Transcript Highlights:

• Not seeing any further discussion. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.
• Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying aye.
• Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed?
• Any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, all in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed?
• Any discussion on the motion? Any discussion on the motion?

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee met with a quorum and first considered RS 33132, the “expanded medical freedom” bill sponsored by Representative Beiswenger. The bill would clarify school and daycare vaccine language, make immunization registry participation voluntary, prevent local governments from preempting the Medical Freedom Act, and adjust employer-related travel vaccination provisions. Representative Egbert raised concerns about possible conflicts with state and federal medical-document requirements for employment, and Representative Furman said the statement of purpose was misleading. The committee voted to introduce RS 33132. The committee then took up several Department of Health and Welfare rule dockets. It approved a consolidated federal welfare programs chapter and repealed separate TANF and LIHEAP chapters as part of the consolidation. During discussion, members asked whether TANF had any vaccination-related requirements and about LIHEAP funding; the department said it was not aware of any TANF vaccination requirement and that LIHEAP is entirely federally funded at $22.6 million. The committee next handled Medicaid rule dockets tied to House Bill 345, which had removed several Medicaid rule sections from the administrative code with the expectation they would be repromulgated in a single chapter. The department said the updates were mostly consolidations and cleanup, including case management for certain HCBS waiver participants, removing an age-18 requirement for some personal care providers, aligning extraordinary care definitions with federal guidance, removing obsolete Healthy Connections language, and adding speech-language pathology assistants as providers. The committee extended a temporary Medicaid docket to July 1, 2026, approved the corresponding pending rule, and also approved the repeal of the Consumer Directed Services chapter. The meeting adjourned after all agenda items were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• If there are some discussions, we will not be voting on HB 248 today.
• Cox discussing the changes that have... ...Will Cox discussing the changes that have been provided to
• He will come up and give a discussion about... A discussion about HB 248.
• Something that needs to be discussed, I think that hasn't been discussed yet is this is a program that
• Federal officials and agencies have openly discussed geoengineering.

Bills: HB248, HB311

Keywords: weather modification, atmospheric pollution, chemical dispersion, environmental law, public health, improvement districts, assessment collection, property taxes, local governance, foreclosure procedures, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> should discuss at a separate time? Sure. should discuss at a separate time? Sure.
• </c> discussion. All those in favor say I. I. discussion. All those in favor say I. I.
• Further discussion. All those amended. Further discussion.
• So that's further discussion.
• discussion to happen?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a discussion? Committee, we have a motion to introduce RS 32873.
• So at the end of last year, ISP called me to discuss my security during the session.
• This is the RS that we discussed yesterday.
• Is there discussion on that motion or further questions?
• Is there discussion on that motion or further questions?

Summary: The committee heard several RS introductions and acted on each one. RS 32873, brought by Rep. Alfieri, would prohibit bulk purchasing of Idaho lottery tickets, which he said allows LLCs and corporations to corner top prizes and deprives Idahoans of winnings. He cited examples of out-of-state entities winning large prizes after buying tickets in Idaho and said the bill would let lottery law enforcement investigate and deny payment for coordinated purchases over $5,000 in 24 hours. The committee voted to introduce the RS. Rep. Redmond presented RS 32864, a DOPL cleanup measure that consolidates roughly 100 disciplinary provisions scattered across practice acts into one uniform procedure in Title 67. He said it was a procedural consolidation only and would not change substantive practice standards or grounds for discipline. The committee voted to introduce the RS. Rep. Church presented RS 33012, a resolution focused on political violence and legislative/public safety, describing personal concerns about security and urging support for civility and mutual respect in politics. Rep. Alfieri voiced strong support, and the committee voted to introduce the resolution. Rep. Mitchell then presented a revised RS 33016, explaining that references to planting trees in an endowment had been removed after concerns from the prior day; the committee voted to introduce it and send it to second reading. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further discussion? Not all those in favor say aye. Opposed, no. The motion fails.
• c><00:03:01.959><c> is</c><00:03:02.120><c> there</c><00:03:02.400><c> any</c><00:03:03.280><c> discussion
• </c><00:03:04.280><c> any</c> and seconded is there any discussion any and seconded is there any discussion
• </c> and seconded is there any discussion and seconded is there any discussion Senator<00:03:30.319><
• not all those in favor say discussion not all those in favor say I<00:03:57.400><c> oppose</c><00:03

