Transcript Highlights:

• IT JUST SHIFTS THE AGES FROM AGES 0 TO 4 TO 1 TO SEVEN.
• UNDER THE AGE OF FOUR THOSE KIDS ARE NOT USING THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE VOUCHER PROGRAM THEY ARE HAVING
• TO COME BACK LATER AT AN OLDER AGE AND REPEAT THE COURSE ALSO, AGES 4 TO 12 IN FLORIDA THE NUMBER OF
• THAT NUMBER GOES UP OVER THE AGE OF FIVE. BECAUSE 50 PERCENT OF THOSE DROWNINGS.
• WHAT YOU SAID WAS NEW INFORMATION ABOUT UNDER A CURRENT AGE. AT THE LAST COMMITTEE.

Transcript Highlights:

• Equitable hiring that resulted in an age-, race-, and gender-diverse workplace.
• And the fact that as we age, that there...
• We have the focus of the commission, which is LGBTQ+ aging.
• Since that's the age limit that we use in Massachusetts. Okay.
• . ...to support the flowers that you all reach in your work for LGBTQ+ aging.

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging opened its March quarterly meeting by welcoming its first full-time director, Alison Bauer, who introduced her background in state government, public health, philanthropy, teaching, and LGBTQ family advocacy. Commissioners approved the December meeting minutes and then turned to the main presentation, a DEI workshop led by Adriana Boulin of Fenway Health and Boston Pride for the People. Boulin guided members through an interactive “power flower” exercise to define diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and power, and to reflect on personal values, identities, and the conditions that support or diminish power. Commissioners and guests shared examples of successful DEI work in their lives and in the commission’s work, including listening sessions, inclusive trainings, targeted recruitment, the strategic plan, the commission website, and passage of the LGBTQI+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights. The discussion also included the history of intersectionality and how multiple identities can create both barriers and advantages. The group then applied an equity lens to the commission’s strategic priority on representation and inclusion. Members discussed the need for greater racial, ethnic, gender, trans, immigrant, and regional diversity, as well as barriers such as limited seats, appointment procedures, and the challenge of recruiting people who would otherwise be the only person of their identity in the room. Participants explored possible approaches including expanding seats legislatively, using advisory structures, and building relationships with organizations and potential appointers to broaden participation. The meeting ended with appreciation for the workshop and a reminder that the next quarterly meeting will be held in June.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the amount lost per report goes up sharply, particularly over age 70.
• So in the 70 to 79 age group, folks are losing basically twice as much as in younger age demographics
• , the AG task force on AI.
• That was established under the previous AG, who is obviously no longer the AG.
• Is it still under the AG or is it in the governor's? I personally don't sit on the task force.

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held a work session on emerging consumer protection issues, focusing on elder fraud, charity fraud, and the impact of artificial intelligence on scams. Assistant Attorneys General from the Consumer Protection Division described the division’s broader enforcement work, including actions on rent stabilization, government imposter scams, service member refunds, senior living facilities, data breaches, and cases involving TikTok and Meta. They said elder fraud is often the same fraud seen in other age groups, but older adults tend to lose more money when victimized, especially in imposter scams and investment scams. The attorneys reviewed FTC data showing rising fraud losses nationwide and in Washington, with social media, bank transfers, cryptocurrency, and gift cards highlighted as especially important channels for losses. Members asked about underreporting, recovery of funds, and what consumers should do when they suspect a scam. The presenters said complaints can be reported to the Attorney General’s Consumer Resource Center and DFI, and that the most effective policy responses would likely target payment methods, especially crypto kiosks and other fast, irreversible transfer systems. They also said the AGO uses enforcement, consumer education, and scam alerts, but that many scams are difficult to pursue because perpetrators are overseas or untraceable. On charity fraud, the Charitable Asset Protection Team described several deceptive practices, including false charities, imposter charities, fundraising-first charities, causewashing, and point-of-sale solicitations. They said charity scams are underreported because donors often do not realize they were misled, and they pointed to concerns about crowdfunding platforms and commercial fundraising processors, including the collapse of Flip Cause and unpaid donations to Washington charities. The presenters recommended modernizing the Charitable Solicitation Act, increasing transparency and disclosure for point-of-sale fundraising, and strengthening public education through the AGO and Secretary of State programs such as Assured Giving and Assured Impact. The presentation closed with a discussion of AI, which the attorneys said is making scams harder to detect through deepfakes, voice cloning, AI-generated messages, and automated scam operations. They said AI can also be used to create fake charities and online ecosystems that appear legitimate, and noted that business and charity registration systems can often be completed without human interaction. No votes were taken; the committee adjourned after questions and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• That article relates to aging and disability services.
• Relating to aging and disability services policy provisions.
• Grants currently administered by the Minnesota Board on Aging.
• Avenues runs two shelters: one for youth ages 16 to 20, and one for youth ages 21 to 24.
• of 18, and now it’s up to the age of 24.

