Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1253, amending sections 8-528 and 13-3623.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to Safe
• Senate Bill 1259, amending sections 16-906 and 18-444, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to campaigns
• So I do understand the fear, and I do remember when leadership told us after the Minnesota legislators
• There are already statutes on the books.
• Senate Bill 1286, amending section 32-240.03, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to veterinarians.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you could look We have to follow based on the current statutes and regulations.
• Well, the way that the statute structures our fees, licensees are required to pay.
• The net proceeds is the term in the statute.
• The net proceeds is the term in the statute.
• The first is that the fees are set by statute, the pro rata statute, disproportionately benefits small

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration heard a series of budget change proposals and trailer bill items, beginning with Housing and Community Development (HCD) requests. HCD sought permanent authority for seven existing temporary positions to support the HCD Connect IT system, and a separate proposal to fund implementation of eight 2025 housing-related laws with $4.2 million General Fund and 16 positions, plus $470,000 one-time General Fund. Members asked about how HCD Connect would interact with programs moving to the new Housing Development Finance Committee, and HCD also explained that the estimated cost to implement AB 1053 had been revised downward from about $6 million to $1.9 million because of shared implementation with CalHFA and the new committee structure. The committee also heard a Cal ICH proposal for $339,000 one-time General Fund to implement AB 678 on LGBTQ+ inclusive and culturally competent homelessness services, with testimony emphasizing data gaps and the need for a contract-based approach because HMIS cannot be changed unilaterally. The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented three continuation proposals: $15.34 million and 53 positions for the California Consumer Financial Protection Law program, $13.5 million and 51 positions for the Debt Collector Licensing Act program, and $49,000 ongoing for two positions in the broker-dealer/investment adviser education program. Members and the public raised concerns about the size and fairness of debt collector assessments and licensing fees, while DFPI explained the pro rata fee structure, the current license count, and how larger assessments fall on larger firms. Public testimony also supported retaining funding for the Student Loan Empowerment Network and requested funding for a franchise broker registration program. The committee also considered a mandate item involving suspension of a disclosure requirement related to property taxation, and trailer bill language from the Government Operations Agency to amend AB 91 on MENA demographic data collection, with the administration emphasizing data nondisclosure, protection of federal funding, and delayed implementation. The Secretary of State’s office then presented Help America Vote Act funding requests: $10.3 million for VoteCal maintenance and operations and $4.492 million for HAVA spending plans supporting voter education, training, accessibility, auditing, and county assistance. The office also requested $660,000 General Fund to implement AB 1392, which would make voter registration information for elected officials and candidates confidential, and explained the need to modify VoteCal and county election systems. The committee also heard requests to continue the Cal-Access Replacement System with $11.8 million General Fund and to continue the Notary Automation Program Replacement Project with $9.75 million from the Business Fees Fund. Members asked about total project costs, testing, data migration, and the expected November 2026 go-live date for Cal-Access replacement. Votes were taken on the vote-only items once quorum was established, and the committee approved the items considered. The final informational item was an overview from the California Arts Council, which highlighted the agency’s 50th anniversary, its statewide grantmaking, and the economic impact of arts funding. Council staff described Creative Corps, cultural districts, and the role of arts funding in local economies, while members and public witnesses urged increased support, including a request to raise local assistance grant funding to $50 million and to provide additional funding for cultural districts. Testimony emphasized the arts as economic infrastructure, community infrastructure, and a source of civic and cultural vitality across California.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:02:00.159><c> Thank</c><00:02:00.320><c> you</c><00:02:00.479><c> very</c><00:02:00.719><c> much
• </c><00:02:19.120><c> there's</c><00:02:19.520><c> specific</c><00:02:20.840><c> uh</c><00:02:21.840>
• ><c> you</c><00:02:25.599><c> could</c><00:02:25.920><c> um</c><00:02:26.560><c> you</c><00:02:26.720
• So,<00:02:30.800><c> we</c><00:02:31.040><c> suggested</c><00:02:31.520><c> that</c><00:02:32.160><c>
• </c><00:02:35.519><c> all</c><00:02:35.760><c> parties</c><00:02:36.239><c> are</c><00:02:37.280><c>

