Transcript Highlights:

• to</c><02:02:05.440><c> try</c><02:02:05.679><c> to</c><02:02:05.920><c> avoid</c><02:02:06.400><c>
• </c><02:02:07.840><c> At</c><02:02:08.000><c> the</c><02:02:08.080><c> end</c><02:02:08.159><c> of</c
• :02:11.520><c> and</c><02:02:11.760><c> to</c><02:02:11.920><c> make</c><02:02:12.000><c> it</c><02:02
• a 30% cut<02:02:18.239><c> as</c><02:02:18.560><c> it</c><02:02:18.800><c> happens</c><02:02:19.599>
• from<02:02:28.719><c> the</c><02:02:29.280><c> 95</c><02:02:30.080><c> million</c><02:02:30.400><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was a House budget briefing focused on the overall state budget and the first of three divisions. The presenter reviewed the size and structure of the budget, noting that the state had eliminated the interest and dividends tax and still balanced the budget. He explained the major spending categories in the general fund and total budget, emphasizing that health and human services and education remain the largest areas, while transportation is largely self-funded. He also walked through the revenue picture, including business taxes, insurance taxes, court fees, communications taxes, and Medicaid recoveries, and said the remaining interest and dividends tax revenue reflected late payments from prior assessments. Members asked about the size of the tax cut from eliminating the interest and dividends tax, federal funding stability, and why Medicaid was being reduced if federal support was expected to remain steady. The response was that the lost revenue would have been about $200 million absent repeal, and that the budget gap was addressed through many small cuts across departments. On federal funds, the presenter said most aid is tied to multi-year grants and that core programs such as Medicare and Medicaid were expected to remain relatively stable, though some federal reductions could occur. He also said some agency reductions came from eliminating long-vacant, funded positions and from expected lapses. The discussion then moved into Division One, which covers smaller and miscellaneous agencies. The division made cuts to the governor’s office, eliminated a temporary position at the Governor’s Commission on Disability, reduced Department of Information Technology spending through a back-of-budget cut, and found savings in Administrative Services. It also delayed maintenance at the Sununu Youth Services Center, stopped advertising for paid family medical leave, changed retiree health insurance funding, and consolidated several personnel-related boards into one. The division eliminated the Commission on Aging and the Office of the Child Advocate, made a temporary special education advocate position permanent, reduced the Secretary of State’s budget, kept municipal rooms-and-meals distributions flat, and made changes to the retirement system, including $55 million to improve Group 2 retirement benefits and a new retirement structure for future state hires. The judicial branch was also asked to find savings and received two additional judges because of expected caseload increases from other eliminations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so when we have one overarching statute, at here is just the diversity of these groups.
• As brief background, the number of Superior Court judges in each county is set by statute.
• Or that the conviction was unconstitutional because the statute is unconstitutional.
• Parody Law in Minnesota, as well as elder community member Mr.
• Chongli... ...law in Minnesota, as well as the elder community member, Mr. Chongli, Scott Tao.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. On House Bill 2354, relating to common interest communities under WUCIOA, staff explained that the proposed substitute would exempt small middle-housing communities from most WUCIOA provisions, exempt certain middle-housing communities from reserve studies if wastewater-related reserve components are not needed, raise the audit threshold from $50,000 to $100,000 in annual assessments, and prevent governing documents from shifting maintenance costs for EV chargers and heat pumps away from the unit owner. Representative Reed and a Community Associations Institute witness supported the bill as a set of cleanup changes tailored to smaller communities, and there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee then heard House Bill 2412, which would add a ninth Superior Court judge in Yakima County. Representative Mendoza and Yakima County officials and judges testified that the county has had eight judges since 1998 despite major population growth, rising filings, and a backlog of more than 2,800 cases older than two years. They said the county can accommodate the new judge physically and has budgeted its share of the cost. The bill was supported as a way to reduce delays, protect speedy-trial rights, and improve access to justice, and the hearing was closed without opposition testimony. House Bill 2500, concerning transfers of beneficiary-designated property to charities, would require holders such as financial institutions or insurers to notify charitable beneficiaries within 10 days of the owner’s death, allow charities to submit an affidavit to claim the property, require transfer within 30 days, and bar holders from demanding personal information or requiring charities to open accounts or wait on other beneficiaries. Charitable organizations strongly supported the bill, describing long delays and invasive paperwork, while credit unions and bankers raised concerns about identity verification, fraud risk, and the 30-day deadline. The committee then heard House Bill 2595, which would extend the time limit for collateral attacks on criminal judgments from one year to three years and allow the Office of Public Defense to provide direct representation in those matters. Supporters, including incarcerated individuals, defense-related advocates, and the League of Women Voters, argued the current deadline is too short for pro se prisoners and juvenile offenders to discover and litigate claims; prosecutors and victim advocates opposed it, citing finality, workload, and harm to victims. Finally, House Bill 2597 would create a state civil cause of action for violations of federal constitutional rights during civil immigration enforcement, with damages, fees, and a three-year limitation period. The sponsor and supporters framed it as an accountability measure for constitutional violations, while law enforcement and other opponents warned about unclear definitions, immunity issues, and unintended consequences. The hearing on HB 2597 was concluded, and the committee noted an executive session on the bill would occur later.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:37.199><c> the</c><02:02:37.599><c> first</c><02:02:37.840><c> whole</c><02:02:38.080><c> reading
• amendment, the<02:02:39.199><c> first</c><02:02:39.440><c> committee,</c><02:02:39.840><c> the</c><02
• :02:47.599><c> the</c><02:02:47.840><c> ones</c><02:02:48.080><c> that</c><02:02:48.320><c> they</c><
• :02:50.159><c> um</c><02:02:51.119><c> uh</c><02:02:51.760><c> teaching</c><02:02:52.480><c> as</c><02
• <02:02:54.239><c> while</c><02:02:54.639><c> we</c><02:02:54.880><c> still</c><02:02:55.040><c> at</c

