Transcript Highlights:

• Please make sure that cell phones and other communication devices are turned off or on silent mode.
• Veterans, our families, and our communities.
• , as well as our EMTs and other entities within our community.
• As well, they continue to serve their community.
• Their community. Besides serving, they also continue to serve our families and themselves.

Summary: The Budget Committee met with a quorum and considered eight bills. The first major item, House Bill 1467 on gambling, drew extensive debate and strong opposition from veterans organizations and related groups, who warned the bill’s language could unintentionally criminalize raffles and gaming machines used by American Legion and VFW posts for charitable fundraising. The sponsor said the bill would strengthen gambling penalties, authorize fantasy sports contests, preempt local enforcement, and require more reporting on illegal gambling, and he said he was open to amendments later. Despite concerns from several members about unintended consequences and local preemption, the committee passed the bill favorably on a roll call vote. The committee then heard and passed House Bill 711, creating a statewide “spectrum alert” for missing autistic children and requiring FDLE training for law enforcement; House Bill 1335, allowing Medicaid coverage for blood-based colorectal cancer screening; House Bill 843, making clarifying changes to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds; House Bill 1371, strengthening protections for law enforcement and first responders, including penalties for attacks on officers and measures related to false reports and blood-borne pathogen exposure; House Bill 1405, revising youth prevention services for status offenders; House Bill 1053, updating FDLE-related statutes and adding support for retired police dogs; and House Bill 751, expanding health insurance protections for law enforcement and their families after catastrophic injury or death and clarifying fraud penalties. Several bills were amended before passage, including HB 1371, which adopted an amendment removing a section to avoid fiscal impact, and HB 1053, which removed proposed changes to the capital complex definition. Most measures received supportive testimony from law enforcement, health, or advocacy groups and passed with little opposition. The committee concluded by reporting all of the listed bills favorably and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So different communities are doing it different ways.
• that community to determine.
• Like that, but the community itself has to reach out for that funding. Thank you.
• Typically it's in one-acre or less lots in certain communities.
• at the expense of boaters and communities statewide?

Committee: Senate Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The committee began with a presentation from the Florida On-Site Wastewater Association on advanced onsite wastewater treatment systems. Roxanne Groover described several technologies used in Florida, including NSF-245 systems, performance-based treatment systems, in-ground nitrogen-reducing biofilters, membrane/media filters, and sequencing batch reactors. She emphasized that these systems can substantially reduce nitrogen compared with conventional septic systems, discussed permitting and maintenance requirements, and noted that some grant programs help fund upgrades in springs and other impaired-water areas. Members asked about phosphorus and PFAS treatment, funding for non-springs watersheds, incentives for new construction, and whether more data should be collected on system performance. The committee then took up CS for SB 164 on vessel ownership, derelict vessels, and anchoring/mooring rules. The bill was explained as clarifying who is responsible for derelict vessels and using vessel title as prima facie evidence of ownership. Two amendments were adopted: one requiring FWC to offer an electronic long-term anchoring permit system and clarifying that the permit does not override other anchoring limits, and a technical amendment correcting a drafting error. Public testimony included opposition from a cruiser advocacy representative who argued the bill would unfairly restrict responsible boaters and harm the marine economy, and support from another boating coalition representative who said the bill was a proactive step to address derelict vessels. The committee then passed CS/SB 164 favorably by roll call. Finally, the committee considered SB 38, which makes clarifying changes to FWC trust funds. The bill would allow investment and carryover of the administrative trust fund balance, expand use of the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund for feline disease research, monitoring, and habitat acquisition, and allow use of the Non-Game Wildlife Trust Fund for law enforcement and related coordination agreements. With no debate or opposition, the committee passed SB 38 favorably by roll call and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for getting emergency communication out. for getting emergency communication out.
• </c> emergency communication. emergency communication.
• </c> So what is the community itself done? So what is the community itself done?
• </c> communities around the state as well. communities around the state as well.
• </c> broadcast communications. broadcast communications.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Clerk, on page two, House communication Clerk, on page two, House communication number<00:03:23.280
• House communication various bills.
• </c> judiciary communication number 31. judiciary communication number 31.
• President, this communities. Mr.
• We saw community outreach court.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:55.040><c> so</c> and faces in front of our community so and faces in front of our community
• As we navigate community service.
• But also our goal and our objective is to be out in the community doing community service.
• Um in terms of community<00:26:10.960><c> involvement,</c><00:26:11.760><c> connections,</c> community
• ><c> and</c><00:26:22.960><c> the</c> great for our community and the great for our community and the