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Labor and Technology Committee heard testimony on several bills, mostly related to workers’ compensation, labor relations, retirement, and employment exemptions. HB 423 would clarify selection of certified rehabilitation providers and require automatic approval of vocational rehabilitation services when likely needed for suitable gainful employment; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations supported the bill but requested timeline amendments, including advancing the plan within 90 days of the initial evaluation and filing it with the employer, employee, and director within two days. HB 480 would let an attending physician request a functional capacity exam without employer permission and deem licensed occupational and physical therapists qualified to perform such exams; it drew support from the department, the Hawaii Insurance Council, and the Hawaii Medical Association. HB 162 would expand the pool of interest arbitrators for collective bargaining disputes by allowing the HLRB to request a list from FMCS as well as the ABA, and testimony from labor groups supported that change. HB 164 concerned indebtedness to the state and wage deductions; HGA supported it with comments, while the Department of Accounting and General Services raised concerns about the percentage structure but said it could implement the requested changes. The committee also heard HB 1152, which would permanently exempt three specialized Department of Taxation positions from civil service; the department supported the measure and said the positions are not currently civil service positions. HB 214 would allow certain retirees to work in school resource officer or investigator roles without losing retirement benefits, subject to conditions; ERS expressed concerns about shortening the required separation period from 12 months to 6 months and about uniform administration and cost implications, while the Department of the Attorney General and Department of Education supported the bill, and the Department of Law Enforcement asked to include its investigators as well. HB 874 would amend the Uniform Custodial Trust Act for child performers, requiring trust accounts for minors meeting certain earnings thresholds and making misuse of funds a fiduciary breach; SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, HGEA, the Hawaii State AFL-CIO, and the Hawaii Nurses Association supported it, and members discussed that enforcement would likely need further research, possibly through labor or the film office. HB 159 would cap the civil service exemption for personal service contracts with qualified community rehabilitation programs at $850,000 in the aggregate per private person or entity; United Public Workers, HGEA, and the Hawaii State AFL-CIO supported it. No final votes were taken because the committee lacked quorum. After recessing and reconvening, the chair announced that decision-making on the agenda would be deferred to Wednesday, March 12 at 3:01 p.m. in Room 224.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:00:09.639><c> s</c><02:00:10.000><c> n</c><02:00:10.159><c> chair</c><02:00:10.520><c> the</c> Vice
• is section four<02:01:09.880><c> subsection</c><02:01:10.480><c> c</c><02:01:10.920><c> c</c><02:01:
• <c> on</c><02:01:27.880><c> hb2</c><02:01:28.360><c> 243</c><02:01:29.000><c> HD1</c><02:01:29.679><c
• </c><02:01:32.400><c> any</c><02:01:32.599><c> members</c><02:01:32.920><c> voting</c> no<02:01:37.280
• ><c> no</c><02:01:37.480><c> votes</c><02:01:37.880><c> for</c><02:01:38.079><c> rep</c><02:01:38.320

