Transcript Highlights:

• I live in Las Vegas, but my district...
• We went from a vacancy rate of 20% when I first arrived to 14%.
• I spent three days there; it was my first time in Artesia.
• I just want to first mention that. On that note, Mr.
• Again, I recognize that, well, first off, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first presentation and only today.
• first. That was a really long question. first. That was a really long question.
• <00:35:31.760> time downstate New York City, the first time downstate New York City, the first
• Um so I think the first questions.
• Comparing Hawaii to Las Vegas, and I can tell you my dad will go to Las Vegas every chance he has, which

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, at the top of the list, is the funding for the health care delivery fund.
• Is this the first time we've done that? And have we had council services?
• Madam Chair, Representative Dow, first, so this can start right away.
• They're in Portales, Las Cruces, and Albuquerque. They have a reach all over.
• This was the first year, so we'll ask them to go through the process.

Transcript Highlights:

• And when this project first started, one of the first things they did was to conduct an assessment of
• <00:59:36.720> saturation uh like the LA saturation uh like the LA saturation program,<00:
• this was our first round of the DEMAPs. this was our first round of the DEMAPs.
• the uh the LA Rams pays for too. So, the uh the LA Rams pays for too.
• So 500 total for outside all LA Rams stuff. LA and how much have we spent so far for all...

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint House Committee on Tourism and Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism held an informational briefing on the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s interim action plans, current projects, contract updates, destination management action plans, and state auditor findings. Interim CEO Caroline Anderson described her role as temporary and said she was focused on identifying problems, gathering information, communicating with stakeholders, and implementing solutions. She said HTA is now operating as a typical state agency subject to state controls, but noted that HTA’s work often involves nontraditional programs that can create process errors. She also said she had directed staff to review the auditor’s findings on the destination management action plan process and that the review was posted publicly. A major topic was the search for a permanent CEO and the agency’s restructuring under SB 1571. HTA board chair Tata Po said he hoped to select a CEO within about four months, with three to six finalists expected in roughly two to two-and-a-half months, and said the job description would largely remain the same except for compensation and reporting changes under the new law. Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism representatives explained that HTA’s board is now advisory and does not approve the budget, while DBEDT retains budget authority. They also said HTA is working with the governor’s office and DBEDT on contract and budget transitions, including a possible shift to a calendar-year process so grantees and contractors have more certainty. Members pressed HTA on staffing, oversight, and accountability, especially around the destination stewardship team and the CNHA/Kilohana and HVCB contracts. HTA said the destination stewardship team supports destination management and product development, including workforce development, sports, and implementation of destination management action plans, and that staff provide direction to contractors rather than simply handing work over to them. Anderson said the stewardship team had 11 people and that the destination management side covered about 15 contracts, while the branding side had three managers overseeing nine contracts. She said the agency had 47 contracts overall and that the major contracts included CNHA/Kilohana and HVCB. Several members criticized HTA’s management history, questioned staffing qualifications and compensation, and expressed concern that the agency had lost public trust. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is starting on line seven, section two.
• Harrington yeah a couple of things first Harrington yeah a couple of things first I<01:19:10.639
• <04:11:51.399> relle<04:11:52.279> yes representative La relle yes representative La
• Representative La Relle: No. Representative Fose: No. Chair: Yes.
• Representative La Relle: No. Representative Fos: No.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the last year, we created tens of Thousands of Arizona first.
• When we put Arizona first, we show the political class in Washington, D.C., how to get things done.
• La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin is here today.
• And they want the same for La Paz.
• I will keep putting Arizona first and fight for the water we are owed.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The transcript is the opening joint session of the Arizona Legislature’s 57th Second Regular Session, featuring remarks from House and Senate leaders and Governor Katie Hobbs. House and Senate leaders emphasized a conservative governing agenda focused on affordability, public safety, parental rights, accountability, school choice, election integrity, and water policy, while also highlighting plans for tax cuts and cooperation across chambers. Governor Hobbs centered her address on the “Arizona promise,” stressing affordability, security, and freedom. She highlighted prior actions on job growth, medical debt relief, housing, public safety, border security, water management, and economic development, and announced new proposals including a middle-class tax cut package, a capacity and efficiency initiative to save state funds, a new active management area for La Paz County, a Colorado River Protection Fund, elimination of the data center tax exemption, a housing acceleration fund, and an Arizona Affordability Fund funded in part by a short-term rental fee. She also called for more accountability in the ESA program and for renewing Prop. 123 to support public schools. The governor and legislative leaders also addressed political violence, honoring retiring Senator Lela Alston and recognizing public safety and firefighting personnel. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken in the session; it concluded with the joint session being dissolved after the governor’s remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Representative Art de la Cruz. I represent District 12.
• First of all, I failed to recognize my team.
• Las Cruces is our biggest city.
• We don't make very much in Las Cruces.
• Chair, my very first groundbreaking as a freshman.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our first action is to approve the minutes.
• It looks like there's an error on the first page.
• On page five, you heard at the Las Vegas meeting from Dr.
• The one project in Bernalillo County was First Choice. Okay.
• So, that was the first time. It's been a couple of years.

