> pocket</c><01:22:28.360><c> and</c><01:22:28.480
• </c><01:22:32.240><c> rent</c><01:22:32.480><c> and</c><01:22:32.680><c> own</c><01:22:33.040><c> and
• :22:37.200><c> need</c><01:22:37.360><c> to</c><01:22:37.440><c> do</c><01:22:37.560><c> that.
• I wanted<01:22:38.200><c> to</c><01:22:38.320><c> just</c><01:22:39.040><c> also</c><01:22:39.440><c>

Summary: The conference committee on the housing omnibus bill began with member introductions and a staff walk-through comparing House and Senate provisions. House Research staff reviewed major policy differences affecting Minnesota Housing Finance Agency operations, including limits on how much the agency may retain from state appropriations for administrative costs, new reporting requirements, restrictions on transfers between appropriated accounts, and House-only language requiring annual expenditure of investment income from state appropriations. Senate provisions were also summarized, including tighter rules on when appropriations may be placed into Housing Development Fund bookkeeping accounts, updated operating-cost reporting, and Senate-only changes to how investment earnings may be used. Staff also described shared and differing provisions on program-money transfers, a lived-experience earnings exemption, and a long list of Senate-only policy changes, including manufactured home park tenant protections, low-income housing tax credit and bond-related changes, a task force on housing taxes and fees, and repealers affecting Housing Development Fund authority and certain older programs. Fiscal staff then reviewed the budget impacts. The House side included one-time appropriations for workforce housing development, family homeless prevention and assistance, a Minnesota Nice Home Share pilot, and homebuyer education, along with debt service for $100 million in housing infrastructure bonds and transfers/cancellations that produced a net zero general fund impact across the budget window. The Senate side noted a fiscal note for the housing taxes and fees task force and a smaller housing infrastructure bond authorization, with corresponding debt service costs and a total Senate budget-window impact of about $1 million in general fund debt service. After the staff presentations, the committee moved to public testimony. Commissioner Jennifer Ho of Minnesota Housing said the bill’s housing infrastructure bonds and continued support for family homeless prevention were important, and she supported the lived-experience earnings exemption, while noting concerns about the interest-earnings provisions. Testifiers from Greater Minnesota groups praised the workforce housing investments and Senate updates to the state housing tax credit and infrastructure grant program, though they suggested changes to the geographic distribution language. HOME Line urged funding for statewide tenant hotline services, citing rising demand and asking for $1 million if additional money becomes available. The Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers supported the bill’s investments and emphasized the need to pair housing development with supportive services. Housing First Minnesota praised housing infrastructure bonds and other investments but criticized the omission of the Minnesota Starter Homes Act. The Minnesota Multi Housing Association began testimony opposing certain rent-control-related provisions in the House bill. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Clerk, third reading of Senate Bill 714, on page 22, Standing Committee Report 714.
• Madam Clerk, third reading of Senate Bill 714, on page 22, Standing Committee Report 714.
• 22 ayes, one no. Thank you.
• No vote for Senator Awa. 22 ayes, one no. Thank you.
• No vote for Senator Awa. 22 ayes, one no. Thank you. Senate Bill 1269 SD1 passes third reading.

