Transcript Highlights:

• It also ensures that all parties agree to a bond before a bond is reinstated.
• It streamlines bond discharge when a court revokes pretrial release.
• Is there any prohibition if they were to do some zoning? I don't know whether the zoning issue...
• To do some zoning. I don't know whether the zoning issue is a question here.
• I don't know whether the zoning issue is a question here.

Transcript Highlights:

• The investors in those bonds are willing to accept a lower yield on those bonds as they don't have to
• , 163 different bond issues that we've made, um.
• portion of the mortgage revenue bonds for the single family.
• I've heard a lot of you speaking about zoning.
• It's the zoning, and we've got to find a solution for the zoning.

Committee: House Mortgage Finance Authority Act Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• When you use something that's in a criminal enterprise, which this is driving... ...when you use something
• that's in a criminal enterprise, which this is driving illegally or with a forged document for a CDL
• And it added in a regional bond authority and it increased local fiscal flexibility, and also that A
• regional bond authority, and it increased local fiscal flexibility, and it also then delayed a portion

Transcript Highlights:

• He said everything is on budget and on time, and that the veterans are currently housed at the Enterprise
• basically for the JROTC program, it would allow these kids not to be confined within necessarily a school zone
• basically for the JROTC program, it would allow these kids not to be confined within necessarily a school zone
• Basically, for the JROTC program, it would allow these kids not to be confined within necessarily a school zone

Bills: HB33 , HB35 , HB274 , HB56 , HB287 , SB229 , SB201 , SB216 , HB33 , HB35 , HB274 , HB56 , HB287 , SB229 , SB201 , SB216

Committee: Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Communities and municipalities, they can still zone and make all of that very clear.
• So this would take that zoning responsibility away from the local government.
• They can still zone, whether it's residential or commercial, et cetera.
• , and not all bonds are on that schedule, they have to pay for a special election.
• Bonding is in June, correct? Or as soon as we finish our session?

Summary: The committee first heard House Memorial 54, which would create a stakeholder working group to study utility-service problems in manufactured and mobile home parks and recommend solutions. The sponsor described repeated water and utility outages in large parks, said current law places maintenance responsibility on park owners, and argued that the state needs clearer standards and alternatives to costly attorney general lawsuits. Supporters from PNM and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty backed the memorial as a step toward better oversight and protections for residents. The committee asked about existing landlord obligations and whether rent withholding is available; the sponsor said current law does not clearly provide that remedy. HM 54 was reported out with a due pass. The committee then considered House Bill 166, which would create a statewide permitting framework for battery-charged electric fences used by commercial businesses while preserving local zoning authority. The sponsor and an industry witness said businesses face inconsistent local permitting, delays, and added costs, and that the bill would provide uniform standards and security options. Several members raised concerns that the bill appeared to favor a specific product type, could override local code differences, and might not address mixed-use areas, historic districts, or homeowners associations. After debate, the bill passed on a 4-3 vote, with one member explaining support but urging further work with local government experts before floor consideration. House Bill 20, a bipartisan measure, would allow Native American applicants to request a voluntary Native American designation on state driver’s licenses and ID cards, without naming a specific tribe, and with documentation requirements tied to tribal cards, certificates of Indian blood, or affidavits of birth. Supporters said it would recognize tribal political status, help with law enforcement and Turquoise Alert verification, and assist with education, health, and child welfare matters; tribal representatives and State Police testified in favor. Several members expressed concern about racial profiling, privacy, and possible unintended consequences of marking IDs, while others noted the designation is optional and tied to political status rather than race. Members also flagged drafting language that appeared to require multiple documents, and the sponsor agreed to clarify it. The bill ultimately passed, with some members explaining their votes and asking for continued discussion with tribes. The committee also approved Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would amend the state constitution to allow school bond and mill levy questions to appear on the general election ballot rather than being limited to separate school elections. Sponsors said the change would reduce special-election costs, increase turnout, and remove outdated language dating to 1910; school board and education groups supported it. Members asked about ballot crowding and local election timing, and sponsors emphasized that the measure gives school districts a choice rather than a mandate. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 295, which would create an Office of Accessibility to centralize reporting, provide technical assistance, and produce annual reports on accessibility of state buildings and websites. Disability advocates largely supported the bill as a way to improve compliance and consistency, while one webcast commenter opposed it, arguing that without enforcement authority it would not produce meaningful change. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 295, before final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bond award, please. Well, thank you all for being here. Very grateful to you. Thank you so much.
• Hunt, IKEA, Warner Enterprises, and many more.
• Our members know what it takes to drive safely in heavy traffic, in construction zones, bad weather,
• school zones, and next to commercial vehicles at highway speeds.
• I think if those stakes were raised and they were held accountable, and they were told that that bond

Summary: The committee met to hear interim charges on rail grade crossing safety, autonomous vehicle deployment, and commercial driver’s license oversight. After opening remarks from the chair and members, the committee first focused on rail grade separations under SB 1555, with TxDOT and the Texas Railroad Association testifying that the new state grant program was implemented quickly, drew far more applications than available funding, and helped Texas leverage state dollars into major federal awards. TxDOT said the first round funded five projects, with additional federal matching funds helping support a total project portfolio worth more than $1 billion, including the Sergio Ivan Rodriguez Memorial Bridge in Houston. Witnesses emphasized that grade separations improve safety and mobility, and committee members discussed alternative mitigation tools such as siding relocation, digital routing/notification systems, and better public education about emergency notification signs at crossings. Public testimony on rail grade separations largely supported continuing and expanding the program. Representatives from regional business and transportation groups in Houston-area communities said blocked crossings harm safety, freight movement, emergency access, and economic activity, and urged the Legislature to extend SB 1555 and keep state funding in place so Texas can continue competing for federal grants. One witness argued that railroads should bear more of the cost because the projects primarily benefit rail companies, while others stressed that the state should continue using public-private partnerships and federal matching opportunities. Committee members asked about project selection criteria, how success should be measured over time, and whether railroads contribute financially; TxDOT said future success would be measured by projects moving to construction and by reductions in crashes and fatalities at treated crossings. The committee then turned to autonomous vehicles and heard from Texas DMV officials on implementation of SB 2807. DMV explained that Level 4 and Level 5 automated vehicles transporting people or goods for a commercial enterprise must obtain a state authorization, in addition to normal title, registration, insurance, and other requirements. The agency described its rulemaking timeline, the online application and verification system, coordination with DPS on first-responder interaction plans, and the current status of authorized companies operating in Texas. A companion enforcement presentation showed how law enforcement and the public can search AV authorizations and file complaints through the DMV’s truck stop database. The hearing continued into questions about the regulatory framework and complaint process, with the committee emphasizing that safety remains the central concern as the technology expands.

Transcript Highlights:

• elections, and how those bonds are used once approved by voters.
• proposals, as well as the projected and actual tax impact of these bonds. a full accounting of how bond
• So it wouldn't reflect going forward if they passed a new bond.
• Know all of this information before they enter into a bond election, and then after that bond has been
• . ...and zones and tax abatements for Port Freeport.

Bills: HB 103 , HB 1256 , HB1587 , HB1632 , HB2027 , HB2525 , HJR88 , HJR138 , HB103

Committee: House Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, and this budget also has a deficiency in the enterprise fund, is that correct?
• Right now, they're updating their land use and zoning to be the most liberal pro-housing zoning we have
• It has low-density zoning frameworks.
• Houston does not have Zoning regulation.
• I know that we are looking at the zoning.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• about proxy voting and how it has come to disrupt a number of issues related to business and free enterprise
• Amendment number two reduces the school proximity zone from the area within 1,000 feet of a school property
• changes the requirement for setbacks of newly constructed wireless towers within a school proximity zone
• conditional use permit for construction of a new freestanding wireless tower in a school proximity zone
• I do appreciate that this bill creates the school proximity zone while still not prohibiting cell towers

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 750 by Rep. Cox, the “Click to Cancel Act,” regulating automatic renewal contracts. After adopting technical and substantive amendments, members discussed easier cancellation methods, reduced notice requirements, shorter record-retention periods, a 30-day cure period, small-business exemptions, and limiting damages to actual damages. The bill drew support from consumer advocates and opposition cards from industry groups, and it was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 259 by Rep. DeWitt addressed damage to underground infrastructure during BEAD-funded broadband excavation projects, requiring notice before digging and making contractors repair or pay for damage before final payment is released. An amendment added pre-construction coordination, a point of contact, and fault-based liability language. Members discussed rural utility damage, broadband buildout, and the need to protect small water systems; the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 220 by Rep. Schlegel, which requires covered platforms to maintain an easy-to-use reporting mechanism for child sexual abuse material and exploitation. After technical and clarifying amendments, the sponsor and members discussed scope, nonprofit and small-business exclusions, AG enforcement discretion, and concerns about clear-and-conspicuous placement. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Next, HB 830 by Rep. Wright required proxy advisors to disclose when anti-management recommendations are not based on written financial analysis and to provide that analysis when it exists. After amendments excluding certain affiliates and 501(c)(3) charities, the sponsor and a witness argued the bill was about transparency and fiduciary duty, while LASERS testified in opposition, saying the measure could make proxy advice unavailable and create a hardship for its internally managed portfolio. The bill was nonetheless reported favorably as amended. The committee also advanced HB 463 by Rep. McMakin, which raises the maximum local 9-1-1 service charge from $1.25 to $2.00, with an amendment requiring annual reporting and local governing authority approval; testimony explained the funding need for Next Generation 9-1-1, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee began HB 536 by Rep. Coates on wireless communication facilities near schools. After adopting technical and then lengthy substantive amendments narrowing the school proximity zone, adjusting setbacks, adding co-location and permit timing provisions, and clarifying uniform application, members raised concerns about whether the bill duplicated existing safety standards, could delay deployment, and whether it would apply only to new towers. The sponsor and a parent witness emphasized school safety and emergency planning, but discussion remained ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was some language in there, reference to the urban enterprise... Appealed that.
• There was some language in there, reference to the urban enterprise zones, associations of water management

Transcript Highlights:

• How about, um, let's go to the school bonding, HB 4033.
• Madam Chair and members, House Bill 4033 expands the information that a school district bond election
• But we were told that even after the bond passes...
• The only thing I will say is they are supposed to tell the voters what they're bonding for.
• While transparency is important, districts already provide significant public information about bond

Bills: HB2040 , HB2142 , HB2255 , HB2379 , HB2482 , HB2575 , HB2600 , HB2764 , HB4033 , HCR2015

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• The main thing with public prompt pay is that it has them beholden to a bond.
• So because bonded projects are on the public prompt pay, private projects are not bonded.
• The bonding capacity, I wouldn't want to, all these other states that you're looking at this to model
• after, I wouldn't want to put an undue burden on smaller contractors to have to start posting bonds
• Our main concern is that these are privately negotiated contracts on commercial enterprises.

Committee: House Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Amber or yellow lights typically is connected to a construction zone, right? Slow down.
• Amber or yellow lights typically is connected to a construction zone, right? Slow down.
• Amber or yellow lights typically is connected to a construction zone, right? Slow down.
• Amber or yellow lights typically is connected to a construction zone, right? Slow down.
• Oil and gas bonding House Bill five.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Committee on Ways and Means: To whom was referred the bill providing for the terms of certain bonds
• Third reading of the bill: An act providing for the terms of certain bonds for transportation purposes
• Let me tell you why these bonding authorizations matter.
• In towns to amend local zoning code to permit commercial conversion as of right on every commercially
• We also include a piece on mayoral zoning to allow a mayor in a city to initiate zoning proposals to

Summary: The House adopted a resolution congratulating Fire Chief Timothy Clancy on his retirement from the Whitman Fire Department after suspending the rules. It also concurred with a Senate petition authorizing MassDOT to take easements over certain land in Woburn and Burlington, and then gave final passage to several local bills, including measures on culverts and dams, alcohol licenses in Milford, Salem, and Bridgewater, and firefighter civil service eligibility in Arlington. The chamber then took up several bills on second reading and third reading, including a Norton land parcel bill, a Watertown property tax classification bill for fiscal year 2027 and subsequent years, and a transportation bond bill. In each case, the House suspended Rule 7A, adopted the Ways and Means amendments, and ordered the bills to a third reading or passed them to be engrossed. The transportation bond bill was substituted for a broader bonds bill and advanced as amended. The main debate centered on House 5562, the economic development bond bill. Representative Viola described it as a $425.1 million package supporting applied AI and quantum, defense, robotics, ag tech, downtown revitalization, housing, higher education bridge funding, and business climate changes such as lower LLC fees, a CPA licensing pathway, nurse licensing changes, film tax credit adjustments, internship incentives, and food truck inspection reforms. Representative Haggerty and Representative Kazner spoke in support, emphasizing housing production, site plan review, land use board training, commercial conversion, faith-based housing, and local control. The House adopted Consolidated Amendment A by roll call 142-5, with a second consolidated amendment then made available; the bill remained under consideration at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee of conference report on House Bill 155 FN, reducing the rate of business enterprise tax
• </c> reduction in our business enterprise reduction in our business enterprise tax.<01:16:37.360><c>
• The business enterprise tax acts as a reduction of your business profits tax.
• [laughter] >> I don't want you. >> And do in the same time zone as Nashville. All right.
• zone as Nashville.<05:10:52.878><c> All</c><05:10:52.958><c> right.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also ensures that all parties agree to a bond before a bond is reinstated.
• Is there any prohibition if they were to do some zoning? I don't know whether the zoning issue...
• Is there any prohibition if they were to do some zoning? I don't know whether the zoning issue...
• To do some zoning. I don't know whether the zoning issue is a question here.
• To do some zoning. I don't know whether the zoning issue is a question here.

Transcript Highlights:

• One good way of doing that is enhancing the Enterprise Zone Program, and there are a number of really
• Zone Program, whereas right now, and for decades, those folks have had to sell at least 50.1% of their
• That is enhancing the Enterprise Zone Program, and there are a number of really great ways that this
• Fully engage in the Enterprise Zone Program, whereas right now, and for decades, those folks have had
• For SB 125, the chair's recommendation is to add to the list for enterprise zones businesses that include

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. On SB 9, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation testified in support, and there were no questions or objections. On SB 148, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs offered comments, and a member of the public testified in support of combining boxing and MMA oversight into a single combat sports commission, with amendments to preserve safety standards and separate or distinct treatment for the two sports. Committee discussion focused on whether proposed requirements were primarily safety-related or cost-related, how to handle smaller events, and whether a one-year implementation delay was necessary; the department said many safety provisions already exist in the MMA program, that it was open to continued discussion on costs, and that it needed time to combine rules and appoint new commissioners. The chair suggested possible amendments to account for event size and to reduce burdens on smaller events. The committee then heard SB 816, which drew extensive testimony on providing legal representation for immigrants in immigration proceedings. Supporters included the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, ACU Hawaii, the Refugee and Immigration Law Clinic, the Legal Clinic, Hawaii Friends of Civil Rights, the Hawaiʻi Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Pride at Work Hawaii, and others. Supporters argued that immigration cases can be as serious as criminal cases, that counsel is essential for due process, and that representation improves outcomes; several also emphasized the economic importance of immigrants to Hawaii. One supporter noted a suggested amendment to include training for attorneys and partners doing deportation defense and asylum work. Opposition came from a Navy veteran who argued the bill would use state resources for a federal issue, create inequities, and impose fiscal burdens. The chair noted 69 testimonies in support and 44 in opposition, and later an additional supporter brought the total to 70 in support. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided. The committee also heard SB 125, with the Department of Economic Development, the Agreed Business Development Corporation, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association in support, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii offering technical comments about complicated nested definitions in the bill. Testimony on SB 125 focused on updating the Enterprise Zone Program so local manufacturers selling directly to retail could qualify, along with value-added products and certain health-related sectors. Finally, on SB 732, the State of Hawaii Creative Industries testified with comments, raising concerns about county permit-fee waivers, implementation timing, and the bill’s lack of a carry-forward provision for the film tax credit. The witness said uncertainty in the credit was already causing productions to delay coming to Hawaii and urged stability to support the industry and local workers. The committee then moved on to additional testimony on the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• A bill to be entitled, an act relating to bail bonds.
• It also ensures that all parties agree to a bond before a bond is reinstated.
• It streamlines bond discharge when a court revokes pre-trial release.
• Is there any prohibition if they were to do some zoning? I don't know whether the zoning issue...
• “To do some zoning. I don't know whether the zoning issue is a question here.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, several introductions, and an announcement that there would be no conference that weekend. The chamber then took up a long special order calendar and passed a series of bills, often by substituting House companions. Early measures included trust law modernization to create a nonjudicial trustee discharge process, military affairs changes expanding leave and retirement-related provisions, a bill to prepare for the end of penny use by standardizing cash rounding, and a podiatric medicine bill regulating cellular or tissue-based products and informed consent. The Senate also approved veterans court expansion, RV park assessment clarification, alcohol-loss tax deduction authority, bail bond and pretrial release revisions, and a military-installation jurisdiction bill to allow juvenile cases on bases to be handled in state juvenile court under certain conditions. Most bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously, with the bail bond bill passing 36-1 after questions about charitable bail bonds and confirmation that existing law on return of charitable bail funds would remain unchanged. The chamber then paused for a lengthy farewell presentation honoring Senator Lori Berman, featuring a video, remarks from many senators, and Berman’s own closing speech reflecting on her 16 years of service, her legislative priorities, and her call for civility, bipartisanship, and continued support for issues such as school safety, Israel, anti-Semitism, and affordability. After the tribute, the Senate resumed and passed additional bills, including one expanding insurance coverage definitions for portable electronics and eyewear, a workforce and nursing education funding bill broadening support for health science programs, a recovery residences regulatory streamlining bill, a felony battery enhancement bill adding resisting an officer with violence as a qualifying prior offense, and a child welfare bill extending visitor thresholds in out-of-home placements, making the Step Into Success program permanent, and creating a best-practices program. The chamber also advanced a candidate qualification bill tightening party-affiliation requirements and adding a House provision on recent legal name changes; debate began on that measure as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:06:45.280><c> payment</c> property tax levy for the bond payment property tax levy for the bond
• The to the bond repayment limited.
• It is operated as an enterprise fund.
• We is operated as an enterprise fund.
• And you talked about it as an enterprise, like a money-making enterprise, I suppose, for the county.

Bills: HF4094 , HF3390 , HF3813 , HF3583 , HF3751 , HF4324 , HF4789 , HF3596 , HF4033 , HF4424 , HF4053

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• Household egg production was common across America until relatively recent zoning changes in the mid-
• Local governments retain zoning authority, health and safety enforcement, and nuisance enforcement.
• in Section 4 could be sold in our quiet residential areas, turning them into more of a business enterprise

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs