Transcript Highlights:

• /c><01:02:23.920><c> visit</c><01:02:24.240><c> the</c><01:02:24.480><c> museum</c><01:02:25.119><c>
• It's<01:02:29.119><c> very</c><01:02:29.359><c> much</c><01:02:29.520><c> on</c><01:02:29.680><c> our
• That's<01:02:31.839><c> that's</c><01:02:32.160><c> lovely</c><01:02:32.400><c> to</c><01:02:32.640><
• </c><01:02:40.480><c> I</c><01:02:40.640><c> know</c><01:02:40.720><c> you</c><01:02:40.880><c> folks
• Um<01:02:46.960><c> but</c><01:02:47.200><c> can</c><01:02:47.359><c> you</c><01:02:47.520><c> give</

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts held an informational briefing with representatives from ʻIolani Palace and Bishop Museum to discuss how the Legislature can better support state-funded cultural institutions during the interim and into the next session. Chair Capella said the goal was to understand current needs, preserve Hawaiian culture and history, and expand educational access. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing. ʻIolani Palace’s representative described the Friends of ʻIolani Palace’s role as the nonprofit supporting repair, restoration, maintenance, and public education for the state monument. She said state operational funding and ARPA funds were critical to keeping the palace open, maintaining HVAC and other systems, and funding repairs that would otherwise fall to DLNR. She highlighted ongoing and planned projects including a fire suppression system, HVAC improvements, basement exhibit work, plumbing repairs, elevator replacement, etched glass restoration, and school-tour access. She also noted that a prior $150,000 CIP for windows and doors had not yet been released, and said the organization is exploring ways to bring more neighbor island students to the palace through transportation support, airline partnerships, and digital outreach. Bishop Museum’s representatives outlined the museum’s history, its role as the state museum of natural and cultural history, and its extensive collections in archives, archaeology, botany, entomology, zoology, and cryopreservation. They emphasized the museum’s work in preservation, research, environmental stewardship, and public education, including free access through Museums for All, daily programming, and cultural festivals and community events. They said state funding has been essential for staffing, IT security, fire suppression, and infrastructure needs, and that digitization of the museum’s 25 million objects is a major ongoing initiative to preserve and share Hawaiʻi’s history and knowledge.

Transcript Highlights:

• :27.480><c> from</c><00:02:27.680><c> the</c><00:02:28.080><c> members</c><00:02:29.080><c> the</c><00
• will<00:02:29.920><c> will</c><00:02:30.040><c> stand</c><00:02:30.440><c> adjourned</c><00:02:31.040
• until 11:30 a.m.<00:02:33.040><c> on</c><00:02:33.319><c> Monday</c><00:02:34.319><c> whether</c><00
• :02:34.680><c> it's</c><00:02:34.920><c> Fly</c><00:02:35.280><c> Eagles</c> a.m. on Monday whether it's
• c><00:02:37.480><c> February</c><00:02:38.120><c> 10th</c>

Transcript Highlights:

• :02.240><c> last</c><01:02:02.520><c> year</c><01:02:03.000><c> uh</c><01:02:03.160><c> the</c><01:02
• > be</c><01:02:22.039><c> able</c><01:02:22.279><c> to</c><01:02:22.520><c> complete</c><01:02:22.960
• ><c> so</c><01:02:24.079><c> that</c><01:02:24.240><c> is</c><01:02:24.400><c> the</c><01:02:24.559><
• 28.839><c> of</c><01:02:28.960><c> $12</c><01:02:29.359><c> million</c><01:02:30.039><c> to</c><01:02
• :02:51.958><c> July</c><06:02:52.958><c> so</c><06:02:53.760><c> uh</c><06:02:53.920><c> we</c><06:02

