Transcript Highlights:

• Secondly, we address the Moo's comments on page 11, number 7, adding pedestrian pathways, sidewalks,
• Secondly, we address the Moo's comments on page 11, number 7, adding pedestrian pathways, sidewalks,
• Streets provide the ability to do bike and pedestrian events, like walk-on kickoff events, to promote
• Streets provide the ability to do bike and pedestrian events, like walk-on kickoff events, to promote
• Streets provide the ability to do bike and pedestrian events, like walk-on kickoff events, to promote

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1480 on transportation and road usage charging. Supporters included the Department of Transportation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, county representatives, and the Tax Foundation, while an automotive industry witness opposed the bill, arguing it would be unfair to rural drivers and those with longer commutes. Committee discussion focused on equity, rural impacts, and whether the measure should be tied to future rail funding. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1480 pass with amendments, including broadening allowable uses of funds, clarifying language on infrastructure and safety, addressing motor scooters, and striking a proposed new subaccount; the recommendation was adopted by both committees, with one no vote in TCA. For SB 970 on taxation, the Tax Foundation said the employer transit tax credit would be more efficient as a direct subsidy program, and the Department of Taxation recommended several changes, including a sunset date of December 31, 2030, anti-double-benefit language, deletion of certain reporting requirements, and an effective date of December 31, 2025. The department estimated the bill would reduce revenues by about $11.6 million over the four-year period it would be in effect. The committees moved SB 970 forward with amendments to include bike share in the credit and add a defective date, leaving the department’s suggested changes for later consideration; the recommendation was adopted. The committees also advanced SB 1008 on parking and SB 1088 on electric vehicle charging infrastructure without amendments. DCAB strongly supported SB 1008, saying it would help counties enforce accessible parking design requirements, and noted a related bill without the EV portion. SB 1088 drew broad support from the Public Utilities Commission, State Energy Office, county and advocacy groups, and individuals; one question raised whether the bill should sunset, but the response was that Hawaii still lacks sufficient EV charging infrastructure and the measure expands eligibility for affordable housing. Both bills were recommended to pass unamended and the recommendations were adopted. The Transportation and Culture and Arts committee then heard SB 1011 on the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program, with testimony in strong support from individuals and the State Archivist, who suggested preserving award recipients’ archives, photos, oral histories, and clippings. The committee also heard SB 441 on the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, with support from the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaii Theatre Center, musicians, and others emphasizing cultural value, workforce stability, and statewide access to the arts. The transcript then moved to SB 1581 on the Hawaii Japan Pacific Peace Monument and SB 1577 relating to the State Foundation on the Arts; on SB 1577, the Attorney General warned that using the Works of Special Art Fund for operating purposes could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of related bonds and recommended deleting section five, while also pointing to the Performing Arts Special Fund as an alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sure, Bliss, you have some testifiers on your side, and we are aware of several people that have signed
• </c><00:04:30.040><c> of</c><00:04:30.400><c> several</c> your side and we are aware of several your
• side and we are aware of several people<00:04:31.000><c> that</c><00:04:31.080><c> have</c><00:04:31.200
• ,</c> more pedestrian, more pedestrian, but but but what<00:37:16.880><c> I</c><00:37:16.960><c> would
• As far as I am aware, the rule has never been adopted anywhere in the United States.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard Chair Bliss present HF 13, a bill to change Minnesota self-defense law so that a person using reasonable force in resisting an offense against the person would not be required to consider retreat. Bliss tied the proposal to a recent Minnesota Supreme Court case involving a man at a light rail station and argued the court had effectively created a duty to retreat that the legislature had never enacted. He said the bill would codify the right to stand one’s ground while still leaving reasonableness to judges and juries. Supporters Bryan Gosh of the NRA and Rob Door of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus testified that Minnesota’s duty-to-retreat rules are confusing, judicially created, and out of step with other states. They argued the bill would clarify self-defense law and protect people who defend themselves or others, citing examples from other states and a Texas church shooting to argue that a retreat requirement can endanger victims and bystanders. Opponents Maggie Emery of Protect Minnesota, Sarah Erickson of Giffords, and Don Einwalter of Moms Demand Action argued the bill would function as a “shoot-first” law, increase homicides, worsen racial disparities, and make communities and law enforcement less safe. They cited studies linking stand-your-ground laws to higher homicide rates and pointed to incidents in Florida and Minnesota involving firearms and children. The committee also took up two amendments. Representative Hollins offered an amendment on safe and secure firearm storage, saying it was intended to reduce child access to guns and suicides; she requested a roll call. Chair Bliss opposed it, saying current law already covers negligent storage and that the amendment was too broad, including for a rural constituent who keeps a shotgun by his door. Representative Hudson and Representative Pinto argued over whether current law is sufficient and whether the amendment would remove needed flexibility. The transcript ends during discussion of the amendments, with no final vote or disposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Streets Program for improvements and projects to municipal streets to create additional capacity for pedestrians
• capital projects to support housing development, including stormwater management, culverts, and bike-pedestrian

