Transcript Highlights:

• Since then, e-bike technology and the mobility landscape has evolved rapidly.
• This would allow the creation of that environment to service not only LNG, but any large ship.
• Servicing that environment brings that revenue. To this location.
• In line with what current statute needs to be to service that growth.
• Thank you for your time and service. Is there any questions? Thank you very much for coming.

Bills: HB 535 , HB 2120 , HB 2822 , HB 3243 , HB 3457 , HB 3544 , HB 4089 , HB 4192 , HB 4669 , HB 4868 , HB 4955 , HB 5253 , HB 5669 , SB 1371 , SB 1919 , SB 2001

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: motor vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, traffic safety, municipality, criminal offense, pedestrian safety, traffic regulations, municipal law, bicycle regulations, motor vehicle passing, traffic law, municipalities, bicycle operation, traffic laws, municipal regulations, port commission, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, San Patricio County

Transcript Highlights:

• allows for these counties to opt back into transportation concurrency by maintaining current levels of service
• Alex Haley from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is waving in support.
• Sinclair service station, and then I took over in the 90s, and now my son is running the business, so
• Mike Grissom, Life Lift Technology. Waves in support. Mike Grissom, Life Lift Technology.
• We don't want to be put in a position where we have to reduce services.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard a lengthy agenda of bills, with the chair limiting public testimony to about one minute per speaker. Early action included passage of HB 203, which allows certain counties to opt back into transportation concurrency, as amended to narrow the bill to small counties. The committee also favorably reported CS/HB 43, allowing renters to reuse tenant screening reports for 30 days, and HB 897, a timeshare-related strike-all that clarified timeshare governance provisions and annual board meeting requirements. The committee then approved HJR 1,215, proposing a constitutional amendment to eliminate tangible personal property tax for farmers and agricultural businesses, with support from agriculture and business groups. A major portion of the meeting focused on the committee’s hemp package. Members discussed the committee bill PCB for HAT-25-01, which would create a regulatory framework for hemp-derived intoxicating products, including licensing, packaging and labeling restrictions, testing, and sales limitations. Testimony was mixed: industry representatives and distributors generally supported regulation but urged changes on branding, packaging, milligram limits, and sales locations; convenience store and petroleum marketers opposed restrictions that would exclude gas stations; and consumer-safety and addiction advocates supported tighter controls, including bans on synthetics, online sales, and child-appealing packaging. The committee also heard and approved PCB for HAT-25-02, a companion tax bill imposing excise taxes on hemp consumables and beverages, despite concerns raised about possible triple taxation and higher compliance costs. The committee next passed HB 211, expanding the definition of farm products to include edible and non-edible plants and clarifying agricultural preemption on bona fide farm operations. It also favorably reported PCS for HB 561, creating a chief manufacturing officer role within the Department of Commerce, a workforce development grant program, a voluntary manufacturing promotion campaign, and required reporting, along with PCS for HB 563, which adds an annual fee of up to $100 for participants in the promotional campaign. Both manufacturing bills drew broad support from industry and economic development groups. Finally, the committee took up HJR 1257 and its conforming bill HB 1259, which would create property tax benefits for long-term rental properties owned by Floridians with a separate homestead. Supporters argued the measure would encourage long-term rentals and investment in Florida, while opponents from counties and cities warned it would shift tax burdens and reduce local revenue. After debate, the joint resolution passed 9-4 and the implementing bill also passed 9-4, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• know. ...to support the advancement of responsibly developed conventional and advanced nuclear technologies
• nuclear... ...supports the advancement of responsibly developed conventional and advanced nuclear technology
• on line 21, support the advancement of responsibly developed conventional and advanced nuclear technologies
• does... ...were it to come to any of these different industries, I just think it does a good deal of service
• Line 21: support the advancement of responsibly developed conventional and advanced nuclear technology

