Transcript Highlights:

• by making federal regulations by making by<00:23:57.720><c> making</c><00:23:58.080><c> clear</c><00
• The member from Charlotte, Representative Waters Evans, will speak for the Committee.
• The member from Charlotte, Representative Waters Evans, will speak for the Committee.
• The member from Charlotte, Representative Waters Evans, will speak for the Committee.
• The member from Charlotte, Representative Waters Evans, will speak for the Committee.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 11:09.680><c> and</c> to house them or do we set rules and to house them or do we set rules and regulations
• 11.120><c> okay</c><00:11:11.360><c> this</c><00:11:11.519><c> can</c><00:11:11.760><c> only</c> Regulations
• You know, at what point, you know, and I say we, you know, food, water, shelter, right?
• </c><00:42:17.119><c> you</c><00:42:17.240><c> know</c><00:42:17.480><c> food</c><00:42:18.000><c> water
• </c><00:42:18.319><c> food</c> and I say we you know food water food and I say we you know food water

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1294 HD2, which would create a workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture to address agricultural workforce housing shortages. The Department of Agriculture supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the first step should be a study to determine actual housing demand, noting many farmers have very low incomes and may not be able to support housing costs. A DHHL representative said the department supports the measure as a first step but does not currently plan to expand housing on its agricultural lands; members also discussed the distinction between agricultural and pastoral leases and asked for follow-up information on lease numbers and ranchers growing feed. Testimony on HB 1294 was overwhelmingly supportive, with farm and farmers’ organizations saying housing is critical to sustaining agriculture and should be located near farm operations when possible. Members questioned how housing eligibility would be enforced and whether federal housing funds could be used. The committee reported 38 testimonies in support, none opposed, and two comments, then voted to pass HB 1294 HD2 with amendments, including a date defect to July 1, 2050; the motion carried with five in favor and the recommendations were adopted. The committee then took up HB 428 HD1, establishing the Hawaii Farm to Families Program to address food shortages and requiring reports before the 2026 regular session. The Department of Agriculture urged the bill’s continuation and appropriations, citing rescinded federal grant programs and a planned $1.1 million application to support food banks and kalo production. Food banks, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and other groups strongly supported the measure, describing rising demand for charitable food assistance, especially for fresh produce and protein, and noting that many families are struggling despite working multiple jobs. Witnesses also described school pantry and backpack programs, food rescue partnerships with retailers, and the need for more stable state support; one witness asked for at least $5 million in funding for farm families. Committee members asked about food insecurity levels, food safety, abuse of food assistance, and how the program would connect farmers with schools and food banks. Food bank representatives said they already work with DOE school pantry programs and inspect all donated food for safety, and they suggested a grant or escrow-style payment model could help farmers by reducing reimbursement delays. The transcript does not show a final vote on HB 428 before the excerpt ends.

Transcript Highlights:

• by Representatives Brown and Sirota and Senators Amabile and Kirkmeyer, concerning clean drinking water
• and making an drinking of drinking water and making an appropriation.<03:09:45.200><c> House</c><03:
• The department is tightening up the rules and regulations on these folks.
• </c><05:29:38.320><c> If</c> rules and regulations on these folks.
• If rules and regulations on these folks.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are the Committee on Water and Land.
• :41:17.600><c> help</c><00:41:17.760><c> protect</c> water, reduce runoff and help protect water, reduce
• </c> use in your nursery is your water use in your nursery is your water source.<00:42:35.360><c> So<
• </c> body for the East Maui Water Authority. body for the East Maui Water Authority.
• </c><01:21:05.280><c> delivery</c> and maintaining the EMI water delivery and maintaining the EMI water

Bills: HCR13 , HCR61 , HCR136 , HCR185 , HCR155 , HCR68 , HCR174 , HCR178 , HCR179 , HCR91 , HCR103 , HCR115 , HCR199 , HR15 , HR128 , HR175 , HR147 , HR62 , HR164 , HR168 , HR169 , HR83 , HR95 , HR107 , HR189

