Transcript Highlights:

• systems often do not have a rate base sufficient to affordably finance repairs, upgrades, and replacements

Bills: SB 384, SB 503, SB 565, SB 616, SB 740

Keywords: hunting license, fishing license, donation, operation game thief fund, wildlife conservation, livestock, electronic registry, marks and brands, Texas Animal Health Commission, animal identification, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement, enforcement suspension, utility consolidation, regionalization, water supply, sewer

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water and Agriculture and Rural Affairs convened under the leadership of Chairman Kelly Hancock, who opened the meeting with a prayer in remembrance of Chairman Perry, who was absent due to a personal loss. The session focused on the discussions surrounding SB384, which aims to support the longstanding initiative known as Operation Game Thief. Senator Flores presented the bill, emphasizing its essential role in the fight against poaching through public support. The operation has a successful track record of convictions but is currently dependent on donations and merchandise sales for funding. The committee aimed to vote on multiple bills during this session, contingent on achieving a quorum. Notably, discussions also revolved around fiscal notes on two bills that were set aside for later consideration, indicating the committee's intention to carefully manage their legislative decisions. The meeting showcased a productive atmosphere, with committee members actively engaged in the review and potential advancement of key legislative measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you probably know, that was replaced over the last several years.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A joint resolution proposing to repeal and replace Article 9, Section 14 of the Constitution of New Mexico

Transcript Highlights:

• the state initially had to prove by clear and convincing evidence under 624.7172, and it's being replaced
• And<03:19:24.520><c> then</c><03:19:24.680><c> you</c><03:19:24.800><c> replace</c><03:19:25.400><c>
• that</c><03:19:25.840><c> with</c> And then you replace that with And then you replace that with respondent
• </c><03:20:02.200><c> with</c><03:20:02.320><c> something</c> and it's being replaced with something
• and it's being replaced with something much<03:20:03.680><c> easier</c><03:20:04.240><c> to</c><03:20

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do not have a replacement. We do not have funds to replace that software.
• We do not have a replacement. We do not have funds to replace that software.
• is on page seven, lines 10 to 11: remove the words “general revenues of the State of Hawaii” and replace
• <02:45:04.560><c> and</c> revenues of the state of Hawaii and revenues of the state of Hawaii and replace
• it with UH tuition fees and replace it with UH tuition fees and special<02:45:07.080><c> fund.

Bills: HB1890, HB1888, HB1676

Keywords: teacher pay, teacher salaries, salary step increase, annual increment, longevity step, public school teachers, public charter school teachers, collective bargaining, Hawaii Department of Education, teacher retention, teacher recruitment, cost of living, educator compensation, public employee bargaining, appropriation, salary schedule, school staffing, teacher shortage, HB1888, Hawaii

Summary: The committees heard three measures, beginning with HB 1890 HD3, which would provide automatic step increases and a COVID-era retention bonus for teachers. Supporters included HSTA, the Democratic Party’s Education Caucus, and a student who said higher pay and predictable salary growth would help retain teachers in Hawaii. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked that the bill be expanded to cover all department employees. The Attorney General’s office said the draft needed clarification to avoid conflict with Chapter 89 and to make clear any funding was subject to legislative appropriation. The Office of the Public Defender and B&F testified in opposition, and committee members questioned whether the step increases were already in the current contract and whether the bill was needed. HSTA said the current contract includes automatic step increases subject to funding, but argued the bill was still needed because funding is not guaranteed and the measure would codify the policy. HSTA also said the COVID bonus would apply only to active teachers who worked during the pandemic and estimated the total cost at roughly $150 million to $200 million over four years. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 1888 HD3, which would require DOE and charter schools to report harassment incidents and strengthen penalties for harassment of educational workers from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor. DOE supported the bill and suggested narrowing language about assisting workers with temporary restraining orders, saying that function would be better handled through the Attorney General’s pilot program. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the harassment language was overly broad, vague, and potentially unconstitutional, and that existing assault and terroristic threatening statutes already protect educational workers. HSTA, the State Commission on the Status of Women, and several individual testifiers supported the measure, describing increased intimidation and harassment of teachers and other school staff, especially since COVID. The Special Education Advisory Council opposed the bill’s language on “disrupting and interfering” with school functions, saying it could chill parents of students with IEPs from advocating for their children. Testimony was split, with the chair noting 20 in support and 16 in opposition in the portion shown. A final witness, Michelle Pestana, testified in opposition based on her family’s experience with special education services, describing alleged seclusion and restraint of her daughter and expressing concern that DOE testimony in prior hearings had targeted special education parents. Her remarks were cut off as time expired. The transcript ends before any committee action or vote on HB 1888 was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• She continued to push for accountability and successfully advocated for replacing political trustees
• After persistent and determined efforts, she saw the Jefferson County School Board replace all trustees
• </c><03:23:55.760><c> political</c> advocated for replacing political advocated for replacing political
• :24:03.120><c> County</c><03:24:03.439><c> School</c><03:24:03.680><c> Board</c><03:24:04.000><c> replace
• </c> Jefferson County School Board replace Jefferson County School Board replace all<03:24:04.640><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, replacing LLC with cooperative in that.
• Of course, replacing LLC with cooperative in that.
• Of course, replacing LLC with cooperative in that.
• .<00:56:12.799><c> uh</c><00:56:12.960><c> without</c><00:56:13.920><c> tone</c> replaced. uh without
• tone replaced. uh without tone we<00:56:15.839><c> have</c><00:56:16.000><c> no</c><00:56:16.480><c>

