Transcript Highlights:

• A duck flies south because they want food, they want shelter, and they want to renew energy so that they
• can have enough energy—duck energy—to fly back north in the springtime and breed, raise their kids,
• can have enough energy—duck energy—to fly back north in the springtime and breed, raise their kids,
• But they'll leave us if they can go further north and reduce the energy requirements that they need to
• “We can’t flood green timber national refuges, can’t have food sources provide duck energy days so that

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about the agency’s role in federal immigration enforcement. Colonel Mike Hager said State Police has completed 287(g) training for all but 12 officers and is authorized to assist ICE in limited circumstances, but is not an immigration enforcement agency. He emphasized that troopers only make immigration-related notifications after lawful stops or arrests for other offenses, and that the agency uses discretion and chain-of-command approval for any planned operation. Members asked about how immigration status is determined, whether stops are tracked, whether local agencies are participating, and whether there are costs or reimbursement mechanisms; Hager said the agency began tracking encounters in September and had 48 detentions since then, most tied to other criminal violations such as DWIs or domestic violence. He also said there were no current planned immigration operations beyond assisting federal partners. The committee then received an update from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Director Doug Schoenrock on wildlife management areas, waterfowl habitat, and related infrastructure. He reported that most moist-soil units and green tree reservoirs were flooded or near normal, with one new pump not yet operational and a vandalized Ed Gordon/Point Remove pump back in service since December. He also said the Lake Conway dam and water-control work were progressing, with a public meeting scheduled at Mayflower High School. Questions followed about dock removal notices, maintenance on other water-control structures, and a recent fatal boating accident at Baumito WMA, which Schoenrock described as a high-speed collision in flooded timber and said the agency was working on a safety memorial effort with the victim’s widow. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on duck season, drought conditions, and criticism of the Flyway Federation’s push to restrict hunting over standing corn. Schoenrock said Arkansas remains the nation’s top duck-hunting destination, but drought and warm weather have reduced water availability and caused ducks to move north; he cited survey numbers showing 1.4 million ducks in the state at the end of December but a much lower January count. He argued that standing corn is legal and that federal habitat and water policy, not Arkansas law, drives long-term duck populations. Members raised concerns about changing migration patterns, the role of private clubs, federal regulation, and the possible effects of wind turbines and solar panels on waterfowl; Schoenrock and Commissioner Chris Caldwell said the commission is studying those issues, including a University of Arkansas at Monticello project on avoidance behavior, and that no immediate regulatory changes were announced. The committee took no formal vote and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• across the state to see significantly lower energy bills. ...and allow customers across the state to
• see significantly lower energy bills at a time when the cost of energy is a major burden on a lot of
• Matt Klavenstein, on behalf of the Center for Sustainable Energy, in support. Thank you. Thank you.
• Good morning, Sophia Kwatch on behalf of San Jose Clean Energy in support, and a letter is incoming.
• Thank you. ...of San Jose Clean Energy in support, and a letter is incoming. Thank you.

Committee: Senate Local Government

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard six bills. SB 828 by Senator Cabaldon would require fireworks license applicants to disclose storage locations and prove they have local permits, with the state notifying local agencies when licenses are denied or revoked. The bill was presented as a response to deadly fireworks explosions and illegal storage gaps; fire officials and fireworks industry representatives supported it, while county groups raised liability concerns. The committee approved SB 828 unanimously and sent it to Appropriations. SB 799 by Senator Allen would revise the South Bay Regional Housing Trust’s governing rules, including more flexibility on appointing board leadership, alternate participation, and board selection under the joint powers agreement. Supporters said the changes would help the new housing trust operate effectively and allow knowledgeable alternates; questions focused on accountability for non-elected alternates handling public funds. The bill passed on a 6-0 vote as amended to the Senate floor. SB 762 by Senator Arreguín would authorize the city of Hercules to place a local ballot measure for up to a 1% sales tax increase to fund city services and infrastructure. Supporters said Hercules has limited revenue options and high service needs; some senators cautioned about how such measures are presented to voters. The bill passed 5-2 to the Senate floor. SB 722 by Senator Wahab would add protections for mobile home residents from displacement tied to transit-oriented development and redevelopment, described as a cleanup to preserve affordable housing stock. Mobile home residents, housing advocates, cities, and the League of California Cities supported the bill, and no opposition was heard. It passed 7-0 as amended to Appropriations. SB 222 by Senator Wiener would streamline permitting for heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems through automated permitting, consolidated permits, and limits on local fee and siting barriers; supporters framed it as a climate and affordability measure, while local government and HOA groups objected to statewide preemption, fee caps, and liability concerns. The committee approved it 4-1 to Appropriations. SB 677, also by Senator Wiener, made technical clarifications to SB 79’s transit-oriented housing rules, but local governments and regional agencies warned the changes could expand the law’s scope and disrupt mapping work; the bill passed 5-2 to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a time when Xcel Energy had a very large wood biomass energy production facility in Becker
• There was a time when Xcel Energy had a very large wood biomass energy production facility in Becker
• There was a time when Xcel Energy had a very large wood biomass energy production facility in Becker
• There was a time when Xcel Energy had a very large wood biomass energy production facility in Becker
• There was a time when Xcel Energy had a very large wood biomass energy production facility in Becker

