Transcript Highlights:

• Then on election day, it it elections.
• </c> it, but yes, they do provide it to all. it, but yes, they do provide it to all.
• That's it. &gt;&gt; That's all I got. That's it. That's it.
• ><c> money</c> says it is makes it clear that the money says it is makes it clear that the money shall
• . it. it.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1525, which would appropriate funds to counties to open more voter service centers for in-person voting, provide money to the Office of Elections to print and mail the voter information guide to all registered voters, and support a public outreach campaign to increase voter participation. The Office of Elections supported the bill and estimated costs of a little over $2 million to print and mail the guide and about $178,000 for outreach, noting it spent about $441,000 on election advertising in 2024. Testimony from advocacy groups including Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Common Cause Hawaii, and Indivisible Hawaii strongly supported the measure, emphasizing access for neighbor island voters, people with disabilities, new voters, and voters who need ballot assistance. County election officials from Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai provided comments or testimony that were more cautious. They said additional funding would be welcome, but staffing and logistics remain major constraints, especially for election-day service centers. Honolulu’s city clerk said funding alone would not necessarily solve long lines, while Maui’s county clerk explained that voter service centers require trained seasonal employees, extensive training, and the ability to handle many ballot styles. Maui also described its current pop-up sites, including Hana, as expensive but necessary for remote communities, and said the county is already running at bare minimum staffing. Members asked questions about who decides how many service centers are opened, how staffing is handled, and whether there is a middle-ground model between the old precinct polling places and the current voter service center system. Honolulu explained that county clerks make those decisions under current law and that the county has tried pop-up sites in addition to its main centers. The discussion also noted that in 2024 most voters used vote by mail, while a smaller number used early in-person voting or final-day service centers. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• um it um it was there before I know, it um it um it was there before I got<00:18:12.320><c> there.
• Um, so it it would share the email.
• </c> make it easier? make it easier?
• , we've got it and I've been through it, we've got it and I've been through it.<01:13:05.280><c> I</c
• </c> think it needs to be done, they want it think it needs to be done, they want it done<01:30:36.000

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony focused on barriers facing minority-owned businesses and on local programs intended to improve access to capital and contracting opportunities. A representative from the U.S. Black Chambers described disparities in minority spending, argued for more intentional and transparent investment in Black communities, and emphasized the need to disaggregate data, hold officials accountable, and expand tools such as the byBlack certification directory. He also stressed that businesses need technical assistance, resources, and opportunities to grow through mergers, consortiums, and joint ventures. The main presentation then came from Larry Forester and Tyrone of Commerce Lexington, who outlined what they called eight major barriers for minority businesses, including limited access to capital, weak mentorship networks, discrimination and bias, bureaucratic hurdles, branding and visibility challenges, stereotyping, generational knowledge gaps, and limited financial literacy. They described several Commerce Lexington initiatives: the Access Loan Program, which brings small businesses before a pool of 26 lenders; a Minority Business Accelerator to help firms scale and connect with prime contractors; and an Opportunity Exchange for business owners to share experiences and lessons learned. They said the Access Loan Program has funded nearly $26 million in loans with an average loan size of about $62,000. Members asked about bias in lending and how to make contracting and certification easier for minority firms. Forester said applications are vetted by a subcommittee before reaching the full lender group, with attention to completeness and readiness, and that only one lender needs to say yes. On contracting, the witnesses said certification can be burdensome and suggested more hands-on help from the state, relationship-building events that include decision-makers, and incentives rather than mandates. They also relayed policy ideas from a business owner, including culturally informed underwriting, public-private matching grants, supplier diversity enforcement, and mentorship tied to capital access. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• wrap it up ma'am uh yes that's all I it wrap it up ma'am uh yes that's all I have<00:41:52.640><c> no
• “If it is us that’s responsible, of course it isn’t billed.
• </c> training required it you know drops it training required it you know drops it down<00:55:45.880>
• ><c> on</c><00:58:50.480><c> the</c> sending it out and getting it on the sending it out and getting
• </c><01:14:51.120><c> it</c> general effort of this uh because it it general effort of this uh because

Bills: HF47 , HF434 , HF1503 , HF1702

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: telecommunications, installation, certification, safety, underground utilities, HF434, cervidae, deer, elk, moose, chronic wasting disease, CWD, wildlife importation, animal health, biosecurity, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA, USDA exhibitor, species survival plan

Transcript Highlights:

• The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it.
• </c> support it. Thank you. support it. Thank you.
• The ayes appear to have it. The ayes do have it.
• Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it doesn't.
• </c><02:44:33.520><c> would</c> that it seeks to assist, it would that it seeks to assist, it would include

