Transcript Highlights:

• I hope that y'all will join me now for a moment of silence to honor Josh King.
• Reynolds for a motion.
• D.J. plans to continue his mission and hopes to set a Guinness World Record for the longest. ...world
• I hope you know I'm going to get you. That's it. I'll take it. You're sworn. Thank you for coming.
• HB5623 relates to grants for the Texas Energy Fund for certain energy efficiency projects for the Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for being with us.
• Thank you for being with us as well.
• Thank you for being here. Thank you.
• The six towns have a joint filing for this, and we heartily support Senator Sears' bill for a seasonal
• Well, we're still waiting for legislative fix for a couple of things in statute that are actually in

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Housing

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held its 12th hearing of the session, chaired by Representative Richard Haggerty and Senator Julian Cyr, and heard testimony on two bills: H. 5317, concerning condominium conversion of co-owned two-unit buildings, and H. 5447, a home rule petition for an affordable housing trust fund in West Tisbury. The chair outlined a hybrid hearing format, three-minute testimony limits for individuals, and a July 31 deadline for written testimony. Peter Harrington testified in support of H. 5317, arguing that the partition law is outdated and should be updated so courts can use the condominium statute when dividing co-owned property. He said the change would help preserve middle-class housing, especially two-family homes that might otherwise be sold, torn down, or redeveloped into more expensive housing. Committee members asked about how common the issue is and whether it is more case-specific; Harrington said it arises at the lower end of Chapter 241 cases but is not unusual. Laura Silber testified in support of H. 5447 on behalf of West Tisbury’s Affordable Housing Committee and the Martha’s Vineyard Commission. She said the bill would let the town’s affordable housing trust serve households up to 180% of area median income and better support seasonal communities tools, including housing for essential public-sector workers and acquisition of year-round deed restrictions. Senator Cyr questioned whether the home rule petition was necessary if technical fixes to the seasonal communities law are enacted, and Silber said the petition was a short-term measure while the towns await statutory changes and work toward a pooled year-round housing trust. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• of</c> specific County for for those types of specific County for for those types of situations<01:07
• So a high BAC, .16, .17, I've seen some as high as, unfortunately, .30, can indicate a high need for
• </c> countermeasures for for years what we countermeasures for for years what we would<04:26:51.800><
• :48:26.558><c> hardto</c> here for for for for elite hardto here for for for for elite hardto penetrate
• My only tool for shortening the duration of these attacks is high-flow oxygen using a special mask.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope that answers your question. Thank you for it.
• Thank you for listening to me. Thank you. Questions for the witness? Thank you for being here.
• Other questions for the witness? Thank you so much for being here.
• For those that are not, for those that are refusing to provide this needed care for this growing population
• Unfortunately, I don't think the minimums for the state of Texas are high enough to begin with because

Bills: HB778 , HB 1266 , HB1576 , HB2213 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2841 , HB3306 , HB3320 , HB3388 , HB3508 , HB3520 , HB3689

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: credentialing, healthcare, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, managed care, hurricane, windstorm, loss mitigation, grants, insurance discounts, property retrofitting, insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, board composition, coastal counties, property insurance, taxation, Texas FAIR Plan Association, premium taxes, maintenance taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Yeah, thanks for the question. Yeah, thanks for the question.
• </c><00:10:38.520><c> There</c><00:10:38.800><c> are</c><00:10:39.280><c> high</c> for it who were affected
• There are high for it who were affected?
• </c><00:15:14.720><c> Is</c> for the year ahead of us. Is for the year ahead of us.
• </c> She's running for governor, yes. She's running for governor, yes.

Summary: Senate Republicans discussed the governor’s supplemental budget and criticized proposed cuts to nursing homes, disability services, and counties, arguing the changes would hurt vulnerable Minnesotans and that the tax package would amount to roughly an $868 million increase. They said they were open to some family-focused tax provisions, such as an expanded child care or dependent credit, but opposed broader tax increases and several previously rejected ideas, including sales tax changes and a social media tax. A major topic was fraud prevention and the Office of Legislative Auditor report on kickbacks. Republicans said the report reinforced their push for a statewide independent Office of Inspector General with a law enforcement division and a broader fraud definition, and they argued the office would have handled the cases more effectively. They also said they support the concept of an OIG bill but want only modest amendments, while criticizing House Democrats for resisting the law enforcement division and for raising constitutional objections they called a drafting issue. The lawmakers also reacted skeptically to the governor’s proposed AI-related job development fund and $10 million in forgivable loans for businesses affected by Operation Metro Search, saying the aid would mainly benefit downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul rather than the broader state. They closed with broader comments that the session felt relatively normal and less intense than past years, noted ongoing work on a bonding bill, and joked about campaign politics, possible candidates, and even the idea of a Senate dog.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a tax cut for you if you were to apply for it, right? For the investor, it is, yes. Right.
• They're bad for the budget, they're bad for each other, and they're terrible for the citizens... ...games
• They're bad for the budget, they're bad for each other, and they're terrible for the citizens of this
• this current fiscal year, which you all appropriated last year, again, they're hoping just for that
• this current fiscal year which you all appropriated last year again they're hoping just for that very