Bills: HB20, HB2612, HB2404, HB2459, HB2194, HB1880, HB2284, HB1969, HB2458, HB1546, HB2161, HB1721, HB1641, HB2137, HB1782, HB2360, HB1965, HB1897, HB1513

Keywords: lava insurance, homeowners, insurance market, subsidy, Hawaii, mortgage, debt, secured transactions, real property, Hawaii Revised Statutes, cooperative associations, electric utility cooperatives, agricultural cooperatives, mutual help, food innovation, agribusiness, food safety, market access, branding, economic diversification

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 20, which would create a lava zone insurance subsidy/fund. The Insurance Division opposed the bill, arguing that lava zones 1 and 2 are the highest-risk areas, that a subsidy would not reduce the underlying risk or loss costs, that it could invite similar subsidy requests for other hazards, and that the bill may conflict with HICV by diverting funds from the CRF. Members discussed the lack of authorized homeowners insurance in those lava zones, the role of HPIA and the surplus market, and the difference between the proposed lava-zone subsidy and the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. The chair noted 37 submitted testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on HB 20 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2612, relating to mortgages, which would clarify that a mortgage does not exist independently of the debt it secures and is not independently enforceable from that debt. The Hawaii Credit Union League and Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill, while several individuals testified in support, arguing it would restore Hawaii’s long-standing lien-state rule and prevent so-called “zombie mortgages” after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s White decision. Supporters said the bill would protect borrowers from delayed foreclosures and predatory lending practices, while opponents and the Insurance Division emphasized that foreclosure actions still require proof of standing and possession of the note, and that lenders generally pursue foreclosure without seeking deficiency judgments. Committee members questioned the Insurance Division about how the current market works, whether lenders could wait out the statute of limitations and then foreclose only on the mortgage, and whether equitable tolling or later defaults could allow refiling. The division said it is still trying to attract authorized insurers back into the lava-zone market, but has seen little progress. No vote or final action on HB 2612 was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, and the example I used before we were in session was in the city of Keene, if I want to replace my
• If I have my house, if I'm selling my house and one of the conditions of the sale is that I replace the
• > my</c><02:11:48.800><c> roof,</c><02:11:49.520><c> I</c><02:11:49.760><c> must</c> if I want to replace
• of the sale is one of the conditions of the sale is that<02:11:57.040><c> I</c><02:11:57.280><c> replace
• <c> roof,</c><02:11:58.400><c> a</c><02:11:58.639><c> very</c><02:11:58.960><c> common</c> that I replace

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee amendment would remove section two and replace it with language from SB 78, which we've
• it</c><00:26:22.799><c> with</c><00:26:22.960><c> language</c><00:26:23.279><c> from</c> two and replace
• it with language from two and replace it with language from SB78<00:26:24.480><c> which</c><00:26:24.720
• What I fear in some ways is that DEI is being replaced with SCR: surveillance, censorship, and repression
• What I fear in some ways is that DEI is being replaced with SCR: surveillance, censorship, and repression