Transcript Highlights:

• But as a mother, my concern comes first. And Big Pharma's...
• First, I want to make a shout-out to the city of Roswell.
• Las Cruces, this month, will have air races on Saturday the 25th.
• I was the first Hispanic ever elected out of Lee County.
• I told him when I first got here, I think we had a 5% divide my first year.

Transcript Highlights:

• received them from the first committee.
• Uh, the first testifying in support is on Zoom. No, sorry.
• LA fires. They postfire disaster study. LA fires.
• Up first, we have DLNR testifying in support.
• Up first we have DLNR Up first we have DLNR testifying<00:41:23.920> in<00:41:24.160>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education met on February 13 and heard several bills, with most testimony focused on House Bill 2340, an emergency appropriation for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui wildfire exposure study and Maui Health Registry. Supporters described the program as a critical, community-based response to the Maui fires that provides health screenings, mental health support, referrals, and workforce training. Testifiers said the study has identified serious health issues, including respiratory problems, heavy metal exposure, high blood pressure, diabetes, and anemia, and several emphasized that the program has saved lives and should be expanded to reach more children and underserved residents. Committee members also noted broad written support from medical, public health, and community organizations. The committee then heard House Bill 65, HD1, on human and community resilience, which would fund development of a Human and Community Resilience Institute. The dean testifying for the University of Hawaii said the institute would take a data-driven, community-based approach to food and nutritional security, especially given Hawaii’s high food insecurity rate and the loss of SNAP-related positions. House Bill 6005, also on the agenda, drew testimony in support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and others, though the transcript excerpt does not include the bill’s full description. The committee also heard House Bill 1605, HD1, expanding the Hawaii National Guard state tuition assistance program to graduate degrees; the Department of Defense, Hawaii Army National Guard, and University of Hawaii supported it, and members clarified that it is a state program separate from the federal GI Bill, though it may sometimes be combined depending on eligibility. Later, the committee heard House Bill 1967, HD1, on permitting workforce development, which would implement recommendations of the speed task force by creating a permitting workforce pipeline with community colleges and coordinating with state and county permitting agencies. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the University of Hawaii supported the measure. House Bill 2139, HD1, on invasive species, would fund research on treatment methods for the Queensland Longhorn Beetle; DLNR, the Farm Bureau, CGAPS, University of Hawaii at Hilo researchers, farmers, and others supported it, citing damage to native trees, culturally important plants, and crops such as cacao, and noting promising early results from nematode biocontrol trials. The final bill heard was House Bill 2383, HD1, establishing a statewide workforce PELL grant framework for short-term training programs; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the Workforce Development Council, and the University of Hawaii testified, and a committee discussion followed about how responsibilities would be divided among DIR, WDC, and the governor’s certification role. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is my first year in the Senate, and I'm looking forward to the service.
• The first report is not due until July 1, 2026.
• The first thing I will do is go to the audience for a show of hands.
• First, I have Travis Kellerman.
• First, climate action must happen now.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is first important to understand Long-term care financing crisis, and it is first important to understand
• First, I'd like to highlight the...
• First, to your first two questions, what are the outcomes of the state's expansion of CDSS housing and
• First, I just want to highlight that, as we've discussed in this first panel and throughout this hearing
• First, this is a frightening time for older adults, people with disabilities, First, this is a frightening

Summary: The joint Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused first on long-term services and supports for older adults, especially the “forgotten/overlooked middle” who earn too much for Medi-Cal but cannot afford private long-term care. Administration witnesses from DHCS, the Department of Aging, and Social Services described Medicare’s limited long-term care coverage, Medi-Cal’s role, the elimination of the Medi-Cal asset test, and ongoing state studies and listening sessions on financing options. Testimony from advocates and researchers emphasized rising homelessness among older adults, the need for better navigation and coordination across health, aging, housing, and social service systems, and short-term policy steps such as share-of-cost reform, housing stability supports, and protecting home- and community-based services. Members highlighted the need for a coordinated, no-wrong-door approach and asked for the most impactful budget investments to address affordability and homelessness risk. The second major topic was the Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) program. CDA reported that CBAS helps participants remain in the community, that 304 centers operate statewide serving about 42,000 people, and that demand is stable but access gaps remain in some regions. DHCS explained that a 2024 rate increase authorized by SB 159 became inoperative after Proposition 35, and that a separate 10% rate change on the fee schedule was the result of a DHCS system error; the department said it would not require recoupment, though managed care plans may act under their contracts. CBAS providers and advocates warned that reimbursement rates have not kept pace with costs, that several centers have closed, and that clawbacks could trigger more closures. They requested $74.8 million ongoing General Fund to close part of the rate gap and preserve the program, while members expressed concern about closures and the cost savings of keeping people out of more expensive institutional care. The hearing then moved to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and statewide collective bargaining. CDSS reviewed provider recruitment and retention efforts, including electronic timesheets, direct deposit, and the now-completed IHSS Career Pathways program, which trained more than 59,000 providers. CDSS also summarized its AB 102 workgroup report on statewide versus regional bargaining, saying the final report would be sent to the Legislature soon and that statewide bargaining appeared more viable than regional bargaining, though it would require clear statutory scope and major fiscal changes. The department estimated that each $1 per hour statewide wage increase would cost at least $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion annually. Labor advocates argued that IHSS wages, benefits, and training are too inconsistent across counties and called for statewide bargaining, consumer participation, and ongoing state funding. County representatives supported stronger wages but cautioned that counties need protection from new costs and administrative burdens, and consumer advocates warned that moving bargaining to the state could weaken local consumer control and the program’s consumer-driven structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, let's do that first. Let's talk. I think we need to.
• So that's my first problem with it. And then, how...
• I'm going to ask my first question regarding appropriations to this.
• in Las Cruces.
• Thank you, Chair De La Cruz.

Transcript Highlights:

• from that first cohort have already found jobs.
• That is first quantum technician boot camp with Sandia and CNM.
• from that first cohort have already found jobs.
• Hi, I'm Mark Graves from Las Cruces, New Mexico.
• That's okay, the first part.

Bills: SB48, HB250, SB17

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, technology, innovation, advisory board, entrepreneurial support, stakeholder representation

Transcript Highlights:

• First, the tunnel.
• Overflow down on the first floor. Yeah. I think we'll share this mic, whoever goes first.
• That was my first job out of college.
• The first one is to stand up the Salton Sea Conservancy.
• Hi, Wendy Mitchell on behalf of LA Metro.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You can read the first committee report, please. Mr.
• Senator Trujillo, first of all, thank you for your work on this bill.
• She's a BAMD student from Las Cruces High School.
• If you bond the first $40 million, you'll have $40 million in cash.
• That we use federal money first. And we'll use federal money first.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To the delinquent PIT taxpayer, we would first extinguish any other PIT or GRT liability.
• And I said, well, first there was a beauty contest. And it goes downhill from there.
• So are you first runner-up? Representative Henry. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• I represent District 54, that's Eddy Chavez and Otero County, Artesia, some of Carlsbad, Tularosa, La
• I also represent about half of the city of Las Cruces, the west side and south side of Las Cruces, and

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So with that, we'll proceed to the first panel.
• This aligns with budget proposals from President Trump's first term.
• This aligns with budget proposals from President Trump's first term.
• agencies that first took it on right away.
• Medi-Cal, Medicaid, has a work requirement for the first time ever, right?

Summary: The Senate and Assembly Human Services Committees held a special oversight hearing on California’s 2026-27 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) state plan, a federal anti-poverty funding stream. Committee members opened by citing statewide poverty and homelessness data and said the hearing was meant to review how CSBG dollars are used, how local agencies respond to community needs, and how the state is preparing for possible federal funding cuts. Jason Wimbley of the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) explained that California’s CSBG network works through 60 organizations in 58 counties, serving about 1.5 million low-income Californians in 2023, and that the state received $68.4 million in federal CSBG funds in fiscal year 2025. He described the program as flexible funding used for housing, employment, education, food, health, transportation, and emergency response, and noted that the federal administration had proposed eliminating CSBG, though the Senate Appropriations Committee had voted to fully fund it for the coming year. Representatives from the California Community Action Partnership Association and several CSBG-funded agencies described how the program supports local anti-poverty work and leverages other funding. CalCAPA emphasized local flexibility, workforce development, partnerships, and data systems such as ROMA, while also warning that agencies are preparing for possible reductions by tightening budgets, planning staffing contingencies, and seeking private foundation support. Agency witnesses from Contra Costa County, Northern California Indian Development Council, Proteus, and Sacred Heart Community Service described services including housing assistance, food distribution, utility help, employment training, youth programs, and culturally specific services for Native communities and migrant farmworkers. They repeatedly said CSBG is essential because it funds staffing and infrastructure that allow them to braid other grants and serve people who do not qualify for standard safety-net programs. Members also asked about the impact of federal staffing changes and the Los Angeles fires. Wimbley said federal layoffs had affected some CSD programs but not CSBG administration, and that the department coordinated disaster response with state agencies and used CSBG-funded supply distribution, food, water, clothing, and documentation support during the fires. Witnesses said they were preparing for possible future cuts by diversifying funding, reducing expenses, and considering service changes, while county officials warned that state and federal reductions could not be backfilled locally. During public comment, one speaker urged stronger oversight of community action agencies and raised concerns about transparency and compliance with state law. The chair then thanked the witnesses, emphasized the importance of CSBG for low-income seniors, youth, and people with disabilities, and adjourned the hearing without any votes or formal action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Kusch, >> Miss La Chica, >> Mr. Lee, >> Miss Lowen, >> Miss Marten, >> Mr.
• This your guys' first time, too."
• <00:22:35.679> This "Oh, this is my first time here.
• This "Oh, this is my first time here.
• And you your guys' first time, too."

Bills: HB2391, HB2294, HB2374, HB1997, HB2147, HB2185, HB1641, HB2195, HB2023, HB2031, HB2033, HB1937, HB2586, HB2575, HB2030, HB2115, HB2233, HB1801, HB1546, HB2132, HB2102, HB2356, HB2457, HB2292, HB2554, HB676, HB1528, HB2061, HB2094, HB2095, HB2181, HB2369, HB2578, HB2493, HB1642, HB1991, HB1652, HB2104, HB2593, HB1553, HB1823, HB1918, HB1860, HB2604, HB2605, HB2001, HB2437, HB1947, HB2384, HB2473, HB2140, HB1458, HB2603, HB2411, HB1611, HB2138, HB2141, HB2284, HB1568, HB1924, HB1928, HB2570

Keywords: tax holiday, school supplies, general excise tax, Hawaii, consumer savings, education, land transfer, public schools, Department of Education, property conveyance, Act 307, Kauai, Maui, shade trees, fruit trees, educational program, climate change, tree canopy, environmental education, native plants

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, first up on the test of fire list we Um, first up on the test of fire list we have<00:02:33.440><
• I'm the first name is Haley Chang.
• Next up, Hunter first cooperative development gathering first cooperative development gathering with<
• So, up first on SB 2807 is DLNR.
• Um, first up, Senate Bill 2716.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2693 relating to capital improvement projects for aerospace infrastructure. Members had no questions, and the recommendation to pass the bill with a defective date of July 1, 2050 was adopted unanimously. The committee then deferred decision making on Senate Bill 26980 relating to transportation and Senate Bill 2374 relating to the blue economy until Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Room 229, pending additional information. In the joint hearing on Senate Bill 2816 relating to state enterprise zones, agencies and organizations including DBEDT, HTDC, Taxation, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Oceanit, the Hawaii Medical Association, and the Queen’s Health System testified in support or submitted written comments. One public testifier urged expanding enterprise zones around the Kakaako/Cancer Center area and combining them with the foreign trade zone to reduce taxes and attract business. A senator questioned whether the enterprise zone program had ever been comprehensively evaluated, noting DBEDT said it had not done a full study in recent years and cited annual report figures including about $221 million in company revenues and $460,000 in foregone state revenue in 2022. The discussion focused on whether the bill would subsidize existing activity or support new economic development, and on the broader policy question of whether enterprise zones should be used to revitalize depressed areas or to target strategic sectors like health care technology. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2900 relating to sports officials. The Department of Education supported the measure, saying the Attorney General is best positioned to represent employees in temporary restraining order matters and that elevating intentional bodily injury of a sports official to a class B felony would improve safety. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it would escalate conduct already covered by existing assault statutes and go beyond other protected classes. The Department of the Attorney General recommended narrowing the bill by inserting “substantial” before bodily injury in the criminal section and deleting a section that would make the AG’s office act like plaintiff’s counsel in civil matters, suggesting instead that departments adopt policies to help employees obtain TROs without creating an open-ended civil representation role. Several sports and school-related organizations testified in support, and members discussed whether the bill should be narrowed or coordinated with other measures before further action.