Committee: House House Appropriations Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2584, which would prohibit public monies from being used for genetic sequencing procedures involving devices made by companies owned or substantially controlled by entities domiciled in a foreign adversary. The sponsor said the bill is intended to protect genetic data from being sold or used against the United States. There was no public testimony, and the committee approved the bill on a 13-5 vote for a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2804, which creates a rural development and housing tax credit capped at $2 million per year and tied to federal low-income housing tax credit projects in counties under 800,000 population. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Flagstaff mayor, and housing investors/developers, argued it would leverage private capital to address rural affordable housing shortages, especially for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents. Opponents, including the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, argued state LIHTC programs are inefficient, costly, hard to oversee, and can add complexity and higher per-unit costs. The bill passed 13-4 with one not voting. HB 2388, as amended, appropriates $100,000 for the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers, with a report due June 30, 2027. Supporters said the study would help Arizona plan for energy demand and data center growth, while opponents argued the agency should use existing funds instead of a new appropriation. The committee adopted the amendment and then approved the bill 10-7 with one not voting. The committee also received a presentation from the Auditor General on county treasurer procedural reviews, including the response to the Santa Cruz County treasurer embezzlement case and the office’s ramp-up plan for reviews and staffing. Later, the committee approved HB 2352, which appropriates $2,385,900 in FY2029 to make the Auditor General’s county treasurer review funding ongoing. Members supporting the bill said the office needs certainty to plan audits and retain staff, while opponents objected to funding it so far in advance during budget uncertainty. The bill passed 11-7. The committee also approved HB 2418, as amended, which directs $600,000 to be evenly distributed among five county sheriff task forces in Cochise, Coconino, Navajo, Pinal, and Yuma counties; supporters said it codifies the long-standing distribution practice, and it passed 17-1. Finally, the committee heard HB 2499, which would provide $2.6 million and 12 FTEs to the Department of Education for ESA administration; supporters argued the program’s rapid growth requires more staff for enrollment, reviews, and accountability, while members questioned the lack of standardized testing data and how to measure student outcomes. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on HB 2499.

Transcript Highlights:

• question and for Senator Green, for that question and for for<00:13:30.960><c> reading</c><00:13:31.120
• High<01:13:18.120><c> security</c> High security High security uh<01:13:20.080><c> high</c><01:13:20.880
• So, I I ask for a no vote. line in 53.2. So, I I ask for a no vote.
• And this has yes for this amendment. yes for this amendment.
• The secretary will take the roll for final passage on Senate File 1943. those high standards and that

Transcript Highlights:

• for the statewide Clean Cars for All in the 2022 budget.
• all students, including for literacy coaches at high-need schools.
• Coaches at high-need schools, evidence-based professional learning and literacy for elementary school
• for the HOPE Accounts Program, which helps honor the promise made to more than 50,000 people and children
• Let go even today, so we appreciate the funding but hope there will be future accountability for how

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> for your consideration. for your consideration.
• I hope. Um, so on the governor's desk. I hope.
• </c> for scam victims. for scam victims.
• </c><02:17:47.599><c> for</c> know law should it be necessary for for know law should it be necessary
• &gt;&gt; Uh<03:04:28.160><c> for</c> &gt;&gt; Uh for &gt;&gt; Uh for for<03:04:30.399><c> uh</c><03:04