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Morris, which focuses more on innovative energy, wind energy research.
• energy uh wind energy more on Innovative energy uh wind energy research<00:03:57.560><c> uh</c><00:03
• </c> month from the Department of energy month from the Department of energy their<00:14:30.639><c> uh
• </c> renewable energy renewable energy laboratory<00:27:36.320><c> with</c><00:27:36.679><c> 3m</c><00
• Department of Energy, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and Cargill.

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Energy policy in the state affects clean air and clean water.
• You know, it does exactly what we have for unions, so it just brings equity into the different entities
• You know, it does exactly what we have for unions, so it just brings equity into the different entities
• </c><04:50:54.280><c> into</c><04:50:54.600><c> the</c><04:50:54.760><c> different</c> brings Equity
• into the different brings Equity into the different entities<04:50:56.000><c> so</c><04:50:56.160><c>

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I move the Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee Amendment be adopted. Thank you.
• I move the Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee Amendment be adopted. Thank you.
• Chairman, the Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Water has now considered Mr.
• I move the Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee Amendment be adopted. Thank you.
• I move the Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee Amendment be adopted. Thank you.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions and proclamations, including recognition of Dr. Victoria Tannenbaum as Doctor of the Day, Lutheran Day at the Legislature, a veterans treatment court judge, and Adrian Ace Stubbs Day. Attendance was recorded at 56 present, one absent, and three excused. The chamber then moved through communications, committee reports, and first/second readings before beginning a long third-reading calendar. Members considered and voted on a wide range of bills covering tax administration, groundwater and water rights, licensing timeframes, homicide, school employee transparency, mining, retirement system cleanup, utility regulation, AI and digital privacy, sexual extortion, adult protective services, salvage vehicles, veterinary board changes, geological survey reorganization, court fees, real estate licensing, probation, and several education-related appropriations and policy measures. Many bills passed on largely party-line votes, while others passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. Several members explained votes on issues such as superintendent contract transparency, ESA administration funding, mining reclamation, water supply and drought policy, motorcycle safety, AI and adult-content verification, and abortion-pill coercion. The House also passed multiple concurrent resolutions and memorials, including measures on election administration, Judea and Samaria, Route 66, and a memorial to rename State Route 69. Election-related debate was especially pointed, with supporters arguing for precinct-based voting and opponents warning of cost, reduced access, and logistical burdens. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to begin consideration of measures on Calendar No. 1, starting with HB 2174 and related amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if people understand the impact of energy on every single thing that impacts our lives right now,
• goes on and on, because energy touches every single aspect of our lives.
• Energy is critical to the economic growth and the sustainability and viability of our families here in
• That will protect ratepayers who sign up for energy type programs that are short period of times, at
• suppliers, that take advantage... ...that was thrust upon her, quite frankly, by organizations, energy