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on several bills. HB 576, relating to restrictions on the transfer of real property under chapter 201H, drew support from HHFDC and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which said the bill would waive transfer restrictions that conflict with DHHL’s program implementation. HB 421, relating to contractors, drew opposition from the Contractors License Board and DCCA/RICO, who said the measure would weaken owner-builder restrictions meant to prevent circumvention of contractor licensing laws; Hawaii Roter and the Grassroot Institute supported it. Members questioned whether the bill would still bar resale within a year and whether subcontractors would still need licenses. HB 367, relating to building permits, received support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Grassroot Institute, with comments from DLNR; testimony urged the bill to be expanded to include zoning permits as well as building permits to avoid confusion, especially on Kauaʻi. HB 826, relating to housing, received mixed testimony. HHFDC and several local and advocacy groups supported it, while the Sierra Club raised concerns about converting agricultural lands to residential use, possible impacts on food security, property values, taxes, and the need to account for public trust and traditional practices. HB 525 also drew support from HHFDC and three individuals, with no opposition noted. HB 252, relating to managing agents, was supported by the Hawaiʻi Council of Community Associations and opposed by the Community Associations Institute and several individuals, who argued that commercial management experience is not the same as condominium management and preferred language tied to industry certifications and a later effective date. HB 709, relating to trespassing, was opposed by the Honolulu Police Department, which said officers would have difficulty verifying ownership or tenancy in the field, that the bill could require a separate enforcement team, and that the sheriff’s division is better suited to handle evictions. Hawaiʻi Realtors and the Grassroot Institute supported the measure. Finally, HB 431 HD1, relating to housing, received broad support from the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, HHFDC, DHS, the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, OHA, county housing offices, and multiple nonprofit and political groups. Supporters emphasized the bill’s funding for housing and supportive services, with the homelessness office describing the measure as unprecedented and saying it could help the state cut homelessness in half over the next few years.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um these<01:02:14.640><c> rules</c><01:02:14.960><c> inform</c><01:02:15.359><c> the</c><01:02:15.599
• </c><01:02:25.119><c> and</c><01:02:25.359><c> KDE</c><01:02:26.000><c> did</c><01:02:26.079><c> a</c
• I also um<01:02:29.359><c> last</c><01:02:29.680><c> week</c><01:02:29.920><c> I</c><01:02:30.160><c>
• </c><01:02:36.720><c> Um</c><01:02:37.280><c> it's</c><01:02:37.599><c> a</c><01:02:37.839><c> lot.
• :02:45.040><c> for</c><01:02:45.280><c> to</c><01:02:45.520><c> print</c><01:02:45.680><c> out.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met with a quorum, approved the minutes from the August 20 meeting, and then heard testimony from Representative Steven Doan on House Bill 439, a school nutrition bill aimed at restricting certain ultra-processed foods in schools. Doan said the bill was inspired by his own health journey and his work in agriculture, and he described the measure as targeting specific chemical additives in foods served during the school day, not concession sales or after-hours activities. He said the bill would phase in later to give schools time to adjust and noted that the list of restricted additives was drawn from efforts in other states and advocacy groups. Members asked about the chemical abstract numbers, fiscal impact, summer meal programs, fundraisers, and whether the bill would affect parent-provided items; Doan said he had not done a fiscal note and explained that the bill was intended to apply only during instructional time on school property. Committee members generally reacted favorably, with some raising practical concerns about cost and implementation. One member asked about high fructose corn syrup, which Doan said was not included because it is too pervasive in the food system. Another member noted that schools already limit some homemade items and asked about the line between school-provided and parent-provided food. Doan also said the list was based in part on Turning Point USA materials and similar laws in other states, and he referenced federal efforts to define ultra-processed foods. The committee then heard from Kentucky Department of Education officials Matt Ross, Lauren Moore, and Katie Embry on school meals and nutrition programs. They outlined Kentucky’s school lunch, breakfast, summer meals, and other USDA child nutrition programs, including participation and reimbursement figures, and explained how community eligibility provision schools, meal patterns, offer-versus-serve, smart snacks, and local wellness policies work. They said USDA and FDA are currently seeking public input on a uniform definition of ultra-processed foods, that there are no current USDA requirements specifically on ultra-processed foods, and that schools already operate under federal and state rules governing competitive foods, including a state time restriction on smart snacks. They also discussed local purchasing, noting its benefits but also the procurement and staffing challenges schools face. No votes or final actions on the bill were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It used to be, I know that's changed, and the latest statute...
• :53.799><c> commission</c><01:02:54.160><c> is</c><01:02:54.440><c> required</c><01:02:54.920><c> to<
• to recommend line<01:02:55.839><c> language</c><01:02:56.160><c> that</c><01:02:56.359><c> supports<
• Competency Based<01:02:58.000><c> education</c><01:02:59.000><c> maintains</c><01:02:59.599><c> high
• So that’s in law already, and this is just repeating that statute.

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 749, which would require high schools to provide at least one hour of instruction on the nature and history of communism. The prime sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns that students lack basic historical knowledge about communism and its effects, and argued that a short, flexible requirement could be embedded in an existing course without creating a new full class. He described communism as a totalitarian ideology and cited historical examples including the Soviet Union, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Cold War, and current events involving Russia, Ukraine, and Taiwan as reasons students should understand the topic. Members asked whether the subject is already covered in current social studies standards, whether one hour is enough, and whether the bill would apply to public, private, parochial, and charter schools. The sponsor said he did not believe communism is specifically required in current standards, that he would prefer a full course but was proposing a minimal requirement, and that he intended the bill to apply broadly to schools under the Department of Education’s umbrella, though he acknowledged the wording may need clarification for charter schools. He also said the proposal was both reactive and proactive, based on anecdotal concerns and his teaching experience. A second supporter testified that he was born in the Soviet Union and favored the bill, but suggested the instruction should emphasize critical thinking and explain both why communism can appeal to some people and why it can have harmful consequences. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am probably not the only legislator who saw the reports out of Minnesota a few months ago and immediately
• I started talking to our staff because there were some concerns about child care agencies in Minnesota
• Some statutes include reporting deadlines that no longer make sense.
• branch agencies to really look at and recognize that the Legislature creates every year, both in statute
• As Sherry was describing, we have several reports in the Office of Public Defense statute that are 10