Committee: House Water & Land

Keywords: coral reefs, sunscreen, environmental education, student stewardship, marine conservation, reforestation, Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, native forests, climate resilience, sustainable practices, economic opportunity, biodiversity, wildland-urban interface, WUI, wildfire mitigation, wildfire safety, Maui County, County of Maui, Kauai

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on March 31, 2026, and heard testimony on several resolutions. HCR 13/HR 50, which asks DLNR to work with DOE and the Public Charter School Commission on a student coral stewardship program, drew comments from DLNR, which said it stood on written testimony and had proposed amendments, and from supporters in the room. HCR 61, urging investment in reforestation policies, workforce, nursery capacity, and related support for public and private lands, received strong support from DLNR and multiple testifiers, including members of a reforestation policy hui, a resident, and others who emphasized watershed protection, flood and fire resilience, and the need to upgrade nursery infrastructure and staffing. Committee members asked questions about nursery modernization, staffing, island-specific needs, and whether reforestation could reduce wildfire impacts; the DLNR witness said all islands need investment, with especially large opportunities on Hawaiʻi Island, and that healthier forests improve resilience though they cannot eliminate climate-related risks. The committee then heard HCR 136/HR 128 on wildland-urban interface safety standards for Maui plantation towns, but no one testified. It also heard HCR 185/HR 175, which urges denial of permits for ICE detention-related warehouses; Chris Coffey of Immua Alliance testified in support, saying migrant survivors of exploitation are harmed when ICE detains people and that Hawaii would not be the first place to take such action, citing examples from other states and cities. In questioning, members explored whether a local facility would keep people closer to families and services or instead increase local detention; Coffey said detention generally cuts off access to services and can intensify fear, and that a local facility could incentivize more detention and make survivors less likely to come forward. Finally, the committee heard HCR 155/HR 147 supporting the Hawaii Water Safety Coalition’s Hawaii Water Safety Act. Testifiers included Allison Shapera, who described the statewide water safety plan, Hawaii’s high drowning rate, the economic and human costs of drownings, and her personal loss of her daughter in a preventable drowning; Kirsten Hermstead and Kalani Vierra of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association said the plan’s recommendations need legislative recognition to help with implementation and grant funding; and Jessamine Town Horner testified by Zoom as a co-founder and bereaved family advocate. The transcript provided does not show any votes or final committee actions on the measures discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are additional opportunities... ...support legislation and regulations that help us make transit
• if there are long lines, we provided a number of heat mitigations, some tents, and fresh drinking water
• At our long lines, we provided a number of heat mitigations, some tents, and fresh drinking water at
• I am just dead in the water here. I'm going to exit out and come back. Okay.
• My name is Adam Van Water, and I'm honored both to serve as the executive director of the Transbay Joint