Summary: The Senate returned from recess and first handled routine calendar matters, laying several bills on the table or over in their order without objection. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 1400, which addresses sentencing for second-degree murder in response to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s Commonwealth v. Lee decision. Senator Street offered an amendment to replace mandatory life without parole with parole eligibility after 25 years and individualized review, but the Senate tabled the amendment by a 26-24 roll call. The bill then advanced to final passage after extended debate over whether it adequately met the court’s constitutional ruling and how it would affect victims, culpability, and retroactivity. It initially passed 31-19, then after reconsideration and a correction to one member’s vote, passed 30-20 and was sent to the House. The Senate next considered Senate Bill 1212, which tightens the handling of sexual assault evidence kits by removing discretionary language that had contributed to inconsistent testing practices. Supporters said it would improve statewide consistency, preserve a survivor’s right to decline testing, and help reduce the rape kit backlog. The bill passed unanimously, 50-0, and was sent to the House. The chamber then moved through additional calendar items, including re-referrals of several House bills to Appropriations and multiple bills being passed over. Later, the Senate took up House Bill 1667 on a supplemental calendar after suspending the rules. The bill became the vehicle for several amendments tied to affordability and tax policy. Senators adopted a back-to-school sales tax holiday amendment, a data-center tax exemption repeal amendment, and a school-choice-related amendment transferring EITC provisions and increasing scholarships by $25 million. Other proposed amendments, including a digital advertising tax and a combined reporting corporate tax reform, were tabled. After further debate on the bill’s impact on electric bills, data centers, and the state budget, House Bill 1667 was agreed to as amended and the Senate recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our intent in sunsetting these credits, particularly the credit for solar energy, is to stabilize our
• energy incentives included safe harbor provisions to protect projects already in progress.
• The changes to the renewable energy The changes to the renewable energy income tax credit in this bill
• But I do echo the concerns on our solar I do echo the concerns on our solar energy, and I would just
• And I'd like to adopt the words of the chair of environmental energy and environmental protection as

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They decided they wanted to try that and see about saving some energy.
• It was for oil and energy savings. It was strictly just for that.
• For one, our energy costs—energy costs have skyrocketed when we've tried this in the past and when other
• For one, our energy costs—energy costs have skyrocketed when we've tried this in the past and when other
• And so while the original intent may have been energy savings, what energy were you talking about there