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Monday, March 2, by voice vote. It then considered RS 33585, a resolution on Idaho energy policy that emphasized energy sovereignty, reliable and dispatchable baseload generation, protection of the Snake River Plain Aquifer, and support for hydroelectric, nuclear, geothermal, and natural gas generation. Members discussed the phrase “responsibly developed natural gas”; after debate, the committee unanimously adopted an amended substitute that moved “responsibly developed” to modify all listed energy sources and struck the phrase from the natural gas line. Next, the committee took up RS 33601, which proposed a task force to study sex torsion, its impact on victims, prevention, and response. Representative Boyle objected to the term “task force” because it is not in committee rules, and Representative Green agreed to change it to “interim committee.” The committee then approved the motion to introduce the resolution with that change and send it to second reading. The committee also considered RS 33587, a proposal to add kratom-related substances to Schedule I. Representative Pohanka cited law enforcement concerns and deaths in his district, while Representative Scott argued kratom is used by some people to get off opioids and urged limiting the bill to synthetic forms. The committee rejected Scott’s substitute amendment 12-1, then approved the original motion to introduce the resolution, with Scott recorded as voting no. Finally, House Bill 638, which would restore Idaho’s presidential primary to March and include a $50,000 ballot-access fee to offset costs, was heard with testimony from Secretary of State Phil McGrane and others; the committee sent the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with Representative Scott voting no. The committee also held RS 3347 subject to the call of the chair and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the House of Representatives, House Bill No. 593, by the Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee
• House Bill 597, by the State Affairs Committee, is an act relating to information technology, amending
• Section 67-827A, Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding the Office of Information Technology Services
• should point out that the, and I just got permission from them to do it, thank goodness for modern technology
• should point out that the, and I just got permission from them to do it, thank goodness for modern technology

Summary: The House convened with 64 members present, approved the previous journal, and received Senate Concurrent Resolutions 117, 118, and 119 for first reading and committee referral. Standing committee reports moved several measures forward, including House Bills 500, 533, 555, 551, and 526, House Joint Resolution 7, and House Joint Memorial 11, while a number of newly introduced bills were read and referred, including bills on environmental cleanup and hazardous waste provisions, property tax administration, emergency response programs in schools, city annexation, IT services, campaign finance, and digital content funding. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 557, which would preempt local ordinances imposing anti-discrimination requirements beyond state law. Supporters argued it would create statewide uniformity, protect religious freedom, and prevent local ordinances from creating litigation or conflicts over business and private-space access. Opponents argued it was an overreach that would weaken local control, ignore the ability of cities to address local concerns, and send a hostile message to LGBTQ residents and businesses. The debate included references to the Sandpoint YMCA situation, the Hitching Post case, and broader arguments about state versus local authority. House Bill 557 passed the House on a roll call vote of 53 ayes, 16 nays, and one absent excused, with the title approved and the bill transmitted to the Senate. The House also unanimously held House Joint Memorial 12 and House Concurrent Resolution 5 on the third reading calendar for one legislative day, then moved to announcements and adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the House of Representatives, House Bill No. 593 by the Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee
• House Bill 597 by the State Affairs Committee: an act relating to information technology, amending Section
• 67-827A, Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding the Office of Information Technology Services and
• should point out that the, and I just got permission from them to do it, thank goodness for modern technology
• Thank goodness for modern technology.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• robust research, planning, and education initiatives, ensuring that we stay on the cutting edge of technology
• have those structures in place because, frankly, we have an evolving threat constantly, and our technology
• And there's so much technology out there now, it's very expensive.
• As far as eradicating drug-related activities, busing migrants, there might be some technology that we
• Kelly, thank you for your service. ...and Brent, I know you've been doing yeoman's work, been doing a

Bills: SB36 , SB2202 , SB 36

Committee: Senate Border Security

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Transcript Highlights:

• robust research, planning, and education initiatives, ensuring that we stay on the cutting edge of technology
• have those structures in place because, frankly, we have an evolving threat constantly and our technology
• like for Operation Drawbridge to eventually be a federal funded operation, and there's so much technology
• uh, as far as, um, eradicatingrizocaine, uh, bussing, uh, migrants, um, uh, there might be some technology
• Thank you for your service, and, uh, and Brent.

Bills: SB 36 , SB 2202

Committee: Senate Border Security

Keywords: homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime

Transcript Highlights:

• of course is first and foremost Services of course is first and foremost to<00:36:31.480><c> be</c><
• </c><00:42:50.920><c> animals</c> fraudulent or untrained service animals fraudulent or untrained service
• dogs weren't well thought service dogs weren't well thought through<00:43:35.119><c> when</c><00:43:
• , whatever it is, with today's technology that can't be easily violated.
• </c> off-site person with the technology off-site person with the technology could<02:21:00.920><c> provide

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting covered two main items. First, the solid waste subcommittee reviewed draft language for HB 707, focusing on landfill siting and permitting standards. Members and the Department of Environmental Services discussed replacing repeated references to “aquifer” with “drinking water well,” clarifying that aquifer is a broad term, and considering whether a statutory definition was needed. They also debated the bill’s setback and time-of-travel provisions, including the 10^-5 standard, a 1,500-foot distance, and whether the bill should rely more on performance-based criteria than prescriptive distances. Another major topic was permit denial language tied to applicants with significant histories of repeated serious violations or landfill-related litigation; the department said it already has related authority in current rules, but noted some wording was still too vague and could be tightened. No vote was taken, and the chair closed the hearing with plans to continue work later. The second item was a work session on HB 424, which would direct the Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food to create forms for businesses to request information about service animals and establish a study committee on fraudulent or untrained service animals. Several members said the problem raised by the bill was real but expressed concern that the legislature may be limited by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Others argued that a study committee would likely not produce a workable solution and might conflict with leadership’s direction to avoid unnecessary study committees. Members discussed whether the bill should be retained, amended, or instead replaced with a letter or resolution to the federal delegation. The committee appeared to lean toward ITL and possibly pursuing a letter to federal officials, but no final vote is reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I technologies, a bunch of other things.
• </c><03:06:23.359><c> that</c> investors to know the technologies that investors to know the technologies
• And the technologies in my role before.
• </c> be used in this techn technology. be used in this techn technology.
• </c> Hampshire a hub for this technology. Hampshire a hub for this technology.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Technology.
• The loan to the Office of State Technology will be used to make major improvements to information technology
• It's supported by the state central services fund.
• It's supported by the state central services fund.
• K-4 is the State Central Services Fund report.

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In Human Services, the governor prioritized projects that protect Washingtonians in the state's care
• This project includes a combination of affordable family-sized rental housing, wraparound services, and
• To provide Washingtonians low-cost financing for solar, energy efficiency, and clean energy technologies
• like water, wastewater, and fire flow affordable for the communities that are served by those services
• Thank you for your public school service. I think Representative Waters has a question for you.

Bills: HB2295

Committee: House Capital Budget

Keywords: Washington capital budget, supplemental capital budget, capital appropriations, state building construction account, taxable building construction account, climate commitment account, natural climate solutions, housing trust fund, affordable housing, supportive housing, homelessness, manufactured home communities, mobile home parks, school construction, school modernization, school seismic safety, healthy schools, school electrification, SCAP, behavioral health facilities

Transcript Highlights:

• California's actually deploying that technology where they don't have the type of incidents of still
• The gains in volume Movement, service support, Florida, delivered in price.
• , meaning they were the to these districts as an in kind service, meaning they were being paid by the
• Some of them also have the ability to charge for fees for services.
• Opportunity for addressing future needs expanding services.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><01:06:59.720><c> the</c> access to notification technology, the access to notification technology
• . technology. technology.
• Um, many of you know that I am just a little bit of a fan of technology.
• But as such, I also deeply understand the world in which we live in technology.
• service at a foreign<02:03:40.000><c> clinic.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll be looking for a motion to report to the Committee on Internet and Technology.
• We'll be looking for a motion to report to the Committee on Internet and Technology.
• It's a wide range of industries that provide direct care in the human services sector.
• It's a wide range of industries that provide direct care in the human services sector.
• I think the expectation is that those human services agents... That's not what it says.