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• But for a normal...” “...for something totally unrelated to the riparian property, but for a normal type
• I don’t see any questions for you. Thank you for being here.
• So thank you for bringing this bill. I hope you'll support it. Thank you.
• Chairman, and we hope the committee will support this bill and protect Louisiana water for Louisiana
• Thank you for your question. But thank you for your question.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1209, which would pause new cooperative endeavor agreements for surface water withdrawals after December 31, 2026, while allowing existing agreements to continue and renew through 2036. The author said the bill is intended to force a broader, data-driven review of Louisiana’s surface water management and to improve funding for aquatic plant control, especially giant salvinia. An amendment was adopted to broaden the description of how the aquatic plant control fund may be used and to require annual reporting on agreements, withdrawals, revenues, deposits, spending, and non-monetary consideration. Department officials said the current program is voluntary, underfunded for monitoring, and that the bill could create a gap for new users if no replacement mechanism is enacted. The bill was reported favorable as amended after testimony from supporters including the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and opposition concerns from industry representatives were noted but not formally presented. House Bill 599 was then heard, which would prohibit the sale of Louisiana running surface water outside the state. The author argued that out-of-state sales, especially involving Toledo Bend and Texas, would be short-sighted and could harm Louisiana’s long-term water interests. Supporters said Louisiana lacks a water budget and should preserve water for in-state needs, while the Department of Conservation and Energy noted that the state currently has no mandatory process for such agreements and that the bill would not affect Sabine River Authority authority. The committee reported the bill favorable. Finally, House Bill 1206, dealing with permitting and reporting of water usage at data centers, was discussed. The substitute bill and amendment would give the department authority to monitor and regulate groundwater and surface water withdrawals, require public hearings, and improve transparency through reporting and a universal project identifier. The author and supporters said the bill was prompted by concerns in communities affected by large data center projects and the lack of public hearings on water use. Department officials agreed that more comprehensive data and a clearer framework are needed, but the author voluntarily deferred the bill to continue working with the department on a broader measure for next session. The committee also heard House Bill 1171 on allowing airboats in the Mar-Paw Swamp Wildlife Management Area, but after extensive debate over noise, habitat impacts, and existing restrictions, the discussion was ongoing in the portion provided and no final action on that bill was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• you for allowing for us to present thank you for allowing for us to present today.<00:12:00.880><c>
• Then<01:21:35.600><c> for</c><01:21:36.080><c> acreage</c> Then for acreage Then for acreage in<01:21
• But if you're staying for a week or you're staying for a longer period of time, then it makes sense for
• for us and see as a a challenge for for us and other other other uh<01:43:51.119><c> producers</c><01
• </c> made on the system for the for act 269? made on the system for the for act 269?

Bills: HB1974 , HB1853 , HB1973 , HB1574 , HB2619 , HB1966 , HB1643 , HB1671 , HB2558 , HB1854 , HB2173 , HB1575 , HB2229 , HB1535 , HB1978 , HB2508 , HB1549 , HB2187 , HB1550 , HB1977 , HB2314 , HB1871 , HB2319 , HB1591 , HB1858 , HB1898 , HB2372 , HB1765 , HB2012 , HB1706 , HB1962 , HB1963 , HB1975 , HB2009 , HB2083 , HB2224 , HB1877 , HB1959 , HB1626 , HB1665 , HB2488 , HB2456 , HB2548 , HB2207 , HB1832 , HB2079 , HB1985 , HB1618 , HB2486 , HB2242 , HB2045 , HB1703 , HB2236 , HB2480 , HB1976 , HB2287 , HB2288 , HB1777 , HB276 , HB1660 , HB1676 , HB1605 , HB1751 , HB1967 , HB2383 , HB2340 , HB1946 , HB2268 , HB1950 , HB2156 , HB2118 , HB1859 , HB1863 , HB1996 , HB2114 , HB2423 , HB2429 , HB2475 , HB2534 , HB2545 , HB1813 , HB1941 , HB2474 , HB2583 , HB1576 , HB1886 , HB1939 , HB2540 , HB2590 , HB2000 , HB2163 , HB2386 , HB1691 , HB1680 , HB2516 , HB1993 , HB2442 , HB1510 , HB1958 , HB1692

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's an important consideration, and particularly for high electricity users, which oftentimes are
• He said this is especially important for high electricity users, often in the manufacturing sector, and
• for high electricity users particularly for high electricity users which<04:07:45.760><c> often</c><
• Boore, want to thank you for for Mr.
• I hope you look into the funding of Americans for Prosperity because, as I understand it, the Koch Network

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• He joined the Border Patrol in 1997 and, for nearly three decades, set a high standard for his fellow
• a role model and a tremendous leader for students at West High School.
• their hopes, for their jobs, for their benefits in many cases, and for filling their days because they
• ><c> their</c> on them for their livelihood, for their on them for their livelihood, for their hopes,
• /c><08:40:34.558><c> their</c> hopes, for their jobs, for their hopes, for their jobs, for their benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for being here. Thank you for being here.
• The doctor said that if there is a high concentration of a single thing and it is not good for us, it
• You could receive funding for an individual for a year.
• Because for the longest, they didn't have any market for rice. They couldn't sell it for anything.
• Thank you for being here. Thank you. Thank you for being here.