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<01:02:21.680><c> not</c><01:02:21.920><c> in</c><01:02:22.160><c> committee</c><01:02:22.480><c>
• did</c><01:02:22.720><c> I</c><01:02:22.880><c> hear,</c><01:02:23.040><c> but</c><01:02:23.359><c> I
• :02:28.640><c> a</c><01:02:28.880><c> survey</c><01:02:29.200><c> like</c><01:02:29.440><c> this,</c>
• </c><01:02:34.480><c> The</c><01:02:34.640><c> other</c><01:02:34.799><c> one</c><01:02:34.960><c> is
• The Senate will be<02:01:59.199><c> in</c><02:01:59.440><c> recess</c><02:02:00.000><c> until</c><02:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :07.119><c> of</c><01:02:07.280><c> course</c><01:02:07.440><c> we</c><01:02:07.599><c> do</c><01:02:
• </c><01:02:13.440><c> in</c><01:02:13.599><c> and</c><01:02:13.760><c> out</c><01:02:13.920><c> of</c
• <c> we</c><01:02:17.760><c> also</c><01:02:17.920><c> need</c><01:02:18.000><c> to</c><01:02:18.160><
• </c><01:02:22.160><c> We</c><01:02:22.319><c> don't</c><01:02:22.480><c> want</c><01:02:23.040><c> um
• :02:24.799><c> heard</c><01:02:25.040><c> from</c><01:02:25.119><c> the</c><01:02:25.280><c> from</c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The first meeting of the Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force focused on the task force’s mission and on recent Kentucky flooding disasters. The co-chairs described the need to better prepare for increasingly frequent and costly natural disasters, including flooding, tornadoes, wildfires, and ice storms, and emphasized coordination among local, state, federal, and interstate partners. The discussion also stressed the importance of budgeting for mitigation, infrastructure resilience, housing, insurance, and recovery planning, with several members sharing personal experiences with disaster impacts in their districts. Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson gave the main presentation, responding to questions about the February and April flooding events. He said the February event affected the entire state, with 11,825 individuals registering for assistance and 1,194 public-assistance projects written so far; he also reported 134 households still sheltered, 190 households moved to permanent housing, and three disaster recovery centers still open after a regional consolidation. For the April event, he said 37 counties had individual assistance, 83 counties were still pending public assistance, and no hazard mitigation had yet been declared; 5,893 people had registered for individual assistance, and 144 households were sheltered, with 83 families already moved to permanent solutions. He noted that counties without public assistance would have to cover expenses locally unless state or federal aid is approved. Gibson also outlined Kentucky Emergency Management’s tools and resources, including a 24/7 state operations center and warning point, embedded National Weather Service meteorologists, five regional warehouses stocked with water, MREs, blankets, and kits, a statewide web-based damage reporting system, laundry trailers, generators, a disaster needs hotline that has received 6,972 calls, and a mutual aid system used to deploy resources such as water tankers. He highlighted ongoing work on urban search and rescue, qualification systems for emergency operations personnel, and aerial documentation of storm damage. No votes or formal actions were taken at this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Should we uh memorialize<02:02:17.119><c> um</c><02:02:17.599><c> in</c><02:02:17.840><c> the</c><02:
• <02:02:23.679><c> I</c><02:02:23.920><c> mean,</c><02:02:24.159><c> I</c><02:02:24.400><c> think</c><
• <02:02:27.760><c> see</c><02:02:27.920><c> why</c><02:02:28.159><c> we</c><02:02:28.400><c> need</c><
• .<02:02:31.679><c> They</c><02:02:31.920><c> they</c><02:02:32.159><c> can</c><02:02:32.320><c> already
• /c><02:02:33.920><c> makes</c><02:02:34.159><c> no</c><02:02:34.320><c> sense</c><02:02:34.480><c> to