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the previous day’s journal, and a long series of special guest introductions. Guests included the Tipton Lady Cardinals girls basketball state champions, FCCLA and FBLA students from several districts, legislative interns and family members, Missouri Rural Water Association members for Water Advocacy Day, Kansas City University medical students, and legislative assistants, who were formally recognized for their work supporting the chamber. The chamber then took up committee reports and moved several measures. House Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bills 3068 and 3049, a broad public-safety vehicle containing multiple provisions, drew debate over its contents, including concerns about anti-trans language and a challenge that it was overly broad, but it passed 117-10 with 17 present. Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 914, dealing with lateral field soil analysis/perk testing, passed 108-34 with one present. Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1142, a Secretary of State business filing measure for series LLCs, passed 142-0. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 1758, a daylight-saving-time trigger bill. Supporters argued it would protect Missouri from neighboring states forcing a switch to permanent standard time, preserve tourism and outdoor recreation, and reduce health and safety problems associated with changing clocks. Opponents argued Missouri should instead adopt permanent standard time, citing research on circadian rhythm, health effects, school bus safety, and the state’s prior 1974 experience with permanent daylight saving time. The discussion was extensive and bipartisan in tone, but the transcript ends before any final vote on HB 1758 is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clean energy. Clean energy. Clean energy. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• and I This industry as part of affordable, reliable energy.
• It intersects very seamlessly with energy.
• Overseas—Europe and Asia—so they can burn this clean energy. Yes.
• But burning the energy also produces carbon. It produces less.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on March 17, 2026, adopted its rules again because they had not been properly posted, and voluntarily deferred several bills before taking up the day’s agenda. The committee then moved through a series of commerce and financial services measures, with members repeatedly noting the bills had been worked on jointly by authors and stakeholders. HB 489, on transfer-on-death securities, was amended to make the transfer requirements mandatory and to remove a liability limitation for registering entities, then reported favorable. HB 545, which narrowed a consumer-loan bill to origination fees only, was amended and reported favorable. HB 555, expanding protections for eligible adults from financial exploitation, was amended with technical changes and an amendment from Rep. Boyd, then reported favorable after testimony from bankers and advocates describing scams targeting seniors and the need for delayed transactions, trusted contacts, and training. HB 797, creating the Bayou Gold Program, was amended to clarify electronic payment platforms and reported favorable after questions about state involvement, insurance, and consumer protections. HB 952, modernizing the consumer loan framework, was amended to a three-tier rate structure and to add ability-to-repay and disaster-relief provisions, then reported favorable. The committee also considered two economic development bills from Rep. Owen. HB 672 would encourage brick manufacturing in Louisiana; after an amendment changed LED’s role from directing a priority industry to allowing support through existing programs and guidance, the bill was reported favorable. Testimony emphasized Louisiana’s clay deposits, limited in-state brick production, and potential benefits for housing costs and jobs. HB 670, on wood pellet manufacturing, received a similar amendment limiting LED to support and guidance rather than mandates, and was also reported favorable. A consultant testified that a proposed North Louisiana pellet facility could generate significant payroll, local spending, and revenue from timber that is currently underused, while LED described the sector as part of the state’s agribusiness and energy strategy and discussed global demand, carbon footprint requirements, and the role of CCUS in attracting large projects. The discussion on HB 670 continued at the end of the transcript, with members probing how the industry works and how Louisiana could benefit from it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Will the Energy Chairman yield? Chair yields. Yes. Thank you.
• Will the Energy Chairman yield? Chair yields. Yes. Thank you.
• The Committee on Energy, Industry and Mining moved to amend the title of the bill.
• I request unanimous consent to withdraw the Energy Industry and Mining Committee amendment.
• The Committee on Energy Industry and Mining moved to amend the title.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on March 11, 2026, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous guest and page introductions, including school groups, prayer caucus visitors, and advocates for Home Family Education Day and Women in Blue Day. The chamber then took up committee reports and a large number of House bills, most of them on third reading, along with several resolutions and referrals. Senate Resolution 62, designating March 12, 2026, as West Virginia Athletic Trainers Day, was adopted after remarks emphasizing the value of athletic trainers in preventing injuries and tragedies in school sports. Several other resolutions and concurrent resolutions were referred to the Committee on Rules or laid over under the rules. The Senate passed a wide range of bills addressing economic development, public safety, health, licensing, and state administration. Measures approved included bills on the West Virginia Collaboratory at Marshall University, the Business Ready Sites program, volunteer fire company spending authority, the Load Forecast Accountability Act, funeral service licensure, work zone fines, biennial business reporting, correctional officer retirement law, the Right to Try Act, quick claim deed tax exemptions, an ibogaine drug-development grant program, aggravated vehicular homicide sentencing, 529 savings plan definitions, opportunity zones, barber apprenticeship, municipal and county hotel occupancy fund uses, criminal-record licensing standards, intimate image disclosure remedies, executor training materials, contempt penalties, PEIA treatment flexibility, PANS/PANDAS information, the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, capitation rate review expansions, convention and visitors bureau board membership, peer support services, cosmetology licensure compacts, natural resource police retirement, DNR fee indexing, ALS care services, the Neighborhood Investment Program, oil and gas well plugging and carbon capture-related provisions, DUI technical changes, abuse intervention program terminology, and a youth summer employment and career readiness program. Most bills passed overwhelmingly, with a few closer votes, including the Load Forecast Accountability Act and the DNR fee-indexing bill. Several bills were amended on the floor, including title amendments and strike-and-insert changes. The Senate also debated the work zone penalty bill, with supporters citing worker safety and fatalities and opponents arguing the bill increased fines too much without requiring removal of outdated work-zone signs. On the energy-related load forecast bill, senators discussed the inclusion of provisions from Senate Bill 420 and concerns about coal plant utilization and utility impacts. After debate, the Senate adopted amendments and passed the bill. In most cases, after passage the Senate ordered the bills communicated to the House, and for a few measures it also adopted title amendments or made bills effective from passage or on a specified date.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does that include USAID's support to Ukraine's energy grid?
• For getting energy back online in the midst of winter in Ukraine is pretty critical.
• How will you advocate for American energy dominance and an all-of-the-above approach to energy security
• And that means supporting strong American energy dominance and not giving a free pass to the biggest
• And not only was America energy-independent, we were energy-dominant, so that is my commitment.