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> child's using it 2 hours a day well it child's using it 2 hours a day well it turns<00:25:15.039
• qualify and take it and run as well. it if you don't have it established it if you don't have it established
• c><00:34:06.600><c> hearing</c> question um so it it in what I'm hearing question um so it it in what
• it or keep it whether it was don't bring it or keep it in<00:57:18.680><c> your</c><00:57:18.839><c>
• Is it 25%? Is it 50%? Is it like that?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began by announcing that afternoon hearings, including House Bill 283, would be moved to Representatives Hall because of expected public interest. It then took up House Bill 671, which would establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, described the measure as a way to close gaps in early reading readiness and said it was intended as a first step, with only a placeholder appropriation while details are developed. He framed it as a targeted effort to help children who are not entering first grade ready to read. Testimony on HB 671 was largely supportive. Representatives asked about the bill’s structure, whether a specific program had been identified, how it would interact with play-based learning, and why the provider was limited to a registered nonprofit. Waterford.org representatives Teresa Rosenberger and Rob Riley testified in support, describing Waterford Upstart as a home-based, evidence-based early learning program already used in New Hampshire. They said the program provides adaptive instruction, family coaching, and technology support, including computers, tablets, internet access, and translation services in more than 100 languages. They also said the model has been successful in New Hampshire, including a Nashua pilot and later statewide efforts, and that similar legislation has existed in other states. Rep. Jonah Wheeler also spoke in support of the bill. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 671. After a fiscal note for HB 671 was distributed, the committee moved to House Bill 781, which would require school districts to adopt policies for a cell phone-free education and includes an appropriation. The transcript cuts off as Rep. Litchfield was introduced to testify on that bill, so no testimony, debate, or vote on HB 781 is included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> proposal it works it works practically proposal it works it works practically and<00:44:37.119><
• </c> program when it when it came into program when it when it came into fruition<02:53:31.359><c> in
• /c> will benefit from it and it could be will benefit from it and it could be that<02:55:42.960><c> same
• </c> contract with it doesn't make sense it contract with it doesn't make sense it doesn't<03:47:35.840
• /c><03:49:13.399><c> was</c> check I think it was a markup it was check I think it was a markup it was

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• questions all the time um it is it is uh questions all the time um it is it is uh a<00:56:16.920><c>
• it is it still evaporate but how is it is it still impacting<01:46:38.960><c> the</c><01:46:39.119><c
• c><02:10:41.840><c> thank</c> versus hide it or avoid it so thank versus hide it or avoid it so thank
• /c><02:49:40.920><c> our</c> New Hampshire um it it says here in our New Hampshire um it it says here
• ><c> it</c> working ages and it gains children it working ages and it gains children it has<04:24:49.239

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with an overview from the Legislative Budget Assistant Office on how Ways and Means will work with agencies and leadership during the budget and revenue-estimating process. Staff explained that the governor’s budget is still being developed, agencies are cautious about going on record early, and the committee will use worksheets and updated fiscal reports to track estimates. The presentation emphasized that the fiscal year 2025 budget status is a point-in-time snapshot and remains fluid because the annual comprehensive financial report has been delayed, which could change the beginning balances for both the general fund and education trust fund. The budget update highlighted that the general fund is currently stronger than originally assumed, while the education trust fund is weaker. The speaker said the general fund began FY25 with a much larger balance than expected, while the education trust fund came in lower due to higher-than-budgeted adequacy spending and weaker business tax performance. Revenue trends showed the general fund slightly ahead year to date, but the education trust fund down significantly. The committee also discussed unbudgeted appropriations, including attorney general litigation, legal settlements, abandoned property claims, adequacy true-ups, and education freedom accounts, as well as the role of lapses and off-budget items in the final balance. Members asked about the delayed liquor commission audit and whether it could affect revenue forecasts. Staff said the delay was mainly caused by the commission’s switch in point-of-sale systems and staffing losses, but did not expect major ongoing reporting issues. They also noted that liquor fund variances are more likely tied to Medicaid expansion costs than to commission operations. The governor’s office was said to be working on possible budget reductions, but no January request to the fiscal committee was expected. Commissioner Lindsay Stepp of the Department of Revenue Administration then presented an overview of state revenue sources, focusing first on the meals and rentals tax. She explained that DRA administers 14 taxes that account for most state revenue, and that meals and rentals tax growth has slowed after strong post-pandemic gains. She described factors affecting the tax, including employment, inflation, fuel and food prices, wages, and weather, and noted that online platforms like Airbnb have improved compliance by collecting and remitting tax on behalf of hosts. Members asked about short-term rental compliance and how DRA identifies unlicensed rentals; Stepp said referrals, anonymous tips, and platform data help enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• It prohibits it.
• It isn't that what the bill is doing; it separates it. It has one definition...
• I'd have to plead it; I'd have to prove it. I argued for it in closing.
• And the other side of it is it.
• it can strike it down.