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and and a discussion about them.
• </c><01:18:24.880><c> Without</c> discussion? Any objections? Without discussion? Any objections?
• </c><01:19:36.080><c> Without</c> discussion? Any objections? Without discussion? Any objections?
• </c><01:20:32.560><c> Without</c> discussion? Any objections? Without discussion? Any objections?
• Any discussion? Any amended report. Any discussion? Any objections?

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Reverend Dr. Patrick Claybourne of Bethl AM Church in Baltimore, introduced by the senator from the 40th district, who highlighted the church’s long history, community work, scholarships, food pantry, school partnerships, and a planned rise center. The Senate journalized the invocation and then recognized several guests, including the Bethesda Roosters U16 rugby team, which was congratulated for winning the Maryland state title and the 2025 National U16 Championship, and members of the Joint Veterans Committee of Maryland. The chamber also welcomed a Johns Hopkins Police Accountability Board appointment letter, which was referred to the Executive Nominations Committee, and later a delegation from the Ghana Parliament legislative staff visiting with the Department of Legislative Services and NCSL representatives. The main floor business centered on Senate Bill 1, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings. The minority whip argued against the bill, saying it was unenforceable, an improper use of legislative time amid other state crises, and could create a system where local officers detain federal officers for a civil violation; he also said officers mask themselves because of threats and doxxing. Senators in support argued the bill was needed to address masked ICE agents, protect public safety, and respond to concerns about civil rights abuses and intimidation. After debate and vote explanations from senators, including one emphasizing immigrant heritage and another supporting the bill as a protection measure, SB 1 passed with 31 affirmative votes. The Senate then passed Senate Bill 17, an emergency bill on alcoholic beverages related event promoters permits, by unanimous affirmative vote. It next took up Senate Bill 245, an emergency bill prohibiting immigration enforcement agreements. The minority leader questioned whether the bill would eliminate formalized 287(g) agreements and replace them with county-by-county policies, arguing that this could reduce uniformity, weaken safety, and create a patchwork of local practices. The bill’s sponsor responded that counties would still be bound by constitutional and legal limits, that the agreements provide minimal training and resources, and that the state should stop formally cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. The sponsor also said the bill would not increase profiling and that public safety would remain intact. The debate continued with concerns about Montgomery County’s evolving policy and the impact on smaller counties, but the transcript ends before final action on SB 245.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had bill we discussed on Tuesday.
• </c> discussion. Mhm. And this the last one. discussion. Mhm. And this the last one.
• </c><00:42:16.000><c> here</c> think we've seen some discussion here think we've seen some discussion
• was the the early discussion between, was the the early discussion between, uh,<00:45:44.160><c> uh,<
• </c> Well I think that's another discussion. Well I think that's another discussion.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, any discussion? 1st, 2015. Members, any discussion?
• discussion?
• Any discussion?
• Any discussion?
• Any discussion?