Summary: The Select Committee on Downtown Recovery held an informational hearing on the future of public transit and its role in downtown recovery. Chair Haney framed the discussion around how downtowns have changed since the pandemic and how transit, walkability, housing, and street design can support more 24/7 activity. The hearing included three panels: transit agency representatives, street design and curb management experts, and housing/transit development advocates. Transit agency witnesses from BART, LA Metro, and Sacramento Regional Transit described post-pandemic ridership shifts, with more weekend, evening, and event-based travel and less reliance on traditional weekday commute patterns. BART highlighted downtown San Francisco’s dependence on transit, its event service, safety investments, and transit-oriented development pipeline, while asking the state to protect transit funding and honor SB 125 and greenhouse gas reduction fund commitments. LA Metro emphasized special event service, especially around the World Cup and Union Station activations, as a way to make transit a destination and improve customer experience. Sacramento Regional Transit reported bus ridership recovery above pre-pandemic levels, light rail lagging behind, new vehicles and stations, stronger security measures, and concerns about future funding cuts affecting student fares, capital projects, and service levels. The second panel focused on making downtown streets more walkable and transit-friendly. Jeff Speck argued that walkability depends on places being useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting, and urged cities to restripe streets, reduce lane widths, add bike protection, improve crossings, and redesign one-way streets. Mark Vuksevich of Streets for All said downtowns are statewide economic assets and called for frequent transit, bus priority, modern curb management, parking pricing tied to availability, and parking benefits districts that reinvest revenue locally. He also said the state should provide model enabling legislation and more flexibility for local experimentation. The final panel focused on housing near transit. California YIMBY’s Aaron Eckhouse supported AB 2074, which would encourage large-scale housing in transit-rich downtowns, and argued for more financing tools, condo reform, and building code changes to reduce costs. Transbay Joint Powers Authority Executive Director Adam Van Water described the Transbay Transit Center and surrounding district as a case study in transit-oriented downtown growth, with millions of square feet of development, thousands of residents, and a major portal project still awaiting funding and pre-construction work. Members discussed office-to-housing conversions, the need to repurpose underused office stock, and the importance of state funding and policy support for transit, housing, and downtown revitalization.

Transcript Highlights:

• restrictions and that the things that the government, that municipalities shouldn't do are make regulations
• terms with some things and make some adjustments so that at least we're not compromising things and watering
• Motion to adjourn. least we're not compromising things and least we're not compromising things and watering
• 39.360><c> so</c><01:50:39.520><c> that</c><01:50:39.760><c> they</c><01:50:39.920><c> they're</c> watering
• them down so that they they're watering them down so that they they're meaningless,<01:50:41.360><c>

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
• I was sharing with several this morning that I feel like that pot of water on the stove, that it kind
• This bill greatly muddles the waters, and I'm really concerned about the representatives' comments that
• Speaker Hilbert now moves House Bill 4421 by advancement of water.
• Less regulation and more growth. For follow-up, he waives.

Bills: HB3407 , HB1242 , HJR1081 , HB3443 , HB3781 , HB1939 , HB4237 , HB3430 , HB3321 , HB3905 , HB3329 , HB4253 , HB4421 , HB4311 , HJR1046 , HB2015 , HB3244 , HB4265 , HB3941 , HB4203 , HB2941 , HB3695 , HB3380 , HB3132 , HB3673 , HB3134 , HB3383 , HB4490 , HB4058

Keywords: property rights, abandoned homes, manufactured homes, notification, salvage, real estate, Oklahoma Tax Commission, landowner liability, redemption, HB1242, cervidae, deer, elk, sales tax exemption, agricultural exemption, livestock, ranching, farm tax, agricultural sales tax, agriculture

Summary: The House convened, heard an invocation from Rep. Kendrix, and recognized Dr. Jason Reagan as doctor of the day. Members then took up a long series of bills, with most moving through amendment, third reading, and final passage. Early measures included HB 3407 on abandoned personal property/manufactured homes, HB 1242 expanding agricultural sales tax exemptions to deer and elk, and HJR 1081 proposing a constitutional property-tax freeze for certain seniors; the senior tax resolution drew extended debate over valuation thresholds, renters, and county fiscal effects before passing. HB 3443 redirected funding for the Way Station Revolving Fund, HB 3781 changed insurance rate filing timing, and HB 1939 addressed Turnpike Authority notice procedures and landowner notification, including certified mail and a one-mile notification area. All three passed. The chamber also approved several criminal justice and public safety measures. HB 4237 and HB 3430, both part of a negotiated criminal-justice package, passed after title-only amendments; HB 3321 shifted to reporting on cost arrest warrants and passed with an emergency clause; HB 3905 clarified GPS monitoring for certain domestic-violence and stalking defendants; HB 2941 required first responders to notify law enforcement about suspected overdoses and created immunity for good-faith reporting; and HB 3695 refined the definition of great bodily injury in DUI cases. HB 3329 repealed the long-term care facility advisory board, and HB 4421, “Leo’s Law,” aimed at protecting children from fentanyl exposure in homes, was amended to address residue cleanup and reporting concerns before passage. Other notable actions included HB 4253, which would give teachers access to professional educator groups; it passed the House but the emergency clause failed. The bill prompted substantial debate over teacher choice, bargaining units, and whether the measure would create multiple representation arrangements. The House also passed HB 4311 increasing the Treasurer’s share of the unclaimed property administration fee, HJR 1046 providing a one-year ad valorem tax break for homes destroyed by disaster, HB 2015 on landlord-tenant issues, HB 3244 strengthening fraud and identity-theft laws, HB 4265 naming memorial roads and bridges, HB 3941 raising secretary/bailiff pay, HB 4203 allowing single-stair small multifamily units, HB 3380 on foster care transparency and outcomes, HB 3132 and HB 3134 on higher-education accreditation and DEI-related standards, and HB 3673 allowing certain expired electrical licenses to be reinstated. Most measures passed with broad support, while a few drew opposition over fiscal impact, legal concerns, or policy implications.

