Transcript Highlights:

• The Assembly Transportation Committee. The Assembly Transportation Committee is called to order.
• I want to start by thanking the committee and committee staff for working on this issue with our office
• Good afternoon, Madam Chair, and members of the committee, I want to start by thanking the committee
• I first want to accept the committee amendment and thank the committee staff for their work on the issue
• It is now out of committee. Moving on to file item 1, AB 1614, Dixon. It is now out of committee.

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this sort of gets us in the queue for the fall, then sometime later this fall the Rules Committee
• So this sort of gets us in the queue for the fall, then sometime later this fall the Rules Committee
• So this sort of gets us in the queue for the fall, then sometime later this fall the Rules Committee
• The Rules Committee would reconvene to talk about spring deadlines, but we're not — we usually do that
• Okay, the motion before us is the adoption of the amendment to House Rules for the fall session.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met to consider proposed House Rules deadlines for the fall session. The proposal set a one-week filing period in September to allow about two months for LSR sign-off and drafting, and established Thursday, January 8 as the last date for retained bills, with the understanding that the Rules Committee would later reconvene to discuss spring deadlines in coordination with the Senate. After brief discussion, a member moved to adopt the deadlines as listed on the agenda, the motion was seconded, and the committee approved the amendment to the House Rules by voice vote with no opposition. Members also asked about whether the Office of Legislative Services would remain in the State House building after the move, and were told it would, with online intake and committee assistant support continuing as before. The committee further confirmed that House Committee Services would remain on site and that the handling, printing, and distribution of committee amendments would not change. With no further business, a motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Folks on Zoom keep for the committee.
• I I know we can get committee.
• </c> development and tourism to adopt rules development and tourism to adopt rules to<00:14:51.040><c
• We stand on Eduardo committee.
• , this committee is adjourned.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 5 and heard testimony on a long agenda of transportation-related bills. Early measures included HB 2392, which would create an employer tax credit for transportation demand management benefits; HB 2462, which would bar auto manufacturers and dealers from charging post-sale fees for already-installed hardware; and HB 2423, which would require diesel sold for on-road use to contain at least 5% biodiesel. HB 2392 drew support from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual, with the Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation offering comments. HB 2462 drew support from DCCA and one individual, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed it. HB 2423 drew comments from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Farm Bureau, support from Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii Transportation Association, and a question from the chair about whether biodiesel is exported; the witness said production stays local. The committee also heard HB 1771 on voluntary carbon offsets for air travel, HB 2081 on requiring firefighters exempt from CDL rules to follow equivalent alcohol and substance abuse policies, HB 2334 on allowing the Department of Transportation to assume NEPA responsibilities for certain projects, and HB 2336 on DOT agreements with the Department of Defense for work at military installations using federal funds. HB 1771 drew comments from Life of the Land warning that carbon offsets are often unreliable and could create liability, while Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offered comments. HB 2081 received support from DOT, county human resources offices, fire departments, and county officials, with the Hawaii Firefighters Association in opposition. HB 2334 was supported by DOT, and the director said other states using NEPA assignment can complete projects in about half the time. HB 2336 was supported by DOT, HIEMA, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council; the committee discussed the administrative fee as a way to recover costs under an intergovernmental agreement. The most extensive testimony centered on HB 1666, which would limit new motor vehicle markups above 5% of MSRP and require recordkeeping. Multiple dealer groups and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association opposed it, arguing it would threaten dealership operations, especially in Hawaii’s high-cost market and for vehicles without an MSRP. The committee also heard HB 2375 on uniform towing and parking enforcement standards on state and leased lands, including notice, disability protections, payment safeguards, and public reporting; DLNR, DAGS, and several advocacy groups testified, with strong public support and concerns about towing practices and ADA compliance. HB 2415, which would appropriate funds for crosswalks near school properties, drew support from DOT, DOE, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and the committee discussed how counties would request projects and how funding would be allocated. Finally, HB 2451, which would move Hawaii toward fare-free public transit beginning in 2027 and create a dedicated funding source through a petroleum tax increase, received broad support from DOT, the Energy Office, public health and advocacy groups, and many individuals; DOE testified that it currently uses about $2.1 million for student bus passes and that the program is tied to savings from inactive school bus routes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, committee.
• Interim committees are in our rules. Task forces are not.
• Interim committees are in our rules. Task forces are not.
• Interim committees are in our rules. Task force are not.
• The committee will now be considering RS 33587, Representative Pohanka. Welcome to the committee.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to start this committee meeting without our chairman, who's next door in an education committee
• Chairman and members of the committee.
• Chairman and members of the committee.
• State your name for the committee for the record.”
• “Committee, I think that finishes our business today.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, Chair Doglio, members of the committee. Jacob Lipson, staff to the committee.
• Ecology is directed to adopt regulatory determinations and related rules by 2032, and those rules must
• This is a great committee looking around. This is a really nice committee, so thank you. Thank you.
• Thanks, Madam Chair, members of the committee. Jacob Lipson, staff of the committee.
• Members of the Committee, Jacob Lipson, staff of the committee.

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the Joint Higher Education Committee.
• So I'll start off with committee introductions.
• Thank you, committee. Next slide.
• or guiding life for accounting rules.
• And so I know some members on this committee and other committees had questions about, you know, what

Committee: Joint Joint Higher Education Committee

Summary: The Joint Higher Education Committee met for a work session on higher education accounting practices and financial transparency. OFM Deputy Director Sarah Rupp explained how state accounting rules and higher education reporting differ, including what data is captured in AFRS today and what will move into Workday, with universities generally reporting summary-level fund data, mandatory codes, and most balance sheet and income statement activity, but not transaction-level detail or vendor payment information. Representatives from the University of Washington and Washington State University described the complexity of their own accounting systems, the many entities and business lines they must track for audits and compliance, and the need to reconcile university-level accrual accounting with state reporting requirements. The committee also heard from the Education Research and Data Center on the public four-year finance dashboard created under Senate Bill 5512; ERDC said the dashboard is based on publicly available data, is best used to examine institutions individually rather than compare them directly, and will be updated with additional metrics in 2025 and 2026. The committee then received a presentation from the Washington Student Achievement Council on the Workforce Education Investment Account (WIA). Joel Anderson reviewed WIA’s creation under House Bill 2158, its revenue sources, and its intended uses for higher education, financial aid, and workforce development. He said recent legislation significantly increased WIA revenues and that, in the 2025–27 budget, the account is being used in new ways, including to replace general fund support for University of Washington operations and to fund a larger share of the Washington College Grant and some faculty compensation costs. Anderson said roughly 98% of current WIA appropriations go to higher education, but the share used to supplant other higher education funding has grown, and he estimated about 60% to 70% of current spending still aligns with the account’s original intent. He also described a new effort to track WIA appropriations across biennia in more detail and noted the WIA Oversight Board’s role in recommending uses of the account and monitoring outcomes. No votes were taken; the committee ended by moving into executive session for staffing issues and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your indulgence to the committee members.
• Thank you for your indulgence to the committee members.
• Thank you for your indulgence to the committee members.
• So, like, on the topic of the student eligibility rule, which is a federal rule, lots of effort to maximize
• Thank you, Chairpersons and members of the Select Committee.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on CalFresh enrollment, food insecurity in California, the recent federal shutdown’s disruption of SNAP benefits, and the long-term effects of H.R. 1 on eligibility, benefits, and state and county costs. Opening remarks emphasized that millions of Californians rely on CalFresh, that the shutdown briefly delayed benefits for the first time in the program’s history, and that state and local governments, including Alameda County, stepped in with emergency food aid and funding. Members also framed the issue as both a hunger and affordability problem, with several noting that California’s agricultural abundance contrasts sharply with persistent food insecurity. The first panel presented research and advocacy perspectives on food hardship. PPIC’s Tess Thorman described food insecurity rates, disparities affecting households with children and Black and Latino households, and the role of nutrition programs in reducing poverty. Nourish California’s Betzabel Estudio argued that hunger is a policy choice and highlighted campaigns to expand state-funded food assistance for immigrants, support reentry populations, and continue the CalFresh fruit-and-vegetable incentive program. The California Association of Food Banks’ Josh Wright said food banks are seeing sustained high demand, lower federal food supplies, and cannot replace CalFresh, while urging more state support for food purchasing, school meals, and SunBucks. The second panel reviewed CalFresh operations and participation. The California Department of Social Services reported that CalFresh participation has risen over the past decade, with the state closing much of the participation gap through outreach, simplified applications, and demonstration projects such as the Elderly Simplified Application Project and a minimum nutrition benefit pilot. Alameda County Social Services described local caseloads, application trends, and emergency food distributions during the shutdown, while also warning that H.R. 1’s work requirements, immigrant eligibility restrictions, and possible cost-sharing could reduce enrollment. A student CalFresh ambassador testified about the burdensome application and recertification process and urged more funding for campus basic-needs centers and outreach to reduce stigma and administrative friction. In the final panel, county, food bank, and policy witnesses described the shutdown response and the expected impact of H.R. 1. Alameda County Community Food Bank and the County Welfare Directors Association said counties, food banks, and community partners mobilized emergency funds, pop-up pantries, and food purchasing to bridge the shutdown gap, but warned that hundreds of thousands of Californians could lose benefits under the new federal rules. The California Budget and Policy Center began outlining the scale of federal cuts, noting that H.R. 1 will significantly reduce SNAP funding and shift costs to states. No votes or formal committee actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible state responses, including backfilling benefits, preserving outreach funding, and improving administrative systems to protect enrollment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Committee Substitute Number One. Committee Substitute Number One.
• Committee and Committee on Committees.
• President, I move that the Senate recess for a meeting of the Rules Committee and the Committee on Committees
• Rules Committee has met and posted the following bills and resolutions to the regular orders for Wednesday
• ><c> has</c><00:59:44.080><c> met,</c> The Committee on Committees has met, The Committee on Committees