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House received a Governor’s message on fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The Committee on Rules reported several resolutions, including honors for Abby Goodman, a resolution reaffirming Massachusetts-Taiwan friendship, recognition of the Cambodian-American community’s Khmer New Year celebration, and Elks National Youth Week; the House suspended the rules and approved them. The House also concurred with Senate petitions on assisted living residences and medication administration in rest homes, sending them to the Committee on Aging and Independence. The main legislative business was House Bill 5279/5375, the transportation bond bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. Ways and Means recommended a substitute bill, House 5375, with a $2.737 billion general obligation bond authorization, and the House adopted the amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading. Later, the House took up House 5375 directly, heard support from members emphasizing Chapter 90 road funding, municipal flexibility, rural road mileage distribution, and broader transportation investments, and then passed the bill to be engrossed by roll call vote, 155-0. The House also passed House Bill 5371, authorizing grants of easements or takings of certain parcels of land to the city of Boston, to be engrossed. In addition, the chamber received and filed the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s report on the March 31, 2026 special election for the 5th Essex District, adopted an order to escort the Governor and Executive Council into the chamber, and administered the oaths of office to Representative-elect Andrew Tarr. The session ended with an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Streets Program, for improvements and projects to municipal streets to create additional capacity for pedestrians
• , culverts, to support housing development, including stormwater management, culverts, and bike-pedestrian

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• federal grants or funds, then that entity can make standalone improvements as it pertains to bike and pedestrian
• these projects— So oftentimes a local entity will apply to a federal grant, whether it be bike or pedestrian

Committee: House Transportation and Defense

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, or last biennium, we passed a bill that K-8 will receive age-appropriate training for pedestrians
• Which was recently expanded to include mandatory pedestrian safety training for all students in grades
• K-3, whether they walk to school or not, and pedestrian and bicycle safety for all students in grades

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• In the short time I worked with the National Park System, and I think a lot of us are aware of this,
• In the short time I worked with the National Park System, and I think a lot of us are aware of this,
• Were you aware that the U.S.
• Chair, members, I was not aware, um, prior to 2025 that they intended to cut employees.
• So we just want to raise the awareness, but it's not a requirement.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A 2024 study found that pedestrian fatalities were at their peak 15 to 20 minutes after sunset and also
• I'm not aware of that. I'm happy to change that.
• No, ma'am, there was not a specific incident that I'm aware of that led to this.

Bills: SB1772 , SB1958 , SB2010 , SB1595 , SB1687 , SB1684 , SB2049 , SB1966

Committee: Senate Aeronautics and Transportation

Keywords: motor vehicle safety, headlamps, headlights, fog lights, daytime running lights, auxiliary driving lamps, spot lamps, off-road lamps, bicycle lights, bicycle reflectors, vehicle lighting, roadway visibility, low visibility, rain, snow, wipers, night driving, traffic safety, Oklahoma Title 47, vehicle code