Bills: HF2115 , HF2276 , HF1644 , HF99 , HF2068 , HF2707 , HF2704 , HF2406 , HF1674 , HF1579

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• could not exceed those of other ag facilities.
• First, it removes the current provision in law which allows solar facilities by right on ag land, and
• First, it removes the current provision in law which allows solar facilities by right on ag land, and
• So if you decommission a plant, it defaults back to ag, is what you're saying in the bill.
• And now we have thousands of acres of ag land with a Life, and now we have thousands of acres of ag land

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and heard several bills, with SB 1742 on condos temporarily postponed. SB 1298 on building construction was reported favorably after sponsor testimony about continuing education for building professionals, rural sharing of building officials, residential inspector limits, a planning examiner internship, permitting modernization, and contractor transition liability. SB 638 on home inspectors was also reported favorably after discussion of increasing required education from 120 to 200 hours, adding subject-specific exam and course requirements, and requiring $300,000 in errors and omissions insurance. SB 960 on elevator accessibility requirements was reported favorably, allowing additional shorter support rails in elevators while keeping the existing 42-inch rail requirement. The committee also unanimously recommended confirmation of a block of board and commission appointees. The committee adopted amendments and reported favorably CS/SB 940 on third-party restaurant reservation platforms, aimed at stopping bots and unauthorized resale of restaurant reservations; the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and Booking Holdings supported the bill, and members discussed how the measure would preserve direct restaurant-platform relationships like OpenTable and Resy while targeting third-party marketplaces that resell reservations. CS/SB 196 on foods containing vaccines or vaccine materials was reported favorably after amendments that defined mRNA vaccine use and added a cosmetics-related amendment addressing harmful chemicals such as PFAS, phthalates, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and mercury compounds; the Florida Retail Federation raised concerns but said it was working with the sponsor. CS/SB 1418 on heated tobacco products was reported favorably after an amendment clarifying the definition of heated tobacco products and excluding hookah, with support from the Florida Retail Federation and comments that the bill would distinguish these products from cigarettes for tax purposes. The committee also adopted a strike-all amendment and reported favorably CS/SB 1262 on construction contracting, which adds consumer protection and financial literacy topics to contractor continuing education, increases penalties for unlicensed contracting, creates a standardized disciplinary reporting system, and requires timely refunds and project completion standards; the Florida Home Builders Association supported the measure. Finally, CS/SB 1304 on solar facilities was reported favorably after extensive testimony from county commissioners and local officials supporting greater local oversight and decommissioning requirements for utility-scale solar on agricultural land; the bill would remove the current statewide by-right treatment for solar on agricultural land and authorize counties to adopt decommissioning ordinances. The meeting ended with members recording additional affirmative votes on selected bills and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't have to be all of it, but it definitely needs to be available for ag land that's currently
• producing ag on it.
• But there's nothing being said about ag producers.
• producing ag on it.
• But there's nothing being said about ag producers.

Bills: HB3183 , HB4316 , HB4484 , HB3469 , HB3464 , HB3173 , HB3989

Committee: Senate Energy

Summary: The committee first considered the nomination of Russell Isaacs to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. Isaacs described his farming background and experience with cotton, corn, sorghum, and wheat, and said he regularly tests conservation technologies on his farm. Senators discussed his water-conservation experience and the value he could bring to the board. The nomination received 10 ayes and 0 nays and was advanced to the full Senate floor. Members then took up House Bill 3183, dealing with smart transmission technology and electric grid efficiency. Senator Murdoch explained that the bill had been difficult to negotiate and that the enacting clause was stricken so work could continue on a committee substitute. He said the technology would allow existing transmission towers to carry lighter, more efficient lines, reduce wildfire risk, and potentially lower long-term rates by easing congestion. Senators asked about costs, who pays, and whether ratepayers or large load users would bear the burden; an amendment changed language from “customer funded” to “large load user funded.” The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill 7 ayes to 3 nays. The committee also advanced several nominations and bills related to environmental and energy policy. Steve Mason was confirmed to the Environmental Quality Board by an 8-0 vote. House Bill 4316, which removes an old deadline that prevented nonprofit corporations from converting into water districts and accessing grant funding, passed 8-0. House Bill 4484, allowing discretionary use of state-owned or state-leased vehicles between employees’ homes and workplaces to save mileage costs, passed 9-0. House Bill 3464 created a statewide framework for energy storage and solar facilities; a motion to table an amendment failed, and the bill passed 10-0 after debate over landowner protections, decommissioning, fire safety, and dual-use agricultural concerns. The committee then passed House Bill 3173, the Well-Repurposing Act, 10-0, to allow orphaned and abandoned wells to be repurposed for geothermal and energy storage uses, with discussion about surface-owner rights and possible tweaks to the geothermal temperature definition. House Bill 3469, a measure easing surety requirements for smaller producers by allowing a stair-stepped compliance schedule, passed 9-0. Finally, House Bill 3989 was amended for drafting corrections and then passed 9-0; it relates to the one-megawatt load standard and uses actual load over a two-year period rather than plate load. The chair ended the meeting by thanking members and staff and adjourning the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the age of 63, he passed away. We no longer have Hector Ramon Villafane, a tough man for sure.
• age is coming down.
• Her husband was diagnosed at 43 years old, which is the age that I am.
• Her husband was diagnosed at 43 years old, which is the age that I am.
• Yuloa passed away at the age of 87 after a brief illness.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of the prior day’s journal, suspension of certain rules for guest introductions, and moving AB 568 to the inactive file. The chamber then recognized several visiting groups, including a fourth-grade class from Marigold Elementary School, representatives of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and its Royal Court, and students from the University of California Students Association on lobby day. The main floor actions centered on two resolutions. ACR 147 by Assembly Member Lackey designated March 9, 2026 as California Special Olympics Day. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, sharing personal connections to Special Olympics and praising its impact on athletes, families, and volunteers. The resolution received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 89 by Assembly Member Patterson declared March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Speakers emphasized rising colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, the importance of screening, and new testing options including blood tests. The resolution also received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. After the resolutions, Assembly Member Rodriguez offered an adjournment in memory of Bob Yuloa of Chino, a Navy veteran and longtime community servant. The Assembly then announced upcoming committee and floor session dates and adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Therefore, steam for all ages of men, women, and children.
• Age appropriate for different schools and different communities.
• Here in Arizona, we have an AG, Chris Mays, who seems to be the most reckless and partisan AG that this
• And AG Mays, after her comment, working-class people. And A.G.
• She's a spectacular AG, or spectacularly bad AG is what he says. ...or spectacularly bad AG is what he

Transcript Highlights:

• This age restriction shrinks an already small pool of candidates.
• The age restriction of 21 limits potential candidates.
• HB 712 was drafted to apply to men over the age of 50, men over the age of 60, and men over the age of
• A particular mandate gets a C or a D, depending on the age group.
• Now when you look at our mandate, it goes back all the way to age 45.

Bills: HB712 , HB722 , HB946 , HB1687 , HB1809 , HB1899 , HB2528 , HB2583 , HB2741 , HB2750 , HB3021 , HB3150 , HB3265 , HB3658 , HB3812 , HB3960 , HB4392 , HB4432

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: prostate cancer, health benefit plans, insurance coverage, cost sharing, preventive health care, auto insurance, total loss evaluation, disclosure, insurance materials, vehicle appraisal, HB 946, Texas Insurance Code, automobile insurance claims, oral release, written release, settlement agreement, claim release, property damage, bodily injury, psychological injury

Transcript Highlights:

• Now I'm going to show my age. House Bill 1046 on page 13. Also page 13, 1047, 1049.
• Division of Ag affects every county in the state through the extension office, and the Division of Ag
• funding, that does not necessarily go to Division of Ag.
• that does not go to Division of Ag.
• And you have to specifically make the funding go to Division of Ag.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee first received a report on the executive protection detail, which was filed without questions. Members were then given a long advance list of House and Senate bills ready for consideration, followed by several amendment requests from agencies. The committee adopted amendments for the Auditor of State to increase special deputy expense allowance, the Administrative Office of the Courts for court interpreters and substitute court reporters, and several other items including local sales tax refunds, county property tax redistribution, and local law enforcement funding. It also held one amendment on House Bill 1034 and moved a Northwest Arkansas Community College cash fund increase tied to tornado-related campus repairs. The committee then considered a series of member amendments and appropriation items, including increases for the Public Defender Commission and deputy prosecuting attorneys to cover higher bar license fees, and a $12 million federal appropriation-only item. A lengthy discussion followed on a proposal from Senator Wallace and Representative Tosh to fund a pilot program for prison cell-phone detection/jamming technology at two correctional facilities. Sponsors and Department of Corrections officials said the system would target illegal contraband phones, would be procured through an RFP, and would be a two-year pilot; members raised questions about legality, cost, scope, data, and whether the department should use existing budget authority. The committee ultimately advanced the item by motion. The committee also took up an amendment from Senator Caldwell for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, seeking a $4 million appropriation increase. Testimony emphasized that the division’s extension offices and research functions are underfunded, that salaries are not competitive, and that the request would help with staffing and flexibility; other members questioned why the division needed more appropriation authority when it already had room under current limits and noted that the request exceeded the higher education board’s recommendation. The amendment was adopted after extended debate. Finally, the committee began acting on governor’s letters, adopting amendments for a $150 million increase to the homestead property tax credit, a $23,000 reallocation for the Insurance Department’s conference costs, $100,000 for property appraisal review work, $1.5 million for career and technical education professional development, $300,000 for DFA regulatory federal spending, $5 million for Inspector General fraud investigations, a consolidation of appraiser/abstractor/home inspector appropriations, deletion of a completed Fort Chaffee readiness center appropriation, and a revised reappropriation for corrections capital projects that would add special language restricting use of the $73.7 million prison-expansion reappropriation. The committee also heard a summary of a supplemental appropriations package involving fund transfers for pregnancy resource centers, senior centers, assistance grants, used tires, and UAMS pregnancy/stroke programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Arena-DeRosa relative to medication administration in rest homes to the Committee on Aging and Independence
• The House bill directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for
• examination for the position of police officer in the City of Haverhill, notwithstanding the maximum age
• An act directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police
• An act directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several procedural matters. It adopted an order extending the reporting deadline for a Community Development and Small Business matter to March 18, 2026, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow two petitions to be referred: one on medication administration in rest homes and another on concealment of the death of a child born out of wedlock. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling also recommended a slate of bills for House consideration, including measures on Building Trades Recovery Week, accidental death benefits for a former Boston firefighter’s surviving spouse, recess for elementary and middle school students, satisfaction of money judgments, police age-waiver matters for Jose Reyes and Jonathan Gagney, and advertising for justices of the peace. The House suspended Rule 7A to proceed with these matters. The chamber then advanced the listed bills through second reading and ordered seven of them to a third reading. It also passed House No. 4502, amending the Town Manager Act of Arlington, to be enacted. Several bills released from the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading were then taken up: House No. 4740, waiving the maximum age requirement for a Boston police officer applicant, and House No. 4817, authorizing an additional all-alcoholic-beverages license in Pembroke, both passed to be engrossed. House No. 5014, establishing a sick leave bank for Sonia Felix of the Department of Transitional Assistance, was amended on the floor to change wording and add an emergency preamble, then passed to be engrossed as amended. The House also adopted an order to adjourn and concluded by adjourning to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Arena-DeRosa relative to medication administration in rest homes to the Committee on Aging and Independence
• The House bill directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for
• examination for the position of police officer in the city of Haverhill, notwithstanding the maximum age
• An act directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police
• The City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police officers for INCOs

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several procedural matters. On motions to suspend the rules, it adopted an order extending until March 18, 2026, the reporting deadline for the Committee on Community Development and Small Business, and it also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow referral of two petitions: one on medication administration in rest homes to the Committee on Aging and Independence, and one on concealment of the death of a child born out of wedlock to the Judiciary Committee. The House also suspended Rule 7A to proceed with scheduling and consideration of bills. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended several bills for House consideration, including measures designating Building Trades Recovery Week, providing accidental death benefits for the surviving spouse of a former Boston firefighter, recess requirements for elementary and middle school students, reporting of satisfaction of money judgments, age-waiver legislation for police applicants in Boston and Haverhill, and a bill on advertising for justices of the peace. The House ordered these bills to a third reading after second reading, and separately passed House No. 4502, amending the Town Manager Act of Arlington, to be enacted. The House then took up third-reading bills and passed House No. 4740, waiving the maximum age requirement for a Boston police officer applicant, and House No. 4817, authorizing Pembroke to grant an additional off-premises alcohol license, both to be engrossed. It also considered House No. 5014, establishing a sick leave bank for Sonia Felix of the Department of Transitional Assistance; an amendment was adopted to revise the bill’s language and add an emergency preamble, and the bill was then passed to be engrossed as amended. The session concluded with adoption of an order to adjourn and the House adjourning to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House bill directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for
• The House bill directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for
• An act directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police
• An act directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police
• An act directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police

Summary: The House received a gubernatorial message recommending legislation to finance long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges, which was referred to the Committee on Transportation. The House also acted on several Rules Committee reports extending reporting deadlines for the Labor and Workforce Development and Revenue committees, and it suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition by Rep. Mindy Domb concerning disclosure of consumer information related to tariffs. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee reported several local and special bills for House consideration, including measures to waive age requirements for Boston and Haverhill police applicants, authorize continued employment for a Monterey police officer, and update expungement law. After suspending Rule 7A, the House ordered these bills to a third reading. The House then passed to be engrossed a bill waiving the age requirement for Rodney Alcindor to join the Boston Police Department, and it adopted an emergency preamble amendment before passing to be engrossed a sick leave bank bill for Marnie Jean Goldstein of the Department of Children and Families. The House adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and a special adjournment in memory of Robert S. Hargraves, a former member from Groton. The chamber then adjourned to meet the following day in formal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is those AG funds that we would. primarily from Bessie, that is those AG funds that we refer to.
• The budget represents it as if AG is still a viable program.
• The budget represents as if AG is still a viable program.
• I feel like I'm leaving somebody out: the Ag Center.
• And the reason the LSU ag programs operate so well is because I was chairman of the Ag Committee for

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee met on March 17 to review the FY27 budgets for the Department of Education and several special schools and commissions. Fiscal staff outlined the Department of Education’s roughly $6.4 billion budget, noting that most funding goes to the Minimum Foundation Program and subgrantee assistance. Major changes discussed included the removal of one-time teacher pay stipends, increases for the LA GATOR scholarship program, and projected adjustments in early childhood funding. Members also reviewed the constitutional amendment proposal tied to using about $2 billion to pay down teacher retirement obligations and provide future teacher pay raises. Dr. Cade Brumley testified that Louisiana’s education outcomes have improved and answered questions on math performance, charter school funding, the LA GATOR scholarship, and the special education Choice program. Members pressed the department on the sustainability and balance of funding between LA GATOR and Choice, the number of applicants and current recipients, and outreach efforts. Brumley said charter schools are funded through the MFP like other public schools, that LA GATOR currently serves about 5,500 students with applications recently reaching about 17,000, and that the Choice program serves about 500 students with a waiting list of about 700 applicants. He also said the department would implement whatever funding levels the legislature approves. The committee then heard the special schools and commissions budget, including the Special School District, Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, Thrive Academy, École Pointe-au-Chien, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, and BESE. Testimony focused on facility needs, enrollment, and program outcomes. LSU? No—LSM leaders described urgent roof and ceiling repairs estimated at about $800,000, while Thrive Academy highlighted student achievement, community service requirements, and economic impact. LPB said it is facing a federal funding loss of about $2.5 million and is responding with higher Passport fees, underwriting, and private fundraising. BESE’s small staff and administrative role were also explained, with members asking about board operations and the use of statutory dedication funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we have gained 245 in preschool and roughly 266 in school age.
• So Part C is birth through three years of age.
• There's 1,697 children in that age There's 1,697 children in that age bracket, and then in Part B, which
• Do you know the age groups of those children that are on the wait list?
• And we want them to read by a certain age. And we want them to read by a certain age.