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Policies and procedures that set the rules of the road.
• , the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services final rule, often known as the access rule.
• , the ensuring access to Medicaid services final rule, often known as the access rule.
• These resources are necessary to The rule, often known as the access rule.
• Hello, Madam Chair, committee member.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HR 4 Rule 7, Section 21 is unclear about your place in the process after a motion to call the previous
• The rules adopted last week, which would remain the same from previous sessions, continue to provide
• the House committee broad abilities to adopt budgets on that.
• I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider House Resolution number 114.
• Rules are suspended. Following resolution, the clerk will read the resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Be it resolved by the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration of the House of Representatives
• It's not clear yet because federal rules supersede state rules.
• to the Minnesota paid family FMLA rules to the Minnesota paid family rules. rules. rules.
• I can't compete with that, but the Rules Committee will be meeting 30 minutes after session in Capital
• </c> compete with that, but the Rules compete with that, but the Rules Committee<01:19:17.760><c> will

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, it's really frowned upon, if not against the rules, to amend a sub within the committee.
• If not against the rules to amend a sub within the committee, we would have to do a sub of the original
• Committee in here.
• That's in Mason's Rules. It says that, or is Robert's Rules. It's Mason's, yeah. Okay.
• That's in Mason's Rules. It says that or is Robert's Rules. It's Mason's, yeah. Okay.

Bills: SB241 , SB145

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, is there a rule that says a committee member is not allowed to submit a letter?
• If there are rules for certain people and no... Separate rules.
• I haven't chaired since 2020, so what are the rules for the Chairmanship on the rules for the committee
• And maybe make it a committee rule that if something is going to be put on the agenda or something to
• not a rule in the Senate or in the internal committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the rules, the matter will be referred to the Committee on Transportation.
• It's a title that has been changed by the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading.
• Bill, as reported by the Committee on Ways and Means, shall be filed electronically.
• Crighton, moves that the rules be suspended. The Senator from the Third Essex, Mr.
• Crighton, moves that the rules be suspended to consider the matter forthwith.