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1734, appropriation, hostro pedestrian pass. SB 1735, Navajo Route 8090 improvements.
• A couple of key things I like to make you aware of.
• A couple of key things I like to make you aware of.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a recorded roll call showing 30 members present. The journal was approved, no guests were introduced at first, and the Governor’s signed bill HB 2022 was reported. The President also announced temporary committee substitutions for the Rules Committee on February 9. Senator Shamp introduced licensed naturopathic physicians in the gallery and highlighted SB 1178, which would expand their authority to administer certain intravenous drugs, including antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals. The chamber then read a lengthy calendar of first- and second-reading bills and resolutions covering elections, education, health care, water, criminal justice, housing, taxation, and other topics, with no floor action taken on those measures during the reading. The Senate recessed to recognize law enforcement personnel involved in the rescue of an eight-year-old boy from a human trafficking situation. A proclamation commended Deputies Gregory Sanders and Jacob Montoya, along with Cochise County and Border Patrol personnel, for their courage and professionalism. After returning to order, members made personal privilege remarks urging the Joint Legislative Budget Committee to review $2.85 million in election-related funding for the Secretary of State, and another senator spoke about water security and the need for long-term planning. Additional announcements included caucus and committee meeting notices, an invitation to Arizona Aerospace Day, and a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. The transcript ends as the chamber was considering adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1734, appropriation, pedestrian pass. SB 1735, Navajo Route 8090 improvements.
• A couple of key things I like to make you aware of: we do have lunch at noon in the Majority Caucus Room
• A couple of key things I like to make you aware of.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that DCYF update their existing mandated reporter training so educators and mandated reporters are aware
• </c><01:01:17.599><c> of</c><01:01:17.680><c> any</c> pension hearing, nor am I aware of any pension
• hearing, nor am I aware of any amendments<01:01:18.240><c> which</c><01:01:18.559><c> proposed</c><01
• </c><02:48:42.640><c> and</c> impacts youth and pedestrians and impacts youth and pedestrians and cyclists
• And lastly, it funds a and pedestrians.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you aware of any of y'all, and we've got a lot of other people coming up to testify, are you aware
• Not that I'm aware of. You're not aware of it. No, Chairman. Okay.
• I'm not aware of the documents you have, sir.
• Bike and pedestrian safety along any infrastructure. Necessary part of this, true.
• Bike and pedestrian safety along any infrastructure is a requirement, sir. Right.

Bills: SB39 , SB2129 , SB2141 , SB2246 , SB2323 , SB2439 , SB2722

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: commercial motor vehicle, truck liability, motor carrier, trucking, civil liability, respondeat superior, negligent entrustment, negligent maintenance, negligent loading, negligent repair, bifurcated trial, exemplary damages, punitive damages, personal injury, collision, employer liability, vicarious liability, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Texas tort reform, commercial truck accident

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee reconvened on SB 2722, as substituted by Senator Bettencourt, which would redirect a portion of Harris County Toll Road Authority surplus revenues to the City of Houston and impose audit and tax-rate penalty provisions. Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz and Fire Chief Thomas Munoz testified in support, arguing that Houston bears a large share of toll-road public safety burdens, citing thousands of police and fire responses on toll-road property and the need for compensation for emergency services. Bill King, testifying neutrally, said the toll authority generates large excess revenues and urged stronger oversight and clearer controls on how the money is spent. Opponents, including Harris County officials, business and neighborhood representatives, and toll-road critics, argued the bill would divert transportation dollars, create a precedent for taking toll revenues for general municipal use, and could worsen project delivery and incentives; several also questioned the accuracy and interpretation of the revenue figures and the lack of comparable audit requirements for the city. The committee took extensive testimony but left SB 2722 pending without a vote. The committee then heard SB 2129, which would increase fines for motorists who disregard railroad crossing gates or flaggers, and SB 2323, which would redact railroad crew members’ personal information from public accident reports. Both bills were presented as safety measures, with railroad labor testimony in support, and both were left pending after brief public testimony. The committee also heard SB 2141, a Zaffirini bill concerning specialty license plates for judges, with the substitute aimed at reducing security risks by changing how judges are identified on plates; it too was left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2439, another Zaffirini bill, described as a TDLR cleanup measure related to ATV and off-highway vehicle safety certification. The bill would abolish the current training and certification program, which supporters said was burdensome and underused given the small number of approved instructors statewide. With no significant opposition on the record, the committee closed testimony and left SB 2439 pending as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• federal grants or funds, then that entity can make standalone improvements as it pertains to bike and pedestrian
• these projects—so oftentimes a local entity will apply to a federal grant, whether it be bike or pedestrian

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1272, a transportation code cleanup measure presented by Representative Manwaring. He said the bill repeals outdated provisions on aircraft pilot registration, antiquated livestock-movement notice language, and obsolete special license plate statutes, while also making conforming amendments to remove references to those repealed sections. There was no testimony from the public, and the committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up House Bill 508, which Representative Green described as follow-up legislation to prior-year bills affecting bike and pedestrian funding and related enforcement language. He said the bill would allow government entities receiving federal grants or funds to make standalone bike and pedestrian improvements, and would narrow a violation provision so it applies to elected officials or officers rather than consultants. After a brief question about how federal funds could be used, and with no public testimony, the committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 880, also presented by Representative Green, dealing with e-bike definitions and regulation. He said the bill would add a new classification for certain motorbike-like electric bikes, require licensing and registration for those vehicles if used on public roads, and address safety concerns raised by law enforcement about fast, motorcycle-like devices being ridden by children on streets and shared-use paths. Members raised concerns about the bill’s 750-watt threshold and whether it might unintentionally affect ordinary e-bikes used by adults and seniors, and several discussed the need to avoid overbroad restrictions while addressing safety issues. At Representative Green’s request, the committee sent HB 880 to general orders for further work, and the meeting adjourned after that action.

