Transcript Highlights:

• They have teacher background knowledge.
• I can assure you, mathematics, language arts, social... ...studies, and science, those will be the last

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee met to discuss the needs of rural school districts and the role of Florida’s three regional education consortia: the Panhandle Area Education Consortium, Northeast Florida Educational Consortium, and Heartland Educational Consortium. Executive directors and several rural superintendents described the consortia as member-led organizations that provide shared services, professional learning, leadership development, grant support, cooperative purchasing, risk management, IT/cybersecurity help, and back-office assistance that small districts could not afford to provide on their own. They emphasized that rural districts are often very small, have limited staff, and must still meet the same state reporting and compliance requirements as large urban systems. Testimony focused heavily on teacher recruitment and retention, alternative certification, and the difficulty of staffing specialized roles such as CFOs, MIS directors, IT staff, and content-area teachers. Superintendents said many new hires are career changers or alternatively certified teachers who need consortium-supported training, and several argued for more flexibility in funding so districts can raise salaries and compete with neighboring districts and nearby states. Members also asked about the impact of declining enrollment, homeschooling, and voucher-related school choice; superintendents said those trends are reducing FTE and creating budget instability, while also requiring districts to right-size staff and programs. Several speakers described the financial strain on rural districts, including rising insurance costs, transportation costs, and the challenge of forecasting budgets when enrollment changes after the school year begins. One superintendent recounted major hurricane damage and said consortium risk-management support was essential to recovery. Others said the consortia help districts pool resources for property and health insurance, payroll, student data systems, and procurement, and that this shared approach saves money and improves services. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there's been a number of studies on areas that we can break down.
• If you could buy it on Amazon, that's a fair price; you don't have to go into all the background on how

Transcript Highlights:

• Just for a little background, I'm a nurse practitioner. Representative Garner: Thank you, Mr.
• Just for a little background, I'm a nurse practitioner.
• Just for a little background, I'm a nurse practitioner. Thank you, Mr.
• Just for a little background, I'm a nurse practitioner.
• Looking at my background, I spent quite a bit of time working in new tech. We do...

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My background is that I worked for the State Police here in New Hampshire for 24 years, and for 19 of
• <00:42:22.520> have against that as well uh the studies have against that as well uh the studies
• In New Hampshire, after a study of the Coast Guard for the last 13 years, has been the safest boating
• Because of some activity and some study committees last year, it was felt that this fund might be the
• activity and some study committees last year<01:25:49.800> uh<01:25:50.000> was<01:25:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and I like your background and I like your background but<00:27:56.360> you<00:27:56.440>
• your background on there. your background on there.
• of your background. of your background.
• We all come from different backgrounds.
• from different backgrounds. from different backgrounds.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard several governor’s message nominations to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s advisory board. The first nominee, Daniel O’Leary, received strong support from HTA leadership and Deputy Director James Kunane Tokioka, who praised his visitor-industry knowledge and work on brand marketing and tourism planning. O’Leary said he hoped to contribute his experience and strengthen the organization’s integrity. Joel Guy was also supported by HTA, Tokioka, and several community testifiers, who highlighted his long work in Hana, his film-industry background, and his role in community-focused tourism planning. During questioning, Guy said the advisory board should still have influence, especially on strategic planning and community concerns, even though its role is advisory rather than decision-making. The committee then considered Linda Wong’s nomination. HTA and Tokioka strongly supported her, citing her long community experience and familiarity with HTA work. Wong said the new advisory board was collaborative, had no conflicts so far, and was trying to balance resident concerns with attracting higher-value tourists. Senator Kim questioned her about the advisory structure, and Wong said she believed the Legislature had reduced HTA’s authority because of past conflicts but that the new board could help turn things around and possibly regain more authority in the future. The committee also heard testimony on Kimberly Algos and Terry Fisher. Algos was described by HTA and Tokioka as a strong leader and solid board member; Tokioka explained that she and another co-chair were selected because of their busy schedules and that the advisory board’s committees were created so members could contribute beyond the single statutory duty of selecting the chair, president, and CEO. Fisher was supported for his tour-operator experience and strategic planning work. In questioning, he endorsed performance-based contracting and accountability for contractors, while acknowledging that external events can affect results. He also said the convention center is critical infrastructure that should be repaired and used to help fill tourism lulls and attract major conferences. The hearing included supportive testimony from industry representatives, but no votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And okay, essentially as a background for the change that we've proposed is the service bartenders are
• It would establish licensure standards, including use of a multi-state license, criminal background check
• House committee substitute, what it does is you're about to hear Representative Diet's bill on background
• check and teleaalth criminal background check and teleaalth and<00:19:39.200> it<00:19:39.360
• <00:19:53.760> checks<00:19:54.000> with diet's bill on background checks with diet's