Summary: The Senate first adopted a resolution commending the Greater Boston Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals for recognizing North American Occupational Safety and Health Week and Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day. Senator Paul Feeney introduced the resolution, welcomed guests from the organization, and the chamber adopted it by voice vote before taking a photo with the guests. The Senate then received a gubernatorial message transmitting the Ride Safe Act, which would enhance the safe use of micromobility devices such as mopeds, electric scooters, and bikes. The message noted the issue had been studied by a special commission created under the Mass Leads Act, and the matter was referred to the Committee on Transportation. The chamber also gave final passage to several local bills, including measures affecting Rutland recall elections, Dedham-Westwood Water District creditable service, Lancaster’s Animal Control Commission, Fairhaven’s charter, Orange’s annual town meeting date, a town administrator for Hopedale, and a sick leave bank for a Department of Children and Families employee. In addition, the Senate adopted an order requiring electronic filing of amendments to the General Appropriation Bill and setting the bill for second reading on May 19, 2026 as the only item on the calendar. The Senate adjourned to meet again on Thursday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• , Government Affairs Committee and Past President from AASP; Michael Alroy, Past President, AASP; and
• Hearing none, under the rules, the matter will be referred to the Committee on Transportation.
• It’s a title that has been changed by the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading.
• Crighton, moves that the rules be suspended. The Senator from the Third Essex, Mr.
• Crighton, moves that the rules be suspended to consider the matter forthwith.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rule 47 suspended. The Chair recognizes the gentleman.
• Rules are suspended. Third reading of the bill. The ayes have it. Rules are suspended.
• The rules are suspended.
• There being no objection, the rules are suspended. The bill is read a third time.
• 12 to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Summary: The House began with ceremonial resolutions, adopting several measures congratulating new Eagle Scouts and recognizing the town of Sturbridge on the 250th anniversary of the United States. It then took up and advanced several local bills, including the Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act (S. 2619/H. 5472), a Fall River land conveyance bill, a Belmont alcohol licensing bill, a Reading senior property tax exemption bill, and a Lynnfield fund appropriation bill. The House also recessed and later returned to continue floor action. The most extensive debate centered on the data privacy bill, which supporters described as a comprehensive consumer privacy framework. Members emphasized rights to access, correct, delete, and transfer personal data; limits on data collection; enhanced protections for sensitive data; a ban on selling precise location data; restrictions on targeted advertising to minors; and enforcement focused largely on large data holders rather than small businesses. Several members spoke in favor, framing the bill as a response to surveillance capitalism and a protection for vulnerable groups, civil liberties, and small businesses. The House adopted amendments and passed the bill to be enacted by roll call vote. The House also passed a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill after a separate constitutional vote, and enacted a bill extending Milton’s deadline to appropriate money for a high school or conservation land. Another major item was the bill authorizing municipalities to opt into a temporary summer 2026 pilot extending liquor license hours and allowing public consumption in designated districts; after debate and an amendment, it was passed to be engrossed and the House concurred with the Senate’s referral. The House additionally enacted a bill updating laws concerning individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with members praising the removal of outdated and offensive language and stressing that the measure changed terminology without altering substantive rights. The session ended with the House adopting an order to adjourn and meet again the following Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've never had any objections to this bill either in committee or in rules. A few times last year.
• I've never had any objections to this bill either in committee or in rules. That's what I thought.
• It came out of committee and out of rules, I believe, both unanimously.
• It passed out of committee, as was stated, 16 to 1, and passed out of rules 11 to 0.
• committee substitute for House Bill 2018, House committee substitute for House Bill 2019, House committee

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by roll call vote, 135-1. Members then observed a moment of silence for a constituent killed in a roadway tragedy, and several members introduced guests, including family members, veterans, students, and a child celebrating his birthday on the dais. The chamber then considered a series of bills. HB 2944, dealing with automatic continuation of a senior property tax freeze without annual reapplication, passed 145-0. HB 2230/2978, addressing school instructional methods by limiting excessive screen-based instruction and promoting cursive writing, passed 143-10 after extended debate over technology use in elementary schools. HB 1825, removing sheriffs and prosecutors from county salary commissions with a Boone County carve-out, passed 152-0. HB 1840, creating a Purple Alert system for missing individuals with developmental disabilities, passed 153-0, and its emergency clause was adopted 143-8. HB 1623, allowing emergency suspension or restriction of licenses for massage therapists and chiropractors, passed 103-48. HB 3279, moving the Community Service Commission to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, passed 151-0. HB 2508, clarifying certificates of good standing for series LLCs and making them searchable, passed 152-0. HB 1963, allowing social workers to supervise after three years of practice, passed 151-0. HB 2408, removing the appropriation cap for grants serving the deaf-blind community, was perfected and printed. HB 3113, requiring Narcan in public buildings, designating October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month, and expanding school-law enforcement prevention efforts, was perfected and printed after discussion about funding and Narcan shelf life. HB 3000, fixing signature requirements for local audits based on population at the start of petitioning and adding a fire district surplus-sale amendment, was perfected and printed as amended. HB 2898, reviving and refining land bank authority and Chapter 141 judicial foreclosure tools, was perfected and printed after debate about neighborhood cleanup and title clearing. HB 1740, renamed Melanie’s Law, increasing penalties for intoxicated driving and strengthening ignition interlock requirements, was perfected and printed following emotional testimony from members and the sponsor’s explanation of the bill’s origins. At the end of the session, the House moved to announcements, including committee meetings and a fish fry notice. A member also issued a correction and apology regarding an earlier false report about Willie McGee. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, sharing with the Committee on Water and Culture.
• Craig Nakamoto, executive committee.
• </c> members of the committee. Wayne Stockho. members of the committee. Wayne Stockho.
• </c> proposing in our current rule package. proposing in our current rule package.
• </c><01:31:29.679><c> to</c> forward with developing um rules to forward with developing um rules to