Summary: A joint informational briefing of the House and Senate higher education committees focused on how the University of Hawaiʻi athletics department plans to remain competitive in the new NIL era, including the effects of the House v. NCAA settlement, direct institutional payments, and the need to balance competitiveness with the university’s educational mission. Senators and committee members introduced themselves, and the briefing featured remarks from women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman, football coach Timmy Chang, and Athletic Director Matt Elliott. Coach Beeman said NIL has already affected recruiting and retention in women’s basketball, estimating the program has lost six to 10 student-athletes because it lacks the funding to keep comparable talent. She emphasized that the issue is not greed but retention, culture, and keeping student-athletes who value the university and community, while also using NIL as a way to teach financial literacy, privacy, and adult responsibilities. Coach Chang described similar pressures in football, including transfer portal volatility and competing offers from other programs, and gave examples of players whose personal and family circumstances made NIL support important for staying at Hawaiʻi. Athletic Director Elliott said the department’s vision is to create an outstanding student-athlete experience, recruit and retain elite athletes, compete at the top of the Mountain West, and strengthen community ties. He said the department wants to preserve the educational focus while adapting to a system in which student-athletes can share in revenue. Elliott explained that UH is seeking a $5 million annual NIL fund, is fundraising through the community and the “Boost the Bose” account, and is also pursuing individual NIL deals, corporate sponsorship-related deals, and licensing opportunities. In response to Senator Kim’s question, he said NIL compensation can come through two tracks: institutional payments within the department’s discretion and outside deals that must be reviewed for market value under the new reporting system. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are, I mean, in our organization, 63 doctors who serve the community, the whole community.
• It is not about targeting any community.
• We have provided these services to members of the Muslim community and to the broader community on issues
• And I think it's right to say our community. ...folks in our community, and I think it's right to say
• And that also they should have one message for the Muslim community and one message for the broader community

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee convened with roll call, member and staff introductions, and a review of amendment deadlines and decorum rules. Members also suspended the committee rule on late-distributed amendments to allow consideration of a Kolodin amendment. The chair then moved to the agenda bills, beginning with HCM 2001, a memorial urging Congress and the President to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization and asking Arizona agencies to monitor related organizations. Testimony on HCM 2001 was sharply divided, with supporters arguing the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR are linked to terrorism and Sharia law, and opponents calling the memorial discriminatory, unsupported by evidence, and an attack on Muslim civil rights organizations and free speech. The committee voted 4-3 to pass HCM 2001 out of committee. The committee then heard HCM 2002, which urges a federal review of CAIR for possible foreign terrorist organization designation and supports related congressional action. Testimony again split along similar lines: opponents, including CAIR representatives, a veteran, and community members, said the measure was scapegoating, lacked legal basis, and would stigmatize Muslim communities; supporters cited the Holy Land Foundation case, FBI concerns, and alleged ties between CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Hamas. After debate, the committee voted 4-3 to pass HCM 2002 out of committee. Following a brief recess, the committee took up HB 2009, which would prohibit committees primarily organized to influence constitutional amendments from accepting foreign national contributions and require disclosure of out-of-state funding. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve transparency and keep constitutional initiatives focused on Arizona voters; members discussed whether the measure should apply to all ballot initiatives and how donor verification would work. HB 2009 was also approved 4-3. The committee then began HCR 2001, a proposed constitutional amendment on election procedures, including citizenship requirements for voting, limits on foreign contributions to candidate and ballot measure campaigns, government-issued ID requirements, and changes to early voting and mail ballot rules. The committee adopted a late amendment after procedural discussion, and the sponsor described the resolution as a broad election-security reform modeled on Florida. Members raised concerns that the proposal could reduce access, increase lines, and create confusion for mail voters, while the sponsor argued it would improve security and voter confidence. The transcript cuts off during this bill’s discussion, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• He is truly someone that cares deeply about his community and those under his command.
• He is truly someone that cares deeply about his community and those under his command.
• He is truly someone that cares deeply about his community and those under his command.
• Regan, Don Chang, the chair. deeply about his community and those deeply about his community and those
• College and also at home Community College and also at home Community<00:24:07.640><c> College</c><00