Summary: The Senate convened, called the roll, approved the previous day’s journal, and heard several introductions recognizing staff, visiting students from Do Middle School participating in Working Families Day, and advocates from organizations including H-CAN, Hawaii Workers Center, Aloha Care, the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the American Association of University Women Hawaii. The clerk then reported gubernatorial messages withdrawing several nominations to boards and commissions, transmitting one nomination to the State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision, and House communications sending House bills to the Senate for first reading and committee referral. The chamber adopted multiple groups of standing committee reports, including reports requiring 48-hour notice and one-day notice, and then took up third reading of Senate bills. Several bills passed third reading by unanimous consent or near-unanimous votes, including measures relating to water pollution, spaying and neutering animals, condominiums, marine life conservation districts, mental health, geothermal resources, the University of Hawaiʻi, and aircraft. Senate Bill 841 SD1 and SB 1042 SD1 each passed 22-1, SB 1197 SD1 passed 21-2, and SB 319, relating to marijuana, failed on third reading with 11 ayes and 12 noes. The Senate also granted a waiver of referral for Senate Bill 1621 SD1 to the Committee on Ways and Means so it could meet the first taking deadline, and gave one day’s notice for third reading. The session concluded with a motion adopted to leave the journal open until 11:00 p.m. for additional committee reports and to recess until 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• actions part of<00:22:06.799><c> again,</c><00:22:07.039><c> we</c><00:22:07.280><c> don't</c><00:22
• We want to<00:22:09.919><c> show</c><00:22:10.159><c> kind</c><00:22:10.320><c> of</c><00:22:10.400><
• /c><00:22:12.159><c> we</c><00:22:12.240><c> did</c><00:22:12.400><c> to</c><00:22:12.559><c> develop
• You know,<00:22:28.559><c> if</c><00:22:28.799><c> there's</c><00:22:29.840><c> um</c><00:22:30.080><
• public</c><00:22:54.000><c> um</c><00:22:54.159><c> but</c><00:22:54.480><c> also</c><00:22:55.280><

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing with the City and County of Honolulu Department of Emergency Management on its hazard mitigation plan and recent emergency events on Oahu. Chair Dela Botti opened the meeting by explaining that the briefing was intended to review the mitigation planning process, the city’s hazard mitigation plan, and lessons learned from recent tsunami and wildfire threats, building on earlier briefings with state emergency management and transportation officials. Director Collins and hazard mitigation staff officer Ian Kio presented the plan, describing it as a five-year FEMA-required document focused on reducing long-term risk to people and property, not an operations plan for active disasters. Kio outlined how the plan was developed over roughly 18 months with a core team, steering committee, consultant support, and public input, and said it was formally adopted by the mayor’s office and approved by FEMA in July 2025. He said the updated plan was aligned more closely with the state hazard mitigation plan, expanded to cover 15 hazards including climate change and sea level rise, and organized around hazard risk rankings and mitigation strategies. He identified the highest-risk hazards as climate change and sea level rise, floods, health risks, hurricanes, tsunamis, and wildfires, and said the plan includes short-, medium-, and long-term actions such as education, Firewise community planning, flood mapping, and major infrastructure projects like tsunami walls and street elevation work. He also emphasized that the plan will be maintained with yearly updates and ongoing public feedback. Collins then discussed after-action findings from the July 6 Meli fire and the recent tsunami response, noting that reviews are still ongoing. He said the fire response showed strong initiative and teamwork, including police officers helping with fire suppression support and door-to-door evacuation efforts before firefighters arrived, and a staff duty officer who initiated a wireless emergency alert without waiting for higher-level direction. He said these actions reflected a culture of rapid decision-making when lives are at stake. Collins also urged residents to prepare by making family plans, gathering supplies, checking flood and tsunami risk maps, retrofitting homes, and obtaining insurance before disasters occur. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentleman 22, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Gentleman 22. Mr.
• Gentleman from District 22, Mr.
• Gentleman from District 22, Mr.
• Gentleman from 22, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1410, by State Affairs Committee, an act relating to Medicaid, amending Chapter 22, Title
• Gentleman 22: Mr.
• Gentleman 22: Mr.
• Gentleman 22. Mr.
• Gentleman 22. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.560><c> the</c><01:22:00.920><c> same</c><01:22:01.440><c> lines</c><01:22:01.920><c> as</c><01:22
• as was talking about<01:22:03.679><c> do</c><01:22:03.800><c> you</c><01:22:03.920><c> know</c><01:22
• that's<01:22:40.719><c> for</c><01:22:40.920><c> the</c><01:22:41.159><c> for</c><01:22:41.480><c> the
• c> that's</c><01:22:44.000><c> going</c><01:22:44.120><c> to</c><01:22:44.239><c> be</c><01:22:44.440
• ><c> that</c><01:22:52.239><c> that's</c><01:22:52.400><c> the</c><01:22:52.560><c> request</c><01:22