Summary: The committee began by waiving the five-day notice rule for Senate Bills 631 and 5046. It then held public hearings on several measures. Senate Bill 6215 would require the state auditor to compile an inventory of audited state programs and an annual statewide high-risk list focused on fraud prevention; the sponsor said it would improve transparency, while the State Auditor’s office raised concerns about cost, scope, record retention limits, and the bill’s timeline. Senate Bill 6160 would eliminate or modify dozens of agency reporting requirements across state government; OFM and the sponsor described it as a government-efficiency measure, while some senators noted they wanted to preserve certain reports. Senate Bill 6313 would create a Capitol Centennial Stewardship Account to support repairs, remodeling, interpretive facilities, and public engagement at the Capitol ahead of its 100th anniversary in 2028. Senate Bill 6049 would exempt certain employee engagement survey responses and Healthy Youth Survey records from public disclosure; OFM, students, and other supporters argued the bill would protect privacy and encourage honest participation, while the record showed substantial opposition sign-ins. Senate Bill 6164 would exempt information submitted to Washington Technology Solutions for digital experience platform services from disclosure; WOTEC and some media representatives supported it as a narrow privacy measure, while one coalition opposed it as overly broad. Senate Bill 5046 would designate November 22 as Kimchi Day, which the sponsor framed as a cultural recognition bill, with little opposition noted in testimony. In executive session, the committee considered Senate Bills 6035, 5853, and 5888. It adopted a proposed substitute for SB 6035, which concerns an electronic ballot portal and tribal voting access, and sent it to Rules. It also adopted a proposed substitute for SB 5853, which shifts administration of a statewide emergency notification system for elected officials from the Secretary of State to the Military Department, and sent it to Ways and Means. Finally, it passed SB 5888, which removes Senate confirmation for members of the Washington State Women’s Commission, and sent it to Rules. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those have confidential record protections in statute, but legislators and candidates did not have that
• So what this does is it amends this statute to sweep in protection for a candidate's residential address
• Chairman, complete residential address under the statute means your street address, city, state, and
• About a longer, like a 50-day session and a 30-day session like Minnesota does.
• I did quite a bit of homework on other websites such as Minnesota.

Summary: The Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then took up a draft bill to make legislators’ and candidates’ residential addresses confidential in public records. Legislative Council and the Secretary of State explained the proposal was prompted by security concerns and would protect residential addresses while still allowing election officials to verify residency and keep candidate names and offices public. Members raised concerns about unintended consequences, transparency, and how the change would affect rural districts and residency enforcement. The Secretary of State suggested an amendment to end the confidentiality when a candidate’s term ends, and the committee agreed to hold the bill over for further discussion at the next meeting. The committee also reviewed follow-up materials on legislator security and best practices, including advice on situational awareness, internet hygiene, varying routines, and reporting threats, along with NCSL materials comparing capitol security practices in other states. Members discussed a recent security incident and the need to keep alert contact information current, and staff said they would continue working with the Highway Patrol on legislative-specific notifications. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to Garrity Consulting’s final report on mitigating the effects of legislative term limits. The consultants summarized survey, focus group, and stakeholder input showing concerns about loss of institutional knowledge, leadership turnover, onboarding demands, and workload pressures, while also noting public support for term limits and annual sessions. Recommendations included considering annual sessions or shifting biennial sessions to even-numbered years, restructuring organizational session and interim committee work, creating office hours and more structured orientation and mentorship, expanding ongoing training and staff support, improving public communication and virtual testimony rules, and addressing barriers to service such as employer support and travel costs. Members discussed the tension between making the legislature more effective and preserving a citizen-legislature model, and the report was received as a roadmap for future implementation rather than immediate action.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:26.880><c> 54%</c><01:02:27.760><c> 56%</c><01:02:28.720><c> of</c><01:02:28.960><c> the</
• 02:11:36.400><c> they</c><02:11:36.639><c> can</c><02:11:37.119><c> be</c><02:11:37.760><c> of</c><02
• ><02:22:47.439><c> said</c><02:22:47.760><c> to</c><02:22:47.920><c> me,</c><02:22:48.240><c> I</c><02
• <02:39:31.920><c> the</c><02:39:32.080><c> end</c><02:39:32.160><c> of</c><02:39:32.240><c> the</c><02
• I<02:59:15.920><c> had</c><02:59:16.080><c> to</c><02:59:16.240><c> go</c><02:59:16.319><c> and</c><02