Transcript Highlights:

• That fund is dedicated to bicycle and pedestrian projects in the region and there are ample resources
• The Washington Avenue Bridge is the most used bike and pedestrian infrastructure in the entire state

Bills: HF2438

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• Its current design is deficient, with temporary stop signals, no turn lanes, and no bike or pedestrian
• pedestrian bike vehicle flow<00:08:47.240><c> we</c><00:08:47.320><c> have</c><00:08:47.480><c> attached
• So again, lots of pedestrians, lots of traffic signals.
• </c><01:04:57.799><c> of</c> hundreds of people uh that are aware of hundreds of people uh that are aware
• </c><01:05:01.279><c> of</c> through that area aren't even aware of through that area aren't even aware

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• RESPONSIBLE UNDER ARTICLE 6 OF THE VEHICLE AND >> Senator Palumbo, you're saying if someone is not aware
• I see the word "claimant" here, that applies to all claimants, not Just drivers of automobiles, pedestrians
• of fault as you have described in that hypothetical would be quite difficult for a bicyclist or pedestrian
• applies to operators who fall within those categories and individuals at fault, whether they are pedestrians
• FAULT WHETHER THEY ARE PEDESTRIANS OR BICYCLISTS OR SOME OTHER VEHICLE, ON A HORSE, WHO KNOWS.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then moved through a series of budget-related and ceremonial items. The chamber accepted Rules and Finance Committee reports and took up several budget extender and budget implementation bills, including the main appropriations extender and later a transportation, economic development, and environmental conservation budget bill. Senators questioned the sponsor extensively about the status of the remaining budget bills, the use of messages of necessity, and the absence of joint budget conference committees. The extender bill passed 59-2, and later budget-related measures were advanced after reconsideration and amendment. A major portion of the session focused on the environmental and energy provisions in the budget bill, especially changes to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Senators debated extending emissions targets, the role of cap-and-invest, utility affordability, ratepayer impacts, and the structure of a proposed blue-ribbon commission. Supporters said the changes were needed to give the state more time to implement the law and to protect affordability, while opponents argued the bill was a political delay that would not lower energy costs and relied too heavily on subsidies and future planning. The bill also drew questions about electric vehicle rebates, thermostat control programs, emergency diesel generation for Micron, and how imported electricity and out-of-state emissions would be treated. The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the 50th anniversary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, India Independence Day, the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame, and the 50th anniversary of Interfaith Works of Central New York. Senators spoke in support of each resolution, highlighting the contributions of Black legislators, Indian-American communities, veterans, and refugee and interfaith service organizations. The Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony was specifically noted as a chamber event, and guests were recognized from the floor and gallery. In addition, the Senate restored recalled bills to the third reading calendar through reconsideration votes and amendments, including a highway law bill and another recalled bill, and then stood at ease for scheduled conferences and a Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony before resuming session. The transcript ended with discussion of a separate bill affecting automobile insurance serious-injury standards, with questions about what claims would remain available and whether the change would improve affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• program would include, some of the people that testified talked about a gentleman talked about pedestrian
• Pedestrian safety in our state and how that's concerning levels, and how we need to make sure that we're
• But there were just too many things that we were made aware of.

Committee: House Elementary and Secondary Education

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2195, a driver education-related measure. The ranking member offered an amendment to remove the word “training” and add specific safe-driving topics such as pedestrian and motorcycle safety, based on prior testimony. The amendment and then a committee substitute were adopted. Members clarified that the bill does not require schools to offer driver education; it instead creates a mechanism for schools that choose to provide it. The committee then voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2195 do pass by a unanimous 18-0 vote. Next, the committee considered House Bill 2502. The substitute mainly changed the term “non-public” to more specific references to private, parochial, and parish schools. The substitute was adopted, and the committee voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2502 do pass unanimously, 18-0. The committee then revisited House Bill 2776, which had previously been voted out but was brought back after additional concerns from PSRS and others. The sponsor described major revisions, including changes to teacher certification tiers, more flexible service timelines, expanded credit for professional development, and limits to elementary grades. Members debated whether the bill watered down teacher preparation, whether the new certification structure could create unintended rights or salary issues, and whether the elementary-only scope was appropriate. After extensive discussion, the committee adopted the substitute and voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2776 do pass by a 14-4 vote. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1767, the Missouri Educators and Parental Empowerment and Rights Act. The sponsor said the bill was intended to balance educator and parent rights and encourage collaboration rather than conflict. Supporters from Missouri NEA and the Missouri State Teachers Association said the bill would help address teacher retention by protecting classroom discipline authority, planning time, and other working conditions. School administrators raised concerns about practical implementation, potential legal conflicts, and added burdens on districts. After testimony and discussion, no further action was taken and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and then now I came here after two years for we have a Koreatown, but it is, uh, you're probably aware
• So are you aware of why this fiscal note would be zero?
• were hit in a 3 mile stretch on North Lamar, and it took the city over 1 year to actually put a pedestrian

