Transcript Highlights:

• Just request that an absentee ballot be sent to an alternate mailing address.
• To request an absentee ballot, you must already be registered to vote.
• I mean, your current budget certainly... I'll ask the question. Sorry.
• certainly I'll ask your current budget certainly I'll ask the<00:35:32.160><c> question.
• <c> have</c><00:35:36.480><c> enough</c> Does your current budget have enough Does your current budget

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we are going to be under budget pressure, so I would just digress.
• This is not the budgeting process.
• And we had that in the budget at one point last session.
• Before budget, I think there's some couple meetings before and after that as well, the budget section
• Before budget, I think there's some couple meetings before and after that as well, the budget section

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, Department of Budget and Finance. Is B&F here or online? Shame.
• </c><00:33:43.679><c> and</c> up we have Department of budget and up we have Department of budget and
• </c><00:34:32.679><c> the</c> obstructions the board requested the obstructions the board requested the
• So, yes, there are one and actually this bill was requested by the counties.
• 00.960><c> and</c> codify the special Fund in budget and codify the special Fund in budget and finance's

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on January 29, 2025, and heard testimony on HB 108, which concerns intoxicating liquor and would expand direct-to-consumer shipping for beer and spirits. Supporters included representatives of Koloa Rum Company, Maui Brewing Company, and Ola Brew, who argued the bill would modernize alcohol laws, help small local producers compete, support jobs and local agriculture, and give consumers more access to Hawaii-made products. They also said Hawaii already has experience regulating direct wine shipments, with age verification and carrier-based delivery systems in place, and that direct shipping could help businesses reach visitors after they return home and diversify beyond tourism. Opposition came from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, whose representative said the bill could increase access for underage drinking, especially because liquor commissions do not currently conduct compliance checks on alcohol shipments and may lack capacity to do so. The group also raised tax-enforcement concerns, saying the existing three-tier system makes excise and sales tax collection easier, while direct shipping would require additional auditing. They urged the committee to oppose the bill or defer it until more research is done, and suggested a common carrier reporting requirement to help reconcile shipments. Committee members questioned both sides about whether current law already allows some alcohol shipments, whether a Kentucky distiller could ship directly to Hawaii, and how reciprocity with other states would work. Supporters said the bill is modeled on wine-shipping language and could be amended to clarify reciprocity, while opponents said the bill lacks a common carrier reporting requirement and would place a burden on county liquor commissions. No vote or final action on HB 108 was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, by request of the sponsor, House Bill 1040 has been requested to be removed from the consent calendar
• Uh, by request of the sponsor, House Bill 1040 has been requested to be removed from the consent calendar
• Uh on request Colorado and the nation.
• I request yet another moment of personal privilege. Granted.
• I request &gt;&gt; Thank you, Madame President.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:36:36.359><c> at</c><00:36:36.520><c> no</c> request to request and receive at no request to
• Who requested the roll call? Representative G... requests a roll call.
• This process will increase administrative costs in processing requests, budgeting, and anticipating the
• ><c> the</c> requests budgeting and anticipating the requests budgeting and anticipating the amount<02
• deny the request.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If they don't, then it comes out of their budget.
• It's not shrinking their budgets.
• It's a lot of budgets.
• I mean, we run such tight budgets in our school districts. We run tight budgets.
• We come here to pass budgets. That's what we do.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 10 and 11, 2026. It then heard House Bill 634 from Representative Kyle Harris, which would require funds appropriated for specific education purposes to be used only for those purposes, with any misused money to be repaid or offset. Harris argued the bill was about legislative control and accountability over taxpayer dollars, while several members questioned whether it would limit local flexibility, especially for charter schools and districts facing changing needs. Testifiers from the Idaho Association of School Administrators and the Idaho Charter School Network opposed the bill, saying it would reduce local discretion, complicate budgeting, and undermine charter school flexibility and accountability structures already in place. Some members supported the bill as a way to prevent money from being shifted away from intended uses, while others argued existing audits and local school boards already provide oversight. After debate, the committee first voted on a substitute motion to send HB 634 to the floor with a due pass recommendation; that motion failed. The committee then voted to hold HB 634 in committee, and that motion passed 10-3. Representative Harris and Representative Monica Church then presented a related RS, which Church said would improve transparency by tightening how instructional and administrative staff are defined so teacher salary increases are not diverted to non-classroom roles. After brief discussion, Representative Pickett moved to introduce RS 33152C1, and the committee approved the motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2786 is supplemental funding for the Department of Mental Health to close out their 2025 budget
• that question because a lot of times, like with the bill just previous, supplementals are usually requested
• We will now adjourn Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget. Thank you, members.
• We will now adjourn Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget.

Bills: HB2786, HB2787, HB2786, HB2787

Keywords: mental health, substance abuse, appropriation, state funding, emergency declaration, healthcare, State Department of Health, childbirth program, emergency funding, 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• legislation was passed into law that exempts occupational license holders from public information requests
• Representative Robson of Noble requested that we add the language that is in many bills that provides
• And you kind of wonder how that's possible, based on the... ...request.
• the Legislative Budget Board, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• We don't have an across-the-board pay raise in this budget cycle.