Bills: HCR65 , HB512 , HB1194 , SCR23 , SB502

Committee: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural Development

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 23, which would create an Agricultural-based National Security Priorities Task Force to study issues such as Chinese drones, farmland ownership, and other technology-related concerns that could affect farmers and national security. Senator Kathy Stewart said the goal was to avoid unintended consequences in legislation and to bring agriculture stakeholders together. The resolution was moved favorably with no objections. The committee then took up Senate Bill 502 on sugarcane bagasse storage. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Commissioner of Agriculture, and the American Sugar Cane League, said the bill would clarify that bagasse is an agricultural byproduct and would protect storage practices that comply with department best practices from local ordinances. Several residents from St. Martin Parish testified in opposition, saying a large bagasse pile near their homes was out of compliance, created dust and odors, and caused health and property-value concerns. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably with no objections. House Bill 512, by Representative Schamerhorn, would prohibit the manufacturing and sale of cell-cultured food products in Louisiana while allowing university research to continue. An amendment was adopted to make the bill effective only if certain federal court rulings allow such a ban. The sponsor and Commissioner Strain argued the issue is still scientifically uncertain and that the state should avoid costly litigation; the bill was reported favorably with amendments after no objections. House Bill 1194, the Healthy Food Retail Act, was amended to shift food-desert research and mapping duties to the LSU AgCenter, while the financing authority would continue handling grants and related funding mechanisms. Supporters said the bill would improve data on food deserts and help target grocery access in underserved urban and rural areas; some members raised concerns about government subsidies and long-term dependence, but the sponsor and Commissioner Strain said the program is intended as infrastructure support to launch stores, not ongoing operating aid. After debate, the bill was reported favorably with amendments by a 10-3 roll call vote. The committee also reported favorably House Concurrent Resolution 65, which urges federal action to reclassify crawfish-industry job duties as agricultural labor for H-2A purposes; testimony emphasized labor shortages, the impact on crawfish and rice producers, and the need for more legal guest workers. The meeting ended with a brief informational handout on direct marketing and custom slaughter plants and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not for every lot or every condition, but for many conditions, when you reach an 8% slope for those
• It's not for every lot or every condition, but for many conditions, when you reach an 8% slope for those
• It's not for every lot or every condition, but for many conditions, when you reach an 8% slope for those
• It's not for every lot or every condition, but for many conditions, when you reach an 8% slope for those
• </c><01:26:57.639><c> your</c> for 40 years well thank you for your for 40 years well thank you for your

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Father, I pray for each one here, for their families, for their homes.
• And, Father, I pray for safety, and I pray for well-being.
• He was very clear about his children and his family, and what kind of a future that he was hoping for
• And I think all of us here could just hope that when it's time for us to leave the state or any of these
• , substitute for Senate Bill, for House Bill 213.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and agreed by unanimous consent to allow cameras on the floor and gallery, excuse several senators, and move to announcements and miscellaneous business. The chamber then adopted a ceremonial resolution honoring Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales for his years of service as Senate president and lieutenant governor, followed by extensive remarks from senators and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham praising his leadership, fairness, education advocacy, and personal kindness. Morales briefly responded, thanking members, the governor, and his family, and noting he would offer fuller remarks on his final day. After messages from the House were read, the Senate adopted several committee reports. These included favorable action on Senate Memorial 31; House Judiciary Committee substitute for House Bill 70; House Bill 124, referred to Finance; Senate Joint Resolution 6, referred to Judiciary; Senate Joint Resolution 7; House Bills 103, 154, 165, and 285 as amended; and the Finance Committee’s amended report on House Appropriations and Finance Committee substitute for House Bills 2 and 3. The Judiciary Committee also reported Senate Bill 104 as duly enrolled and engrossed, and the body noted that SB 104 had been signed in open session. During personal privilege, Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth discussed a State Ethics Commission advisory opinion on whether legislators who are attorneys may vote on medical malpractice cap legislation, arguing the issue is governed by Senate rules rather than the Governmental Conduct Act. He said he would continue to disclose his interests and vote under Rule 7-5, and also rejected a newspaper suggestion that he had a conflict in sponsoring a judgeship bill for the First Judicial District Court. The Senate then moved into third reading, beginning with Senate Rules Committee substitute for Senate Bill 264, which Senator Duhigg explained as an election-security measure responding to concerns about federal interference, intimidation, and emergency election disruptions; Senator Nava then spoke in support as a co-sponsor.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> grateful I am for everything they do for grateful I am for everything they do for myself<00:07:45.320
• </c> coordinate care, particularly for coordinate care, particularly for high-need<00:57:21.080><c> individuals
• I hope you can stay for questions at the end. Uh, next up, Mr.
• And for 2026, contracts contain a 2% high-low risk corridor that limits margins.
• for 2026, contracts contain a 2% high-low<01:12:07.360><c> risk</c><01:12:07.600><c> corridor</c><01