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on me I've been just a little background on me I've been a<02:35:00.880> nurse<02:35:01.200><
• Second, proponents brought up a study from the journal Vaccine in 2018.
• Second, proponents brought up a study from the journal Vaccine in 2018.
• We can't use scientific studies to show things that they did not study.
• The use of that study is not appropriate in this application.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 224, which would redirect most money from New Hampshire’s renewable energy fund back to electric ratepayers. The bill sponsor argued the measure would lower energy costs, noting recent utility rate increases and estimating annual savings of roughly $2.5 million to $7.3 million for ratepayers. Supporters said the fund has accumulated money that should be returned to customers rather than used for subsidies, and they emphasized that the state has already rebated similar funds from RGGI for years. Opponents, including Rep. Kat McGee, argued the renewable energy fund is a successful, nonlapsing dedicated fund that supports local clean-energy projects, energy resilience, emissions reductions, and private investment. McGee said the fiscal note overstated the benefit of rebates and understated the loss of investment, claiming the average annual rebate would amount to less than $10 per customer while the program has helped leverage significant private dollars and nearly 10,000 projects. She urged the committee to reject the bill as a poor deal for the state and ratepayers. Committee members questioned the fiscal note, the size of the rebate, whether the bill would set a precedent for other dedicated funds, and whether the program’s incentives amount to picking winners and losers. The Department of Energy testified neutrally, explaining how the renewable energy fund works, including renewable energy credits, alternative compliance payments, and the fund’s use for renewable energy initiatives. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And to do to be one, you have to probably have some background or generational type of knowledge of,
• Uh, utilizing now, I'm probably utilizing about 12 to 15 acres of land in terms of, uh, uh background
• or generational uh background or generational type<00:03:53.400> of,<00:03:53.760> uh,
• He's got extensive background and experience. He is a paniolo.
• got extensive background and experience. got extensive background and experience.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate AEN committee heard and considered four gubernatorial nominations. GM 511 was for Harry Purdy III to the Moloka‘i Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board; testimony in support came from DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, and Moloka‘i community members, and Purdy described his long background in Moloka‘i homestead farming and the challenges facing new farmers. GM 676 was for Denise Kuano to the same board; the committee noted support from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and it was reported that Kuano could not testify because of a family emergency. GM 771 was for James Gomes to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity; the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council strongly supported him, citing his long agricultural experience, advocacy, and prior board service, and Gomes emphasized ag crime enforcement, land access, water, and support for farmers and ranchers. GM 772 was for Michelle Lefebvre to the Environmental Advisory Council; the Environmental Advisory Council and OPSD supported her, and Lefebvre discussed her work on the council’s exemptions committee and the need for better public understanding of the environmental review process. Members asked nominees questions about barriers for young homesteaders, ag crime enforcement, prior board service, environmental stewardship, and public engagement in environmental review. Gomes said the biggest challenges include lack of experience for new homesteaders, weak enforcement against ag crimes and drug activity on ranches, and the need for more land and resources for agriculture. Lefebvre said the environmental review process often falls short in public understanding and that comments are not a vote but part of an analytical process. After testimony, the committee reported support counts for each nomination and then voted to recommend advise and consent on all four measures. GM 511, GM 676, GM 771, and GM 772 were each adopted unanimously by the members present, with some members excused. The chair then announced the committee would move on to the next agenda item.