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• House Resolution 310 by Representative Bro. to urge and request the Department of Conservation and Energy
• House Resolution 312 by Representative Walters to urge and request the Department of Conservation and Energy
• Resolution 314 by Representative Robbie Carter to urge and request the Department of Conservation and Energy
• Resolution 314 by Representative Robbie Carter to urge and request the Department of Conservation and Energy
• House Resolution 315 by Representative Marcel to urge and request the Department of Conservation and Energy

Bills: HR320 , HR321 , HR308 , HR309 , HR310 , HR311 , HR312 , HR313 , HR314 , HR315 , HR316 , HR317 , HR318 , HR319 , SCR65 , SCR74 , SCR76 , HR245 , SCR30 , SCR40 , HB1259 , SB4 , SB52 , SB57 , SB83 , SB145 , SB152 , SB194 , SB276 , SB319 , SB333 , SB448 , SB450 , SB465 , SB484 , SB501 , SB509 , HR73 , HR118 , HR144 , HR196 , HR237 , HR249 , HR260 , HR267 , HR272 , HR278 , HCR85 , HCR100 , HCR105 , HCR107 , HCR114 , SCR5 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR37 , SCR63 , HB62 , HB193 , HB210 , HB220 , HB246 , HB364 , HB420 , HB475 , HB584 , HB622 , HB772 , HB784 , HB949 , HB953 , HB1043 , HB1070 , HB1092 , HB1134 , HB1162 , HB1176 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB119 , HB129 , HB233 , HB283 , HB538 , HB789 , HB850 , HB870 , HB1236 , HB1241 , HB378 , HB509 , HB1090 , SB80 , SB131 , SB143 , SB251 , SB254 , SB279 , SB367 , SB384 , SB388 , SB389 , SB398 , SB408 , SB431 , SB468 , SB469 , SB496 , SB149 , HB463 , HB998 , SB123 , SB353 , SB479 , SB495 , SB82 , SB97 , SB283 , SB326 , SB518 , SB197 , SB268 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HR168 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB89 , HB74 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , HB468 , HB956 , HB1117 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB78 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB379 , SB382 , SB441 , SB449

Keywords: Arsenal, Arsenal F.C., Premier League, English football, soccer, football club, Mikel Arteta, Emirates Stadium, North London, Tottenham Hotspur, Gunners, sports resolution, commendation, celebration, championship, silverware, Louisiana House Resolution, ceremonial resolution, domestic violence, forensic medical examinations

Summary: The House met with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then received a series of Senate messages, conference committee appointments, and enrolled bill reports. The chamber also noted Senate concurrence in several House concurrent resolutions and the adoption of conference reports, while multiple Senate bills and resolutions were signed by the Senate President. Senate Bill 480, dealing with butterfly bottom nets and vessel use/anchorage, was referred to the Natural Resources Committee without objection. Members introduced several House resolutions, including measures to commend Arsenal Football Club, recognize Pope Leo XIV and 4-H honoree Margaret Mimi Stoker, study forensic medical exam protocols for domestic violence survivors, create a task force on second-degree murder sentencing, review miscarriage and pregnancy-loss terminology, commemorate the 250th anniversary of New Orleans, and support the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. Committee reports also moved forward bills on child welfare, water quality, scenic rivers, orphan wells, gravel mining reclamation, groundwater conservation, agricultural production, railroad hazards, and retirement system merger feasibility, along with resolutions on Pope Leo XIV and the LaMelle family. The House took up numerous Senate bills returned from the Legislative Bureau, adopting amendments and advancing many to third reading, including bills on health and welfare, education, insurance, and criminal justice. The chamber also reported favorably on resolutions condemning political violence and honoring public figures and organizations, and it scheduled several committee meetings for the following day, including Health and Welfare, Appropriations, Natural Resources, Civil Law, Transportation, and Ways and Means. The session ended with announcements about upcoming committee agendas and delegation meetings, and the House adjourned on motion to reconvene at 1:00 p.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we also manage the state energy management office, and that office provides energy efficiency
• and energy management services for all state agencies as well.
• And then number 10 is the statewide energy conservation account that I mentioned for various energy efficiency
• The energy savings...
• The energy savings performance contract will allow us to make those energy improvements and pay for the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Lord, I ask that you would bless them, that you would strengthen them, that you would give them energy
• > strengthen them, that you would give strengthen them, that you would give them<00:13:45.360><c> energy
• </c> them energy, clarity of mind. them energy, clarity of mind.
• prosecuted in other states for care provided in New Hampshire, the state director for reproductive equity
• prosecuted in other states for care provided in New Hampshire, the state director for reproductive equity