Bills: SB2699

Keywords: fare-free transit, youth transportation, environmental tax, transit equity, public transit, Hawaii, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee reconvened and first addressed SB 2699 on public transit/free transportation for young people. Members noted that the Committee on Transportation had already deferred the measure, and this committee said it would defer it as well before adjourning that brief reconvened session. The hearing then moved to SB 2373, which would establish a state goal to strengthen nature-based carbon emissions reduction solutions and authorize the Hawaii State Energy Office to develop methods to quantify carbon reductions from marine ecosystem restoration. The Energy Office said marine carbon sequestration was outside its expertise and asked to be removed from that portion of the bill, while DLNR and OPSD offered comments and said the work fit better with their areas, with DLNR saying it could take it on if properly resourced. Testimony included support from environmental groups, and committee discussion focused on which agency should lead and whether existing methodologies could be used. Next was SB 21001 on organic waste reduction and diversion. The Department of Health supported the intent but raised implementation concerns. Hawaii Farmers Union strongly supported the bill, arguing it would help build compost supply, improve soil health, and give counties time to develop infrastructure; they cited Vermont as a model and said the bill could extend landfill life and reduce methane. Members asked about the Vermont approach and the need for infrastructure before household-level diversion. The committee also heard SB 2905, which would increase the environmental response, energy, and food security tax and direct more revenue to the electric vehicle charging system subaccount. The Energy Office, PUC, and Tax Department offered comments; youth and clean transportation advocates strongly supported the bill as a way to expand charging access and meet EV adoption goals. A member questioned whether the proposed increase would outpace the state’s ability to deploy chargers, and PUC staff said the current annual appropriation is about $750,000 and that they could provide more data on an appropriate funding level. Additional measures were briefly taken up: SB 3231 on condominium maps and county zoning certification in A districts drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Hawaii Farm Bureau; SB 2486 on climate change drew comments from the Energy Office, Climate Commission, and OPSD, who said it duplicated existing climate planning and should include adaptation language; and SB 2376 on the renewable fuels production tax credit drew support from industry and agricultural groups, while the Energy Office and Tax Department raised concerns about the rollover provision and the scale of the credit. No final votes were recorded in the excerpt beyond the earlier deferral of SB 2699.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:04:00.879><c> once</c> um seeing no further discussion, once um seeing no further discussion
• anybody else has anything to discuss.
• Is there any further discussion?
• Is there any further discussion? discussion? discussion?
• Any other discussion?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Executive Departments and Administration Committee met in executive session on November 5, 2025, to consider House Bills 244, 610, and 727, and Senate Bills 94 and 193. On HB 244, which recodifies municipal enforcement of the building and fire code, the committee adopted amendment 2025-2952H by a 16-0 vote, then voted 16-0 to report the bill ought to pass as amended and placed it on the consent calendar. The discussion emphasized that the bill reorganizes building code statutes into a single chapter and was the product of substantial subcommittee work. On HB 610, concerning repeal of the Office of the Consumer Advocate, the committee adopted amendment 2025-3076H by a 16-0 vote. The amendment narrowed the office’s charge to residential utility customers, added duties for the Residential Ratepayer Advisory Board, allowed a two-thirds board recommendation to remove a consumer advocate for failing to perform duties, and broadened the qualifications pool for the position while retaining attorney eligibility. The current consumer advocate, Donald Crease, testified that he still preferred the existing statute but appreciated the committee’s effort to preserve a vigilant, independent ratepayer voice; members generally described the amendment as a more focused, less drastic approach. The committee then voted 16-0 to report HB 610 ought to pass as amended and placed it on consent. For HB 727, relating to the New Hampshire retirement system, the committee voted to inexpediently legislate by a 15-0 vote, with one member recused, explaining that the bill’s subject matter had already been addressed in House Bill 2 and signed by the governor. The bill was also placed on the consent calendar. On Senate Bill 94, prohibiting municipal amendments to the state building code, the committee heard extensive explanation from Mr. Sherman about a substitute amendment, 2025-2972H, which would preserve the prohibition on technical municipal amendments and avoid an unintended trigger that could reopen technical amendments across the code if the state falls behind on model code updates. The committee adopted the amendment 15-1 and then moved toward an ought to pass as amended recommendation; the transcript cuts off before the final disposition on SB 94 is fully completed. Senate Bill 193 was listed at the start of the meeting, but no discussion of it appears in the provided transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyway, &gt;&gt; further<00:10:14.240><c> discussion</c> &gt;&gt; further discussion &gt;&gt; further
• discussion seeing<00:10:16.640><c> none.
• Is there any further discussion? Is there any further discussion? All right.
• See no further discussion. &gt;&gt; All right. See no further discussion.
• </c> Do any further discussion? Do any further discussion? All<00:33:28.000><c> right.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What the minority leader is discussing is an important conversation.
• And that's a discussion for another day.
• And that's a discussion for another day.
• These discussions have been productive; they have been thoughtful.
• , and I look forward to that discussion.