Transcript Highlights:

• These kids, as you know, come from very, very difficult backgrounds.
• Great background. It was great to learn about your bio. Welcome this morning. Good to have you.
• There's the fact to your background at NASA and a number of other areas at Boeing.
• I'll keep it brief this morning, but great background. Appreciate you being here.
• Well, and again, your background, Mr.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's all kind of background. Okay.
• It's all kind of background. Okay.
• It's all kind of background. Okay.
• It's all kind of background. Okay.
• It's all kind of background. Okay.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees held an informational briefing on efforts to expand insurance capacity in Hawaii’s property market, especially for condominium and homeowners coverage. The Insurance Commissioner reviewed the background: a legislative task force, the governor’s emergency proclamation in August 2024, and Senate Bill 1044 in May 2025 led to new condo insurance products. He said the work over the past two and a half years was producing positive results and introduced representatives from HPIA and HHRF/HHR to provide updates. HPIA’s board chair and its administrator described the organization’s history, structure, and current products. HPIA said it was created in 1991 as a residual market for homeowners insurance, now writing four residential products: HO2 homeowners, renters, HO6 condo unit owners, and dwelling fire. They reported policy counts have grown again as admitted-market carriers tightened underwriting, and they discussed financial pressure from reinsurance costs, though those costs had declined in 2025 after different purchasing decisions. They also said the market has become more favorable overall, with some capacity returning and deductibles beginning to ease. Members focused much of their questioning on HPIA’s proposed higher dwelling limits. HPIA explained that the current $450,000 limit for homeowners and dwelling fire was set in 2023, but agents are now asking for a higher limit in the $650,000 to $750,000 range because construction costs have risen and many policies are not being submitted when the limit is too low. HPIA said it has the authority to raise the limit through a filing with the Insurance Division and expects more submissions if the cap increases. They also discussed the shift in the book of business from roughly 70% lava-zone coverage to closer to a 50/50 split between lava and non-lava risks. HPIA outlined strategic initiatives: a new policy administration system that went live October 1 and now allows online payments, online claims reporting, and electronic notices; a filed request to raise the homeowners and dwelling fire limit to $650,000 effective March 1 for new business and April 1 for renewals; an increase in the HO6 condo unit owners limit from $5,000 to $100,000; and a planned commercial property all-other-perils-excluding-hurricane condo product targeted for filing by January 31. No votes were taken, and the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Frank Merryweather, Senior, a graduate of the Tuskegee Institute who studied under Booker T.
• Rosemary was raised in Pennsylvania, where she studied at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, mastering
• Following his military service, Robert studied... ...military service, Robert studied accounting at the
• her well-deserved recognition and wish her continued success at Arizona State University and in her studies
• I actually have a background in housing economics.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Just a question: is this just for background checks for other agencies, or does it include all background
• Are we correct that the individual on the background check signs off on that?
• employment with the federal government, so they go into it knowing that we're going to dive into their background
• we as law enforcement sheriffs and chiefs didn't realize that we were supposed to be doing these background

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then heard an announcement inviting members to the Kentucky National Guard’s annual legislator briefing and rotary-wing flight over Frankfort on March 10, with a Friday deadline to RSVP. After roll call, the committee took up House Bill 340, sponsored by Representative Tony Hampton, with testimony from Hampton and representatives of the Kentucky sheriffs and law enforcement community. HB 340 would create a new section of KRS Chapter 13 requiring criminal justice agencies to provide criminal history records information to requesting federal agencies conducting suitability or fitness assessments for federal or contractor employees under 5 U.S.C. 9101. The bill also allows a $25 fee to reimburse agencies for the cost of providing the records and makes a conforming change to juvenile justice records law. Supporters said the measure is needed to bring Kentucky into compliance with federal law, noting the state had been out of compliance and could risk federal funding; they also said sheriffs’ offices need statutory authority to charge the fee. Members asked about whether the bill covers all background checks, sealed or expunged records, and juvenile records. Testimony explained that the bill applies to federal security-related background checks, that federal law requires access to sealed or expunged records, and that juvenile information would remain in-house but could be relevant when applicants disclose past conduct. One example was given involving a juvenile firearms-related offense discovered during a federal suitability review. The committee then voted on the bill, and House Bill 340 passed with favorable expression, with the chair announcing it should do the same in the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the Maui wildfire exposure study and the Maui health registry have been extremely successful after
• Additionally, funding is needed to sustain the good work of the study and registry for this fiscal year
• <01:52:44.400> and sustain the good work of the study and sustain the good work of the study
• Even starting off that many of those families come from socioeconomically challenged backgrounds.
• We're looking at this framework and are advising us because they have the background and the before this

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• talked to a board of investors whom I very much trust, who has a lot of financial experience and background
• specifically if I have a group of kids who are pagan, for instance, who want to bring in pagan teachings, study
• And would you also agree that There have been studies that have reviewed medical journals about gender-affirming
• care, and those studies have found that most of these studies have been low quality and have been unable
• million citizens in the state of Oklahoma into the legislature, and they expect us to come up and study