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 35 senators. The journal was adopted without objection, absent senators were excused, and there were no house messages, committee reports, motions, or resolutions before the first bill was called. The main item of business was House Bill 1, described as a conditional measure to set a process for electing U.S. House candidates in Alabama’s congressional districts 1, 2, 6, and 7 if a federal court order lifts current injunctions. The sponsor said the bill would only take effect if the court order is issued and would allow quick compliance with federal rulings. Debate centered on whether the bill was truly responsive to the court or instead an attempt at mid-decade redistricting; opponents argued it would violate Alabama’s constitutional limits on elections and ignore the court’s redistricting orders, while supporters said they were trying to comply with the court and that the issue was partisan rather than personal. Much of the discussion focused on Allen v. Milligan, the Voting Rights Act, and the meaning of the court’s injunctions. One senator argued the bill would dilute Black voting strength and was being driven by national Republican politics, while the sponsor and others insisted the legislature was acting only conditionally and that the court had not ordered the specific action being debated. The exchange became lengthy and contentious, but no final vote or other action on HB1 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to follow based on the current statutes and regulations.
• If you could look We have to follow based on the current statutes and regulations.
• Well, the way that the statute structures our fees, licensees are required to pay.
• “Net proceeds” is the term in the statute.
• The first The first is that the fees are set by statute, the pro rata statute disproportionately benefits

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:05.400><c> citizens</c><02:02:05.840><c> for</c><02:02:06.079><c> right</c><02:02:06.280><c> to</
• <02:02:09.599><c> know</c><02:02:09.880><c> it</c><02:02:09.960><c> was</c><02:02:10.199><c> good</c>
• like know it was good to know that<02:02:11.520><c> uh</c><02:02:12.520><c> the</c><02:02:12.719><c>
• businesses</c><02:02:13.199><c> are</c><02:02:13.400><c> paying</c><02:02:13.679><c> his</c> that uh
• :02:17.159><c> Berlin</c><02:02:18.040><c> I</c><02:02:18.159><c> think</c><02:02:18.360><c> you</c><

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.240><c> blue</c><00:02:00.880><c> and</c><00:02:01.119><c> then</c><00:02:01.439><c> the</c><00:02
• 02.479><c> funds</c><00:02:02.799><c> are</c><00:02:02.880><c> in</c><00:02:03.119><c> red</c><00:02:
• And so<00:02:06.479><c> the</c><00:02:06.640><c> the</c><00:02:07.200><c> revenue</c><00:02:07.600><c
• </c><00:02:09.599><c> And</c><00:02:09.759><c> in</c><00:02:10.000><c> the</c><00:02:10.160><c> last<
• </c><00:02:15.599><c> Let's</c><00:02:15.760><c> see</c><00:02:15.840><c> if</c><00:02:16.000><c> we<