Summary: The Committee on Finance held an informational briefing with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations on its budget, staffing, and operations. The director reviewed department leadership and reported on recruitment and retention efforts, including a 14% vacancy rate, a 10.5% workforce increase from filling 189 positions, and the Hela Imua internship program, which has placed 516 interns since inception and led to 62 permanent hires. The department also described modernization efforts, including the UI Huakai project and the Disability Compensation Division’s electronic case management system, and said the unemployment compensation trust fund exceeded $71.5 million, triggering Schedule C for calendar year 2025. The department’s main budget requests included $2.9 million for fiscal year 2026 to support maintenance and operations of the electronic case management system, plus restoration of two enforcement specialist positions. Officials said those positions are needed to address a decline in investigators from 11 to six since 2009, improve compliance, and handle Hawaii Compliance Express certificate work. Additional requests included two human resources specialists to address recruitment backlogs, two labor enforcement specialists to reduce a backlog of Chapter 104 prevailing wage and wage cases, and two positions for the Office of Community Services to expand immigrant services and access centers. The department also discussed federal funding for unemployment insurance and workforce programs, including National Dislocated Worker Grants and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds, and said some funding is received in increments and may require extensions. Members asked about Kauai inspection coverage, federal funding uncertainty, the size of the special unemployment insurance fund, and whether the department could ramp up staffing during a future crisis. Officials said Kauai is currently served by inspectors from Honolulu and there are no plans to open a permanent island position because of staffing constraints. They said the department is meeting federal guidelines and is not in jeopardy, and that the special unemployment insurance fund has about $10 million, with current UI operations funded at a little over $15 million, meaning the fund may need to cover roughly $5 million if federal support declines. The director said the department would use the special fund to supplement shortfalls, but noted that federal funding cuts and the loss of ARPA support have already affected operations.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a proud alum, uh please join<00:02:27.840><c> me</c><00:02:28.040><c> again</c><00:02:28.560><c> in
• </c><00:02:28.720><c> welcoming</c><00:02:29.520><c> the</c><00:02:29.640><c> Kahakai</c> join me again
• c><00:02:30.640><c> Student</c><00:02:31.000><c> Council</c><00:02:31.360><c> to</c><00:02:31.480><c>
• </c><00:02:41.320><c> President,</c><00:02:41.640><c> I</c><00:02:41.680><c> have</c><00:02:41.800><c
• President, I have a few other guests<00:02:42.640><c> I'd</c><00:02:42.760><c> like</c><00:02:42.960>

Bills: HB20 , HB463 , HB469 , HB649 , HB963 , HB1163 , HB1334 , HB1481 , HB1509 , HB1511 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB1516 , HB1518 , HB1519 , HB1523 , HB1524 , HB1546 , HB1548 , HB1550 , HB1553 , HB1573 , HB1574 , HB1576 , HB1588 , HB1591 , HB1618 , HB1619 , HB1628 , HB1642 , HB1643 , HB1656 , HB1658 , HB1664 , HB1667 , HB1679 , HB1682 , HB1688 , HB1692 , HB1696 , HB1700 , HB1705 , HB1707 , HB1710 , HB1711 , HB1713 , HB1716 , HB1718 , HB1721 , HB1728 , HB1737 , HB1740 , HB1741 , HB1749 , HB1752 , HB1753 , HB1768 , HB1782 , HB1800 , HB1804 , HB1810 , HB1823 , HB1839 , HB1842 , HB1854 , HB1858 , HB1864 , HB1870 , HB1875 , HB1881 , HB1886 , HB1888 , HB1890 , HB1894 , HB1897 , HB1898 , HB1920 , HB1929 , HB1946 , HB1959 , HB1961 , HB1962 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB2001 , HB2005 , HB2020 , HB2021 , HB2022 , HB2023 , HB2062 , HB2078 , HB2093 , HB2095 , HB2096 , HB2097 , HB2101 , HB2137 , HB2152 , HB2207 , HCR137 , HCR181

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:07.840><c> Up</c><00:02:08.160><c> next,</c><00:02:08.399><c> we</c><00:02:08.640><c> have
• Uh department<00:02:18.400><c> is</c><00:02:18.720><c> in</c><00:02:19.040><c> support</c><00:02:19.280
• </c><00:02:20.239><c> We</c><00:02:20.400><c> do</c><00:02:20.560><c> ask</c><00:02:20.800><c> for</c
• DOE<00:02:28.640><c> and</c><00:02:29.200><c> um</c><00:02:29.840><c> uh</c><00:02:30.239><c> uh</c>
• All right.<00:02:33.280><c> Thank</c><00:02:33.440><c> you</c><00:02:33.599><c> very</c><00:02:33.840

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology heard several resolutions focused on workforce shortages and program development. STR 145/SR 117 would create a legislative working group on paid family and medical leave; testimony from state agencies, labor groups, advocacy organizations, and others was overwhelmingly supportive, though some asked for broader representation and legal expertise. Members raised questions about prior studies, staffing estimates, and funding needs for administering a future program. The chair ultimately deferred decision making on this measure to March 28, 2025. The committee also heard STR 55/SR 37 on reviewing the boiler and elevator inspection branch to improve recruitment and retention. DLIR supported the measure, while the Department of Human Resources Development supported the intent but suggested labor should lead the study. Industry witnesses described long inspection wait times, backlogs, and difficulty recruiting inspectors, and several said higher pay and training pathways were needed. The committee voted to pass the resolution unamended. For STR 64/SR 49, which would establish a Hawaii State Fellows Program, the department supported the concept but said resources would be needed and should be included in the budget rather than a resolution; the committee recommended deferral indefinitely. STR 67/SR 51, addressing hiring shortages in the public mental health care system, drew support from the State Council on Mental Health and others, with requests for amendments to ensure broader cooperation and added agencies. The committee moved the measure as a Senate draft with amendments. STR 63/SR 48, proposing a Hawaii Workforce Excellence Award, received support from DLIR, and the committee later recessed and reconvened for decision making on the measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• see<00:02:22.599><c> let</c><00:02:22.720><c> me</c><00:02:22.920><c> let</c><00:02:23.000><c> me</c
• ><c> it</c><00:02:24.840><c> changes</c><00:02:25.239><c> the</c><00:02:25.360><c> words</c><00:02:25.640
• /c><00:02:29.680><c> of</c><00:02:29.959><c> an</c><00:02:30.120><c> defense</c><00:02:30.480><c> in<
• highway</c><00:02:31.080><c> work</c><00:02:31.400><c> Zone</c><00:02:32.040><c> based</c><00:02:32.280
• </c><00:02:42.840><c> we</c><00:02:43.680><c> we</c><00:02:43.800><c> have</c><00:02:43.920><c> a</c>

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met with a quorum, approved prior meeting minutes, and then took up several transportation-related measures. House Bill 664, concerning work zone safety, was amended by the committee to clarify that a peace officer may issue a citation based on images from an automated speed enforcement device. Representative John Blanton said the bill was prompted by the 2019 death of Jared Lee Helton in a work zone and is intended to slow drivers, protect workers, and improve safety. The bill would allow automated devices to transmit speed and rear license plate images to an officer, require active worker presence and warning signage with flashing lights, keep the $500 fine, and direct fines to the work zone safety fund. After questions about whether citations would be mailed and whether a worker must be present, the committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 664 favorably with expressions of opinion that it should pass. House Bill 682, sponsored by Representative Ken Upchurch, was also amended by a committee substitute and reported favorably. The bill gives cable operators and broadband providers the same reimbursement treatment as other public utilities when their facilities must be relocated for construction projects. House Bill 493, sponsored by Representative Steve Pollock, was taken up next and, after a committee substitute was adopted, was reported favorably. Pollock described the bill as a transparency measure for towing and storage, creating a certification process through the Transportation Cabinet, requiring public rate sheets, and setting rates to be reasonable and customary in Kentucky. The substitute removed an initial $1,500 cap, extended notice timing to up to five days in some cases, and clarified fees related to investigations and fatalities. Senators asked about regional differences in towing rates, and Pollock said the cabinet would consider different situations and that posted rates would govern. House Joint Resolution 5, designating honorary road and bridge names, was amended by both a committee substitute and committee amendment and then reported favorably. Representative Josh Branscum said the resolution honors various Kentuckians and is especially in memory of Russell County Deputy Joshua Fipps, who was killed in the line of duty in September 2024. The committee approved the resolution and a title amendment. Later in the meeting, Senator Armstrong asked to be recorded as voting aye on HB 664, HB 682, and HB 493. The committee also received an update from Transportation Cabinet IT Director Heather Stout on the CAVIS system, including improved performance, upcoming integration with KY ELT, centralized lien management, online boat renewals, permanent fleet plates, rolling replating changes, temporary tag printing, insurance modernization, and an electronic sheriff’s inspection system expected to reduce fraud and streamline transfers. No vote was taken on the CAVIS update, and the committee also began consideration of a referred administrative regulation on hazardous materials endorsement requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• ;&gt; present.<00:02:19.680><c> It</c><00:02:20.000><c> appears</c><00:02:20.319><c> we</c><00:02:20.560
• It appears we do have a quorum uh<00:02:22.080><c> present</c><00:02:22.400><c> and</c><00:02:22.640>
• 00:02:24.879><c> uh</c><00:02:25.120><c> this</c><00:02:25.360><c> morning.
• Uh we only have<00:02:27.120><c> one</c><00:02:27.360><c> bill</c><00:02:27.599><c> on</c><00:02:27.760
• one bill on our agenda this morning.<00:02:29.040><c> It's</c><00:02:29.200><c> a</c><00:02:29.360><

Committee: House Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:02:00.719><c> I'd</c><00:02:00.960><c> like</c><00:02:01.119><c> to</c><00:02:01.280><c> introduce
• All in favor,<00:02:22.160><c> please</c><00:02:22.319><c> signify</c><00:02:22.640><c> by</c><00:02:
• All oppose<00:02:24.400><c> like</c><00:02:24.640><c> sign</c><00:02:25.680><c> is</c><00:02:25.920><
• First guest<00:02:27.599><c> y'all</c><00:02:27.840><c> can</c><00:02:28.000><c> come</c><00:02:28.160
• </c><00:02:35.120><c> Glad</c><00:02:35.440><c> to</c><00:02:35.599><c> have</c><00:02:35.760><c> you

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum, approved the June 5, 2025 minutes, and heard a presentation from Don Pemberton and David Buchanan of AgriKim/AgriCam on the Eddyville Riverport fertilizer terminal. They explained that the company supplies fertilizer, crop protection, and seed across western Kentucky, with the Eddyville port serving as a key source for about 100,000 tons of fertilizer annually and supporting roughly 20 counties and 19 wholesale customers. They said the existing facility is aging and vulnerable to river humidity and corrosion, and they proposed reconstructing the fertilizer bins into a fully enclosed, more durable facility with an estimated cost of about $1.76 million, far less than rebuilding from scratch. The presenters argued the project is important to keep fertilizer moving quickly during a short application season, to manage global supply disruptions and tariffs, and to avoid higher freight costs if product had to come through other ports. They also emphasized environmental benefits from a contained facility that would reduce runoff into nearby waters. Committee members asked about supply sources, demand trends, ownership, lease terms, and whether the building’s capacity would change. The witnesses said demand is increasing, much of the product still comes from overseas or other domestic ports, and the building would be owned by the company while the Riverport Authority owns the ground. Several members expressed support for the port’s importance to western Kentucky agriculture and noted the need for timely fertilizer storage and delivery. One member, however, said he was not in favor of using public money to subsidize a private, for-profit business and urged the company to negotiate a longer lease with the Riverport Authority before making such a capital investment. The discussion ended without a vote or formal action on the project, though members indicated the issue may be revisited and that the Riverport Authority will later present additional needs to the transportation committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, &gt;&gt; we<00:02:01.200><c> will</c><00:02:01.439><c> have</c><00:02:01.520><c> the</c><00:
• 02:01.680><c> reading</c><00:02:01.920><c> of</c><00:02:02.079><c> the</c><00:02:02.240><c> journal.
• moves</c><00:02:05.119><c> we</c><00:02:05.280><c> dispense</c><00:02:05.680><c> with</c><00:02:05.840
• </c><00:02:06.640><c> All</c><00:02:06.799><c> in</c><00:02:06.960><c> favor</c><00:02:07.200><c> say
• </c><00:02:09.440><c> The</c><00:02:09.679><c> eyes</c><00:02:10.000><c> have</c><00:02:10.160><c> it

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:08.319><c> Act</c><00:02:08.720><c> 292</c><00:02:09.280><c> session</c><00:02:09.599><c>
• Act 292 session laws of 2025 directs<00:02:11.120><c> the</c><00:02:11.280><c> working</c><00:02:11.520
• ><c> group</c><00:02:11.760><c> to</c><00:02:11.920><c> submit</c><00:02:12.160><c> its</c> directs the
• ><c> uh</c><00:02:15.920><c> January</c><00:02:16.400><c> 8,</c><00:02:16.800><c> 2027.
• And I'll note<00:02:18.239><c> that</c><00:02:18.480><c> we</c><00:02:19.280><c> um</c><00:02:19.440>

Summary: The Restrictive Housing Legislative Working Group held its first meeting on August 21, 2025, to organize under Act 292, which directs the group to review and recommend laws, policies, and procedures on restrictive housing for vulnerable populations, including older adults, people with disabilities, people with serious mental illness, those with sensory impairments, and people perceived to be LGBTQIA+. Co-chairs Sen. Brandon Elefante and Rep. Della Au Belatti outlined the group’s purpose, membership, and timeline, noting the final recommendations are due to the Legislature by January 8, 2027. Members and invited participants introduced themselves, including legislative members, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation staff, the Department of Health, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, ACLU of Hawaii, Community Alliance on Prisons, UPW, and an OHA representative in the audience. The working group discussed its initial focus and agreed that a first priority should be understanding current restrictive housing practices at DCR, including policies on solitary confinement, training, reporting, and how the department currently handles vulnerable populations. Co-chair Belatti said the group should also hear from people with lived experience, including incarcerated individuals and family members affected by solitary confinement, and review litigation, settlements, and outside expert work on best practices. DCR Director Tommy Johnson, appearing by Zoom, said the bill contains specific implementation timelines and that the group should use future meetings to surface topics tied to the act’s requirements. Rep. Shimizu asked how the working group’s recommendations would fit with SB 104 and whether they would supersede existing provisions; Belatti responded that the act allows time for review and for both departmental policy changes and legislative recommendations, with section two’s implementation date set for July 1, 2026. Public comment was limited, with no online testimony. An OHA representative thanked the chairs and said the office looked forward to participating once formally designated. House legislative attorney Sean Aronson suggested the group should hear about any outside or court-mandated oversight of DCR in a future presentation. A member of the working group also asked about scheduling an in-person visit to a correctional facility, and the chairs said that could be arranged with DCR. The group tentatively scheduled its next meeting for October 16, 2025 at 9:30 a.m., noted that September would be skipped, and discussed holding future meetings on third Thursdays. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• item<00:02:34.920><c> 10</c> first<00:02:40.920><c> all</c><00:02:41.040><c> right</c><00:02:41.400>
• ><c> where</c><00:02:45.120><c> here</c><00:02:45.200><c> we</c><00:02:45.360><c> go</c><00:02:46.200
• /c><01:02:02.079><c> you</c><01:02:02.200><c> all</c><01:02:02.319><c> so</c><01:02:02.480><c> much</
• being<01:02:03.000><c> here</c><01:02:03.319><c> thank</c><01:02:03.599><c> you</c><01:02:04.599><c>
• /c><01:02:48.480><c> you</c><01:02:48.599><c> all</c><01:02:48.720><c> so</c><01:02:48.880><c> much</

Summary: Chairman Hart called the meeting to order, confirmed a quorum, welcomed Representative Rachel Roarx, and the committee approved the February 11 minutes. The committee then moved through its agenda of PSC and related contract items, including a motion to consider the reviewed contracts without objection. One Department of Highways item was deferred when the virtual representatives were not yet available. The committee first took up Kentucky Housing Corporation contracts. Members questioned outside legal services for foreclosures and bankruptcies, why the work was not handled entirely in-house, and how much of the workload and cost it represented. Witnesses said the agency’s need was largely geographic rather than a lack of expertise, that less than 1% of the loan portfolio is referred out for foreclosures, and that many fees are reimbursable through FHA. Both Kentucky Housing Corporation items were approved. The committee then considered a Department for Community Based Services contract tied to a protest and a temporary renewal with PCG. Witnesses said the contract increase was needed to bridge the gap while the protest and RFP process were unresolved, and that the initial vendor received no funds. The committee approved the item, with Senator Douglas explaining his vote as a preference for straightforward answers. The committee also heard a Northern Kentucky University contract for a Workday ERP replacement, including implementation consulting and separate license fees. University officials explained the move from SAP to Workday, the complexity of the systems, and the need for a consulting partner; they said the total effort would span 10 years and that the contract was priced below comparable institutions. After extensive questioning about cost, budget, and value, the vote ended 4-4 and the chair noted the contract would move forward through the Finance Committee if no disapproval motion was made. Finally, the Office of Inspector General presented a contract for culture change training in nursing facilities funded by civil monetary penalties; witnesses said the goal was to improve staff satisfaction, communication, and resident outcomes, and that the CMP fund balance was about $38 million. Discussion also covered survey backlogs and CMS restrictions on the funds, with the item still under review as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• :13.680><c> yes</c><00:02:13.959><c> come</c><00:02:14.080><c> on</c><00:02:14.680><c> down</c><00:02
• :02:17.920><c> you</c><00:02:18.040><c> here</c><00:02:18.319><c> this</c><00:02:18.440><c> morning</
• thank you<00:02:19.080><c> chair</c><00:02:19.360><c> good</c><00:02:19.519><c> afternoon</c><00:02:
• </c><00:02:24.920><c> land</c><00:02:25.080><c> and</c><00:02:25.239><c> natural</c><00:02:25.760><c>
• thank<00:02:49.920><c> you</c><00:02:50.400><c> members</c><00:02:50.800><c> any</c><00:02:51.080><c

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land opened with housekeeping remarks about testimony limits, video availability, and that decision-making would follow the hearing. The committee then heard and considered several SCRs authorizing long-term nonexclusive easements over state submerged lands for existing public or private infrastructure on Oahu, including stormwater outfalls, shoreline protection structures, concrete stairs, seawalls, and a rock revetment. DLNR supported each measure and generally requested only technical or clarifying amendments; for SCR 3, DLNR asked that the title be clarified to specify the easement would be granted to the City and County of Honolulu. After discussion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations, passing SCR 3 with amendments and SCRs 4, 6, and 7 unamended, while SCR 5 was passed with technical, non-substantive amendments. Senator Meli noted general concerns about seawalls and hardening but said he would support the measures because they involved repair of existing structures and public access, though he indicated a reservation on SCR 6. The committee then took up governor’s messages for HCDA appointments. For GM 58, Gerald Gordner was nominated to the Kalaeloa district seat; HCDA’s executive director and another supporter praised his urban planning, housing, zoning, GIS, and collaborative skills, and Gordner described his interim service and background in housing affordability and disaster recovery. Members also discussed a former military hangar in Kalaeloa and possible future uses, with Gordner noting he understood there had been restrictions that were later lifted, while the chair raised concerns about airport operations and modular housing use. The committee also heard support for GM 559, nominating Micki Lidstone as cultural specialist; HCDA said she had been an active and reliable board participant and cultural resource, and Lidstone said she valued learning from Native Hawaiian testimony and helping balance community perspectives. Finally, GM 688 nominated Deborah Kabibi to the Leeward Oahu/Maui district seat; HCDA said her community ties would be valuable for South Maui planning, and Kabibi said she had learned a lot from the board’s collaborative process and was eager to represent her community. The transcript ends during discussion of GM 688, before any vote on the nominations is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• May<00:02:18.800><c> we</c><00:02:19.040><c> always</c><00:02:19.360><c> be</c><00:02:19.599><c> thankful
• </c><00:02:42.400><c> receive</c><00:02:42.720><c> the</c><00:02:42.959><c> minutes</c><00:02:43.280>
• </c><00:02:44.879><c> Um</c><00:02:45.440><c> at</c><00:02:45.680><c> this</c><00:02:45.840><c> time,
• We<00:02:50.480><c> have</c><00:02:50.560><c> a</c><00:02:50.720><c> motion</c><00:02:50.959><c> from
• </c><00:02:58.720><c> All</c><00:02:58.959><c> in</c><00:02:59.120><c> favor</c><00:02:59.360><c> say

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then spent much of the meeting recognizing members of the Falmouth Police Department and related support personnel. Representatives and senators described the department’s response to a May 17, 2025 shooting between two vehicles, saying officers secured the area, apprehended suspects, and prevented further harm within about 30 minutes. They also recognized Officer Jonathan Bis for helping rescue a person from a burning storage facility on May 3, and honored Chaplain Abram Croer and police administrator Marilyn Belure for their support roles. Members praised the officers’ service and presented citations; one member also noted the recent flooding in Falmouth and the strain on local responders. The committee also observed a moment of silence for a firefighter who died after a vehicle crash while responding to a call. The committee then recognized Sergeant Major Jimmy Thorne, USMC (Ret.), with a lengthy citation for his military service and community involvement. The citation highlighted more than three decades of service, including Vietnam, Lebanon, Somalia, multiple injuries, exposure to Agent Orange, and numerous decorations such as the Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal. Speakers also noted his continued civic work in Williamstown and Grant County. Thorne thanked the committee, said enlisting in the Marine Corps and moving to Kentucky were two of his proudest decisions, and received a committee coin. Members and guests offered additional remarks about his character and service. Finally, Brigadier General Charles Jones and Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson gave an update on spring storm response and recovery. They said Kentucky has had three declared disasters and one undeclared event this year, with 113 of 120 counties affected in the last 12 months, including February flooding, April flooding, and May tornadoes; a January ice storm appeal was denied. Gibson emphasized the rising frequency and cost of disasters, citing about $350 million in public assistance over the first 10 years of the period reviewed versus about $2 billion in the last five years. He reported on sheltering, disaster recovery centers, FEMA and SBA assistance, and said about $57 million in individual assistance had been paid and nearly $69 million obligated, while public assistance projects were still moving through review and payment.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; On<00:02:08.879><c> SP</c><00:02:09.360><c> 2312,</c><00:02:10.800><c> chair's</c><00:02:11.120
• &gt;&gt; Okay.<00:02:26.400><c> Thank</c><00:02:26.640><c> you</c><00:02:26.720><c> very</c><00:02:26.959
• Next<00:02:27.920><c> bill,</c><00:02:28.319><c> Senate</c><00:02:28.560><c> Bill</c><00:02:28.879><c
• 02:54.800><c> amendments</c><00:02:55.280><c> of</c><00:02:55.440><c> the</c><00:02:55.599><c> members
• > Are</c><00:02:56.959><c> there</c><00:02:57.120><c> any</c><00:02:57.280><c> no</c><00:02:57.519><c

Bills: SB2064 , SB2312 , SB2811 , SB2662 , SB2744 , SB2809 , SB2862 , SB2343 , SB2336 , SB2075 , SB2308 , SB2601 , SB2397 , SB2219 , SB2849 , SB2449 , SB2781

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Summary: The committee met for decision-making on measures heard earlier in the week and took up a series of government operations, procurement, public records, public meetings, and related bills. Several measures were deferred one week to February 12, 2026, including bills on state construction projects, government accountability, gubernatorial appointments, the legislature, public procurement, and a bill on Hawaiian lei sales, largely so the committee could compare similar measures, address concerns, or integrate related reports. The committee also deferred SB 2449 on public meetings for the year, citing concerns that the proposed business-day definition was overly prescriptive and unnecessary. The committee passed several bills with amendments. These included measures clarifying UIPA applicability to records created or maintained by agencies, with amendments changing “government function” to “agency function” and committee report language noting Attorney General concerns and exempting ERS for now; SB 2811 on state building projects with technical amendments and a delayed effective date; SB 2809 on budget-related reports; SB 2336 on trees, with a Senate draft and removal of “political subdivision”; SB 2308 on small purchase vendor compliance, setting the threshold at $5,000 and adding a delayed effective date; SB 2601 on procurement, reorganizing misdemeanor language and leaving funding/FTE issues to Ways and Means; SB 2219 on a capital visitor center working group; and SB 2849 on public meetings, with technical amendments and a delayed effective date. Bills on neighborhood board concerns and public notice were also adopted, with SB 2929 drawing testimony both for and against. Testimony was generally supportive on procurement and small business measures, especially SB 2928 establishing permanent small business procurement coordinator positions, which drew strong support from the State Procurement Office, DBEDT, the Chamber of Commerce, DOT, the Ethics Commission, and others. On public notice, the County of Maui supported allowing website posting, while another witness raised concerns about accessibility, centralized notice locations, and impacts on kūpuna and people with disabilities. On search and rescue, the committee heard support for creating a statewide coordination structure, along with discussion of where such an office should reside; the Attorney General raised constitutional and placement concerns, while witnesses suggested law enforcement, DLNR, or DoD as possible homes. The committee also heard support for a bill protecting home addresses of covered public servants and candidates, though the Public First Law Center urged broader coverage and a better fit with existing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• :02:08.280><c> you</c><00:02:08.560><c> next</c><00:02:08.800><c> item</c><00:02:09.239><c> SB</c><00
• <00:02:11.160><c> is</c><00:02:11.319><c> to</c><00:02:11.520><c> pass</c><00:02:11.760><c> unamended
• any discussion<00:02:14.280><c> that</c><00:02:14.440><c> chair</c><00:02:14.680><c> votes</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:17.760><c> anyone</c><00:02:18.040><c> voting</c><00:02:18.360><c> no</c><00:02:18.840><c>
• c><00:02:39.319><c> no</c><00:02:39.640><c> pass</c><00:02:39.800><c> Zone</c><00:02:40.040><c> and</

Summary: The committee met in decision-making on a long list of Senate bills and adopted most measures with amendments or unamended, often with members voting aye and some recording reservations. Among the measures acted on were SB 40, SB 411, SB 436, SB 443, SB 447, SB 572, SB 583, SB 739, SB 742, SB 746, SB 816, SB 826, SB 830, SB 841, SB 850, SB 865, SB 952, SB 955, SB 1040, SB 1042, SB 1083, SB 1229, SB 1359, SB 1469, SB 1553, SB 1578, SB 1609, SB 1610, SB 1619, and SB 1641. Common amendments included deferring effective dates to 2050, adding sunset dates, adopting LRB technical changes, and narrowing or clarifying program language. Several bills drew brief discussion on policy details. SB 583 was amended to remove references to selling naming rights, leaving only leasing. SB 739 was discussed for its land exchange provisions and concerns about ceded lands and OHA revenue, but it was still adopted with reservations. SB 830 was amended based on DNR testimony to address reconstruction after disasters, excluding certain coastal hazards. SB 850 added State Council on Developmental Disabilities recommendations to address health disparities for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. SB 952 shifted administration of a pilot program to the Department of Human Services in partnership with the Office of Wellness and Resiliency, and SB 1610 added requirements for utility connections and capped spending on the Ohana Zones/Cales-related program. The committee also heard substantial discussion on SB 442, which concerned returning retirees to state employment. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement and the Attorney General focused on whether the bill should allow a shorter waiting period and how it would interact with current 89-day hiring practices, succession planning, and law enforcement retirement rules. After debate, the committee moved to decision-making and adopted amendments to include investigators, expand eligibility to hard-to-fill or succession-planning positions, and set a term limit for returning retirees with director approval for extensions. In a separate joint Ways and Means/Judiciary hearing, SB 716, SB 763, and SB 804 were also advanced with amendments, including organizational placement changes for DLE programs and Attorney General amendments to avoid retroactivity and contract-impairment issues. Several items were deferred, including SB 983, SB 1220, and SB 828.

Transcript Highlights:

• Paul, Minnesota.
• There being no quorum under the Minnesota Constitution, the House is adjourned until 3:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also want to<00:02:02.719><c> say</c><00:02:02.880><c> that</c><00:02:03.119><c> October</c><00:02:03.840
• Depression<00:02:04.960><c> and</c><00:02:05.200><c> Mental</c><00:02:05.439><c> Health</c><00:02:05.759
• :24.319><c> that</c><00:02:24.720><c> AI</c><00:02:25.120><c> and</c><00:02:25.280><c> chat</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:32.400><c> We</c><00:02:32.560><c> have</c><00:02:32.800><c> definitely</c><00:02:33.200><
• 00:02:38.640><c> we</c><00:02:38.800><c> hope</c><00:02:38.959><c> we</c><00:02:39.200><c> can</c> AI

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard testimony on the use of artificial intelligence in therapy and mental health settings. Representative Lisa Willner and Brenda Rosen of NASW Kentucky argued for “guard rails” on AI chatbots so they cannot present themselves as licensed therapists or replace school counselors, psychologists, or social workers. They said AI can support licensed professionals, but warned that chatbots cannot reliably recognize nonverbal cues, escalate crises, or provide accountable care, and they cited examples of harmful chatbot interactions, including a suicide case and a chatbot telling a user to “Please die.” The witnesses also raised concerns about data privacy, commercialization of sensitive mental health conversations, and the use of personal clinical content to train AI models. They said minors should require parental consent and suggested transparency about how a chatbot is trained and who created it. They distinguished between unvetted consumer chatbots and AI tools that have been scientifically validated or approved as digital therapeutics, noting that some evidence-based tools may be useful for specific conditions such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. Committee members asked whether regulation should be handled by the legislature or by professional boards, and whether a multi-state model would be preferable to 50 different state approaches. The witnesses generally favored expert-led standards and said a board or panel of experts could review and approve mental health chatbots, but members cautioned that boards can become too restrictive and that legislation should preserve flexibility and avoid discouraging children from seeking help. The discussion ended with a request for the witnesses to restate their proposed policy ideas, including privacy protections, bans on commercialization, limits on training AI with clinical content, transparency requirements, and informed consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:01.920><c> will</c><01:02:02.160><c> come</c><01:02:02.880><c> throughout</c><01:02:03.280
• </c><01:02:05.520><c> uh</c><01:02:05.680><c> whether</c><01:02:06.000><c> it's</c><01:02:06.160><c>
• :02:08.240><c> that</c><01:02:08.480><c> they've</c><01:02:08.799><c> never</c><01:02:09.040><c> seen
• ><c> they</c><01:02:16.480><c> have</c><01:02:17.040><c> uh</c><01:02:17.200><c> the</c><01:02:17.440
• :02:45.600><c> has</c><06:02:45.840><c> to</c><06:02:46.000><c> do</c><06:02:46.240><c> it.

Summary: The Senate first recognized the Montgomery Academy boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Class 3A state championship, their second straight title. Senator Barfoot introduced the team and read a resolution commending the players, coaches, and school community for the 66-39 win over Southside Selma, noting standout performances by Braden Gordon, Mason Ellis, and Jarrett Friendley. Coach Jeremy Aant and school head John Williams thanked the Senate and emphasized the team’s selflessness, teamwork, academic standards, service, and leadership development. The Senate applauded the team, added all senators to the resolution, and arranged for a picture and challenge coins for the players. After the recognition, the Senate came to order, established a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. Committee reports followed. The Committee on State Government Affairs reported House Bill 541 favorably with one amendment; the bill would create the Safeguard Alabama Voter Engagement Act, requiring party registration for primary voting, restricting crossover voting, retaining voter history as a public record, revising voter registration forms, and requiring parties to publish candidate qualifications. The bill was ordered to a second reading and placed on the calendar. The Committee on Local Legislation reported House Bills 630, 631, and 632 favorably, all relating to Etowah County, including changes to tax exemptions and personnel board membership. These bills were also sent to second reading and the calendar. The Senate then took up Senate Joint Resolution 117, commending Dylan Nut for winning the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic, and added all members as co-sponsors. During discussion, one senator used the opportunity to speak at length about a separate concern involving alleged unlicensed real estate solicitation and the need for legislation to protect citizens from property-related scams; he also discussed the calendar process and other bills. The floor later included extended informal remarks about fishing and a separate discussion of a proposal to designate Miss America as an official state ambassador, with support expressed for a possible stipend amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:02:36.400><c> Um</c><00:02:36.879><c> and</c><00:02:38.000><c> Charlie</c><00:02:38.400><c> is</
• ><c> roughly</c><00:02:41.040><c> was</c><00:02:41.760><c> he</c><00:02:42.080><c> was</c><00:02:42.239
• :02:44.080><c> in</c><00:02:44.879><c> 17</c><00:02:46.080><c> and</c><00:02:46.319><c> roughly</c> um
• that was right out<00:02:48.560><c> there</c><00:02:48.720><c> in</c><00:02:48.879><c> that</c><00:02
• </c><00:02:55.519><c> That</c><00:02:55.680><c> that's</c><00:02:56.000><c> not</c><00:02:56.160><c>

Bills: SB341 , SB340 , SB341 , SB354 , SB340

Committee: Senate Transportation and Energy

Keywords: SB341, Alabama, veteran license plate, veteran tag, distinctive license tag, specialty plate, radiation exposure, atomic bomb testing, ionizing radiation, World War II veterans, Vietnam veterans, Korean War veterans, Cold War veterans, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve, Department of Veterans Affairs, probate judge

Transcript Highlights:

• Our statutes. Thank you.
• Three hundred-plus days of sun a year is a lot different than where I trained in Minnesota.
• House Bill 202 puts into state statute an MOU, or memorandum of understanding, between multiple state
• Under the current statute 32A30-6, the OCA is tasked with assessing and reviewing information and records
• in their agency analysis, and I quote: as CYFD often relies on abuse and neglect confidentiality statutes

Committee: House House Health & Human Services