Summary: The committee first took up House File 3939, a bill to support a Helping Paws service-dog litter named in honor of Gilbert and the Hortman family. Testimony from Helping Paws and service-dog graduate Angie Foley described the organization’s work, the significance of the “Guided by Gilbert” litter, and how the funding would help train dogs that provide independence and support to people with disabilities, veterans, and others. Members from both parties spoke warmly about Speaker Hortman’s connection to the organization and Gilbert, and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion. The committee then considered House File 3769, the Department of Corrections’ technical omnibus bill, with an A1 amendment adopted to clarify tuberculosis testing language. The bill updates TB screening procedures in correctional facilities, including how refusals are handled, and adds Quantiferon Gold Plus testing as an option alongside existing methods. Members discussed whether the bill would create costs for counties and jails, with some noting added testing and segregation costs and others arguing the changes would improve accuracy and reduce time in restrictive housing. The bill, as amended, was recommended to the general register. House File 3978 was next, a technical cleanup bill for a provider wellness program created last year. The bill expands eligibility and confidentiality protections from physicians to all health care providers, while supporters said the program is meant to address burnout and mental health strain in the workforce and does not require new money. Some members questioned whether the change was redundant or would broaden the program without additional funding, but the Minnesota Medical Association testified that the program is separate from insurance and was intended to serve all providers. The bill was recommended to the general register. Finally, the committee began House File 3476, which Rep. Liebling described as a cleanup bill related to Minnesota’s Medicaid managed care system and public program oversight. She argued that the state spends billions through managed care organizations and that the system has never been proven better than direct payment, setting up a broader discussion of the bill’s purpose and the state’s oversight of public health care spending.

Transcript Highlights:

• But question number four is about what is needed for supports accessing high-quality preschool opportunities
• But question number four about what is needed for supports accessing high quality preschool opportunities
• We are working with DSS for future releases of estimated numbers of eligible children, and our hope is
• And I hope our dreams can go forward. Let's give it up for Carmen Perez, y'all.
• It's a priority within the master plan for early learning and care, and we see that the demand is high

Summary: The hearing was a joint budget discussion focused first on California preschool and child care, then on universal transitional kindergarten (TK), with later movement toward a reading-difficulties screener item. Members emphasized the need for a coordinated early childhood system that better serves families’ real schedules and needs, rather than forcing families to fit existing program structures. The preschool panel reviewed access, quality, workforce, facilities, and information systems, with repeated concern about whether current funding and program design are sufficient for infants, toddlers, three-year-olds, and full-day/full-year care. Witnesses from the Learning Policy Institute, CDSS, CDE, and community providers described major growth in preschool and child care enrollment, especially for two- and three-year-olds, but also noted persistent gaps, waitlists, workforce shortages, low reimbursement rates, and the need for more stable funding. Several witnesses urged expansion or permanence of two-year-old eligibility in CSPP, more support for mixed-delivery systems, facility conversion and renovation grants, better statewide enrollment and referral systems, and continued funding for one-time grants such as UPK coordinators and planning/implementation supports. Provider and parent testimony stressed that rate reform, enrollment-based reimbursement, and continued hold-harmless protections are needed to keep programs open and accessible. The TK panel reviewed the Governor’s budget proposal for full implementation of universal TK, including Proposition 98 funding for expansion and lower adult-to-child ratios, plus a multilingual learner screening implementation budget change proposal. LPI and CDE reported that TK enrollment has grown rapidly but uptake is now a little over half of eligible four-year-olds, with families citing lack of awareness, preference for other care, and logistical barriers such as location and hours. CDE and providers said the UPK planning and implementation grant, mixed-delivery planning grants, and UPK coordinators have been critical, but these one-time funds are set to sunset. Members pressed for more information on eligible population projections, full-day/full-year demand, teacher credential data, and how administrative credential programs are preparing leaders for early childhood settings. The committee held the issues open and requested follow-up data from the departments.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the 40% threshold is so high that it almost says, well, we have an exceptional tolerance for potential
• And I hope for your favorable support on this amendment, just like all the others.
• On behalf of myself and my staff, I want to thank UCF for providing us with such a high-caliber young
• Sponsors of Schools of Hope provisions, removal of the high school certificate of completion, but with
• The amendment maintains the House bill's county surtax and School of Hope provisions, removes the high