Bills: SB1406 , SB521 , SB3247 , SB1654 , SB1112 , SB1301 , SB2443 , SB2996

Committee: Senate Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: historic preservation, burial sites, DHHL, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, section 6E-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, Hawaii Register of Historic Places, National Register of Historic Places, cultural resources, archaeology, land use review, environmental review, state historic preservation officer, Hawaiian home lands, project permits, consultation, concurrence, nonconcurrence

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures affecting Hawaiian affairs, historic preservation, water access, and land governance. SB 1406 would let the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands assume historic preservation review for projects on lands under its jurisdiction, except for properties listed or nominated for the state or national historic registers. DHHL supported the bill, while a descendant testifier strongly opposed it, arguing that burial and preservation review protects ancestors and should not be streamlined or reduced. No questions were raised and the bill was moved on after testimony. SB 521 would require DHHL to work with county water boards or water departments to provide potable and agricultural water on Hawaiian homelands, with agreements made public. DHHL said it already works with counties but objected to the bill’s mandatory language, saying it could undermine the department’s discretion and independence. A public testifier supported the measure, and committee discussion focused on how water requirements could affect subsistence lots and infrastructure decisions. The committee then took up SB 3247, which would create a Royal Mausoleum Commission within DLNR to oversee preservation, operations, and outreach at Mauna Ala. State Parks said it valued existing collaboration with the aliʻi trusts but wanted clarity on roles, coordination, and funding if a new commission is created. The Royal Order of Kamehameha strongly supported the bill as a culturally grounded way to protect the site, while several other testifiers opposed it, saying the real issue is the curator selection process and warning that a commission could add bureaucracy and delay. The committee also heard SB 1654, authorizing transfer of certain state lands to DHHL, and SB 112, which would add the DHHL chair or designee to the Hawaii Community Development Authority; the Attorney General and HCDA offered technical and policy comments, with HCDA opposing the board change and DHHL supporting participation to protect beneficiary interests. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Executive Committee meeting is called to order, as chair of the Senate Executive Committee
• , and in accordance with Senate rules.
• This committee is authorized to meet in a hybrid format.
• The answer will be fair if it adheres to the rule of law.
• And the judicial system will be accountable to the rule of law.

Committee: Senate Executive

Summary: The Senate Executive Committee met in hybrid format and first considered two gubernatorial judicial appointments. Morgan T. Zurn, nominated to the Delaware Supreme Court, described her background in public service, the Court of Chancery, DOJ, and federal clerkship, and answered extensive questions about judicial philosophy, precedent, statutory interpretation, access to justice, AI and deepfakes, corporate law stability, civility, social media, and public confidence in the courts. Christy N. Vitola, nominated to be Commissioner of Family Court, discussed her Delaware upbringing, legal career in family law and child support, and experience with pro se litigants and high-volume dockets; she was questioned about handling family court cases efficiently, the best interests of the child, and correcting calculation errors. No votes on the nominations were taken during the portion shown. The committee then moved to legislation. House Bill 443, concerning background checks for volunteers and mentors in the Department of Education’s mentoring program, was presented as a technical update to allow DOE to continue receiving wrap-back reports and to ensure mentors undergo state and federal criminal background checks. There was no public comment or committee debate on the bill. House Bill 431 with House Amendment 1, sponsored by Representative Bush and Senator Hoffner, would allow composting of yard waste, food residue, and other organic materials to divert waste from landfills, extend landfill life, reduce disposal costs, support farmers by returning nutrients to the soil, and reduce methane emissions; it also preserves county/local control over siting and inspection. Senator Townsend asked whether composting was currently allowed, and Senator Hoffner explained that the bill would authorize it under the stated controls. No public comment was offered on either bill. At the close of the meeting, the chair noted that the bills and nominee backers had been circulated for signatures. Senator Hocker moved to adjourn, Senator Townsend seconded, and the committee adjourned without objection.