Summary: The Senate resumed consideration of An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts and took up a series of amendments focused on farm taxation, land preservation, permitting, renewable energy, marketing, and labor standards. Amendment 5, offered by Senator Tarr, would allow local option tax exemptions for newly constructed farm buildings for up to five years; it was supported by Senator Comerford and adopted by a roll call vote of 38-0. Amendment 20, offered by Senator Mark, created a Massachusetts Food Tourism Task Force to improve marketing and promotion of agricultural goods, and it was also adopted. Several other Tarr amendments were debated but rejected, including proposals on APR criteria, a one-stop permitting and grants portal, foreign ownership tracking in the farmland registry, horse-riding instruction licensure, higher solar/agrovoltaics caps on farmland, farm stand waiver flexibility, notice before conversion of registered farmland, and a health and wellness amendment. A major point of debate was Amendment 41, offered by Senator Gomez, which sought to extend wage and hour protections to agricultural laborers, including raising the subminimum wage, adding overtime, paid breaks, and paid time off. Senator Gomez described the measure as a correction to racist historical exclusions, and Senator Eldridge and Senator Comerford spoke in support of stronger worker protections and continued negotiations. The sponsor ultimately withdrew the amendment, saying talks with stakeholders and Senate leadership would continue. The chamber also heard a brief recognition for youth mentoring guests and later adopted a study amendment from Senator Fattman directing an assessment of the need for a Central Massachusetts agricultural school; that amendment passed 37-0. After the agricultural bill was amended by the Senate Ways and Means amendment and ordered to a third reading, the Senate passed the bill, An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts (S. 3029), to be engrossed by a vote of 39-0. The Senate then adopted several committee extension orders, including extensions for the Revenue Committee and the Financial Services Committee, with some discussion about the number and scope of bills covered. The chamber also passed a local bill designating the U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville Veterans Memorial Overpass in Sandwich and another local alcohol licensing bill for Topsfield. The session ended with recognitions for community and youth groups, a motion to adjourn in memory of Mark K. Harris, and adjournment to the following day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• What the minority leader is discussing is an important conversation.
• And that's a discussion for another day.
• And that's a discussion for another day.
• And that's a discussion for another day.
• , and I look forward to that discussion.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got a lot of discussion today on a variety of issues.
• We've got a lot of discussion today on a variety of issues.
• All right, any other discussion? Any further discussion on the changes to the harassment policy?
• The one o'clock portion of our discussion today will be an executive session.
• Is there any further discussion? Hearing none, Emily: Senator Klein? Aye. Senator Beauchay?

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting minutes, and heard an update from Garty Consulting on the interim study of legislative term limits. The consultants outlined their research plan and preliminary themes, including loss of institutional knowledge, shifts in power toward executive agencies and lobbyists, reduced long-term policy capacity, faster leadership turnover, and recruitment/support challenges. They also described possible recommendation categories ranging from constitutional and statutory changes to procedural and cultural adjustments. Committee members asked about how other states repealed term limits, how the public survey would address perceptions of term limits, and how stakeholder focus groups would be selected. The committee also heard a presentation from NCSL on term limits in other states, including examples from Nevada, Montana, and Colorado, with discussion of training programs, staffing changes, annual-session debates, bill limits, and impacts on decorum and leadership continuity. Several members requested follow-up data on part-time versus full-time legislatures, taxpayer costs, and nonpartisan staff devoted to oversight. The committee then considered revisions to the legislature’s workplace harassment policy and related forms. Legislative Council explained changes that clarified the definition of harassment, added captions for readability, extended several deadlines, allowed informal resolution before a review panel is appointed, clarified the role of Legislative Council in intake and documentation, and updated confidentiality/open-records language. Members, especially Senator Hogan, said the revisions better formalize the role of counsel and provide a less intimidating path for resolving complaints. The committee adopted the revised policy and forms by roll call vote. Finally, the committee approved a motion to enter executive session at 1:00 p.m. to review the results of a capital threat assessment and discuss legislator security, citing the applicable open-meetings exemptions. Members were instructed to limit discussion to the stated purpose and not take final action until returning to open session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have put together a panel to discuss the status of advanced nuclear energy technologies.
• That was all before data center discussions going on in Florida.
• So that's part of the reason for the discussion.
• They're still discussion with both AP 1000 s ours in SCG has taken a position.
• In fact, one thing that was discussed for a storm, Ali, when you have a new technology, it starts out

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any further discussion? OPLC 2547. Seeing none, all those in favor say aye.
• So, given the oral amended conditional approval, is there any further discussion?
• </c><00:16:23.839><c> See,</c><00:16:24.160><c> I</c> there any further discussion?
• See, I there any further discussion?
• Um, any further discussion? Magguire. Um, any further discussion?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The JLCAR June meeting opened with the pledge, approval of the prior minutes, and adoption of the consent calendar after one Fish and Game item was pulled for separate consideration. The committee then reordered the regular calendar and postponed an HHS item at the agency’s request because work was still ongoing. The committee next considered OPLC item 2547, concerning amendments to licensure and discipline forms for regulated professions. Members raised concerns that the application was still too geared toward health professions and that renewal forms should be shorter, but the agency said it was moving toward a dynamic online form that would collapse irrelevant questions. The committee concluded the issue was more about agency operations than policy and adopted the rule. For DNCR item 2551, on rules for the Adopt-a-Park volunteer program, staff explained the agency had been operating the program under statute but had realized rules were required and had been using DOJ review in the meantime. Committee members noted the agency had not followed the rulemaking requirement but was now correcting it, and the rule was approved. Fish and Game item 2570, on electronic OHRV and snowmobile registration applications, drew discussion over whether the online process should be processed in five days to match mail-in applications or remain at ten days; the agency cited workload and file-transfer delays, and the committee adopted a conditional approval with an oral amendment leaving the ten-day timeframe in place for now. In other business, staff described a planned upgrade to the committee’s agency portal and database workflow, moving from email submissions to an online portal with better form validation and document upload features. Members supported the modernization and approved the manual change, with implementation expected after agency sign-up and training later in the summer.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any further discussion?
• I recognize the member from discussion?
• </c> discussing House File 2563. discussing House File 2563. this<00:04:26.479><c> bill</c><00:04:26.800
• Any further discussion? you, Mr. Chair. Any further discussion?
• There's no discussion or motion. Point of parliamentary inquiry.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It was also discussed online... ...bullying and the concern with that.
• **Chair Gomez**: Yeah, thanks for the discussion.
• Just two other issues to highlight that have been discussed: the equalization.
• Seeing none, we will move on to member discussion. I had Chair Swedzinski on the list.
• I appreciated listening to that discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and things that have been discussed. and things that have been discussed.
• There was further discussion.
• Any further discussion? &gt;&gt; Thank you. Any further discussion?
• Any<02:28:54.640><c> further</c><02:28:55.040><c> discussion?</c> Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion? &gt;&gt; Thank you. Any further discussion?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee began a work session on House Bill 1600, concerning access to the centralized voter registration database on election days. Secretary of State David Scanlan testified that the state already has a new statewide voter registration system connected to town clerks and supervisors of the checklist, and that the bill was probably unnecessary but acceptable if the legislature wanted it. He raised concern about language that could require direct electronic access in every polling place, noting that some polling locations lack reliable internet or cell service and that municipalities can change polling locations, which could make a rigid requirement expensive and impractical. Members discussed whether the bill should be clarified to allow direct or indirect access, including use of a phone-based workaround, and the secretary said that would address his concern. The committee then voted on HB 1600. Representative Maguire moved ought to pass with an amendment adding “direct or indirect access” on page one, line seven, and the motion was seconded. The amendment was adopted 9-0 by voice vote, and the committee then voted 9-0 to OTP the bill. The chair stated that HB 1600 would be placed on consent. The committee next took up House Bill 1197F FN, a technical correction to insurance laws. Members noted it had already passed the House with amendment and that the fiscal note was effectively indeterminate but would not affect the general fund because the insurance agency is self-funded. The committee voted 9-0 to OTP the bill; the chair said consent calendar placement would be decided by the full committee. Finally, the committee opened a work session on House Bill 11:30 FN regarding judicial performance evaluations. Representative Lynn, the bill’s sponsor, argued that the fiscal note overstated the immediate cost and said the judicial branch could likely manage through the current biennium while implementing the new system. He also supported making judges’ names public and said the bill’s anonymity provisions were aimed at protecting the identities of questionnaire respondents, not the judges being evaluated. Members asked about public disclosure, internal access to evaluation materials, and the removal of language allowing the governor and executive council to receive evaluations on request; discussion continued on those points, but no final vote on HB 11:30 FN was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any discussion?
• Is there any discussion?
• Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion?
• Any further discussion?