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Bills: SB3136, SB2521, SB2851, SB3154, SB3262, SB2387, SB3001, SB2818, SB2972, SB2372, SB2108, SB888, SB3320, SB2798, SB2110, SB3007, SB2615, SB2095, SB2101, SB3138, SB2756, SB3229, SB2969, SB3286, SB3238, SB2557, SB3140, SB2014, SB3097, SB3096, SB3069, SB99, SB2930, SB2268, SB2543, SB3022, SB3109, SB3215, SB3152, SB3156, SB3234, SB3053, SB3067, SB2673, SB411, SB2041, SB2919, SB2532, SB2152, SB2721, SB2446, SB2601, SB2239, SB2804, SB3324, SB2802, SB2577, SB2320, SB2706, SB2595, SB2781, SB2961, SB2433, SB2657, SB2340, SB3045, SB3203, SB2861, SB3245, SB2803, SB3204, SB3025, SB2138, SB2645, SB3082, SB2109, SB2261, SB3332, SB2811, SB2567, SB2125, SB2866, SB83, SB874, SB2386, SB3137, SB3132, SB2175, SB2272, SB2271, SB847, SB3302, SB2089, SB2102, SB2050, SB2694, SB2487, SB2061, SB709, SB3083, SB2151, SB2852, SB2471, SB2568, SB2253, SB2697, SB2429, SB2929, SB3032, SB2057, SB148, SB2353, SB2075, SB2907, SB2074, SB3219, SB3218, SB2367, SB3048, SB17, SB3253, SB2376, SB3103, SB2999, SB3255, SB1166, SB3157, SB2698, SB3029, SB2146, SB2470, SB3040, SB3076, SB2575, SB3294, SB2438, SB2530, SB2688

Keywords: lead-free, lead in drinking water, drinking water, water infrastructure, public water system, plumbing, pipe fittings, solder, flux, fixtures, cast iron pipe repair, nonpotable water, Safe Drinking Water Act, Department of Health, water quality, lead exposure, lead contamination, water utilities, backflow preventer, fire hydrant

Bills: SB3136, SB2521, SB2851, SB3154, SB3262, SB2387, SB3001, SB2818, SB2972, SB2372, SB2108, SB888, SB3320, SB2798, SB2110, SB3007, SB2615, SB2095, SB2101, SB3138, SB2756, SB3229, SB2969, SB3286, SB3238, SB2557, SB3140, SB2014, SB3097, SB3096, SB3069, SB99, SB2930, SB2268, SB2543, SB3022, SB3109, SB3215, SB3152, SB3156, SB3234, SB3053, SB3067, SB2673, SB411, SB2041, SB2919, SB2532, SB2152, SB2721, SB2446, SB2601, SB2239, SB2804, SB3324, SB2802, SB2577, SB2320, SB2706, SB2595, SB2781, SB2961, SB2433, SB2657, SB2340, SB3045, SB3203, SB2861, SB3245, SB2803, SB3204, SB3025, SB2138, SB2645, SB3082, SB2109, SB2261, SB3332, SB2811, SB2567, SB2125, SB2866, SB83, SB874, SB2386, SB3137, SB3132, SB2175, SB2272, SB2271, SB847, SB3302, SB2089, SB2102, SB2050, SB2694, SB2487, SB2061, SB709, SB3083, SB2151, SB2852, SB2471, SB2568, SB2253, SB2697, SB2429, SB2929, SB3032, SB2057, SB148, SB2353, SB2075, SB2907, SB2074, SB3219, SB3218, SB2367, SB3048, SB17, SB3253, SB2376, SB3103, SB2999, SB3255, SB1166, SB3157, SB2698, SB3029, SB2146, SB2470, SB3040, SB3076, SB2575, SB3294, SB2438, SB2530, SB2688

Keywords: lead-free, lead in drinking water, drinking water, water infrastructure, public water system, plumbing, pipe fittings, solder, flux, fixtures, cast iron pipe repair, nonpotable water, Safe Drinking Water Act, Department of Health, water quality, lead exposure, lead contamination, water utilities, backflow preventer, fire hydrant

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had a lot of requests to replace funding that was once federal funding that the One Big Beautiful
• But in letter two, here we are again looking to replace federal funding with uh with of the LISRA um
• </c><01:45:09.040><c> funding</c> lot of requests to uh replace funding lot of requests to uh replace
• Charitable efforts are essential, but they cannot replace a reliable public program.
• </c><03:05:46.640><c> a</c> essential, but they cannot replace a essential, but they cannot replace a