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 14 January, 2026; 1:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> the</c><02:02:42.679><c> next</c><02:02:42.920><c> few</c><02:02:43.560><c> four</c><02:02:44.000
• 02:02:46.079><c> more</c><02:02:46.360><c> bridges</c><02:02:46.840><c> coming</c><02:02:47.119><c> up
• ><c> the</c><02:02:48.199><c> south</c><02:02:48.560><c> side</c><02:02:48.679><c> of</c><02:02:48.840
• :54.520><c> that</c><02:02:54.639><c> we</c><02:02:54.880><c> have</c><02:02:55.320><c> uh</c><02:02:
• <02:02:58.079><c> any</c><02:02:58.239><c> of</c><02:02:58.360><c> you</c><02:02:58.480><c> from</c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 561, sponsored by Representative Nancy Murphy, which would limit the state’s ability to discontinue, reclassify, or revert state-owned highway property to municipalities without local approval. Murphy and other supporters argued the bill would protect towns from unfunded mandates and prevent property tax increases caused by taking on costly road maintenance. Representative Wendy Thomas, Rosemarie Rung, Merrimack Town Council Chairman Finley Rothhouse, and Town Manager Paul McAuliffe all testified in support, describing the financial burden of the planned transfer of Continental Boulevard in Merrimack and warning it would set a harmful precedent for other communities. The Department of Transportation’s Steve Leon explained the department’s current authority and processes for discontinuance and reclassification, said active highways are not surplus property, and noted that the Supreme Court’s Town of Nelson decision held such reclassifications were not an unfunded mandate. The committee then closed the public hearing on HB 561. The committee next took up House Bill 578, presented by Representative Mooney on behalf of Representative Bill Boyd, to require sound barriers along the F. Everett Turnpike in Merrimack. Supporters said widening the turnpike would increase noise in nearby neighborhoods and that a 2019 NHDOT study identified 17 neighborhoods with noise levels above federal standards, though only four were included for mitigation under the current project. They argued the remaining neighborhoods should also receive relief and cited quality-of-life and property-value concerns. Senator Tim McGuire also testified in support, saying residents were experiencing unexpected and severe noise impacts and urging the committee to act outside the usual criteria to approve the barriers. The transcript provided does not show a final committee vote or action on HB 578.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.039><c> need</c><01:02:00.160><c> a</c><01:02:00.319><c> roll</c><01:02:00.680><c> call</c><01:02
• a roll call no all in<01:02:02.200><c> favor</c><01:02:03.200><c> I</c><01:02:03.319><c> think</c><01
• :02:03.440><c> we</c><01:02:03.559><c> are</c><01:02:03.880><c> uh</c><01:02:04.079><c> we</c><01:02:
• are uh we were in agreement<01:02:05.039><c> thank</c><01:02:05.200><c> you</c><01:02:05.720><c> this
• </c><01:02:05.839><c> was</c><01:02:06.079><c> really</c> Yeah, thank you, everybody, for making the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The work session focused on HB 54, which would allow New Hampshire’s alternative treatment centers to operate for profit. Chair David Nagel opened by identifying the main concerns: whether members agreed with the bill conceptually, whether the proposal could be shaped to avoid a gubernatorial veto, and whether it could lead to “big cannabis” taking over. He also emphasized that the bill would not change the existing oversight structure, which remained under RSA 126-X. Representative Wendy Thomas said the governor’s objections in past sessions appeared to center on the state’s preference for a state-run model and broader policy concerns, but no one present knew the current governor’s position. Several speakers argued the bill was primarily about financing and access, not expanding the number of dispensaries. Matt Simon of Granite Leaf Cannabis said the current nonprofit structure makes it difficult to raise capital, pay down debt, and open additional access points, and that the bill would be a corporate restructuring rather than a change in day-to-day regulation. Brandon Pollock of TASCAL Wellness said medical cannabis programs in most other states are for-profit, and that New Hampshire’s nonprofit requirement has left ATCs burdened with high-interest debt and higher prices that push patients to Maine, Vermont, or the street market. He said converting to for-profit status could allow conventional financing, lower prices, and help keep patients in the regulated program. Members also discussed whether for-profit ownership would invite outside corporate control. Witnesses said the bill would not open the market to new operators, would not change advertising rules, and would include restrictions on ownership transfers for a period of time; “foreign corporation” was explained as an out-of-state entity. One speaker noted that the bill is similar to earlier versions that passed both chambers with strong support but never became law. No vote was taken during the work session; the discussion was informational and aimed at addressing concerns before the bill moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> there's</c><01:02:50.599><c> no</c><01:02:50.760><c> state</c><01:02:51.079><c> statute</c> origination
• so there's no state statute origination so there's no state statute on<01:02:51.960><c> that</c><01:
• talk<02:02:07.079><c> about</c><02:02:07.599><c> SWAT</c><02:02:08.199><c> cost</c><02:02:09.199><c>
• ><c> cost</c><02:02:11.440><c> so</c><02:02:11.599><c> if</c><02:02:11.679><c> the</c><02:02:11.880><
• ><c> up</c><02:02:15.199><c> the</c><02:02:15.280><c> upt</c><02:02:15.760><c> is</c><02:02:16.199><c

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:02.000><c> to</c><00:02:02.200><c> state</c><00:02:02.520><c> so</c><00:02:02.719><c> every
• :04.880><c> of</c><00:02:05.039><c> what</c><00:02:05.240><c> those</c><00:02:05.399><c> are</c><00:02
• ><00:02:07.640><c> lot</c><00:02:07.759><c> of</c><00:02:07.960><c> those</c><00:02:08.280><c> are</c
• :02:21.480><c> we</c><00:02:21.599><c> see</c><00:02:21.800><c> on</c><00:02:21.920><c> the</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:37.599><c> is</c><00:02:38.000><c> no</c><00:02:38.280><c> harm</c><00:02:39.000><c> uh</c