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a work session on HB 302, which would add precious metals and digital assets as potential investment options. State Treasurer Monica Misipelli said she took no position on the bill and did not see an immediate fiscal impact or operational problem, but explained that the state’s operating funds and rainy day fund require liquidity and stability, so they would not be suitable for volatile assets like precious metals or digital assets. She said the only funds that might potentially use such investments would be certain trust funds held in perpetuity, which are managed by an outside investment advisor under a contract and investment policy. Members asked about the treasurer’s current investment practices, including the types of funds managed, the role and discretion of the investment advisor, the state’s risk profile, and whether the bill would affect existing authority. Misipelli said the office follows RSA 11 and related statutes, with different objectives ranging from conservative to aggressive depending on the fund, and that the advisor meets with the office regularly, with formal performance reviews on a quarterly basis. She also said the office recently centralized management of about 40 trust accounts totaling roughly $60 million into five combined portfolios under a five-year contract with an RFP-selected vendor. When asked whether precious metals or digital assets are already indirectly available through mutual funds, she said that was possible for some mutual funds, but she was not certain about digital assets. Representative Ammon, the bill’s sponsor, said similar legislation had passed the Oklahoma House, the Texas House and Senate, and had advanced in Arizona. He argued the bill was intended to give the treasurer more tools to help balance portfolios and hedge inflation, noting concerns about federal debt and inflation. No vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair ended the questioning after thanking the treasurer and asking her to remain available in case further questions arose.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> HB2</c><02:02:25.199><c> that</c><02:02:26.400><c> is</c><02:02:26.639><c> not</c><02:02:26.880>
• <02:02:29.599><c> So,</c><02:02:29.840><c> is</c><02:02:30.080><c> there</c><02:02:30.239><c> even</c
• /c><02:02:40.960><c> it's</c><02:02:41.199><c> it's</c><02:02:41.520><c> really</c><02:02:41.679><c>
• I would<02:02:44.239><c> say</c><02:02:44.400><c> in</c><02:02:44.639><c> practice,</c><02:02:45.440>
• So,<02:02:57.520><c> I</c><02:02:57.840><c> would</c><02:02:57.920><c> argue</c><02:02:58.239><c> it<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened on February 13, 2026, with the chair outlining the committee’s advisory role and the possible motions available under House Rule 45. The committee then took up House Bill 1569, concerning the Philbrook Center/state hospital campus property, and heard extensive testimony from Commissioner Charlie Arlinghouse. He explained that the property is currently one parcel and state law prevents subdivision unless a separate Senate bill, identified as SB 572, is enacted to fix the legal issue. He said HB 2 directed the sale of the property but did not address subdivision or marketing details, and he characterized the $5 million revenue estimate as speculative. He also said the state would first offer the property to the city or county, which he viewed as the most practical buyer and potential partner for any subdivision work. Members asked whether the building should be retained for transitional housing or sold, what would happen after July 1, 2026, and whether other vacant state buildings could absorb the current occupants. Arlinghouse said there are no firm plans for the building if it is not sold, and that HHS would remain until a sale occurs. He described the building as not especially historic or attractive and noted plumbing issues, while also acknowledging HHS’s view that it could serve as transitional housing. He said there is no reserve stock of office space, that the state already rents substantial office space in Concord, and that some nearby state buildings are either under renovation or only partially usable. He also said the Executive Council would have to approve any sale and that moving costs are usually not budgeted in advance, leaving the using agency to absorb them. Several members raised concerns about relying on asset sales to balance the budget, citing past examples where projected real estate revenue did not materialize on schedule. Arlinghouse agreed that one-time revenue should generally be used for one-time expenses, but said the state sometimes has legitimate reasons to sell assets and that such decisions depend on the state’s needs. He estimated the state rents roughly 100,000 square feet of office space in Concord at about $25 per square foot, and said he would provide a more exact figure later. In response to a question about whether the state should include a right of first refusal if the property is later resold, he said that idea had not been considered but could make sense, especially if the buyer is the city or county. No votes were taken during this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The<00:02:22.800><c> clerk</c><00:02:23.080><c> will</c><00:02:23.200><c> call</c><00:02:23.480><c> the
• </c> There<00:02:26.720><c> being</c><00:02:27.000><c> 126</c><00:02:28.160><c> members</c><00:02:28.520
• present, the house<00:02:29.360><c> is</c><00:02:29.480><c> now</c><00:02:29.720><c> in</c><00:02:29.880
• The<00:02:36.880><c> clerk</c><00:02:37.160><c> will</c><00:02:37.240><c> read</c><00:02:37.400><c> the
• Recognizing<00:02:43.200><c> the</c><00:02:43.320><c> deputy</c><00:02:43.800><c> majority</c><00:02:

Keywords: House streaming session for Saturday, March 21, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's just about bringing clarity and consistency to our statutes while also keeping public safety
• The court noted that nothing in the SRA-related statutes or Washington statutes in general clearly establishes
• Much of the amendments could be included in current statute.
• Much of the amendments could be included in current statute with just minor word changes.
• , I served two terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives myself, from 1997 to 2001.

Bills: SB5962 , SB6105 , SB6203 , SB6296

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: spring blade knives, knife legislation, weapon regulation, public safety, law enforcement, medical debt, garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings exemption, exempt wages, debt collection, consumer debt, student loan debt, private student loans, disposable earnings, minimum wage, writ of garnishment, exemption claim, judgment debtor, creditor

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> sure</c><00:02:02.520><c> if</c><00:02:02.680><c> you</c><00:02:03.680><c> if</c><00:02:03.759><
• c> you</c><00:02:03.920><c> join</c><00:02:04.560><c> us</c><00:02:05.560><c> good</c> uh uh sure if
• :02:07.119><c> so</c><00:02:07.320><c> my</c><00:02:07.399><c> name</c><00:02:07.520><c> is</c><00:02
• ><c> in</c><00:02:11.599><c> support</c><00:02:11.920><c> of</c><00:02:12.040><c> it</c><00:02:12.840
• </c><00:02:15.800><c> happen</c><00:02:16.800><c> in</c><00:02:16.920><c> a</c><00:02:17.280><c> responsible

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most witnesses supporting bills aimed at expanding affordable housing tools and financing. SB 1169, creating a Community Land Trust Equity pilot program, drew support from HHFDC and Nahal UI, which said revolving funds would help community land trusts build permanently affordable housing more efficiently. SB 1200, establishing a workforce housing regulatory sandbox within HHFDC, also received support from HHFDC and others, though HHFDC noted concerns about whether the measure could be read to preempt county permitting and zoning powers. SB 511, which would require county legislative bodies rather than HHFDC to approve certain housing project exemptions, prompted HHFDC to suggest revised language and a possible processing deadline for applications; the discussion focused on avoiding indefinite delays and clarifying county and state roles. SB 1283, creating an emergency home loan assistance revolving fund, was introduced with comments from the Department of Budget and Finance and HHFDC. SB 612, on rent-to-build equity agreements for exempt housing projects, drew support and questions about how many affected projects are rentals versus for-sale units. SB 944, extending and expanding low-income housing tax credit provisions, received support from Sugar Creek Capital, Hawaii Housing, and the Chamber of Commerce, while the Tax Foundation raised a technical concern about inconsistent use of the term “taxpayer.” HPHA-supported bills SB 1413 and SB 1412 were also heard, along with SB 1632, which would direct DBEDT to develop a comprehensive action plan for a local housing market; testimony on that measure was strongly supportive but included calls to examine constitutional and legal issues and broader market-structure concerns. The committee also began discussion of SB 1033 and noted it was closely related to SB 1131, with the chair indicating an inclination to move only one of the two similar tax proposals forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> already in law in certain statutes already in law in certain statutes already.<00:31:34.320><c>
• :01.599><c> about</c><01:02:01.920><c> the</c><01:02:02.240><c> fact</c><01:02:02.400><c> that</c><01
• :02:02.640><c> the</c><01:02:02.880><c> DA</c> discussion about the fact that the DA discussion about
• the fact that the DA had<01:02:03.599><c> the</c><01:02:03.839><c> discretion</c><01:02:04.960><c> to
• </c><01:02:05.280><c> charge</c><01:02:05.680><c> him</c><01:02:05.839><c> or</c><01:02:06.400><c> not