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The committees heard advice-and-consent testimony on several gubernatorial nominations, beginning with GM 644 for Steven Logan to serve as Adjutant General of the Department of Defense through December 7, 2026. Testimony from multiple state officials and others was strongly supportive, citing Logan’s military leadership, service during the COVID-19 period, and coordination during the fireworks-related patient transfer. Logan described his 44 years of military service, 22 years with the Honolulu Police Department, and his approach of “unity of effort,” including how he would help operationalize the Office of the State Fire Marshal by coordinating with county fire chiefs, the State Fire Council, and emergency management to pursue funding and implement recommendations. The committee then took up GM 621 and GM 623 for the Correctional Industries Advisory Committee. Shante Asuda of Hawaii Correctional Industries supported both nominees and said the board is important for evaluating private-sector joint ventures that can provide work skills for incarcerated people. Carla Kashiwa said she wanted to help improve outcomes through public-private partnerships and vocational rehabilitation opportunities for people reentering society. Lee Shinato, however, gave a less prepared presentation, offering broad ideas such as crafts, lunch wagons, and ukulele-making, and acknowledged he was not fully clear on the board’s scope or goals. Committee members expressed concern about the lack of preparation and clarity around the board’s mission, and the administrator later explained that the board’s role is to review business plans for viability, return on investment, sustainability, and whether they provide marketable skills for inmates. The final item discussed was GM 568 for Aris Banag to serve on the Advisory Board of Veteran Services. Supporters described him as community-minded and deeply committed to veterans. Banag said he has over 30 years of service, has worked as a mental health therapist and veterans resource coordinator at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, and helped create the first veteran service center there. In response to questions about federal VA cutbacks and veterans nearing retirement, he said the board must be a strong independent voice for veterans, advocate against reductions in benefits, and help service members plan for post-military life, including disability benefits, retirement, and financial planning. No votes or final committee actions were stated in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're seeing it in our communities. We're seeing it in our local governments.
• Short-line railroads are vital to California's rural communities and agriculture.
• Shortline railroads are vital to California's rural communities and agriculture.
• Short-line railroads link communities to the national rail system.
• With the severe and ongoing federal cuts... ...in their community.

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 1277, which would create a California Cost of Living Tax Credit modeled on the 2022 middle-class tax refund to provide refundable relief to low- and middle-income Californians facing high housing, fuel, energy, and general living costs. Senator Grove and supporters, including the California Policy Center and some local government representatives, argued the bill would put direct relief into the hands of working families. Opposition came from the California Tax Reform Association and the California Teachers Association, which said California already has progressive tax credits and that the proposal would be costly to the General Fund and reduce money for schools and other services. After extended debate, the bill was not advanced; a roll call vote on a motion to pass it to Appropriations failed 1-4, and the bill was held/fails on the floor with a request for reconsideration noted. The committee then heard SB 1287, which would create a capped tax credit to encourage private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure. The author and rail industry witnesses said the measure would improve safety, reliability, emissions, and freight movement, especially for rural communities and agriculture, and that it was a public-private partnership rather than a handout. Opposition from CTA and the California Tax Reform Association argued a direct grant program would be preferable to a tax credit. The bill was accepted with committee amendments and placed on call without a final vote in the transcript. Members also considered SB 1407, which would fully exempt military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits from state income tax, increasing the prior partial exemption. The author, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, and veterans’ groups said the change would help retain veterans in California, support local economies, and align California with most other states. CTA and CTRA opposed on General Fund grounds. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, with the roll call showing support and the bill placed on call. Later, the committee heard SB 1349, directing the Legislative Analyst’s Office to review major tax expenditures and evaluate their goals, beneficiaries, and effects on revenues and Proposition 98 funding. CTA, CTRA, and several local government and labor supporters backed the bill as a way to improve accountability for roughly $94 billion in annual tax expenditures. The bill was accepted with committee amendments and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 1078, authorizing Santa Cruz County to ask voters for a temporary half-cent sales tax to help fund health care and safety-net services amid federal cuts; it was placed on call. SB 1120, extending the California Competes Tax Credit through 2035 and making it refundable for certain strategic industries, received strong support from business and manufacturing groups and was passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1275, which would replace the state sales tax on vehicle purchases with a vehicle license fee structure intended to increase federal deductibility for Californians, was passed 4-0 as amended to the Committee on Transportation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Short-line railroads are vital to California's rural communities and agriculture.
• Shortline railroads are vital to California's rural communities and agriculture.
• Short-line railroads link communities to the national rail system.
• Good morning, Honorable Chair and Madam Vice Chair, members of the community.
• With the severe and ongoing federal cuts... ...in their community.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for the uh community colleges. for the uh community colleges.
• </c> communities um across our states? communities um across our states? &gt;&gt; Yes.
• ,</c> Puna is great, great community, Puna is great, great community, especially<00:33:09.120><c> the
• Is the Department of Health tracking the communities, the impact that the game rooms are having on communities
• </c><00:38:42.560><c> uh</c> rooms are having on communities and uh rooms are having on communities and

Transcript Highlights:

• And then also the community. And it's heartbreaking to me.
• that have served our country and our community.
• that reflects your communicated needs and asks.
• I'm the communications director for Orange County Supervisor Janet Wynne.
• I think it's just communication.

Summary: The hearing focused on the long-delayed Southern California Veterans Cemetery project at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim, with opening remarks from Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, Senator Tom Umberg, and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia emphasizing the project’s importance to Orange County veterans and families. Anaheim city leaders, including the mayor pro tem and council members, voiced strong support and described the city’s role in planning, utilities, and final approvals. Quirk-Silva reviewed the project history, including prior legislation, county and state funding commitments, and the recent federal determination that the site meets VA criteria for a state veterans cemetery. The first panel, representing the veterans community, included the American Legion, American Gold Star Mothers, and Valor. They argued that Orange County—home to a large veteran population—still lacks a local veterans cemetery, forcing families to travel long distances to Riverside or elsewhere. Testimony stressed the emotional and practical burden on aging veterans and grieving families, and called for immediate action and possession of the property. Some speakers were sharply critical of CalVet and the pace of the process, saying veterans have waited too long and that the project should move forward without further delay. The second panel, from Orange County, described the county’s and cemetery district’s support and the unique opportunity to develop a shared site for a public cemetery and a separate state veterans cemetery. County officials said the county has dedicated land and funding, and that shared infrastructure—roads, utilities, grading, and access—could reduce costs substantially if the two projects are coordinated. They also said the county is ready to transfer the property to CalVet when appropriate and that the project has already cleared major local approvals and litigation. The final panel from DGS and CalVet explained the state’s feasibility study and current planning work. DGS said the 2023 study estimated the state’s portion of phase one at about $126 million, largely driven by site work and grading, though that estimate may change as assumptions are updated. CalVet said it is working with DGS and the county on a revised concept plan to lower costs and refine the timeline, and that legislative budget action will be needed to authorize spending from the Southern California Veterans Cemetery fund. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational, and the main action was continued coordination among the state, county, city, and veterans groups, with public comment at the end overwhelmingly urging faster construction.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our undergraduate residence hall community.
• Another key component is communication.
• And finally, building community is a really key component.
• Building community is a really key component.
• the work that's being done to the greater community.