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the arborist would be responsible for determining the replacement value.
• And the arborist would be responsible for determining the replacement value.
• And the arborist would be responsible for determining the replacement value.
• Replace under penalty Attorney General.
• Replace under penalty of<02:51:27.160><c> perjury</c><02:51:27.720><c> with</c><02:51:27.960><c> under

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 3123, which would treat free tuition or school-conditioned enrollment at private educational institutions as a conditional gift rather than a contractual obligation unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Office of the Governor supported the bill, and Kamehameha Schools and the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools strongly backed it, saying it would protect donor intent, preserve school-ohana relationships, and help maintain tuition assistance and educational access for families. A committee member commented favorably on the unity among school organizations, and there were no objections raised before the committee moved on. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2438, which creates a civil cause of action for interference with constitutional and statutory rights through threats, intimidation, or coercion, with private and government enforcement options and protections for constitutionally protected speech. Testifiers from the Community Alliance on Prisons and a know-your-rights educator supported the measure as a civil rights protection grounded in the Hawaii Constitution. No opposition testimony was presented during the hearing, and the measure appeared to receive general support from those who testified. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 3142, which establishes offenses for dangerous and habitual dangerous intoxication and allows civil protective custody and emergency examination in lieu of arrest in certain cases. The Attorney General, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Department of Health, and Department of Human Services supported the bill as a treatment-oriented diversion tool for people who are dangerously intoxicated and at risk to themselves or the public. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, warning it could expand police discretion, burden emergency rooms, and function as a loss of liberty without sufficient treatment resources, while committee members questioned whether the bill would simply cycle people through emergency rooms and back onto the street. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the chair said decision-making would occur at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it doesn't matter the medical expenses, doesn't matter reimbursement on replacement of vehicles or
• So it doesn't matter the medical expenses, doesn't matter reimbursement on replacement of vehicles or
• So it doesn't matter the medical expenses, doesn't matter reimbursement on replacement of vehicles or
• So it doesn't matter the medical expenses, doesn't matter reimbursement on replacement of vehicles or
• These funds are not replaceable.

Bills: HB0068, HB0062, HB0127, HB0109

Keywords: veterans, property tax exemption, disabled, service-connected disability, Wyoming, governmental claims, liability limits, inflation adjustment, public safety, local government insurance, HB0127, recreation mill levy, recreational facilities, public recreation, mill levy, property tax, local tax, county commissioners, school district levy, voter approval

Transcript Highlights:

• it</c><00:43:27.920><c> did</c><00:43:28.079><c> is</c><00:43:28.400><c> it</c><00:43:28.720><c> replaced
• </c><00:43:29.119><c> lines</c><00:43:29.920><c> 59</c> >> That what it did is it replaced lines 59 through
• c><02:44:21.120><c> line</c><02:44:21.600><c> 39</c><02:44:22.319><c> on</c> amendment on line 30 replace
• line 39 on amendment on line 30 replace line 39 on page<02:44:23.120><c> two</c><02:44:23.920><c> with
• Should have been warehouser. >> Replace it with warehouser. >> You've heard the chairman's explanation

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It<00:43:54.880><c> replaces</c><00:43:55.400><c> the</c><00:43:55.480><c> money</c><00:43:55.840><c>
• that</c><00:43:56.200><c> ARPA</c><00:43:56.560><c> had</c> It replaces the money that ARPA had It replaces
• We're replacing a federal reduction at the federal level with one veterinarian in this agency with this
• We're replacing veterinarians.
• We're replacing a<02:23:09.960><c> governor</c><02:23:10.520><c> governor</c><02:23:11.320><c> government

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• amounts of property coverage that they're uh required to keep to ensure that they are insured for replacement
• [laughter] >> Yeah, I can definitely help you out. replacement value.
• Um, and Senator West, replacement value.
• districts continue to receive declarations that state the amount of coverage that is still the full replacement
• districts continue to receive declarations that state the amount of coverage that is still the full replacement