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on restricted use pesticides in Hawaiʻi, with Senate and House members opening the meeting and explaining that the session was intended to hear expert presentations and community concerns. Fern Holland outlined the background for the briefing, describing how restricted use pesticides differ from general-use products, why state-level regulation matters, and how community advocates have sought disclosure and protections for years. She summarized 2019 reporting data, saying a small number of users accounted for most reported use, with especially heavy application in North Central Oʻahu and on the west side of Kauaʻi. She highlighted concerns about applications near schools, homes, and coastlines, and identified 1,3-dichloropropene and metam sodium as among the heaviest-used fumigants. She also noted concerns about highly hazardous pesticides, some banned in other countries, and the lack of research on long-term combined exposure to multiple pesticides. Greg Takashima of the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture described the department’s pesticide program and regulatory authority under FIFRA and state law. He explained the distinction between general-use and restricted use pesticides, the certification requirements for applicators, and the department’s role in tracking RUPs from sale through use. He reviewed the branch’s functions in enforcement, education and certification, registration and technical review, and laboratory analysis, including inspections, complaint response, market surveillance, product registration, groundwater review, and outreach on drift reduction and integrated pest management. He also noted staffing and funding limitations, saying the branch lacks a toxicologist and long-term monitoring capacity, and compared Hawaiʻi’s resources to California’s much larger pesticide regulatory program. Takashima thanked the legislature for passing Act 231 the prior year and said the department supports the measure as it moves forward this session. Dr. Lee, speaking for the Hawaiʻi chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and as a former member of the Kauaʻi Joint Fact-Finding Task Force, said pediatric guidance has shifted from focusing on acute poisoning to recognizing chronic low-level pesticide exposure as a concern. He cited AAP publications linking pesticide exposure to cancer, brain tumors, leukemia, birth outcomes, neurobehavioral effects, and asthma, and said pediatricians are now encouraged to advise families on reducing exposure and to support right-to-know measures and buffer zones around schools and public gathering places. He also described the Kauaʻi task force’s work, saying it found the west side of the island to be an unhealthy community but could not prove causation because of missing drift, geospatial, and biomarker data. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational, questions were held until after presentations, and the department expressed support for Act 231.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> license</c><01:02:10.920><c> and</c><01:02:11.079><c> then</c><01:02:11.200><c> we're</c><01:02:
• :02:52.840><c> every</c><02:02:53.079><c> day</c><02:02:53.440><c> to</c><02:02:53.639><c> get</c><02
• :02:53.760><c> to</c><02:02:53.920><c> his</c><02:02:54.119><c> work</c> district every day to get to
• Sanctuary policies is an advertisement<02:02:57.520><c> for</c><02:02:57.719><c> them</c><02:02:57.960
• ><c> to</c><02:02:58.079><c> do</c><02:02:58.360><c> just</c><02:02:58.560><c> such</c> advertisement

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:13.599><c> written</c><00:02:14.000><c> was</c><00:02:14.200><c> that</c><00:02:14.400><c>
• <c> three</c><00:02:16.680><c> so</c><00:02:16.879><c> it</c><00:02:17.080><c> really</c><00:02:17.720
• :18.640><c> the</c><00:02:19.720><c> um</c><00:02:20.720><c> made</c><00:02:21.000><c> more</c><00:02
• ><c> of</c><00:02:23.599><c> trying</c><00:02:23.879><c> to</c><00:02:24.040><c> narrow</c><00:02:24.519
• sb15<00:02:32.000><c> is</c><00:02:32.160><c> to</c><00:02:32.360><c> pass</c><00:02:32.560><c> with