Bills: HB4806

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: civil action, damages, health care services, noneconomic damages, negligence, legal standards, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it would be great to have it subbed out. ...it would be great to have it subbed out, but I just noticed
• It can be what type of law it is, and then if it touches more than... ...one county, then it has to roll
• on it, it can really vote it down.
• It wasn't manned. It wasn't, you know, it was just a rental.
• Multiple states do use it, but as I understand it, that doesn't make it right though, does it?

Bills: HB 14 , HJR 31 , HB 43 , HB 18 , HB 106 , HB 36 , HB 26 , HB 149 , HB 121 , HB 206 , HB 136 , HB 3114 , HB 2733 , HB 1732 , HB 3700 , HB 467 , HB 1130 , HB 1846 , HB 1442 , HB 1147 , HB 2176 , HB 2701 , HB 805 , HB 2890 , HB 1154 , HB 1644 , HB 2118 , HB 1718 , HB 2488 , HB 2596 , HB 1971 , HB 2468 , HB 484 , HB 2578 , HB 3204 , HB 1041 , HB 307 , HB 685 , HB 1710 , HB 538 , HB 2525 , HB 3125 , HB 2027 , HB 2894 , HB 3077 , HB 3684 , HJR 99 , HB 1399 , HJR 5 , HB 1330 , HB 2110 , HJR 2 , HJR 6 , HB 1587 , HB 14 , HJR 31 , HB 43 , HB 18 , HB 106 , HB 36 , HB 26 , HB 149 , HB 121 , HB 206 , HB 136 , HB 3114 , HB 2733 , HB 1732 , HB 3700 , HB 467 , HB 1130 , HB 1846 , HB 1442 , HB 1147 , HB 2176 , HB 2701 , HB 805 , HB 2890 , HB 1154 , HB 1644 , HB 2118 , HB 1718 , HB 2488 , HB 2596 , HB 1971 , HB 2468 , HB 484 , HB 2578 , HB 3204 , HB 1041 , HB 307 , HB 685 , HB 1710 , HB 538 , HB 2525 , HB 3125 , HB 2027 , HB 2894 , HB 3077 , HB 3684

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, farm products, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, agriculture, Texas Constitution, livestock, producer, finance, young farmers, financial assistance, pest control, rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services

Transcript Highlights:

• I read it, it is, you are eliminating it, except for the research.
• And actually, it worked excellent. And actually, it did. It worked excellent.
• Where does the bulk of it come? What countries produce it and sell it to us?
• It was retained in there. And it was recently tried to undo it in 2012.
• It seems to be—it varies.

Committee: House General Laws

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It hits you different, doesn't it?
• So you got it, you got to take it.
• So is it the same thing? Is it different? I mean, how did it do it?
• So is it the same thing? Is it different? I mean, how did it do it? We use different technology.
• You know, is it real? Is it not real?

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 452, a right-to-repair bill for agricultural equipment. Farm Bureau and several manufacturers’ representatives opposed the bill, arguing that existing memorandums of understanding already provide farmers access to parts, diagnostics, and repair information, and warning that broader software access could increase emissions tampering and safety risks. Supporters, including repair advocates, a legislator, and a farmer representative, argued that the MOUs are not binding, that farmers need enforceable repair rights to avoid costly delays during critical harvest periods, and that owners should be able to repair equipment they bought without dealer lock-in. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on bills to limit or eliminate “grab-and-go” alcohol sales at large venues, including House Bill 325 and Senate Bill 225. Union workers from Fenway Park and the TD Garden described self-checkout alcohol kiosks as creating public safety and compliance problems, including underage access, over-serving, theft, and difficulty monitoring intoxication in crowded settings. They said workers are often understaffed and bear discipline when violations occur. In contrast, the Boston Red Sox and Aramark defended the supervised self-checkout model, saying it speeds service, is widely used, and operates with multiple layers of supervision, training, and regulatory oversight; they said they had not received violation notices and that any incidents are isolated. Senator Edwards also testified in support of House Bill 369, aimed at restricting marketing of certain harsh cosmetic products to children, and in support of the grab-and-go bill. She argued that children should not be targeted with products containing toxic chemicals and that alcohol service should remain supervised by trained staff to protect consumers and jobs. Senator Collins and other legislators also spoke in favor of restricting grab-and-go alcohol service, citing concerns about underage drinking and overconsumption. The hearing additionally included a separate bill on Sunday morning alcohol service, with Representatives Scanlon and Lewis arguing for allowing sales beginning at 8 a.m. on Sundays rather than 10 a.m., but that bill was only discussed briefly and no action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• It still comes out, you know, we have it out. Where is it going currently?
• It has to meet this specification; it has to have these contents in it; and it has to be something with
• can use it to drink it and it be a potable form.
• with respect to the chemical side of it and what it is and what's inside of it and what... ...it can
• side of it and what it is and what's inside of it and what it can be clean to with that said I do appreciate

Committee: House House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Summary: The committee met to hear House Bill 207, as amended, which would direct the Water Quality Control Commission to adopt rules for permits allowing certain beneficial uses of treated produced water, including industrial, commercial, energy-related, infrastructure, pilot project, and other approved uses. Representative Brown presented the bill as a science-driven response to New Mexico’s water scarcity, citing the state’s 50-year water plan and research from the New Mexico Produced Water Research Consortium. The committee adopted an amendment requiring the rules to be informed by credible scientific data and other evidence, including consortium research, before moving to public comment. Supporters argued the bill would create a regulated framework for reuse of treated produced water, preserve scarce freshwater, and support economic development, construction, and energy-related uses. Testimony in favor came from the bill sponsor, the consortium’s Dr. Zach Stoll, the chair of the Water Quality Control Commission, business and industry representatives, local economic development officials, and some residents. They emphasized recent peer-reviewed studies, pilot projects, and the need for the commission to act on updated science. State agencies, including the Environment Department, said the amended bill addressed some of their concerns and kept the focus on science-based rulemaking. Opponents said the bill would override the Water Quality Control Commission’s prior findings and force approval of uses that remain scientifically unproven and potentially harmful. Many speakers from environmental groups, acequia and agricultural organizations, faith groups, and local residents warned about unknown contaminants, risks to groundwater, crops, roads, and human health, and the possibility of spills or long-term environmental damage. Several argued the bill would politicize a technical process and create liability or cleanup burdens for the public. No vote on final passage was taken in the portion provided; the committee recessed briefly after public comment and then returned to sponsor remarks and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• it was creative with it.
• And it just stays there. It never makes it... But it just doesn't go anywhere. It stays here.
• And it just stays there. It never makes it... ...forth. And it just, it stays there.
• Human messes it up. So to regenerate it is to try to put it back in its natural state.
• It matters. It is important now more than ever. We, it matters. It is important.

Committee: Joint Tribal and State Relations Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it was creative with it.
• it.
• Human messes it up. So to regenerate it is to try to put it back in its natural state.
• And it wasn't us. It wasn't the tribe that first stood up against it. It was our kids.
• It matters. It is important now more than ever. We, it matters.

Summary: The Tribal and State Relations Committee met at Standing Rock with tribal council members, state legislators, and agency representatives to discuss state-tribal coordination and local priorities. Early discussion focused on process concerns, including the short agenda time and the need for better communication, more advance notice, and more relevant state department staff at future meetings. Tribal leaders asked for lists of state tribal liaisons and bills affecting tribes, and state members said they would follow up, share grant and deadline information, and plan another meeting in Bismarck with program experts and agency staff. A major portion of the meeting centered on health, child welfare, law enforcement, housing, infrastructure, and sovereignty issues. Tribal speakers said rural health transformation funding and other state programs often do not fit direct-service tribes or IHS-funded systems, and they raised concerns about Medicaid, ICWA, foster care delays, human service zones, housing shortages, and the placement of Native children off-reservation. They also discussed missing and murdered Indigenous people, search-and-rescue cooperation, cross-deputization, extradition and banishment ordinances, and the need for stronger law enforcement partnerships that respect tribal sovereignty. Other concerns included poor roads, water and sewer needs in Sioux County communities, census accuracy, and the impact of data centers and other development on water and health. Economic development and regulatory issues were also discussed. Standing Rock representatives raised concerns about charitable gaming and e-pull tabs, saying the machines function like Class III gaming and have harmed tribal revenue while spreading into local businesses. They also described problems with county-issued fireworks permits and state/county liquor licensing rules that they said undermine tribal authority within reservation boundaries. In response, legislators said the committee would continue to look at these issues, and one member suggested possible legislation such as limiting e-tabs near tribal lands. The committee also heard from Joseph McNeil of Sage Development Authority about a 235-megawatt wind project on tribal, allotted, and fee land; he said federal permitting delays have stalled the project and asked for state support to help move it forward. The meeting concluded with a presentation from Dave Archambo of Wojou, a nonprofit focused on land regeneration, buffalo, food sovereignty, cultural programming, and youth wellness. He described the organization’s work on buffalo processing, gardening, fishing, hunting, language, and arts programs, and framed it as a response to historical trauma and community healing. The committee then broke for lunch and planned to resume with the Wojou presentation after the recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is, it is beautiful.
• it.
• , they cut it back to where it was right back where it started.
• And so wherever it was before it got to me, it was out.
• Let's just call it what it is.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• It still comes out. You know, we have it out. Where is it going currently?
• It lives in our water. It lives in our land.
• with respect to the chemical side of it and what it is and what's inside of it and what it can be cleaned
• it take?
• It will get more scarce. Where will it come from?

Committee: House House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It appears the ayes have it. So ordered.
• It appears the ayes have it; so ordered.
• It appears the ayes have it, do have it, so ordered.
• It appears the ayes have it, do have it, so ordered.
• It appears the ayes have it, do have it, so ordered.

Bills: SB1072 , SB1111 , SB1114 , SB1116 , SB1122 , SB1179 , SB1250 , SB1308 , SB1455 , SB1456 , SB1457 , SB1487 , SB1547 , SB1549 , SB1551 , SB1552

Committee: Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Keywords: reimbursement rates, intellectual disabilities, community services, economic security, funding appropriations, automated license plate readers, law enforcement, privacy, data access, public records, behavioral health, patient brokering, appropriation, state funds, Maricopa County, claims review, medical necessity, American Indian health program, healthcare regulations, healthcare

Transcript Highlights:

• can speak over the top of it if it goes on too long.
• But you can see it, again, it was a wide mix.
• Is it just the same as a teacher salary, or is it its own schedule?
• Maybe once it happens or I've heard of it or never.
• It shifts.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to discuss special education funding and retention, beginning with approval of the prior meeting minutes and then hearing a presentation from North Dakota United on a statewide special education survey and retention rubric. Presenters described how the rubric and survey were developed from special educator input around four domains: paperwork and due process support, workload, student and staff safety, and paraprofessional management. They reported high levels of stress and burnout, including increased workload, difficulty taking prep and lunch time, concerns about mental health, and widespread difficulty filling special education positions. Committee members questioned the survey’s lack of a general-education comparison group, the interpretation of terms like “rarely” and “sometimes,” and whether results could be broken down further by district size, unit, or disability area. The survey results showed the weakest area was workload, with respondents reporting caseloads increasing without corresponding adjustments, little additional support or compensation when workloads rise, and few negotiated-agreement protections. Paperwork and due process also scored poorly, with many teachers saying they rarely receive dedicated time during the duty day, often work outside contract hours without compensation, and take work home on evenings and weekends. Student and staff safety scored somewhat better but still showed gaps in crisis follow-up, notification about violent behavior, protective gear, and leave options after incidents. Paraprofessional management also drew concern, especially low pay, insufficient staffing, limited administrative support, and the burden placed on teachers to supervise and train paras. Several teachers then testified directly about the practical impact of these issues. One special education teacher described the job as combining instruction, legal compliance, and paraprofessional supervision, often requiring work beyond contracted hours and contributing to burnout and turnover. Another testified that special education case managers are effectively doing three full-time jobs and that the paperwork and caseload demands are a major reason people avoid or leave the field. Committee members discussed whether the problems are primarily local or state-level, whether more funding would solve them, and whether changes to the funding formula or weighting for high-cost students might be needed. No formal vote or action was taken beyond a recess and return to order for the next presentation, which continued the discussion of possible special education study objectives and potential policy directions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is important. We have to do it. It is inefficient.
• It will require bureaucracy to be able to manage it and account for it. Thank you very much.
• it.
• However, it will likely be its effect should it become law.
• OK, it, it says Coalition Tenants Justice.

Bills: HB15 , HB171 , HB204

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: flood risk, campground, safety regulations, civil penalty, guest safety, Harris County, flood control, governance, expansion, public health, local governance, environmental management

Transcript Highlights:

• And so that's where we are with the Patient Compensation Fund: why it started, how it started, how it
• Did I say it backwards? Did I say it backwards? Did I say it backwards? Then I'm incorrect.
• It was a good—it ended up a good result.
• It was a good, it ended up a good result.
• You got it?

Bills: SB41 , SB153 , SB165 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, procurement, contracting, small business, local government, disaster recovery, emergency procurement, certification, public spending, juvenile justice, delinquency, rehabilitation, community corrections, risk assessment, public safety, health regulations