Bills: HCR 114 , HB 137 , HB 283 , HB 1398 , HB 1960 , HB 2153 , HB 2431 , HB 2638 , HB 2699 , HB 2999 , HB 3208 , HB 3389 , HB 3413 , HB 3510 , HB 3642 , HB 3859 , HB 3974 , HB 3986 , HB 4142 , HB 4173 , HB 4174 , HB 4542 , HB 4605 , HB 4663 , HB 4731 , HB 5064 , HB 5216 , HB 5218 , HB 5332 , HB 5453 , HB 5577

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: memorial, pedestrian bridge, Houston, Sergio Ivan Rodriguez, city council, oversize vehicles, transportation permits, Hidalgo County, port authority, highway routes, healthcare, insurance, mental health, treatment access, state funding, transportation, axle weight, aggregates, regulations, Texas law

Transcript Highlights:

• . $1 million was appropriated for Dell Hollow ADA accessible pedestrian bridge that leads to the lodge's
• ADA mobility improvements. $1 million was appropriated for Dell Hollow ADA accessible pedestrian bridge
• ADA mobility improvements. $1 million was appropriated for Dell Hollow ADA accessible pedestrian bridge
• /c><00:15:45.839><c> bridge</c><00:15:46.160><c> that</c><00:15:46.320><c> leads</c> accessible pedestrian
• bridge that leads accessible pedestrian bridge that leads to<00:15:46.639><c> the</c><00:15:46.720><

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Energy and Environmental Protection met at 9:00 a.m., approved the June 3 minutes, and heard a presentation from the Department of Parks and the Finance Cabinet on Kentucky State Parks capital projects. Commissioner Mark Keelin and Scott Baker described the scope of the state parks system, the ongoing coordination with DECA/Finance Cabinet, and the status of projects funded through House Joint Resolution 76, House Bill 553, House Joint Resolution 56, and House Bill 6. They said 36 of 44 state parks have received renovations or upgrades, with 66 projects completed and 17 under construction, and outlined work on campgrounds, utilities, wastewater systems, broadband, building systems, safety upgrades, ADA improvements, pools, golf courses, marinas, and lodge accommodations. The presenters highlighted several completed or active projects, including campground upgrades at Carter Caves, Ken Lake, and My Old Kentucky Home; utility and grid-resilience work at parks such as Kentucky Dam Village and Kincaid Lake; wastewater projects at parks including E.P. Tom Sawyer, Carter Caves, Dale Hollow, and Blue Licks Battlefield; and building and hospitality renovations at parks such as Lake Barkley, Baron River, and Cumberland Falls. They also noted completed playground upgrades, lock system replacements, beach refurbishment, and golf course improvements, and said the parks system is managing additional internal projects beyond those discussed. The department emphasized that parks often serve as sheltering locations during disasters and that infrastructure replacement is a high priority. Scott Baker then explained DECA’s role in managing the Commonwealth’s capital construction program, saying it oversees about 1,300 active projects across 28 cabinets and agencies, including 149 parks projects. He described DECA’s team-based approach, with dedicated project managers and field staff assigned to parks, and said monthly status meetings and more frequent check-ins are used to keep projects moving. In response to committee questions, Keelin and Baker said projects are assigned to DECA based mainly on the need for architectural or engineering services, while smaller or less complex work can be handled in-house by parks staff or the P11 construction crew. No votes were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:37:28.640><c> our</c> intersections, and safety for our intersections, and safety for our pedestrians
• <c> Madam</c><00:37:30.079><c> Speaker,</c><00:37:30.320><c> the</c><00:37:30.480><c> funds</c> pedestrians
• Madam Speaker, the funds pedestrians.
• /c><00:37:37.680><c> for</c><00:37:37.920><c> all</c><00:37:38.079><c> our</c><00:37:38.240><c> pedestrians
• </c><00:37:39.040><c> to</c> expand safety for all our pedestrians to expand safety for all our pedestrians

Keywords: 910, house, all