Bills: SB255 , SB199 , SB47 , HB605 , HB216 , HB621 , HB148 , HB389 , HB509 , HB248 , SB255 , SB199 , SB47 , HB605 , HB216 , HB621 , HB148 , HB389 , HB509 , HB248 , SB336 , SB293 , SB43 , HB420 , HB60 , HB188 , HB106 , HB105 , HB11 , SB336 , SB293 , SB43 , HB420 , HB60 , HB188 , HB106 , HB105 , HB11

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: SB255, cannabinoid, hemp, hemp-derived THC, THCa, delta-8 THC, HHC, CBD, THC, novel cannabinoid products, hemp products, intoxicating hemp, delta-8, retail license, Department of Revenue, Department of Agriculture and Industries, testing and labeling, third-party laboratory, product safety, public health

Transcript Highlights:

• They've been aligned better with the regulations and the statute.
• Is that a county-by-county thing, or is that a state statute? I don't know, Madam Howard.
• I don't know if that's in statute or not.
• So Chairman Hauke and Representative's Court, so that's a Minnesota issue.
• Representative Nehring, navigable waters is defined by statute. And I can...

Summary: The committee opened its third interim meeting with roll call, approved the November 13, 2025 minutes, and the chair reviewed prior committee work, including a denied request for a fertilizer-capacity study and a planned later discussion of the Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger issue. Commissioner Doug Goring then presented Department of Agriculture updates on uncrewed aerial systems grants to detect noxious weeds, the state’s irrigation potential, the low-carbon fuels program for ethanol plants, the Environmental Impact Mitigation Fund, model zoning ordinances for animal feeding operations, and fertilizer production and supply in North Dakota. Members asked about funding sources, fertilizer storage and availability, natural gas and water needs for future fertilizer plants, and how the model zoning website would help counties and townships apply setback and odor tools. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Water Resources’ economic analysis tool for water conveyance and flood-related projects. Dr. Dwayne Poole explained that the department is proposing changes to better account for end-of-useful-life conditions and updated hydrologic data, while still limiting the model to direct, demonstrable costs and benefits. He said the goal is to make the analysis more realistic and consistent without changing statute, and he provided examples of how project benefits could change as drains age or as rainfall and flood data evolve. Committee members and water-user representatives generally supported continued work on the proposal, while raising concerns about downstream impacts, closed-basin projects, and whether the changes would meaningfully affect project approvals. The committee then heard from John Paskowski, state engineer, on Devil’s Lake, the West End and East End outlets, and the Tolna Coulee control structure. He reviewed lake history, outlet capacities, sulfate and downstream flow limits, and explained that the control structure is intended to prevent a catastrophic uncontrolled release by slowing erosion and head cutting. Members asked about water quality trends, the length of the downstream flow constraint, and whether the Tolna Coulee area had been studied for possible natural overflow or silt buildup. The discussion emphasized ongoing flooding concerns, mitigation for affected landowners, and the need to balance outlet operations with downstream water quality and infrastructure protection.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:03.680><c> This</c><01:02:03.839><c> bill</c><01:02:04.079><c> is</c><01:02:04.240><c> needed
• H3RC<01:02:11.920><c> has</c><01:02:12.319><c> APRNs</c><01:02:13.119><c> on</c><01:02:13.359><c> staff
• </c><01:02:13.760><c> in</c><01:02:13.920><c> our</c><01:02:14.079><c> Kaka</c><01:02:14.480><c> Aako
• ><c> who</c><01:02:15.599><c> serve</c><01:02:15.920><c> members</c><01:02:16.319><c> of</c><01:02:16.559
• </c><01:02:38.319><c> See,</c><01:02:38.559><c> I</c><01:02:38.799><c> believe</c><01:02:39.040><c> on

Bills: SB2211 , SB2025 , SB2038 , SB2050 , SB2051 , SB2090

Committee: House Health

Keywords: emergency funding, food assistance, healthcare, federal shutdown, Hawaii, DHS, jury duty, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, exemption, patient care, financial hardship, medication abortion, anonymous prescription, pregnancy rights, healthcare privacy, pharmacy regulations, chiropractic education, clinical training, student supervision