Transcript Highlights:

• plan and other elements, as we help the private sector navigate this labyrinth of state and local regulations
• Our focus primarily can be distilled to two things: housing and water.
• We run first-time homebuyer programs, water delivery, permanent solutions for water, clean drinking water

Committee: House Housing and Community Development

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The State Patrol primarily regulates the ignition interlock industry, so they certify the devices from
• of the committee, Senate Bill 6238 concerns requirements for oil tankers operating in restricted waters
• of the committee, Senate Bill 6238 concerns requirements for oil tankers operating in restricted waters
• Senate Bill 6238 concerns requirements for oil tankers operating in restricted waters.
• Vice Chair Lovick, Senate Bill 6238 concerning requirements of oil tankers operating in restricted waters

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held a work session focused on ignition interlock device compliance and broader traffic safety data. Traffic Safety Commission staff described a Yakima County pilot that provides enhanced probation supervision and support for DUI offenders, reporting that compliance with ignition interlock installation rose from roughly 16%–20% before the pilot to 41% among medium- and high-risk offenders, with barriers including cost, confusion about requirements, transportation access, and communication gaps. JLARC staff presented a statewide preliminary audit finding an overall 41% installation rate, with higher installation rates among higher-income drivers and limited use of financial assistance; JLARC recommended clearer goals for the assistance program and a formal coordination agreement between the Department of Licensing and State Patrol. State Patrol also reported on a Snohomish County outreach pilot that used troopers and door hangers to contact noncompliant drivers, found many were unaware of financial aid, and identified some drivers as physically unable to drive, without vehicles, or on warrant status. The committee then received a broader traffic safety update showing that serious injuries and fatalities rose sharply in recent years before declining somewhat in 2024; impaired-driving fatalities fell 15% from 2023 to 2024, while pedestrian fatalities remained near record highs. The Traffic Safety Commission also highlighted telematics-based research showing that targeted enforcement and visible patrols can reduce speeding, and that anonymized telematics data is being used to analyze speeding and distracted driving patterns statewide and at the corridor level. Members asked about privacy, enforcement methods, and how the data are used, and staff emphasized that the data are aggregate and opt-in through insurance or similar programs. After waiving five-day notice, the committee held a public hearing on Senate Joint Memorial 8016, which asks Congress and federal agencies to treat the Fairfax Bridge closure and replacement as an emergency and to expedite federal review and remove historic-register barriers. Supporters from Wilkeson, Carbonado, recreation groups, and nearby communities testified that the bridge closure has harmed tourism, emergency response, recreation access, and daily travel. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6230, which would require cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest five cents in light of the federal penny phaseout; staff said the Department of Licensing fiscal note showed a $186,000 technology cost, and retail and food industry representatives supported the bill but requested amendments for permissive language, safe harbors, consumer protections, and local preemption. In executive session, staff briefed members on several bills and substitutes, including snowmobile registration fee increases, gender designation record confidentiality, salvaged title transfer streamlining, fish-barrier/utility relocation changes, emergency highway work thresholds, a Traffic Safety Commission public-health-authority proposal, special parking privilege renewal changes, parked vehicle registration enforcement, and oil tanker tug-escort requirements. No final votes or bill actions were recorded in the excerpt beyond the motion to waive notice and the completion of the public hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we had a water line going on down State Route 4, and we had a partnership where they were able to
• care, right, employer to employee, state road fund, whenever we inherit it, the transportation regulation
• Some of the challenges we're working on with the rest area you're referring to is the water leaching
• Throughout the state, we have 82 patrol facilities, most of which need anything from hooking their water
• Acknowledge, or first off, mention that I was with the Water Natural Resource Committee last week in