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Since then, we’re still discussing geothermal.
• The discussion and contract with HTDC is focused on an island.
• The discussion and contract with HTDC is focused on an island.
• Any discussion? Yes, can Rep.
• </c><01:22:42.440><c> discussion</c> can okay any other discussion discussion can okay any other discussion

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures on agriculture, energy, stadium governance, and hotel consumer protections. On SB 448 relating to agriculture, Agra Business Development Corporation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in support of a proposed conservation easement acquisition in Central Oahu; the chair asked follow-up questions about the exact location, cost, and agricultural potential of the land, and the witness said the parcel had good soil and water and was former pineapple land, with cost still to be provided. On SB 827 relating to meat processing, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said the state needs more meat-processing capacity and that any grant program should complement, not compete with, existing efforts; the Attorney General’s office warned the bill lacked legally sufficient standards for grants of public money under the state constitution and offered draft standards. Several industry and chamber witnesses supported the measure, while discussion focused on the need for brick-and-mortar or modular facilities, infrastructure costs, federal inspection needs, and access for hunters and neighbor islands. The committee then took up SB 1269 relating to geothermal resources, which drew broad support from county officials, energy consultants, utility representatives, and community advocates, with one witness opposing it. Supporters described geothermal as a viable, indigenous, firm baseload energy source that could help reduce Hawaii’s high electricity costs and support clean energy goals; one witness emphasized prior work in New Zealand and another urged the state to move forward with exploration. A DBEDT representative explained that the department is coordinating geothermal-related work with the Hawaii Technology Development Corp., the University of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Energy Office, noting a prior $3 million appropriation, phase-one community engagement work, and plans to seek a contractor for geoscience and exploration in phase two. Members pressed DBEDT to explain how this bill fits with other geothermal measures moving through different committees, and the chair asked the department to review SB 993 and better coordinate the package of geothermal bills. On SB 1337 relating to the Stadium Authority, the stadium manager testified in support of clarifying quorum rules, explaining that the authority currently has eight seated voting members out of nine possible voting seats and that the bill would help ensure voting members are counted for quorum; he said meetings have not been delayed. Finally, on SB 883 relating to hotels, the Attorney General’s office raised First Amendment and contract-law concerns and recommended adding a purpose statement and a non-impairment savings clause. Unite Here Local 5 and other supporters said guests should be notified of hotel service disruptions such as construction, closures, or labor disputes, while opponents questioned who would enforce the law, what penalties would apply, and whether the measure could require hotels to pay damages even without a complaint. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.