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a series of Senate bills and generally advanced most of them, often with technical or substantive amendments. SB 15 on the definition of historic property was amended to narrow the definition to properties at least 50 years old that are culturally significant or otherwise significant for Hawaii Register purposes, and it passed. SB 97 on excessive speeding was amended to clarify felony penalty language, license revocation timing, and fingerprinting procedures, and passed. Other bills passed as is or unamended included SB 145 on water shortages, SB 108 on accessible parking enforcement, SB 660 on hospitality anti-harassment measures and panic buttons, SB 1662 on landlord application fees and tenant screening reports, SB 1421 on Department of Health provider arrangements, SB 1439 on DOH nuisance authority, and SB 1452 updating controlled substances law. SB 1454 on wage payment violations passed with technical amendments only, while SB 1481 on motorcycle instruction permits was deferred as not ready. Several bills received more substantial changes. SB 253 on condominium association budget summaries was amended to require a single document and to shift the standard to substantial compliance; it passed. SB 371 on critical infrastructure damage was amended to remove a section affecting manslaughter law and to apply specifically to broadband and cable networks; it passed. SB 984 on water pollution liability for large landowners was advanced with a defective date. SB 1517 on public land leases for recreational residential use was amended to change the lease term to five years and add a defective date. SB 1074 on temporary continuation of challenged activities during environmental review was significantly amended to limit the provision to currently authorized activities, add a one-year limit with possible court extension, and clarify other terms; it passed. SB 1322 on emergency mental health transport was amended to restore provider-initiated transport language, require notice and coordination, remove special immunity provisions, and clarify court-ordered treatment procedures; it passed. The committee also passed SB 1496 on disability access to information in public accommodations, with a request that the committee report discuss the Roe v. St. Pizza case and the distinction between physical and digital accommodations. SB 1255 on Uniform Information Practices Act record retention was deferred as not ready. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted that both agendas were completed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I<02:02:01.280><c> feel</c><02:02:01.440><c> like</c><02:02:01.599><c> that's</c><02:02:01.840><c> a<
• /c><02:02:02.080><c> step</c><02:02:02.239><c> a</c><02:02:02.480><c> little</c><02:02:02.560><c> bit
• c> far</c><02:02:03.199><c> as</c><02:02:03.440><c> well</c><02:02:03.599><c> if</c><02:02:03.840><c>
• </c><02:02:06.000><c> And</c><02:02:06.080><c> I</c><02:02:06.239><c> understand</c><02:02:06.560><c>
• </c><02:02:08.239><c> I</c><02:02:08.480><c> I</c><02:02:08.800><c> trust</c><02:02:09.040><c> my</c>

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We went back<02:02:04.159><c> and</c><02:02:04.400><c> forth</c><02:02:04.639><c> on</c><02:02:04.880
• ><c> mad</c><02:02:15.760><c> on</c><02:02:15.920><c> each</c><02:02:16.080><c> side</c><02:02:16.239
• ><c> know</c><02:02:19.520><c> that</c><02:02:19.679><c> we</c><02:02:19.840><c> did</c><02:02:20.000
• did the right thing.<02:02:20.480><c> And</c><02:02:20.639><c> so</c><02:02:20.800><c> I'm</c><02:02
• </c><02:02:22.480><c> And</c><02:02:22.560><c> I</c><02:02:22.719><c> think</c><02:02:22.800><c> it's

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 28 senators present. The body agreed to excuse absent senators, dispense with reading and adopt the previous journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The presiding officer also recognized several guests on the floor and in the gallery, including an intern from the Lieutenant Governor’s office and guests of Senator Chambliss. Committee reports focused on confirmations for Alabama State University’s Board of Trustees. Patricia Anne Jones (Confirmation 79), Angela Star (Confirmation 80), and Bobby Singleton (Confirmation 78) each received favorable committee reports and were confirmed by the full Senate, with roll-call votes showing unanimous or near-unanimous support. The chamber spent considerable time in lighthearted debate and personal remarks during Singleton’s confirmation before adopting the motion and confirming him. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 81 commending the Coach Safely Foundation for youth sports injury mitigation, and several other resolutions honoring individuals and organizations, including Johnny Williams, Jim America, Senior Trooper Hunter Woodruff, and retired Army Colonel Shawn Thomas Prricett. A resolution encouraging Alabama public high schools to form a consortium was also adopted. On local bills, the Senate passed Senate Bill 243 regarding Jefferson County and House Bill 532 regarding Shelby County, both by using the previous roll and with no opposition. The Rules Committee then reported a special order calendar for the 22nd legislative day, which the Senate adopted 30-0. The special order calendar included bills on the Board of Funeral Services, the Public Service Commission, tax abatements, electric utilities, child support, dogs, school lands, Chambers County, and real property. The first special-order bill taken up was Senate Bill 107 by Senators Figures and Gudger, concerning the Alabama Board of Funeral Services. Senators discussed the bill’s purpose of funding the board’s increased duties, the effect on funeral home license fees, and an amendment offered by Senator Bell to reduce certain fees. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was explained as not affecting pre-need funeral arrangements. Debate continued as members asked questions about costs to families and funeral homes, but the chamber had not yet reached final disposition of the bill by the end of the excerpt.