Summary: The Florida Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness for sexual assault survivors, a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and a memorial proclamation for former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron. The chamber then moved to special-order bills, with senators also briefly discussing the session’s pace and thanking staff and colleagues for their work. The first major bill, on driving and boating offenses, was amended and passed 37-0. As amended, it increases penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide/vessel homicide offenses, and adds notice requirements and misdemeanor penalties for refusing lawful breath or urine tests. Senators also passed SB 306 on Medicaid providers 37-0, requiring Medicaid managed care plans to offer more after-hours and holiday access and ensuring more primary care appointment availability outside regular business hours. The Senate then passed a major condominium and cooperative associations bill, also 37-0, after extensive debate and multiple amendments. The measure extends deadlines for structural integrity reserve studies, adds flexibility for reserve funding and budgeting, tightens rules for managers and inspectors, limits certain requirements to buildings of three or more habitable stories, and extends the rescission period for condo purchases. Senators from both parties praised the bill’s sponsors for years of work responding to post-Surfside safety and affordability concerns. The longest and most contentious item was SB 7016/HB 1205 on constitutional amendment petition procedures. Sponsors said the bill responds to fraud and abuse in the citizen initiative process by tightening circulator rules, requiring faster submission of signed petitions, adding voter notification, increasing penalties, and shifting costs to sponsors. Opponents argued it would burden volunteers and make it harder for citizens to qualify initiatives. The chamber adopted a series of amendments, including changes to the petition-circulator threshold, volunteer protections, submission timing, invalid-signature investigation thresholds, and notice/cure provisions, while debate continued over whether the overall package would protect election integrity or suppress citizen-led amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we really hope, thank you so much for bringing this up for our industry because we need it, and we
• ><c> so</c><00:46:52.720><c> much</c><00:46:52.880><c> for</c> really hope, thank you so much for really
• hope, thank you so much for bringing<00:46:53.359><c> this</c><00:46:53.599><c> up</c><00:46:53.920>
• </c> for this. for this.
• </c> for the Thank you for the opportunity. for the Thank you for the opportunity.

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard seven bills on consumer protection, DBEDT-related matters, and tourism/creative industry issues. On SB 2031, DCCA supported aligning state law with the FTC’s 2025 rule on hidden fees and pricing misrepresentations in live event ticketing and short-term lodging; hotel and financial industry witnesses also testified, and senators asked for complaint and enforcement data. On SB 2129, DBEDT and business groups supported a study of minimum wage impacts, with testimony emphasizing effects on hours, employment, prices, and business viability; a senator asked whether the study could also examine the gig economy and business closures, and DBEDT said that may be possible but would require more research and data access. On SB 2259, which would promote dementia-friendly businesses, DBEDT said the measure fit better with another agency and lacked the department’s expertise, while the Executive Office on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association supported the intent and offered to help with curriculum, branding, and training. Testifiers described dementia as a spectrum and said businesses should be trained to communicate effectively with customers and employees living with the disease; suggested amendments included changing the branding language and requiring at least 85% of employees to complete training rather than all employees. A senator also raised concerns about stigma and whether early-stage dementia should affect a person’s ability to function, and the witness responded that people can often function well in early stages. The committee also heard SB 2577 on sports tourism, which DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported as a way to better understand which events draw visitors and economic benefits. SB 2578, creating a film commission, drew broad support from DBEDT, Creative Industries, SAG-AFTRA, the Hawaii Film Alliance, the Hawaii Film Office, and others, but several witnesses urged changes to the commission’s composition and authority, including more labor representation and limits on the commission’s ability to adjust the production cap. Senators questioned staffing, costs, and whether current film office employees should transfer to the new commission, and one senator proposed a friendly amendment to add musicians, SAG, IATSE, and Teamsters, though the department cautioned that too many members could make the commission difficult to manage. The transcript ends during discussion of the film bill, with no final votes or committee actions stated for the measures heard.