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then recognized a staff member’s birthday and a guest shadowing Senator Adams. It then moved into informational review of Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education regulation 702 KAR 3:30, which sets insurance coverage requirements for school district buildings and structures. Department of Education officials explained that districts are expected to carry coverage at replacement cost and said they understand some districts participate in self-insurance pools with backup policies, but they deferred detailed insurance questions to the Department of Insurance. Senators raised concerns that pooled coverage could leave districts exposed if claims exceed pool limits, and the chair asked KDE to follow up with DOI to confirm districts are adequately covered, especially for bondholders. No vote was taken on the informational review. The committee then reviewed emergency ABC regulations 804 KAR 130:01 through 130:04 implementing Senate Bill 100’s new licensing requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product businesses. ABC and Public Protection Cabinet representatives outlined the emergency rules governing enforcement, license applications, denial criteria, and transitional licenses. Retail industry witnesses Shannon Stiglet and Brian Clark said they support licensure in principle but argued the rules add duplicative requirements borrowed from alcohol licensing, create confusion about transitional licenses, and may be too burdensome for the roughly 7,000 affected businesses to meet by the January 1 deadline. They also said guidance has been inconsistent and requested the agency revise the regulations, remove requirements not grounded in law, and provide clearer, separate processes for new and existing businesses. Committee members asked whether the industry had worked directly with ABC and noted the public comment period was still open. Witnesses said they had communicated with ABC and the Public Protection Cabinet, but responses had been uneven and they wanted written guidance. Members expressed concern about the short timeline and the need to avoid disruption so businesses can operate legally on January 1. Representative Marzian asked for clarification that the discussion concerned emergency regulations already in effect while ordinary regulations remain in process. No formal action was taken beyond receiving the informational testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The cost to replace things is significant. It's a struggle.
• The cost to replace things is significant. It's a struggle.
• that authority, which is one of the implementing authorities for the Chapter 72 amendments, and replaces
• </c><02:27:35.399><c> it</c><02:27:35.680><c> with</c> 72 amendments and replaces it with 72 amendments
• and replaces it with requirements<02:27:36.479><c> that</c><02:27:36.800><c> every</c><02:27:37.120>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation replaces ambiguity with clarity.
• This<00:56:13.320><c> legislation</c><00:56:14.040><c> replaces</c><00:56:14.600><c> ambiguity</c><00
• :56:15.200><c> with</c> This legislation replaces ambiguity with This legislation replaces ambiguity

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But House File 4077 replaces local judgment with a one-size-fits-all mandate from the state, even when
• But, House File 4077<00:23:49.360><c> replaces</c><00:23:49.880><c> local</c><00:23:50.200><c> judgment
• </c><00:23:51.240><c> with</c><00:23:51.400><c> a</c> 4077 replaces local judgment with a 4077 replaces

Bills: HF4077, HF3809, HF3639, HF4478, HF3363, HF3874

Keywords: municipal nondisclosure agreement, NDA, public records, transparency, local government, county, city, town, school district, housing and redevelopment authority, economic development authority, port authority, economic development, land development, public financing, tax increment financing, TIF, abatement, municipal bonds, debt obligations

Summary: The Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee approved the minutes from March 25 and March 26, then took up House File 4077, a bipartisan bill authored by Representatives Greenman and Roach. The bill would prohibit municipalities from entering into non-disclosure agreements with private entities that restrict disclosure about land development, economic development, or publicly funded projects, while preserving existing Chapter 13 data practices rules and trade secret protections. The authors argued the bill is needed to prevent secret agreements and backroom decision-making that undermine public transparency, and they moved that the bill be re-referred to the general register. Several local officials and residents testified in support, including a St. Louis County commissioner, the mayor of Lonsdale, and residents from Farmington and Hermantown. Supporters said NDAs had been used in connection with data center and other development projects to keep elected officials and the public in the dark, eroding trust and limiting community input. They described the bill as a common-sense transparency measure and said existing law already protects legitimate trade secrets. Opposition came from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Business Partnership, which argued that NDAs are often necessary in early-stage economic development discussions to protect sensitive business information and remain competitive with other states. They warned the bill could discourage investment, jobs, and tax growth, and said it would impose a one-size-fits-all state mandate that limits local discretion. Committee members then debated whether the bill was too broad and whether it should be narrowed to data centers; supporters responded that the issue extends beyond data centers to other forms of economic development. A roll call vote was requested on the motion to re-refer the bill to the general register, but the final vote result was not stated in the transcript excerpt.