Committee: Senate Housing, Construction, and Community Development

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Housing, Construction and Community Development Committee met in Albany and considered a series of housing and homeownership bills. Early actions included reporting S.852 (Homebuyer Renovation Property Tax Exemption Act) to Finance, S.955 on smart access systems to Internet and Technology, and S.7933A on registrations of residential mortgages in default. The committee also advanced S.8675, the CAREforce First-Time Homebuyers Act, after a lengthy discussion about whether the bill inappropriately targets a specific workforce; supporters said it addresses a documented shortage of human services workers and includes existing SONYMA income eligibility, while opponents raised concerns about favoring one occupation over others. The bill was reported with some members in the negative and others voting to advance without recommendation. Members then reported S.9650, which would prohibit landlords from including incorrect rent decontrol information in certain leases and standardize notices for Affordable New York Housing Program units, and S.9679, which would codify the Block-by-Block Home Ownership Program in state law. Both had prior Senate history and drew some negative or AWR votes. The committee also discussed and advanced S.9742, which would allow residential units in multiple dwellings to omit openable windows if they meet ASHRAE ventilation standards; supporters said the change is needed to facilitate office-to-residential conversions, while members raised questions about maintenance, egress, and the bill’s limited application to localities under the multiple dwelling law. Finally, the committee reported S.989, establishing the vacant rental improvement program, after noting it had previously passed the Senate and was being reintroduced. Throughout the meeting, several bills were described as reintroductions or prior Senate measures, and multiple motions were made to report bills either to Finance, the floor, or another committee, with several members voting in the negative or to advance without recommendation on selected measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1030 relates to the taxation of aircraft maintenance services in Texas.
• Established in 2022, Level 5 Aerospace focuses on advanced aerospace maintenance and repair services,
• , and expanded services.
• The bill will make our services.
• This bill does that by redefining debt service as only the minimum debt service and using that in the

Bills: SB263 , SB467 , SB850 , SB1030 , SB1352 , SB1453 , SB2064 , SB2206 , SB2779 , SJR84

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: SB 263, Texas franchise tax, cost of goods sold, COGS, broadcasters, television broadcasting, radio broadcasting, media tax, broadcast license, FCC, 47 C.F.R. Part 73, 47 C.F.R. Part 74, film production, television production, tax deduction, margin tax, Texas Tax Code, depreciation, amortization, broadcast rights

Transcript Highlights:

• tax and the municipal utility service tax.
• What service did I get?
• So it's with product, it's with technology, zoning, and building codes. And what you need.
• So it's with product, it's with technology, zoning, and building codes.
• We never give—we have state-of-the-art technology for things, but... For that.

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and took up SB 122, which would repeal Chapter 205 on local business taxes while allowing municipalities to continue imposing a gross-receipts-based business tax on merchants. Senator Trumbull presented the bill for the sponsor, and committee members questioned what services local governments fund with local business tax revenue and whether the bill should be considered alongside broader property tax changes. County and city representatives opposed the bill, arguing that local business taxes are capped home-rule revenues used for general fund services such as public safety, zoning and licensure checks, economic development, and business support, and warning that repeal would shift costs to residential taxpayers and reduce local flexibility. Senator Shreve said he would vote no because of ongoing property tax discussions, while Senator Pizzo said he would support the bill but wanted clearer accounting of how the revenue is spent. The committee voted 5-1 to report SB 122 favorably. The committee then held a housing panel discussion focused on Florida’s housing shortage, affordability, and supply constraints. Dr. Samuel Staley said Florida is in a housing crisis driven largely by insufficient supply, arguing that the state needs roughly 100,000 additional units per year just to keep up with in-migration and that local planning systems often do not prioritize housing enough. He urged more emphasis on measurable impacts, streamlined permitting, accessory dwelling units, smaller lot sizes, and other market-responsive tools. Ann Ray of the Shimberg Center said Florida is seeing more single-family and multifamily construction but that production is concentrated in a handful of counties, while condo construction remains limited; she also noted that rents and home prices spiked sharply in the early 2020s and remain above pre-2020 levels, with nearly 905,000 low-income renters cost-burdened. Leslie Deutsch of John Burns Research said the national housing market is slow, Florida has a severe affordability problem, and builders are lowering prices and offering incentives but still face high land, labor, materials, and insurance costs. In committee discussion, senators focused on whether Florida should encourage more density, including townhomes, build-to-rent products, modular housing, and redevelopment of existing sites rather than relying on large new subdivisions. Members also discussed the role of local zoning, impact fees, density bonuses, and state incentives tied to housing targets. Several senators said Florida’s growth and affordability challenges require updating land development codes and planning for where future residents will live without overbuilding rural or environmentally sensitive areas. The chair closed by emphasizing that density can support affordability and that Florida should use existing footprints more efficiently.