Bills: HB111

Summary: The committee heard a long series of House bills, with most measures laid out by Senate sponsors and then left pending after brief public testimony. Early bills focused on construction and licensing issues, including HB 305 on prompt payment for public construction audits, HB 5093 on restoring public access to notary contact information, HB 2037 on updating landlord-tenant repair and security deposit rules, HB 4214 on a centralized public information request contact database, and HB 5435 exempting higher education institutions from a 90-day notice requirement for certain public-private partnership projects. Testimony was generally supportive on these bills, and no votes were taken; each was left pending. The committee also considered several transparency and regulatory bills. HB 111 would expand the Public Information Act to certain nonprofit state associations and narrow some attorney-client and working-paper exceptions, with supporters arguing it would improve oversight of public funds and critics questioning the scope and thresholds. HB 5129 would protect occupational license holders’ personal identifying information from disclosure without consent, HB 4350 would allow peace officers to redact personal information from online real property records, HB 4748 would authorize multiple-award state purchasing contracts, and HB 4765 would clean up code enforcement officer licensing rules. HB 4134 would allow motor vehicle creditors to charge limited fees for electronic payment options while requiring a free alternative, and HB 1043 would direct a study of blockchain-based property title records; both drew testimony, with some concern about the practical effects and vendor implications of the blockchain study. Several bills addressed insurance, workforce, and digital-asset regulation. HB 3520 would reduce the insurance coverage required for transportation network companies during the period when a driver is en route to pick up a passenger, drawing support from Texans for Lawsuit Reform and opposition from trial lawyers who argued the higher coverage better protects the public. HB 3320 would create a self-insurance pool for religious institutions, with TDI explaining it would still be regulated but operate under a special statutory framework. HB 4233 would modernize rules for digital asset service providers by removing certain auditor-access requirements and updating reporting and licensing provisions. HB 3923 would reduce bachelor’s-degree requirements for some state jobs, though Every Texan argued low pay, not degree requirements, is the main driver of turnover. HB 4518 would create a legal structure for decentralized unincorporated nonprofit associations tied to blockchain governance; business law experts opposed it as unnecessary and potentially risky, while crypto advocates supported it. Finally, HB 1803 would join an interstate compact for dentists and dental hygienists, with supporters citing workforce shortages and opponents saying Texas already licenses quickly and that the compact could weaken state oversight. Throughout the hearing, the committee repeatedly closed testimony and left bills pending, and a quorum was eventually established before later items were heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• This was the only funding source that was specifically called out for analysis in the budget proviso
• As Rachel discussed, funding for this study was included in the transportation budget.
• It has a total transportation budget.
• And the city completed a downtown chip seal project with a budget of $343,000, and the Transportation
• They are a core part of city transportation budgets.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd be glad to make a formal data practices request if that's necessary.
• I'd be glad to make a formal data practices request if that's necessary.
• So where do those funds come from in the University budget? Thank you for that question.
• </c> make a formal data practices um request make a formal data practices um request if<00:25:21.080>
• </c> appropriation into this current budget appropriation into this current budget year<00:37:11.000>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We are facing tight budgets. ...without having the data to back it up.
• We did extensive testing, including our own tick panel that we had to request.
• From a budget perspective, From a budget perspective, this matters because chronic disease related to
• Requests can take days, weeks, or sometimes much longer, on rare occasion.
• More than 90% were fully favorable, meaning the requested item or service was approved in full.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a written request to separate the end block vote for the Quality Education Commission has been received
• The written request will be placed in the original documents file and recorded in the journal.
• The written request will be placed in the original documents file and recorded in the journal.
• The written request will be placed in the original documents file and recorded in the journal.
• Senator Sollman requests unanimous consent to return to the order of courtesies, and then we'll go to

Keywords: 907, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so our— Our request to Legislative Management was denied for the study.
• Further requests that are more current, and they're also located in your folder.
• Further requests that are more current, and they're also located in your folder.
• And then, Madam Chair, Representative Scraw, if that was a... if your request was a request for a bill
• That was a... if your request was a request for a bill draft, these are policy decisions, and I may need

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><00:19:30.920><c> the</c> HCR 193 and HR 183 requesting the HCR 193 and HR 183 requesting the establishment
• pending budgetary request, but that it be in addition to.
• We've got the budget full-time employee.
• request.
• request.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee began with resolutions HCR 93 and HR 85, which ask the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, in collaboration with the Department of the Attorney General, to form a working group and report on ways to strengthen protections for survivors of image-based sexual abuse. The Attorney General’s office said it could support the effort as legal counsel to the commission but preferred not to be an active working-group member, and suggested the Legislative Reference Bureau could instead conduct a nationwide study for stakeholders. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the resolutions but urged broader scope to include prevention and intervention, expanded stakeholder membership, keeping the Attorney General involved, and adjusting the report deadline. Testimony in support also came from the Emoa Alliance, which emphasized the prevalence and harms of image-based abuse and the need for stronger protections. Members asked questions about current criminal and civil remedies, reporting barriers, and whether the commission could administer the effort without the Attorney General; no votes were taken on the resolutions during the excerpted discussion. The committee then heard HCR 113 and HR 106, supporting the Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group’s request for more resources and a timeline extension to fiscal year 2026-2027. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs testified in support, saying Native Hawaiian culture, traditional knowledge, and cultural expressions are increasingly being commercialized and exploited without adequate protection, and that the working group needs more time, resources, and community consultation to complete its work. The committee noted six supporters and no opposition or comments. The hearing also covered HCR 193 and HR 183, which would establish a court security and Department of Law Enforcement capacity working group to address staffing shortages and the use of private security at state courts. The Judiciary supported the intent, asked that the working group supplement rather than replace its budget request, and proposed allowing the chair to add members with relevant experience. In response to questions, Judiciary said it has requested $3.25 million for armed private security, which it said would cover about 18 contracted individuals, though with significant company overhead. The committee then moved through several bills: SB 2667, which restricts certain commercial vehicles and trailers from the far-left lane on multi-lane roads, received support from the Department of Transportation; SB 2851, which allows deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation for law enforcement access, drew testimony in support; SB 2521, which updates emergency vehicle rules and exempts EMS personnel from CDL requirements, received testimony from Honolulu Emergency Services; and SB 2466, which would make the Chief Elections Officer terminable only for cause, drew support from the League of Women Voters and opposition from Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, who argued the change could reduce accountability and create election disruptions if litigation over termination occurs.

Transcript Highlights:

• If the board's final decision is still unsatisfactory, parents can request a refund. request a hearing
• And so, for example, I have a copy of their budget here, and, you know, we always say words matter.
• And then still budgeted around $9 million.
• Thank you. the public-to-public request on transfer if capacity is not in existence.
• A request to hear this case on BOC was filed in April 2024, but that request failed 9 to 8. leaving portions

Bills: SB12, SB1565, SB13, SJR12, SB686, SB371, SB204, SB609, SB112, SB400, SB813, SB 12, SB 13

Keywords: parental rights, education, social transitioning, diversity, equity, inclusion, school policy, student clubs, school district, grievance procedure, public education, diversity and inclusion, funding penalties, school libraries, library advisory councils, library materials, educational content, challenging materials, constitutional amendment, school choice

Transcript Highlights:

• And they would have to complete their budgets by July 30th.
• and hold their budget millage hearings in August.
• Because that's a component of their budget.
• So it's not just limited; like in this year's budget, we appropriated.
• We're already doing our budgets for next year.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> know, the issue of voluminous requests know, the issue of voluminous requests that<00:16:21.839>
• </c><00:17:10.160><c> I</c> for voluminous records requests. I for voluminous records requests.
• </c> or two ago just to handle 91A requests? or two ago just to handle 91A requests?
• </c> that one request was uh about 200 hours. that one request was uh about 200 hours.
• </c> for requesters. for requesters.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Republican budget and the economic policies of President Trump are a disaster for our country.
• Herman Center for the Federal Budget in Washington, D.C. Mr. Breshears. Mr.
• and the budget blueprint for fiscal year 2022.
• Herman Center for the Federal Budget.
• No one's answering their request.

Keywords: joint hearing, small business, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, economic recovery, tax relief, job creation

Summary: In this joint hearing of the House Committee on Small Business and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, the primary focus was on the importance of making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) permanent. The chair emphasized that small businesses are crucial for the nation's economic recovery, especially in the wake of current federal policies perceived as detrimental. Witnesses shared their experiences and highlighted how the tax cuts facilitated job creation and business expansion, stressing the need for continued support through ongoing tax relief measures. The meeting included discussions about the economic implications of the TCJA's potential expiration, with members voicing their concerns regarding how this could impact small businesses and the broader economy.

Transcript Highlights:

• For 2024, I had 105 unique LFC requests that my team responded to, my very small team.
• And then from January to August, 59 additional requests.
• But we won't raise that budget because the MCOs won't raise that budget for more than $5,000 to put in
• Madam Chair, Representative Chavez, the MCOs report data requested.
• So, Madam Chair, just a quick point: I hope that in your budget request, you add some more money and

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we have received<00:07:51.400><c> a</c><00:07:51.480><c> request</c><00:07:52.000><c> to</c>
• <00:07:52.080><c> read</c><00:07:52.240><c> a</c><00:07:52.320><c> House</c> received a request to read
• a House received a request to read a House Concurrent<00:07:53.120><c> Resolution</c><00:07:53.760><
• </c><01:12:51.040><c> this</c> money would go back into the budget this money would go back into the
• </c> 10% of the city general fund budget 10% of the city general fund budget expenses<01:18:01.240><c

Keywords: 926, house, all