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HR number 127 by Darby recognizing February 4, 2025 as Texas Energy Day at the state Capitol.
• HR 127 recognizes today is Texas Energy Day.
• Our oil and natural gas resources have led to an unprecedented level of energy security for the United
• Because of our energy economy, Texas enjoys some of the lowest gas and energy prices in the country.
• I want to thank all energy supporters of the Texas Capitol, including all gathered behind me right here

Transcript Highlights:

• We're convening the joint committees on transportation, culture and the arts, energy, and intergovernmental
• We're reconvening the joint committees on transportation, culture and the arts, energy and environmental
• Arts, the chair's recommendation on HCR 205 is to pass with amendments. environmental affairs on energy
• and environmental affairs on energy and intergovernmental<00:01:41.759><c> affairs</c><00:01:42.000>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Transportation, Culture and the Arts, Energy and Environmental Affairs, and Intergovernmental Affairs met on HCR 205, a resolution urging Maui County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize and expedite planning, funding, and construction of a permanent replacement for the Kulani Hakoy Bridge. Written testimony in support was submitted by Holly Crawford, Maddox Suchia, and Joe Ritter, and no one appeared to testify orally. After a brief recess to wait for quorum, the committees reconvened and discussed a technical amendment. The amendment would add language directing that a certified copy of the measure be sent to the director of the Maui County Department of Public Works, to align with the county’s jurisdiction over roads and transportation infrastructure. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee voted to pass HCR 205 with amendments, with members voting aye and the measure adopted. The Energy and Environmental Affairs / Intergovernmental Affairs committee then took up the same recommendation and also voted to pass the resolution with amendments, with the recommendation adopted. The committees then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They reported to the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee.
• </c><00:15:21.760><c> My</c><00:15:22.040><c> other</c> Resources and Energy Committee.
• My other Resources and Energy Committee.
• </c> our [clears throat] energy. our [clears throat] energy.
• </c><00:37:04.960><c> seem</c> that makes alternative fuel energy seem that makes alternative fuel energy

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> agencies that may examine the energy agencies that may examine the energy industry<00:28:27.840>
• And this data is important for understanding the energy system as a whole.
• State Energy Office. We stand on our State Energy Office.
• And this data is energy security.
• </c> important for understanding the energy important for understanding the energy system<00:29:27.679

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• reform, House No. 3485; the House bill relative to automatic re-enrollment in the low-income home energy
• The House bill relative to automatic re-enrollment in the low-income home energy assistance program,
• An act relative to automatic re-enrollment in the low-income home energy assistance program, LIHEAP,
• An act relative to automatic re-enrollment in the low-income home energy assistance program, LIHEAP,

Summary: The House opened with ceremonial recognitions, including championship girls swim and indoor track teams and visiting students from Quincy. It then adopted a resolution honoring Carl F. Kowalski for more than 40 years of public service to Whitman after suspending the rules. The chamber took up House No. 528, a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill, which came back from the Senate with a full substitute amendment. The House suspended the rules, rejected concurrence, and voted to appoint a conference committee, naming Representatives Michaelowitz of Boston, Diggs of Barnstable, and Sweezy of Duxbury. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee then recommended several bills for consideration, including measures on Milton’s school deadline, tolling reform, LIHEAP automatic re-enrollment, Massachusetts ID cards, Quincy public safety records, and parity among Massachusetts beaches. The House suspended Rule 7A, ordered these bills to a third reading, concurred in a Senate amendment to House No. 4259 renaming the Weeder Park tennis courts, and passed to be engrossed bills on Haverhill election procedures, Dalton Fire District interim chief employment, and Conway election regulations. Later, the House scheduled House No. 5500, the fiscal year 2027 budget bill, but on motion it postponed consideration until Monday, April 27. The House also adopted an order to adjourn to Tuesday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned to meet then in informal session.