Transcript Highlights:

• of reduced residential rates for electric and natural gas services to low-income customers.
• So that could be an order regarding customer service.
• I'm seeing this affecting the public service law?
• costs and expenses of the Department of Public Service and Public Service Commission subject to appropriation
• The technology is emerging.

Committee: Senate Energy And Telecommunications

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications considered a large agenda focused mainly on energy affordability, the CLCPA, utility rates, and renewable energy siting. Senator Mattera and other Republican members argued that the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act has driven up utility bills, harmed reliability, and imposed costs on ratepayers, while Democratic members pushed back that rising costs are also driven by natural gas markets, infrastructure costs, and broader economic factors. Several bills sought to repeal or pause CLCPA-related policies, create a CLCPA task force, impose studies or moratoriums on new energy taxes and fees, and increase transparency around utility surcharges and state energy spending. Supporters framed these measures as ratepayer relief and accountability; opponents said some proposals would undermine clean-energy policy and existing consumer-benefit programs. The committee defeated S.1167, which would have repealed the All Electric Building Act, and S.1173, which would have created a CLCPA task force. It also failed S.5250, a bill to study CLCPA costs and impose a moratorium on new energy taxes, fees, or regulations, and S.7075, which would have prohibited the system benefits charge on utility bills. Several other bills advanced, including S.1236A on virtual access and electronic filing for Public Service Commission proceedings, S.1552 establishing reduced residential rates for low-income electric and natural gas customers, S.2484 directing a study of replacement timeframes for battery storage and renewable facilities, S.2638 on carbon allowance auction proceeds, S.3247 on electric vehicle charging stations, S.3553 requiring utilities to post promotional and educational materials on their websites, S.4571A creating a floating solar incentive education program, S.5518 shifting Public Service Commission funding to legislative appropriation, and S.6412A requiring itemized ratepayer disclosure of surcharges. S.9251, on labor-related legal costs, was referred to the Labor Committee. S.7710, which would have restricted energy storage systems near schools and homes in New York City, failed after concerns and support were debated. The committee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• There aren't any additional service credits that are accrued.
• There aren't any additional service credits that are accrued.
• Making it more responsive for customers and clients, more accessible, improving technology and access
• to claims and processing through technology.
• It accounts for new technologies and products.