Summary: The House Committee on Health held its first hearing of the session and opened with housekeeping notes, introductions of members, and an explanation that the agenda would be taken out of order to accommodate a sign language interpreter. The committee first heard HB 469, relating to parking for disabled persons. Testimony from the Disability and Communications Access Board and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill, explaining that a travel placard would help people with disabilities who must travel interisland or to the mainland for medical care. Members asked about emergency travel, misuse prevention, and how to distinguish the travel placard from existing disabled parking placards; witnesses said the bill would need to be tied to administrative rules, and agreed the placard should clearly show an expiration date and likely be a different color. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 218, relating to hospital surgical smoke. The Department of Health supported the measure, and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii supported it with amendments, saying hospitals already follow existing standards but that any new policy should account for different procedures and provider safety. A committee member questioned the proposed amendment language and whether it was too flexible; the witness explained the intent was to allow case-by-case application because some procedures generate only brief exposure. Members also asked what surgical smoke is, and the witness explained it is produced when electrical or cauterizing tools are used on tissue and creates vapor or fumes. The bill remained under discussion with no final action reported. The committee next took up HB 814, which would fund a public information campaign and related services on cannabis use among youth. The Department of the Attorney General said the bill should be amended to clarify whether the funding would be used for contracts or grants and to include proper grant standards if grants are intended. The Department of Health supported the bill and said the funds would expand prevention, treatment, recovery, and public education efforts, including social media outreach, PSAs, and school-based youth services. Multiple organizations and individuals testified in support, emphasizing the harms of youth cannabis use and the need for prevention and treatment resources. Members asked what the department currently does, whether it is fulfilling existing law on science-based cannabis information, and what kinds of treatment would be provided; the department said services would mainly be intensive outpatient, outpatient, counseling, and related youth-focused supports. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:32.119><c> it</c><02:02:32.280><c> says</c><02:02:32.639><c> providing</c><02:02:33.079><c> leadership
• why why are<02:02:38.440><c> you</c><02:02:38.639><c> striking</c><02:02:39.159><c> out</c> are you
• :02:44.599><c> it</c><02:02:45.199><c> make</c><02:02:45.440><c> it</c><02:02:45.560><c> doesn't</c>
• it</c><02:02:46.320><c> sound</c><02:02:46.719><c> like</c><02:02:46.960><c> there</c><02:02:47.079>
• c> so</c><02:02:54.400><c> just</c><02:02:54.599><c> for</c> Simplicity<02:02:59.960><c> any</c><02:03

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education to require objective, science-based evidence for pedagogical methods. The prime sponsor said the bill is a verbatim reintroduction from the prior session and argued that current federal definitions are too vague, allowing subjective surveys and other weak evidence to justify teaching methods. He said the bill is limited to pedagogy, not subject matter, and is intended to improve student outcomes, reduce fad-driven practices, and potentially save money by limiting unnecessary retraining and new materials. Members asked repeatedly about the bill’s scope, including whether it would affect classroom teachers, curriculum content, and existing instructional approaches such as phonics versus whole language or queuing. The sponsor said the bill applies to state and local education bodies and educator training policies, not individual teachers in their classrooms, and that teachers would retain flexibility. He also said standardized testing could be part of a scientific study but is not itself a study, and that textbook providers could be asked to furnish the studies supporting instructional guidance included in their materials. Several members raised concerns about the fiscal note and possible cost shifts to local districts and taxpayers. The sponsor disputed the idea that the bill would necessarily create major new costs or require additional staff, saying any costs would likely be limited and that the department is already applying federal evidence-based rules. He also said if some current methods are not science-based, updating them would be justified even if there were some initial expense. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would<06:02:04.000><c> like</c><06:02:04.160><c> to</c><06:02:04.240><c> do</c><06:02:04.320><c> it
• c><06:02:08.718><c> get</c><06:02:08.878><c> the</c><06:02:09.120><c> standards</c><06:02:09.600><c>
• ><c> I</c><06:02:12.718><c> ask</c><06:02:13.120><c> is</c><06:02:13.600><c> uh</c><06:02:14.080><c>
• </c><06:02:17.760><c> and</c><06:02:18.320><c> uh</c><06:02:18.878><c> it</c><06:02:19.040><c> caught
• a lot<06:02:19.440><c> of</c><06:02:19.520><c> people</c><06:02:19.680><c> off</c><06:02:19.920><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Careless<02:06:50.159><c> yet</c><02:06:50.400><c> held</c><02:06:50.719><c> in</c><02:06:50.960><c>
• With<02:06:56.800><c> your</c><02:06:57.119><c> eyes</c><02:06:57.440><c> may</c><02:06:57.679><c> we
• </c><02:07:00.239><c> With</c><02:07:00.480><c> your</c><02:07:00.719><c> words</c><02:07:01.119><c>
• 02:07:02.159><c> grace</c><02:07:02.400><c> you</c><02:07:02.639><c> have</c><02:07:02.800><c> given<
• > And</c><02:07:04.159><c> in</c><02:07:04.400><c> your</c><02:07:04.639><c> spirit</c><02:07:05.040>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:00.880><c> a</c><00:02:01.039><c> different</c><00:02:01.360><c> defective</c><00:02:01.880><c> date
• :02:07.719><c> chair</c><00:02:07.960><c> roads</c><00:02:08.280><c> for</c><00:02:08.399><c> the</c>
• chair<00:02:08.959><c> votes</c><00:02:09.360><c> I</c><00:02:10.360><c> uh</c><00:02:11.200><c> on</
• > elant</c><00:02:16.040><c> votes</c><00:02:16.360><c> I</c><00:02:16.920><c> chair</c><00:02:17.519
• 00:02:33.879><c> I</c><00:02:34.360><c> thank</c><00:02:34.519><c> you</c><00:02:34.720><c> Vice</c><

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate committee hearing considered HB 472 HD1 on digital identification and HB 1097 HD1 on public housing evictions, followed by HB 1325 HD3 on housing redevelopment and tenant relocation rights. HB 472 would require digital IDs to be accepted under certain conditions and allow law enforcement to use them as proof of identity; the committee heard limited testimony, then adopted a recommendation to pass with amendments, including changing “shall” to “may” and adding effective and defective dates. HB 1097 would shorten the storage period for unclaimed personal effects after a public housing eviction; the Hawaii Public Housing Authority supported the bill, while some members raised concerns about the impact on displaced families. The committee moved the bill forward with discussion of the agency’s eviction process, waitlist size, and the need to free units sooner for other applicants. HB 1325 HD3 drew extensive testimony and discussion. The bill would require developers of certain HHFDC affordable housing projects to provide displaced tenants with a right of first refusal for a comparable unit or relocation assistance, along with information, tracking, and enforcement provisions. HHFDC supported the measure but suggested amendments to require both relocation assistance and a right of first refusal, without requiring the same rent as the prior unit. Legal aid, housing advocates, community organizations, and many tenants testified in strong support, emphasizing displacement during public housing redevelopment, inadequate communication, accessibility problems, and the need for enforceable rights to return. Several tenants described confusing notices, unsuitable replacement units, and hardship for elders, disabled residents, and children. The discussion also highlighted concerns about developer compliance and the need for state-level enforcement. No final vote on HB 1325 was shown in the transcript excerpt, but the hearing included substantial questioning of the housing authority and testimony from affected residents. The committee also discussed the broader redevelopment context, including large-scale public housing demolition and replacement plans, and the potential consequences for families if relocation and return rights are not clearly enforced.

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:02:06.119><c> I</c><01:02:06.240><c> think</c><01:02:06.480><c> that</c><01:02:06.640><c> they're<
• think the<01:02:10.520><c> stadium</c><01:02:10.920><c> Authority</c><01:02:11.599><c> has</c><01:02
• ><c> and</c><01:02:18.359><c> our</c><01:02:18.599><c> focus</c><01:02:18.880><c> is</c><01:02:19.000
• c> who's</c><01:02:20.760><c> the</c><01:02:20.960><c> dog</c><01:02:21.279><c> and</c><01:02:21.440>
• ><01:02:22.960><c> that</c><01:02:23.119><c> has</c><01:02:23.240><c> to</c><01:02:23.799><c> has</c>

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees considered a large number of Senate bills, with many measures advanced either unamended or with technical or substantive amendments. Early action included SB 88 and SB 11 SD1, both passed unamended, and SB 562 SD1 and SB 642 SD1, which were passed with amendments reflecting agency testimony. SB 1133 SD1 was amended to remove duplicative county requirements and clarify tax credit carry-forward eligibility, while SB 1569 SD1 on sports wagering was deferred. Later, SB 933 on nonprofit/federal funding support drew strong testimony from nonprofit and health advocates emphasizing the risk of federal funding freezes and the importance of protecting services such as early learning, domestic violence support, housing, and workforce supports; the committee recommended amendments to define eligible organizations, require reporting, and include the Judiciary. SB 934 and SB 935 were also amended, with SB 934 tying mass transit funding to Honolulu project milestones and SB 935 revising retirement-system language to change “fewer than five years” to “five or more years.” The committees then took up additional measures with targeted amendments. SB 1033 was amended to clarify that the bill applies to legal entities, not individuals, though members noted concerns about closely held family corporations and asked that the issue be reflected in the committee report. SB 1166, SB 1249, and SB 1256 were advanced with amendments or committee-report notes reflecting concerns from the Attorney General, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and Hawaii Farmers Union United, respectively. SB 1432 and SB 137, both relating to electric utilities, were amended to require retention of covered employees after mergers or acquisitions and to direct the PUC to consider whether proposed transactions further state policy goals. SB 157 on antitrust was narrowed to focus on coordinator conduct in rental housing markets, SB 252 on invasive species received a defective effective date, and SB 336 on defense of state employers and employees passed unamended. SB 536 on the Hawaii Community Development Authority was deferred to a later hearing, and SB 1064 on medical cannabis was heavily amended to authorize cultivator licenses with limits on canopy size, license counts, physician fees, and a special-fund appropriation for enforcement. In the Ways and Means portion, the committee passed several bills unamended, including SB 19, SB 124, SB 264, SB 345, SB 422, and SB 741 and SB 747 later in the agenda. SB 361 was amended to remove references to the attorney general and delete an appropriation section, SB 438 was amended to redefine buffer zones and landfill-unit language, and SB 441 and SB 494 were amended to blank appropriations and, in SB 494, assign charter-school audit responsibility to the state auditor. SB 659 was substantially amended to promote local procurement, including county-level geographic preferences and higher thresholds for locally sourced purchases, and SB 732 was amended to adjust film tax credit provisions, including the streaming-platform definition and sunset-related language. SB 819 was amended to replace references to “educators” with “teachers.” Throughout, most measures were adopted without recorded opposition, though several members noted reservations on particular bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 202 updates uh the current statute Alabama code 13327 the current statute Alabama code 13327 the current
• The current statute has not been updated current statute has not been updated current statute has not
• Uh this bill would also align the state statutes with would also align the state statutes with would
• I wasn't worried about the other provisions of this statute. I am other provisions of this statute.
• In Minnesota, the annual cost of sexual Minnesota, the annual cost of sexual Minnesota, the annual cost

Bills: HB265 , HB146 , SB254 , HB202 , HB3 , HB42 , SB18

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: resisting arrest, penalties, criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, youthful offender, capital murder, victims' rights, SB254, Alabama, statute of limitations, civil procedure, civil action, sex offense, sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, survivor rights, tolling, disability, minor plaintiff

Transcript Highlights:

• Even blue states like Minnesota, Wisconsin...
• Is there a place in statute where it says we cannot carry in the Capitol?
• , which at this time is not clearly defined in statute.
• I don't think the timelines are in the statute.
• I don't think the timelines are in the statute.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a wide range of bills covering property, criminal justice, public safety, courts, insurance, housing, and family law. Early measures included HB 4343, which would let district courts set appraiser fees in condemnation cases at levels more comparable to private appraisers, and HB 4125, restoring firearm rights to certain nonviolent felons after meeting requirements. The committee also approved HB 4126 on liability protections for dirt bike tracks, HB 3471 expanding information protections for ongoing investigations by OBN, ABLE, and the Corporation Commission, and HB 3407 clarifying the process for abandoned manufactured homes on private property. Several bills were advanced on recorded votes, generally with strong support, including HB 2933, an omnibus insurance consumer protection bill, and HB 3453, which shifts the burden of proof in eminent domain cases to the condemning authority after amendment. A major point of debate was HB 3094, which would allow SDA license holders to carry firearms in the Capitol. Representative Jenkins argued the bill would align Oklahoma with other states and protect constituents who must leave firearms in vehicles; Department of Public Safety Director Tipton opposed it, citing safety, threat-assessment, and manpower concerns. Committee members questioned the bill’s practical effects, including screening, tracking, and whether the Capitol is truly a gun-free zone. The motion to advance HB 3094 failed on a 4-5 vote. The committee also rejected HB 3727, which would impose a four-year waiting period before former legislators could register as lobbyists, after members raised constitutional and free-speech concerns and the sponsor defended it as a revolving-door restriction. Other notable measures included HB 3845, restoring a driver’s license revocation tool for chronic child-support delinquency; HB 1453, barring foreign entities and individuals tied to designated countries from owning Oklahoma real property or agricultural land and requiring divestment; HB 387, extending garnishment timelines to 30 days; HB 2941, creating overdose reporting and fentanyl-related death presumptions; HB 2959, tightening mandatory child-abuse reporting from schools to law enforcement; and HB 2945, creating a civil qui tam action against trafficking in abortion-inducing drugs, which drew extensive questions about standing, privacy, enforcement, and intent but ultimately failed 3-5. The committee also advanced bills on child custody interview standards, workplace violence protective orders, utility debt collection through tax refunds, eviction mediation to stabilize housing for children, AI chatbot protections for children, supported decision-making for adults with disabilities, commercial receiverships, charitable reporting protections, notice publication errors for municipalities, uniform wage garnishment procedures, and ending cost arrest warrants for unpaid court fines and fees. Most bills were reported out by recorded vote, often with sponsors noting they would continue working on language with stakeholders.