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1623 is an update to the state charter for state Regulated credit unions.
• Regulated credit unions.
• I understand what you're saying, but would you agree that, much like water, which always finds a way,
• I understand what you're saying, but would you agree that, much like water, which always finds a way,
• Their regulations and rules. I'm sorry for clarification, Senator Bullard.

Bills: SB65 , SB248 , SB330 , SB378 , SB844 , SB1330 , SB1410 , SB1475 , SB1476 , SB1565 , SB1618 , SB1623 , SJR39 , SJR47 , SB2084 , SB1655 , SB1679 , SB2174 , SB1775 , SB1873 , SB1204 , SB1884 , SB1916 , SB1937 , SB1447 , SB1500 , SB2007 , SB2074 , SB1944 , SB2018 , SB1984 , SB2026 , SB2045 , SB2049 , SB2062 , SB2112 , SB2118 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB2135 , SB2139 , SB2154 , SB1195

Keywords: SB65, naloxone, Narcan, opioid overdose, overdose reversal, opioid antagonist, emergency opioid antagonist, substance abuse services, harm reduction, public health, overdose prevention, good samaritan, civil immunity, criminal immunity, controlled substances, addiction treatment, fentanyl, opioid crisis, school overdose response, first aid

Transcript Highlights:

• So you're asking a hypothetical law of future regulation or law change at the federal level.
• So you're asking a hypothetical law of future regulation or law change at the federal level.
• of that whether there was some opportunity to get legal residency status, et cetera. ...a future regulation
• What was heard was a boondoggle before you is a watered-down boondoggle of a bill that does more harm
• Thank you. ...before you is a watered-down boondoggle of a bill that does more harm than good.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, and adoption of the special order calendar for the day. The chamber then took up House Bill 1B on immigration, along with discussion of anticipated Senate changes. The sponsor described the bill as creating a chief immigration officer housed in the Department of Agriculture, establishing an Office of State Immigration Enforcement, expanding cooperation with federal immigration authorities, increasing criminal penalties for certain offenses by unauthorized aliens, ending undocumented-student fee waivers, and providing substantial appropriations for enforcement and related programs. Members also questioned the Senate version’s proposed mandatory death penalty provision for certain capital offenses involving unauthorized aliens, as well as pretrial detention, 287(g) participation, DMV reporting requirements, and the bill’s effects on schools, teachers, social workers, and local agencies. The sponsor and supporting members repeatedly said the bill required broad cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and that existing federal law would control where conflicts arose. A major portion of the debate focused on whether the bill would allow or require immigration enforcement in schools and other sensitive settings, and whether teachers, school resource officers, and social workers could be placed in conflict with federal privacy or professional obligations. Members also raised concerns about detention based on suspected status, the standard of proof for immigration-status determinations, prison and jail impacts, workforce shortages, and the fiscal effects on counties and state agencies. The sponsor said the bill did not provide DMV funding, that the state would need to study some implementation questions, and that the appropriations included $25 million for a local law enforcement participation incentive program and up to $350 million for broader implementation and coordination. Several amendments were offered and failed. Representative Chambliss proposed protecting schools, churches, and places of worship from enforcement activity; Representative Escamani offered amendments to preserve in-state tuition for Dreamers and to grandfather currently eligible students; Representative Woodson offered a similar Dreamer-related amendment; and Representative Bartleman proposed barring local law enforcement from entering schools during school hours to detain children solely for immigration status. Supporters of these amendments argued they would protect children, preserve educational access, and prevent trauma in schools and houses of worship. The House rejected each amendment by voice vote, and the transcript ends during debate on the Bartleman school-safety amendment before final disposition is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:47:36.319><c> because</c> I think it muddies the waters because I think it muddies the waters
• :47:51.200><c> that</c><00:47:51.440><c> is</c> introducing any regulation that is introducing any regulation
• Then it would muddy the waters.
• I don't know what that the waters.
• We don't regulate Medicaid.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> are on House Bill 446 and Senator Waters are on House Bill 446 and Senator Waters wishes<01:06:35.359
• Senator Waters, no. Senator McConi, yes. Senator Waters, no.
• Senator Waters, no. Senator McConi, yes. Senator Waters, no.
• Senator<04:06:08.960><c> Waters,</c><04:06:09.439><c> no.
• Senator Apprentice, Senator Waters, no.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Wastewater and water treatment requirements still apply.
• Wastewater<00:18:09.000><c> and</c><00:18:09.200><c> water</c><00:18:09.520><c> treatment</c> Wastewater
• and water treatment Wastewater and water treatment requirements<00:18:10.880><c> still</c><00:18:11.200
• ><00:18:17.440><c> designated</c> Saying we want housing in our designated growth areas and then regulate
• Waters of Essex of Charlotte. Yes. Waters of Essex of Charlotte. Yes. Waters of Essex of Charlotte.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the other on water and energy resiliency.
• to emphasize the importance of the investments you make in everything from roads and broadband to water
• We see a lot of needles flowing down the river, and it's affecting our water source.
• Can we build a lot, but do we have the water and the proper infrastructure to support it?
• Thanks to the members for a great conversation, and somebody bring Vice President Ritchie some water

Transcript Highlights:

• used to sell into other jurisdictions where those products are indeed in compliance with those regulations
• We all love our parks, our environment, and value clean water and clean air.
• It provides for clean and safe drinking water, making it so we don't have to drink PFAS out of our tap
• a park and get outside in nature, or if you live outside of Ely and want to go into the Boundary Waters
• I'll just cut it there, but we owe it to our constituents to pass this bill to give them the clean water

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Is it water or milk? >> I answer that question. Ask your question, [snorts].
• </c> &gt;&gt; Is it water or milk? &gt;&gt; Is it water or milk?
• </c> &gt;&gt; requirements and regulations. &gt;&gt; requirements and regulations.
• You're kind of stuck in the water or stuck in the mud at that point.
• You're kind of stuck in the water or stuck in the mud at that point.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 15 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> >> You know, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink.
• You know, you can lead a horse to water,<00:08:07.600><c> but</c><00:08:07.760><c> you</c><00:08:07.840
• </c> water, but you can't make them drink. water, but you can't make them drink.
• We could have included more efficient boilers, air handlers, water heaters, chillers, or new roofing
• </c><00:30:20.680><c> heaters,</c> boilers, air handlers, water heaters, boilers, air handlers, water

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• your head and say, gee, this seems to be pretty broad, and there are some areas where we'd like to regulate
• It's always frustrated me that here in California, we are promulgating rules and regulations that by
• I'd like to thank the author for having ongoing conversations about FDA-regulated medical devices, which
• Local agencies have used ADS systems for decades, such as SCADA systems and water treatment, and are
• Management District, standards that would reduce smog-forming pollution from gas-powered furnaces and water

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 988, house, all