Summary: The committee first approved the January 29, 2026 minutes without objection. It then considered three RS drafts: RS 33116 on land use planning and short-term rentals, which Senator Harris said was intended to balance local control, property rights, and regulation of short-term rentals, including limits on business licensing requirements for smaller operators; RS 33133 on insurer investments, which Senator Guthrie said would give insurance companies more flexibility in making investments; and RS 33190 on PERSI reemployment rules, which Senator Lakey said would treat certain appointed officials filling vacancies the same as elected officials for retirement benefit purposes. All three RSs were moved to print and the motions carried. The committee also heard several gubernatorial reappointments. Kevin Settles was reappointed to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board and described his long service and focus on efficient administration. Todd Lakey was reappointed to the State Insurance Fund Board and spoke about the board’s customer-service improvements and ongoing changes. Representative John Weber was reappointed to the State Insurance Fund Board, and Robert Cuio was reappointed to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board; both were moved to the Senate floor with recommendations for confirmation, and those motions carried. The remainder of the meeting focused on three rule dockets from DOPL and the Idaho Building Code Board. Two dockets made temporary fee reductions permanent for factory-built structures and building permits, with no public comments and no impact on the general fund. The final docket adopted Idaho-specific updates based on the 2024 building, residential, and energy codes, including provisions on taller wood-frame buildings, mass timber, lithium-ion battery safety in garages, and an alternative prescriptive path to replace blower-door testing. Testimony from building officials and home builders strongly supported the changes as more flexible, affordable, and practical, and the committee approved all three dockets before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Gino Talas is the director of Hopi Veterans Services.
• HB 2402, ambulus services certificate, Commerce.
• HB 2407, insurance claims claim, Health and Human Services.
• HB 2447, insurance reimbursement rate, Health and Human Services.
• HB 2692, procurement professionals construction service, Commerce.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recorded attendance at 56 present, zero absent, and four excused. Members then used personal privilege to introduce guests and recognize visiting groups, including the West Valley Regional Chamber, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics Arizona, Vitalant, and veterans and military representatives. The chamber and blood donor month proclamations were read, with Representative Bliss recognizing January as National Blood Donor Month in Arizona and Vitalant’s role in supplying most of the state’s blood supply, and Representative Aguilar declaring January 22, 2026, West Valley Regional Chamber Day. The House handled a large volume of procedural business, including reports of standing committees, first reading and referral of numerous bills and resolutions, and announcements of committee meetings. The bills covered a wide range of topics such as elections, education, housing, taxes, health care, artificial intelligence, veterans, public safety, and energy. Several measures were also withdrawn and reassigned to different committees, including referrals to the Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, Government, Public Safety and Law Enforcement, and Natural Resources, Energy, and Water. Members also made brief remarks honoring guests and community causes, including a Veterans Caucus lunch announcement focused on military-family policy and a personal remembrance by Senator Cruz. No substantive floor votes on legislation were taken beyond procedural approvals and the motion to adjourn. The House recessed and later adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So um service vessels things like that.
• ,</c> a cross-section of technology, a cross-section of technology, innovation,<00:34:59.760><c> policy
• </c><00:42:41.359><c> Society</c> co-found the Marine Technology Society co-found the Marine Technology
• For more stronger technology sector.
• ,</c> HTDC's ocean technology priority, HTDC's ocean technology priority, Hawaii's<00:47:06.800><c> ocean

Bills: SB2709 , SB3154

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: biosecurity, Department of Agriculture, quarantine, Akamai Arrival Program, importation regulations, pests control, plant health, animal health, compliance mechanisms, environmental review, transportation projects, NEPA, state sovereignty, federal compliance, streamlining, Hawaii Department of Transportation, 912, senate, all

Summary: The hearing began with SB 2709, which would require the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to establish rules to enforce the Okami arrival program and strengthen quarantine enforcement for plants, non-domestic animals, and microorganisms. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the bill, as did DAB, saying it would improve biosecurity and make some provisions mandatory rather than optional. Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines supported the goal but raised concerns about language changing inspections from “may” to “shall” for aircraft, warning of possible federal preemption and operational conflicts unless the bill is clarified to align with federal aviation safety, security, and operational requirements. Committee members questioned DAB about inspection timing, scope, and compliance; DAB said the measure is intended to increase enforcement, improve form completion rates toward a 90% goal, and expand beyond airlines to other entry modes, while also noting plans to restore detector dog use and improve software/AI tools for processing forms. Decision-making on SB 2709 was deferred to February 17 at 3:02 p.m. in Room CR229. The committees then took up SB 3154, an administration measure authorizing the Department of Transportation to assume certain National Environmental Policy Act responsibilities for highway, rail, public transportation, and multimodal projects, with the aim of streamlining environmental review. DOT supported the bill and explained that it would allow the department to work directly with federal resource agencies such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife and SHPO rather than routing everything through federal highways. After brief discussion, the Committee on Transportation voted to pass SB 3154 with technical amendments, and the AEN committee followed with the same recommendation; the measure was adopted with five votes in favor. A later portion of the transcript shifted to SB 2374 on the blue economy. DBED said it supported the concept but noted that it already sits on many working groups and would need resources if a new working group is created. DBED suggested the committee could instead request research through a letter or memo, and said agencies including ADC, HTDC, and Agriculture had already begun internal discussions. Testimony in support came from IMUA Alliance, Hawaii Food Policy, and others, emphasizing the potential for blue economy ventures to support survivors, align with climate and cultural goals, and create economic opportunity. No final vote on SB 2374 appears in the excerpt.