Summary: The Select Committee on Alternative Protein Innovation held its second informational hearing at UCLA, focused on how California can expand alternative proteins through institutional food programs, market support, and research. Chair Ash Kalra said the committee’s purpose was to inform future legislation and budget actions, noting prior state investments in UC research centers and the committee’s interest in consumer education, sustainability, and student workforce development. The first panel highlighted efforts to increase plant-based options in schools, UCLA dining, and Los Angeles County food services, with witnesses describing menu changes, technical assistance, and procurement policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving access to healthier meals. Megan Jones of Friends of the Earth described California school food efforts, including technical assistance and microgrants that helped districts add plant-based meals, reduce water use and food costs, and increase student participation. Pete Angelese of UCLA Dining said the university serves more than 30,000 meals a day and has built a plant-forward dining model using alternative proteins, marketing nudges, and waste-tracking tools; he said sustainability goals raise costs but can be managed through scale and efficiency. Dr. Michelle Wood of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health outlined county board motions in 2024 and 2025 to expand plant-based food options in county venues and food assistance programs and to join the Cool Food Pledge, with early adoption in the sheriff’s jail food service. The second panel addressed barriers to scaling the industry. Zach Weston and Daniel Gertner said alternative proteins face a financing gap because companies need expensive facilities before demand is proven, and they urged grants, tax credits, loan guarantees, procurement commitments, and shared pilot infrastructure. T.K. Pillen of Beyond Meat said the category has faced a market downturn driven by overhyped expectations, negative messaging from the meat industry, and consumer confusion, and argued for reframing the category around “plant protein” and using public procurement to build demand. Members asked about subsidies for animal agriculture, supply-chain challenges, and the state’s loan guarantee cap, with witnesses saying current support structures favor conventional meat and that California could do more to keep manufacturing in-state. The final panel focused on research and workforce development at UCLA. Dr. Amy Rohat described a state-funded Future Food Fellows program and broader UC collaboration that now includes more than 50 faculty and trainees across multiple departments, with work spanning cell biology, engineering, food safety, and consumer communication. Corinne Smith, a UCLA PhD student, discussed her cultivated meat research and student outreach through the Alternative Proteins Project. Dr. Janet Tomiyama presented consumer psychology findings showing that disgust, gender norms, and language strongly affect acceptance, and said terms like “plant protein” and “cultivated meat” tested better than “fake meat.” Chair Kalra closed by emphasizing that language, policy, and public education will all be important to advancing alternative protein innovation in California.

Transcript Highlights:

• Blain's dedication to our keiki, educators, and our greater community is a reflection of the deep aloha
• Contributions to not only Hawaiian Airlines but our entire community.
• To our keiki educators and our greater community is a reflection of the deep aloha he has for Hawaiʻi
• House Communication No. 427 returns Senate Bill 140, Senate Draft 2, that passed third reading in the
• I'd like to wish happy birthday to Kathleen Lee, our Senate communications director.

Transcript Highlights:

• for the members of the Joint Committee to hear directly from our administrators, our teachers, our community
• On behalf of our students, educators, and the entire school community, it is my great honor to welcome
• Grant funding opportunities will also be highlighted, along with how our community business partners
• We'll share and highlight how our community business partners and program advisory teams are integrated
• Program advisory committees are comprised of members who reflect the communities served by the school