Committee: All EDUCATION- HOUSE EARLY CHILDHOOD SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The committee received an extensive update from the Office of Early Childhood on Arkansas child care and early learning funding streams, including CCDF/School Readiness Assistance (SRA), Arkansas Better Chance (ABC), Head Start/Early Head Start, EIDT, PDG B-5, and local school district funding. Staff explained how each stream is funded and administered, noted that federal SRA funding follows the family while ABC funds go to agencies, and reviewed current enrollment, provider counts, spending, and compliance data. They also reported that co-pays and tighter enrollment verification have stabilized SRA spending, that ABC allocations are now based more on demonstrated community need, and that a market rate survey and cost analysis are underway to inform future reimbursement decisions. Members asked about provider closures, wait lists, utilization rates, infant-toddler shortages, suspended licenses, workforce pay, and whether the state tracks outcomes for children who attend different early childhood settings. Staff said there are about 1,800 licensed providers, with recent net capacity gains but ongoing closures for reasons including financial strain, ownership changes, retirement, and relocation. The SRA wait list was reported at 2,364 families covering 3,428 children, with priority given to federally defined categories such as homelessness, foster care, special needs, teens, and TANF families. Officials also said they do not currently track average tuition, workforce turnover, or long-term child outcomes across all providers, though they do have some ABC readiness data and are exploring better data systems. The committee also heard from Forward Arkansas’s Center for Early Learning Solutions, which described a new statewide effort focused on early childhood systems improvement. The presentation highlighted a landscape analysis showing families’ difficulty finding infant-toddler care, providers’ administrative burden, and interest in shared services, better data systems, and quality supports. The center outlined projects on local lead networking, governance and finance analysis, tech-enabled child care management systems, and an open-source HQIM pilot. Members discussed the need for more funding, better coordination across agencies, and stronger data on child care access, affordability, and outcomes. No votes were taken beyond the initial motion to approve the minutes, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most taxpayers sit there and say, if I can retire at age 70, I'd be happy.
• But no, no, in government, age 50, age 55, that's the normal range.
• As a result, we are a result. at age 50.
• But no, no, in government, age 50, age 55. That's the normal range.
• age, and then we say, oh my, people are retiring early.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on guest introductions recognizing visitors, community college delegations, students, caregivers, a retired Assembly staff member, and a championship high school football team. Members also observed an adjournment in memory for Alex Preddy, a VA nurse killed in Minnesota, and later for Kathy Wooten and Rowena Ramos. The chamber then moved through the daily file and third reading file, with several items passed, retained, or continued. Among the bills taken up, AB 34 on renewable portfolio standard exemptions for publicly owned utilities passed 55-0; AB 35 to accelerate implementation of Proposition 4 climate resilience funds passed 62-0; AB 52 on food and agriculture equity passed 50-6; AB 72 creating an EV economic opportunity zone passed 58-0; AB 96 removing a diploma requirement for Medi-Cal peer support specialists passed 55-0; AB 230 extending Pierce’s disease control programs passed 64-0; AB 277 requiring background checks for behavioral health employees passed 59-0; AB 647 clarifying a county RV disposal pilot passed 54-0; AB 664 authorizing limited bachelor’s programs at Southwestern Community College passed 60-1; AB 673 creating a support grant for unaccompanied homeless youth passed 55-1; AB 710 on dynamic electricity pricing passed 54-0; AB 748 streamlining pre-approved housing plans passed 65-0; AB 767 expanding protections around sexually violent predator placements near schools and daycares passed 65-0; AB 883 protecting officials’ personal information from data brokers passed 66-0; AB 946 expanding 30x30 conservation efforts to urban areas passed 65-0; AB 1054 creating a deferred retirement option program for CHP and Cal Fire passed 61-1; AB 1070 on missing middle housing code simplification passed 66-0; AB 1159 strengthening student data privacy passed 54-4; AB 1204 revising the Local Control Funding Formula passed 54-1; AB 1265 extending the historic building tax credit passed 64-0; AB 1349 banning speculative ticketing passed 61-0; AB 1359 allowing seniors 80+ to opt out of jury service without a doctor’s note passed 67-1; AB 643 on organic waste procurement credits passed 48-4; AB 685 creating a small business resiliency fund passed 63-0; AB 714 tightening oversight of commercial driving programs passed 65-1; and AB 805 establishing a youth apprenticeship bridge program passed 66-0. Several other items were passed and retained or continued without debate. Debate on AB 1054 drew the sharpest disagreement, with opponents warning about pension costs and supporters arguing it would help retain experienced CHP officers and firefighters. AB 767 also prompted strong comments about public safety and placement of sexually violent predators in rural communities. On AB 1349, supporters from both parties backed the anti-speculative ticketing bill as consumer protection, while AB 664 drew support from members emphasizing access to higher education in underserved regions. The Assembly then adjourned until January 29, 2026, after announcing upcoming session dates and recording a few vote changes from the dais.

Transcript Highlights:

• Value very much our collaboration with the State Aging Department and the solutions to mitigating the
• on Aging (AAAs).
• But I'm not new to aging.
• Secretary on Aging and Long-Term Services.
• That we have brought back the long-term aging and care.

Committee: House Legislative Health & Human Services Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• And this is true for both those prime working-age women and all women.
• We defined prime working-age women as ages 25 through 54, so not that early career and not the later
• So we also asked employment preferences of those prime working-age women, 25 to 54 years of age.
• preferences of those prime working age women, 25 to 54 years of age.
• I know there's two different age groups. Right. There's different. Thank you.

Committee: All EDUCATION- HOUSE EARLY CHILDHOOD SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, granted, I am in that age range, the lower end of that age range, but there are new farmers and
• Now, granted, I am in that age range, the lower end of that age range, but there are new farmers and
• Now, granted, I am in that age range, the lower end of that age range, but there are new farmers and
• Now, granted, I am in that age range, the lower end of that age range, but there are new farmers and
• Um, yeah. farmers under the age of 40, and the farmers under the age of 40, and the bill<00:29:23.039

Bills: SB2309 , SB2317 , SB2318 , SB2319 , SB2321 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2405 , SB2485

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related measures, beginning with SB 2309, which would require the agricultural loan division to sell portions of its loan portfolio and use the proceeds to expand the agriculture loan revolving fund. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the bill, along with several other organizations and individuals. A committee question focused on the risk of not finding a qualified buyer for the loan portfolio; DAB said a mandatory sale of the full amount could force a less favorable rate, while flexibility to sell different amounts could produce a more equitable return. The measure drew eight supporters and no opposition. The committee then took up SB 2317, which directs DAB to study insurance coverage for small producers and report back to the Legislature. DAB and multiple farm groups supported the bill. In response to a question about cost, DAB estimated about $250,000 would be needed, with the study likely covering crop, health, and liability insurance. The next measure, SB 2318, would establish an agriculture statistics program in statute. DAB said it strongly supported the bill and could ramp up quickly if positions were provided; the committee discussed whether a first report could be completed by year’s end if the bill became law midyear, and DAB said yes. SB 2319, which would fund and make permanent a full-time grant writer position at DAB, also drew strong support from DAB, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, the local food coalition, and others, with testifiers emphasizing the position’s return on investment and success in bringing in federal funds. The committee also heard SB 2321, establishing a two-year pilot program to respond to the twoline spittlebug. DAB, ranching groups, and many others supported the bill, citing the pest’s spread and the need to act before it becomes unmanageable. A DAB pest control manager said he would need to research past response details and provide them later. Members emphasized the importance of early intervention. For SB 2323, which creates a farmland transition commission to study barriers to farmland access and recommend solutions, DAB offered comments and support for the intent, while farm groups generally supported the concept but raised concerns about the proposed age range and whether a separate commission was necessary. DAB said the Board of Agriculture likely would not have the capacity to perform the commission’s duties and estimated there would be costs to establish it, though no figure was available at the hearing. Finally, the committee heard SB 2332, which reestablishes the agriculture and food security special fund, creates a carbon emissions tax and dividend fund, gradually raises carbon-related tax rates, and provides a refundable carbon cashback credit. DAB supported the measure and deferred to Taxation on details; the Department of Taxation said it would stand on its comments, and the Attorney General’s office offered comments and recommendations. Carbon Cashback Hawaii and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development supported the bill, arguing it would reduce emissions, protect lower-income households, and be relatively simple to administer.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, AGS Governor's message, AGS 1111, sequence 2181: precipitory streaming of boards and commission
• </c><00:59:20.160><c> Governor's</c> 10,688 in FY 27 next AGS Governor's 10,688 in FY 27 next AGS Governor's
• sequence</c><00:59:24.079><c> 2181</c> message uh AGS 1111 sequence 2181 message uh AGS 1111 sequence
• The House does not concur. concur house adjustment AGS concur house adjustment AGS 22223<01:00:21.079
• </c><01:00:42.160><c> where</c> budget we're moving it to um AGS where budget we're moving it to um AGS

Committee: House Finance