Summary: The subcommittee met to review the lapse extensions in the back of House Bill 25, which governs capital budget appropriations and bonding. Members were walked through how the bill is structured: section 1 covers general, federal, and other funds; section 2 covers highway fund appropriations; later sections authorize borrowing, restrict spending to the stated purposes, and explain why community colleges and the university system operate through their boards of trustees. The chair also explained that lapse extensions are needed because capital projects can span multiple years, and that appropriations normally expire at the end of the biennium unless extended. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how to identify unspent balances and whether they should be extended, repurposed, or allowed to lapse. Members discussed that if a project is complete or an agency confirms it no longer needs the money, the remaining balance can be reused for another project or, if not needed, lapse back. The committee also reviewed the meaning of bill references and chapter numbers, and how to read prior-year appropriations and extensions in the worksheet. One example discussed was a 2023 Department of Administrative Services courthouse generators item, and members noted that some agencies may rely on encumbered balances rather than explicit lapse extensions, though the chair said he prefers including the extension for flexibility. The committee identified at least one specific change: the Jeffrey Ringe CTE renovation was removed from the governor’s recommended budget because the required local match was not approved, freeing about $18.5 million for possible reuse. Later, the chair noted that lapse extension 49 on the worksheet was no longer needed and could be removed, leaving an unspent balance of $81,500 available for repurposing. The discussion also referenced a Department of Transportation item, Caroline Stratford Freight Rail Improvements, which the agency asked to keep alive through a lapse extension so the funds would not expire on June 30. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :22:03.640><c> property</c><00:22:04.640><c> and</c><00:22:05.039><c> does</c><00:22:05.280><c> it</c
• </c><00:22:06.559><c> exact</c><00:22:06.960><c> same</c><00:22:07.360><c> location</c><00:22:08.159>
• </c><00:22:09.760><c> Uh,</c><00:22:10.400><c> the</c><00:22:10.720><c> the</c><00:22:10.960><c> the<
• should<00:22:21.840><c> be</c><00:22:22.000><c> similar</c><00:22:22.240><c> to</c><00:22:22.480><c>
• </c><00:22:24.400><c> So,</c><00:22:24.640><c> if</c><00:22:25.200><c> it's</c><00:22:25.520><c> on</

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. SB 1296 HD1, relating to disaster recovery, would exempt reconstruction of lawfully constructed structures damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster from special management area permits under certain conditions. OPSD, DLNR, the County of Maui, Front Street Recovery, and the Grassroot Institute supported the bill, saying it would speed rebuilding after disasters like the Maui fires; one witness noted the bill would not cover shoreline parcels unless amended, and members asked about the five-year rebuild window, the meaning of “lawfully constructed,” and whether unlawful structures were excluded. Testimony was also heard on SB 1413, which would allow the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to dispose of abandoned property in federal public housing projects after notice and within five days; HPHA said the bill would help address illegal dumping and clarify procedures. SB 31 HD1, concerning discriminatory restrictive covenants, was briefly described and had support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and comments from the Uniform Law Commission, with no in-person testimony. The committee then heard SB 1341, which would add HEMA and the Office of Homeland Security to agencies allowed to review energy industry information and would expand the program’s emergency-management purpose. The Hawaii State Energy Office supported the measure, saying the data is important for emergency response and fuel-supply planning. SB 10008 HD1 would authorize counties to adopt ordinances enforcing accessible parking space requirements and clarify county enforcement of EV-related parking provisions; the Disability and Communication Access Board strongly supported the accessible-parking provisions, saying current enforcement is weak, while noting section three on EV spaces is already largely in statute and could be struck if the committee preferred. Tina Yamaki of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition. Finally, the committee heard SB 1028 SD1 HD1, which would eliminate fees, fines, and court costs for offenses committed by minors, discharge existing related debt, limit community service for minors to 72 hours, and repeal certain penalties tied to minors and their parents or guardians. The Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council, Community Alliance on Prisons, and DebtFree Justice Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that youth fines burden families, worsen poverty, and disproportionately affect Native Hawaiian youth. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments, raising possible constitutional title issues because the current draft incorporates material from HB 129 and includes sections that may relate more to restitution or curfew than to fines and fees; supporters responded that the title is sufficient and cited case law. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:04.520><c> This</c><00:22:04.760><c> paragraph</c><00:22:05.920><c> that</c><00:22:06.120>
• ><c> and</c><00:22:11.320><c> B</c><00:22:11.920><c> of</c><00:22:12.040><c> that</c><00:22:12.240><c
• I.<00:22:33.440><c> All</c><00:22:33.560><c> those</c><00:22:33.720><c> opposed</c><00:22:34.040><c>
• </c><00:22:38.040><c> Um</c><00:22:38.280><c> Madam</c><00:22:38.560><c> Chair,</c><00:22:39.000><c>
• Uh Senator<00:22:45.280><c> Wicklund,</c><00:22:45.720><c> we</c><00:22:45.840><c> do</c><00:22:46.080

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:29.840><c> All</c><00:22:30.000><c> those</c><00:22:30.159><c> in</c><00:22:30.400><c> favor
• </c><00:22:30.880><c> say</c><00:22:31.120><c> I.
• Motion prevails.<00:22:35.679><c> I</c><00:22:35.919><c> will</c><00:22:36.240><c> u</c><00:22:37.520
• ><c> if</c><00:22:38.480><c> if</c><00:22:39.200><c> I</c><00:22:39.520><c> have</c><00:22:39.679><c>
• ><c> meeting</c><00:22:42.640><c> is</c><00:22:42.799><c> to</c><00:22:42.880><c> be</c><00:22:43.039

Bills: HF4141 , HF3951

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: housing authority, criminal penalty, assault, public safety, redevelopment, submetered utility service, tenant rights, digital payment, eviction protection, housing policy

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Yeah.<00:22:04.080><c> As</c><00:22:04.320><c> as</c><00:22:04.559><c> much</c><00:22:04.720
• ><00:22:11.520><c> like</c><00:22:11.600><c> to</c><00:22:11.760><c> see</c><00:22:12.000><c> that.
• </c><00:22:18.880><c> a</c><00:22:19.120><c> line</c><00:22:19.360><c> by</c><00:22:19.600><c> line</
• </c><00:22:23.200><c> So</c><00:22:23.200><c> so</c><00:22:23.600><c> you</c><00:22:23.760><c> can</c
• ><c> um</c><00:22:26.080><c> dot</c><00:22:26.320><c> tax</c><00:22:26.640><c> was</c><00:22:26.799><

Bills: HB1719 , HB1742 , HB1737 , HB2049 , HB1725 , HB1726 , HB1738 , HB1799 , HB1700

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The joint public hearing covered several housing-related bills and one building-code measure. HB 1719 would make manufactured homes a permitted use by right on residentially zoned lots in the urban district, HB 1742 would authorize self-contained relocatable housing units with restrictions, and HB 1737 would clarify that a farm dwelling in an agricultural district may include an accessory employee housing structure. Testimony on these bills was overwhelmingly supportive from groups including Hawaii Realtors, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Modular Building Institute, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and others, with a few agencies offering comments. No one testified in opposition on HB 1719 or HB 1742, while HB 1737 drew one opposition and one comment in addition to broad support. No votes were taken during the hearing segment provided. A major portion of the hearing focused on HB 2049, which restructures the conveyance tax into a marginal-rate system and changes how the revenue is allocated, including funding for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the rental housing revolving fund, while also affecting the legacy land conservation fund. Supporters, including DHHL, Hawaii Appleseed, Aahu Youth Action Board, Hawaii YIMBY, and others, argued the bill would help Native Hawaiian housing and, for most transactions, function as a tax cut. Opponents, including NAP Hawaii, Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Land Trust, Mhai Land Trust, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, objected to using conveyance tax as a revenue-generating tool and raised concerns about higher upfront costs and reduced funding for other housing uses. Committee members and staff discussed the bill’s revenue estimates, the reduced percentage but higher cap for the land conservation fund, the effect on rental housing funding, and the bill’s cost-of-living adjustment language; staff said a line-by-line comparison of the current and proposed tax structure would be provided before decision-making. The hearing also took up HB 1725, which would extend the state building code adoption cycle from two years to six years, apply the IRC to triplexes and fourplexes, allow counties to adopt more or less stringent amendments, and appropriate funds for code adoption work. Most testimony supported the bill, with advocates saying the current process is unmanageable, too resource-intensive, and creates confusion because state and county codes can diverge; supporters said a longer cycle would improve clarity and allow more focused review. The International Code Council and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers opposed the measure, warning that delaying adoption could have negative consequences and urging the committee to let an existing statewide code-adoption strategy proceed first. Members asked about sequencing, county implementation, and whether the longer cycle would create catch-up problems, but no action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> like to introduce our hsta chapter like to introduce our hsta chapter President<00:12:44.680><c>
• Vice President Sharon have our chapter Vice President Sharon saitman<00:12:57.079><c> special</c><00
• FCR and 24, 25. ordered<00:22:19.039><c> top</c><00:22:19.279><c> of</c><00:22:19.480><c> next</c> page
• <00:22:23.159><c> fcr</c><00:22:23.880><c> and</c><00:22:24.880><c> 24</c> 25<00:22:31.880><c> Representative
• </c><00:22:32.559><c> peric</c><00:22:33.279><c> no</c><00:22:33.520><c> vote</c><00:22:34.000><c> so

Summary: The House convened with a roll call showing 48 members present and three excused, then deferred reading of the journal. There were no messages from the Governor or Senate communications. The session featured numerous introductions recognizing the annual secondary student conference, with members welcoming more than 150 students from 28 public schools, along with teachers, advisers, and other visitors from schools across the state. Under reports of standing committees, Representative Todd moved to adopt standing committee reports Nos. 23 through 29 and advance the accompanying House bills to second reading and referral to the designated committees; Representative Moriwaki seconded, and the motion carried. Members then offered brief positions on several bills, including one dealing with evidence preservation and parental notification, and another prohibiting fines, fees, or court costs against people adjudicated for offenses committed as minors. Testimony and comments reflected both support and opposition, with some members reserving their position and others opposing the measures; concerns raised included the need for clearer parental-notification standards and objections to eliminating penalties for juvenile offenses. The House also considered a bill limiting court-ordered community service for minors to no more than 72 hours, with some members reserving and others opposing. After discussion, the motion on the committee reports was carried by voice vote. There were no resolutions for action, and all other resolutions were referred to print. The House then adjourned until 12:00 noon Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> it</c><00:22:04.320><c> is</c><00:22:04.480><c> exactly</c><00:22:04.960><c> the</c><00:22:05.280>
• <01:22:12.480><c> I</c><01:22:12.800><c> don't</c><01:22:12.960><c> see</c><01:22:13.480><c> it.
• </c> All right.<01:22:23.840><c> Uh,</c><01:22:24.159><c> Senator</c><01:22:24.480><c> Umu</c><01:22:
• </c><01:22:32.800><c> Um,</c><01:22:33.040><c> I</c><01:22:33.280><c> don't</c><01:22:33.440><c> see<
• </c><01:22:34.800><c> is</c><01:22:34.960><c> the</c><01:22:35.120><c> amendment</c><01:22:35.440><c>

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• :46.559><c> mixed</c><00:22:46.880><c> uses</c><00:22:47.200><c> like</c><00:22:47.360><c> a</c><00:22
• </c><00:22:51.840><c> And</c><00:22:52.080><c> it</c><00:22:52.320><c> also</c><00:22:52.640><c> includes
• </c> All<01:22:40.719><c> right,</c><01:22:40.960><c> we</c><01:22:41.199><c> are</c><01:22:41.360><c
• And first<01:22:46.000><c> up,</c><01:22:46.239><c> we</c><01:22:46.560><c> have</c><01:22:47.360><c>
• So, we're going to<01:22:51.040><c> take</c><01:22:51.360><c> a</c><01:22:51.520><c> little</c><01:22

Bills: HB1924 , HB2121 , HB1928 , HB1979 , HB1650 , HB1543 , HB1981 , HB1982

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to waste, recycling, and environmental review. On HB 1924, which would establish a mattress stewardship program, the Department of Health said it stood on written testimony and offered comments, while Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and one individual supported the bill and the International Sleep Products Association opposed it. No questions were raised and the committee moved on. A large portion of the hearing focused on HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale of disposable vapes in Hawaii. The Department of Health supported the measure but suggested the bill may be better placed in a different part of state law because the cited waste-management section regulates products after consumption, while still praising the effort to remove disposable vapes from the market and environment. Testimony in strong support came from the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii COPD Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, the City and County of Honolulu, and many individuals; supporters emphasized youth vaping, toxic waste, lithium battery fire risks, and environmental harm. There was at least one opposing individual and the International Sleep Products Association was listed in opposition. The committee noted there were many written testimonies and no immediate vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 1928 on the deposit beverage container recycling program. The Department of Health stood on written testimony. The Solid Waste Task Force of Hawaii Environmental Change Agents and Upstream supported the bill but urged amendments to better integrate reuse and reusables, strengthen enforcement, clarify definitions, and protect existing redemption centers. The Hawaii Food Industry Association supported the concept of a backdrop program but preferred strengthening the existing program and raised concerns about undefined fees, existing infrastructure, and future audit costs. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the bill, and the chair said the measure needs work and that decision-making would occur in a few days. Finally, the committee took up HB 979 on environmental review and HB 1650 on environmental assessments. For HB 979, OPSD offered amendments, HCDA supported the bill but suggested clarifying the affordable-housing definition, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative supported it, and Earthjustice was asked about the court process for environmental challenges; the chair asked about shortening the challenge period and the relationship between environmental court, the intermediate court of appeals, and the Supreme Court. For HB 1650, OPSD and the State Historic Preservation Division stood on written testimony, OHA asked to retain historic sites, and several groups and individuals testified in support or opposition. Opponents argued that removing Wiki special district and historic sites from Chapter 343 trigger language would weaken environmental review and risk impacts to iwi kūpuna and historic resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, why can't<00:22:19.760><c> there</c><00:22:20.000><c> be</c><00:22:20.320><c> a</c><00:22:20.799>
• </c><00:22:24.559><c> go</c><00:22:24.640><c> out</c><00:22:24.799><c> and</c><00:22:24.960><c> you</
• </c><00:22:28.480><c> We</c><00:22:28.720><c> have</c><00:22:28.880><c> all</c><00:22:29.120><c> of</
• :22:53.200><c> sell</c><00:22:53.520><c> real</c><00:22:53.679><c> estate</c><00:22:53.919><c> in</c>
• They can<00:22:57.679><c> stop</c><00:22:57.919><c> you</c><00:22:58.240><c> from</c><00:22:58.480><c

Committee: House Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Rhode Island<00:22:21.880><c> just</c><00:22:22.040><c> filed</c><00:22:22.280><c> registry</c><00:22
• As<00:22:23.040><c> far</c><00:22:23.200><c> as</c><00:22:23.320><c> bills</c><00:22:23.640><c> that<
• :22:25.440><c> Massachusetts</c><00:22:26.080><c> is</c><00:22:26.240><c> looking</c><00:22:26.560><c
• Um I<00:22:29.040><c> can't</c><00:22:29.200><c> remember</c><00:22:29.440><c> who</c><00:22:29.560><
• Uh Washington was<00:22:30.760><c> looking</c><00:22:31.040><c> at</c><00:22:31.160><c> it,</c><00:22

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, House Bill 22.
• House Bill 22, 161, 222, which we have been.
• By your vote of 31 ayes, 22 nays, you have passed House Bill 2494.
• 41-30-30.27 and amending Title 41, Chapter 37, and Title 41, Chapter 37, Article 6, relating to homelessness
• By your vote of 31 ayes, 22 nays, and 7 not voting, you have passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• :42.679><c> and</c><00:22:42.840><c> did</c><00:22:42.960><c> you</c><00:22:43.080><c> say</c><00:22:
• ><c> these</c><00:22:47.120><c> three</c><00:22:47.440><c> okay</c><00:22:47.919><c> I</c><00:22:48.039
• ><c> to</c><00:22:48.400><c> make</c><00:22:48.640><c> that</c><00:22:49.120><c> uh</c><00:22:50.039>
• :55.600><c> moving</c><00:22:55.840><c> on</c><00:22:55.919><c> to</c><00:22:56.080><c> HB</c><00:22:
• c> 16</c><01:22:34.120><c> to</c><01:22:34.280><c> read</c><01:22:34.520><c> August</c><01:22:34.840>