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held an informational hearing at Quincy Public Schools focused on career and technical education (CTE). Committee members said the visit was intended to gather input for statewide CTE legislation, including efforts to expand awareness and access, improve middle school exposure, invest in equipment and facilities, and strengthen ties to workforce boards and labor pathways. Quincy officials described their CTE system as integrated with academics and highlighted support from district, city, and state partners. School leaders outlined Quincy’s CTE offerings, including 15 Chapter 74 programs at Quincy High School and four at North Quincy High School, with about 1,360 students enrolled. Presenters emphasized curriculum aligned to DESE frameworks, work-based learning, industry-recognized credentials, safety training, business electives, dual enrollment and articulation with Quincy College, and grant funding such as Skills Capital and Perkins. They also discussed support liaisons for nontraditional careers and military pathways, advisory committees, and plans to seek Chapter 74 approval for an engineering program at North Quincy, along with new computer science and business offerings. Testimony from MassHire South Shore described workforce partnerships, YouthWorks, job fairs, resume workshops, and the Credit for Life Fair, while the assistant superintendent explained Quincy’s MyCAP planning grant and efforts to build a student-driven college and career readiness system. Three students testified about their pathways in welding, early education and care, and healthcare technology, describing hands-on learning, certifications, clinical or co-op experiences, and future plans for college and careers. Committee members praised Quincy as a model for combining CTE with general education, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn and unanimous adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Everyone deserves the chance to live in the community. Not everyone does, like me.
• Not everyone does like the community.
• </c><00:05:44.920><c> for</c><00:05:45.160><c> those</c> maintain communication for those maintain communication
• We can and we should pursue housing production in a way that does not leave communities behind.
• We can and we should pursue housing production in a way that does not leave communities behind.

Bills: HB1700

Committee: Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs

Summary: The joint committees on Housing and Health and Human Services, along with related committees, heard and later took action on three housing bills. HB 1700 HD1, relating to housing and expedited permitting, received support from disability advocates, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and a self-advocate who said faster permitting would help people with disabilities access more independent living options. The chairs said they would add amendments to ensure expedited permitting would not compromise ADA or Fair Housing Act protections and to require reporting on the number, type, and geographic distribution of projects so the program could be evaluated over time. The measure was recommended and adopted with amendments by the participating committees. HB 1777 HD2, which would require tenant protections for residents displaced by HHFDC-supported redevelopment projects, drew support from HHFDC, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Parents and Children Together, and numerous other organizations. Testimony emphasized the need for a right of first offer, replacement housing payments, relocation information, and tracking procedures to reduce displacement harms, especially for Native Hawaiian and public housing residents. In decision-making, the committees amended the bill to incorporate the Senate companion measure, rename the working group as the tenant protection working group, broaden its duties, and include a $75,000 appropriation for working group expenses. The committees also noted concerns about unequal treatment between tenants in publicly supported projects and private redevelopments, and referenced the KPT low-rise redevelopment as an example where required relocation assistance still did not proceed smoothly. The bill was recommended and adopted with amendments. HB 1975 HD1, relating to kupuna housing, would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kupuna, appropriate funds to HPHA, and add positions to support the program. HPHA, the Executive Office on Aging, OHA, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, Aloha Independent Living Hawaii, and others testified in support, with Catholic Charities describing how the subsidy helped a senior remain housed through major medical issues. The committees later recommended passage with amendments, including a technical correction to the number of positions and a date fix, and the recommendation was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Communication from Ms. Howard of Lowell, March 17, 2026. March 17, 2026. Dear Mr.
• Having arrived in this country from Cambodia at age 11, ...my service to our community.
• His commitment to his community was unwavering.
• His commitment to his community was unwavering.
• We all know that this year is an unprecedented year because we have more communities that are either

Transcript Highlights:

• With the permission of the community, let us pray: picture a child and a parent on a dangerous journey
• Communications and reports from state officers. Motions and resolutions.
• They helped to build homes with Habitat for Humanity across the Hudson Valley communities.
• Williams, legendary vocalist and community leader. >> Thank you, Mr. President.
• But she has a long-time history of participation in schools in the New York City community.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation focused on memory, gratitude, and recognizing the unseen people who sustain public life, then approved the prior day’s journal and moved through introductions of guests, including domestic violence advocates, medical scholars, and student advocates. Senator Webb’s Resolution 1633, designating February 23, 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day, was adopted after remarks describing the scope of domestic violence in New York and the need for more survivor services. The chamber also adopted memorial Resolution 1558 honoring Margaret D. Williams, a vocalist, public servant, and community leader, and Resolution 1630 marking the 20th anniversary of Park and Public Lands Advocacy Day, with comments emphasizing the health and community benefits of parks and green space. The Senate then took up a series of bills on the calendar, passing measures including amendments to the Environmental Conservation Law, Labor Law, Education Law, Administrative Code of New York City, General Municipal Law, Tax Law, Cannabis Law, and Executive Law. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as the Anti-Waiver of Employment Rights Act, which would prevent employers from forcing workers to waive labor and human rights protections in applications or onboarding documents. Several bills were passed by wide margins, while some were laid aside for the day. The chamber also restored Senate Print 438 to the third reading calendar after reconsideration. A contested amendment to Calendar 234, Senator Comrie’s Executive Law bill, was ruled non-germane by the chair; Senator Walczyk appealed, arguing the amendment addressing the state energy code and all-electric building mandate was relevant to housing costs, but the Senate voted 20 to sustain the chair’s ruling. The underlying bill was then returned to the non-controversial calendar and passed. Finally, the Senate adopted a concurrent resolution electing two members to the Board of Regents, with supporters praising the nominees’ experience and critics objecting to the limited vetting time; the resolution passed 42-15. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item number four, Senate communications. Mr. Clerk, are there any Senate communications?
• </c> of Commerce Hawaii, brings the community of Commerce Hawaii, brings the community from<00:09:38.880
• </c><00:10:15.920><c> What</c> challenges facing their community?
• What challenges facing their community?
• </c> emerging from our West Oahu community. emerging from our West Oahu community.

Bills: HB2118 , HB1764 , HB1815 , HB2117 , HB2436 , HB2438 , HB2532 , HB2566 , HB2573 , HB1736 , HB2425 , HB1590 , HB1913 , HB1573 , HB1542 , HB1804 , HB1976 , HB1704 , HB1996 , HB1541 , HB1926 , HB1703 , HB1866 , HB1710

Transcript Highlights:

• Pastor David Gonzalez is a lifelong Arizona resident, community leader, and educator with a...
• A resident of Arizona for the past 11 years, he previously chaired a community engagement task force
• Sean currently serves as pastor of community engagement and global initiatives at Redemption Gilbert.
• And we have two members from the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers here.
• And we have two members from the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers here, Michael Abramson

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and a series of guest introductions and personal privilege remarks recognizing visitors, health care advocates, short-term rental representatives, firefighters, and a Guatemalan ambassador, along with a proclamation affirming Arizona’s bilateral relationship with Guatemala. Members also announced committee meetings, and the chamber later recessed and reconvened before adjournment. The main floor action came in Committee of the Whole, where the House considered and gave do pass recommendations to HB 2029 (water grant application details), HB 2045 (addressing drive-by shootings), HB 2062 (Buffalo Soldiers monument), HB 2126 as amended (with a floor amendment after discussion with the ACO Association), and HB 2131 (criminal justice-related, described briefly as targeting “bad guys”). The Committee of the Whole report was adopted and those bills were sent to engrossing. The House then took up HB 2792, an emergency measure on property tax exemptions for veterans, and passed it 57-0, with members from both parties praising the bill as veteran tax relief and a cleanup of prior budget language. The chamber also adopted HCR 2043, which applies to Congress to call an Article V convention for a constitutional amendment imposing term limits on members of Congress; it passed 33-24 after extended debate, with supporters arguing for term limits and opponents warning about the risks of a constitutional convention and urging Arizona to impose term limits on itself first.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pastor David Gonzalez is a lifelong Arizona resident, community leader, and educator with a...
• A resident of Arizona for the past 11 years, he previously chaired a community engagement task force
• Sean currently serves as pastor of community engagement and global initiatives at Redemption Gilbert.
• And we have two members from the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers here.
• Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers here, Michael Abramson and Claudia Maldonado.