Bills: HB4420, HB3974, HB3016, HB3062, HB3021, HB3145, HB4128, HB3131, HB3015, HB3472, HB3453, HB1638, HB4126, HB2696, HB2710, HB3552, HB3031, HB3544, HB3521, HB4490, HB4488, HB1746, HJR1069, HB4428, HB4429, HB1170, HB3538, HB4124, HB3904, HB4106, HB2999, HB3982, HJR1077, HB3464, HB2588, HB3462, HB4440, HB3674, HB3345, HJR1067, HB4326, HB4331, HB4337, HB4338, HB4359, HB4392, HB3557, HJR1076, HB4003, HB3495, HB3497, HB3501, HB3505, HB3749, HB3011, HB4336, HB4346, HJR1087, HB3240, HB3647, HB3796, HB3969, HB3972, HB3983, HB3984, HB3989, HB3383, HB3130, HB4358, HB3327, HJR1055, HB3386, HJR1089, HB3087, HB2970, HB3314, HB4129, HB4199

Keywords: reading, intervention, literacy, education, third grade retention, teacher training, funding, Strong Readers Act, tort claims, inmate housing, government immunity, public trust, private prison, emergency legislation, vision screening, binocular vision, kindergarten, elementary education, health, firearm rights

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'm kind of getting the idea as I listened and read some of the background.
• budget we should be able to afford that. >> I did notice in the governor's proposal that funding this study
• <00:52:08.320> that<00:52:09.320> funding<00:52:09.600> this<00:52:09.760> study
• <00:52:10.080> was<00:52:10.240> not proposal that funding this study was not proposal
• that funding this study was not a<00:52:10.600> part<00:52:10.840> of<00:52:10.960>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, and just to give you a little bit of background, I've been in this position for a little over two
• sense that um a s sensible bet in the sense that um the<01:02:13.839> the<01:02:14.000> study
• student<01:02:15.000> demand<01:02:15.559> in<01:02:15.760> that the the study
• of student demand in that the the study of student demand in that area<01:02:16.640> suggests
• 02:45.440> the What’s different about the Rise program is the hybrid of having the live-work-study

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The meeting covered several Senate resolutions related to the University of Hawaiʻi system, the East-West Center, and related education and workforce issues. On SCR 178 and SR 48, testifiers strongly supported the East-West Center, describing it as an important Hawaii asset that promotes cultural exchange, global citizenship, diplomacy, and ties to the University of Hawaiʻi. Speakers said the Center has helped train leaders and bring international connections and investment to Hawaii, and they urged continued funding despite federal cuts. The chairs then recommended passage with technical amendments, and both resolutions were adopted by the committees. The committee also heard testimony on resolutions calling for audits of University of Hawaiʻi operations. On SR 32 and SCR 50, the University of Hawaiʻi said it supported the resolution and had already begun work on establishing a Bachelor of Science in nursing at the UH Maui campus, with additional staff available on Zoom to answer questions. On SR 160 and SCR 142, which sought a financial and performance audit of UH Mānoa facilities, UH Athletics said it already undergoes annual financial audits required by NCAA bylaws but not performance audits, and discussed its internal evaluations, contingency planning, and efforts to address concerns raised by student athletes and staff. The committee then took up SCR 138 and SR 55, requesting a management and performance audit of the UH Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy. Vice President Deborah Halbert and P20 Director Steve Shotz said they did not oppose the audit and believed it could provide clarity, while explaining that the office is relatively new and works collaboratively across campuses on articulation, transfer, grants, and workforce alignment. They described grant programs including Perkins, GEAR UP, preschool development, and data-sharing efforts, and said they are focusing more resources on teaching, health care, and skilled trades. The discussion also touched on SR 54, a proposed performance audit of the UH Foundation, where foundation representatives said they already undergo annual financial audits, acknowledged some donor communication issues, but emphasized improved stewardship and growth in fundraising over recent years.

Transcript Highlights:

• A brief background of why I'm here: In February 2021, my wife had a serious fall in Austin.
• Are we having a study on that coming up soon? I think we might.
• we are<00:14:18.800> we<00:14:18.920> having<00:14:19.079> a<00:14:19.160> study
• <00:14:19.560> that<00:14:19.880> coming<00:14:20.120> up are we having a study
• on that coming up are we having a study on that coming up soon<00:14:21.800> I<00:14:21.920><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Interim study would come back in the future. markets are critical to the markets are critical to the
• All in favor of interim study. >> Any opposed?
• in favor of interim study. in favor of interim study.
• <00:30:27.760> um up to uh Maine really studying um up to uh Maine really studying um migration
• Uh there's been one study electric bill.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What's your background that gave you the basis of knowledge to say what you said? Yeah, thank you.
• That's a federal background check.
• clear, you check your background, cross-reference it, and if your background's clear, you've got to
• People from every background came together to teach, support, and empower each other.
• People have already passed background checks, registered firearms, taken safety courses, and followed

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused heavily on firearms legislation, especially bills to repeal Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 (including H. 2618/S. 1671 and related repeal measures) and bills on firearm industry accountability (H. 2672/S. 1653). Supporters of repeal, including Senator Peter Durant, Rep. Ken Sweezey, gun owners, instructors, sportsmen, and women’s gun-rights advocates, argued that Chapter 135 overreaches, creates confusion in licensing and training requirements, burdens lawful gun owners, restricts pepper spray and semi-automatic firearms, and is being enforced in ways they said criminalize responsible conduct. Committee members defending the law said it was the product of years of work, public listening sessions, and multiple drafts, and argued that Massachusetts remains the safest state for gun violence and that implementation issues, such as live-fire training, had been delayed to allow time for regulations and infrastructure. Several witnesses also testified on H. 2672/S. 1653, which would create firearm industry standards of conduct and allow civil actions against manufacturers, distributors, and dealers that engage in unsafe or unlawful practices. Supporters from the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown, Brady, Giffords, and survivors described the bill as a way to hold the industry accountable, reduce the flow of crime guns, and give victims and the Attorney General a path to sue bad actors. They cited data on crime-gun traces, disproportionate impacts on communities of color, and examples from other states that have enacted similar laws. Opponents, including gun dealers and industry representatives, argued that existing law already punishes illegal sales, that most crime guns are stolen or diverted after lawful sale, and that the bill would improperly target manufacturers for the actions of others. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to remove the non-resident ban on semi-automatic firearms for hunting (H. 2710/S. 1676), with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers supporting the change as a way to restore access for returning residents, veterans, and hunting programs that had been displaced. Later testimony returned to repeal and related gun-law bills, with sportsmen’s groups arguing Chapter 135 was rushed, confusing, and harmful to youth hunting and lawful ownership. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; it was a public testimony session with extensive questioning by committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• It takes away the ability for them to have a reserve study before the declarant gets control.
• It takes away the ability for them to have a reserve study before the declarant gets control.
• before the declarant gets reserve study before the declarant gets control. control. control.
• the HOA uh get the the reserve study the HOA uh get the the reserve study upon<02:03:22.960>
• Uh, HOAs need reserve studies to understand their long-term expenses. This is a necessary tool.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and heard several announcements about upcoming committee meetings, events at the Capitol, and recognitions, including Music Therapy Day, Black History Month activities, adoptable puppies, and a Colorado Agricultural Forum. Members also celebrated Representative Story’s birthday and recognized the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) for its long-running support of arts, culture, science access, and economic impact in Colorado. The House adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, designating February 20, 2026, as Colorado FFA Day, by a vote of 64-1 with one excused. The chamber then moved to special orders for several bills. The first major bill considered was House Bill 1017, which would prohibit insurers from receiving criminal restitution unless they are direct victims. Sponsors argued the bill prioritizes human victims, prevents restitution from becoming an unpayable burden on low-income defendants, and clarifies the law in response to court concerns and stakeholder feedback. Opponents argued it would shift costs to taxpayers and policyholders and could increase civil litigation and insurance premiums. An amendment, L005, was adopted to clarify the bill’s scope, and the bill then passed as amended. The House also took up House Bill 114, concerning minimum lot size and local land-use rules. An amendment, L002, was offered to prohibit certain local lot frontage, setback, open-space, or coverage requirements that would effectively prevent construction of a single-family home on a 2,000-square-foot residential lot. Supporters framed the measure as protecting housing access, while opponents argued it would override local land-use decision-making and public hearing processes. The transcript ends during debate on a substitute motion related to the amendment, before final action on House Bill 114 is shown.