Committee: House Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 22 present, zero absent, eight are excused.
• We have 22 present, zero absent, eight are excused. Introduction of guests.
• 22-43 relating to health insurance.
• Senate Bill 1016, enacting Section 23-206 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding Title 23, Chapter
• , Section 22, Constitution of Arizona, relating to capital punishment.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, electronic roll call, and several guest introductions, including recognition of Health Workforce Wellbeing Day of Awareness, the Doctor of the Day, educators visiting the Capitol, and student guests. The President also made temporary committee appointments for the day and announced the day’s calendar of bills and committee referrals. The chamber then took up third-reading votes on several measures. Senate Bill 1014, relating to health insurance, passed 17-9. Senate Bill 1016, on employment practices and religious exemptions, also passed 17-9 after debate about workplace safety and public health. Senate Bill 1050, concerning state parks and veteran access, passed 19-9, with supporters citing benefits for disabled and retired veterans and opponents warning about impacts on park fees. Senate Bill 1054, relating to referendum power and emergency measures, passed 16-10 amid debate over local emergency authority. Senate Bill 1177, relating to public monies and health care services, passed 17-9 after sharp partisan debate over transgender-related medical restrictions. Senate Bill 1194, also on health care services and vaccination-related medical decisions, passed 17-9. Senate Bill 1398, relating to AHCCCS, passed 17-9. Senate Bill 1751, relating to capital punishment, passed 16-9. The Senate also passed SCR 1049, a concurrent resolution proposing a constitutional amendment on capital punishment, by a 16-9 vote. Throughout the floor debate, members offered explanations of vote focused on public health, religious liberty, veterans’ benefits, emergency powers, transgender rights, vaccination policy, and the death penalty. The Senate then announced a Health and Human Services Committee meeting for the following day and adjourned until Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

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Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and ground rules from Chair David Tarnas, including a request for two-minute testimony limits, clear speaking, Zoom etiquette, and respectful conduct. The first measure taken up was HB 2062, relating to gun violence prevention, which would appropriate funds for enforcement of gun violence protective orders and for public awareness campaigns. Judiciary submitted written testimony recommending technical changes to clarify that it does not enforce laws and instead should be funded for personnel to process temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders; the Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill and said it is well positioned to conduct public education. Support also came from county and advocacy witnesses, including Moms Demand Action, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, HGEA, and a retired police officer, while opposition testimony argued the measure raises due process and Fifth Amendment concerns and that education, not enforcement, should be the focus. The chair noted 37 testimonies in support, 103 in opposition, and three comments; no vote was taken in the portion provided. Testimony on HB 2062 emphasized both public safety and constitutional concerns. Supporters described the bill as a way to increase awareness of an existing legal tool, prevent suicides and shootings, and help law enforcement and the public understand gun violence protective orders. Opponents, including gun owners and firearms groups, argued that red flag laws can be abused, lack due process, and should not be expanded through state funding. A county neighborhood safety witness suggested an amendment to allow public, private, and nonprofit consultants to assist with training and implementation. Members asked a few questions, but the agencies with written testimony were not present, so the chair referred members to their submissions. The committee then moved to HB 2061, relating to firearms, which appropriates money for the state gun buyback program and requires at least two buyback events in each county. Written support was noted from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii County Council, the County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, with the latter emphasizing that buybacks are voluntary prevention tools that can reduce risk before crises escalate. Opposition came from the Mid-Pacific Pistol League, SDM Training Group/Bows and Bullets, and others; one witness argued buybacks are ineffective, costly, and can be vulnerable to misuse or black-market diversion, and suggested a year-round surrender option instead. The committee heard additional support from a retired police officer and from a gun violence survivor with Students Demand Action, but no final action or vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

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• focused that the whereas the chapter is focused on<01:22:34.199><c> work</c><01:22:34.679><c> performed

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration