Transcript Highlights:

• in support.
• Mur in support. support. support.
• Um, up next in support, Mr. >> Thank you. Um, up next in support, Mr.
• Testimony and support. A kohulu Allison. Testimony and support.
• We are in support of um HP 2044. TAR. We are in support of um HP 2044.

Bills: HB1531

Keywords: emergency announcements, American Sign Language, accessibility, public safety, broadcast media, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1913, which would create a mental health coordinator position within the Office of Veteran Services for the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home and appropriate funds for it. Supporters said veterans, especially on the neighbor islands, need more mental health access and coordination. Several witnesses, including Sean Sonatada and Tom Driscoll, supported the intent but urged amendments to broaden the position beyond one facility and make it a statewide resource. Committee members questioned whether the bill would duplicate existing services at the veterans home and whether the position would be reimbursable through federal VA funding; testimony indicated the state would appropriate the money, while existing home services are already covered through current staff and federal reimbursement structures. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 9, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart state. Testifiers generally supported the measure as a way to honor wounded veterans and their families, though one member asked what benefits the designation would confer. Witnesses clarified that the bill was mainly symbolic and did not appear to create new benefits, and one testifier noted Honolulu County had already adopted a similar Purple Heart designation. The committee then took up House Bill 1628, which would establish a compassionate release protocol for certain seriously ill or debilitated incarcerated persons. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Hawaii Paroling Authority opposed the bill, arguing that an existing administrative process already works, that the bill could improperly extend eligibility to people serving life without parole or mandatory minimum sentences, and that it lacked victim and family input and sufficient resources. In contrast, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission strongly supported the bill, saying it would reduce the high cost of incarcerating people with complex medical needs, ease burdens on staff and the prison population, and better reflect human dignity. The commission described having seen severe suffering and deaths in custody and said compassionate release is warranted in some cases. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• TO PROVIDE FAMILY WITH PHYSICAL SAFETY AND ECONOMIC SECURITY AND SUPPORT STRONG COMMUNITIES AND STABLE
• TODAY I WILL SPEAK TO YOU ABOUT FLORIDA'S PLACE AS A NATIONAL LEADER AND SUPPORTING SURVIVABLE AND IT
• IT'S EXPERIENTIAL DATA THAT DEMONSTRATES IT. >> I HAVE TWO QUICK QUESTIONS THAT WE HAVE TO CLOSE IT OUT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Supporting the Sustainable Scalloping Fund means supporting a vision of industry-led sustainability grounded
• In fact, Michael Pendney did support that proposal.
• I mean, the key to me on supporting it is finding the right balance.
• So any voice that could be lent in support of that would be extremely helpful.
• So any voice that could be lent in support of that would be extremely helpful.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused on the Massachusetts sea scallop fishery, especially the economic importance of the industry, federal scallop management, and two policy questions: reopening the Northern Edge area on Georges Bank and allowing permit stacking/permit consolidation. Chairing senators emphasized their interest in hearing both sides, their frustration with federal bureaucracy, and their view that the issue should be guided by science while protecting the long-term resource and local communities. Dr. Kate O’Keefe of the New England Fishery Management Council and Kevin Stokesbury of UMass Dartmouth described the Magnuson-Stevens framework, annual catch limits, rotational area management, and the role of industry-funded surveys and the research set-aside program. They said scallops remain the most lucrative council-managed commercial fishery on the East Coast, but recent changes include more small scallops, lower biomass in some areas, higher natural mortality, and shifting abundance toward Georges Bank. On the Northern Edge, they explained that the council previously considered opening the area through a framework/joint action with habitat management, but discontinued the action in 2024 because of conflicting objectives involving scallop yield, habitat protection, and other species. They said the issue could be revisited through future council priority-setting. Representatives of the Sustainable Scalloping Fund argued that the fishery needs modernization to remain economically viable. They supported reopening the Northern Edge and strongly backed permit stacking, saying it would allow two permits on one vessel while keeping ownership caps in place, reducing costs, improving safety, and helping family-owned fleets avoid financial distress and outside investment. Port of New Bedford representative John Regan stressed the port’s central role in the state economy, the need to protect working waterfront infrastructure, and the importance of any permit changes preserving local ownership and participation. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and members asked that the witnesses keep the committee informed as the council and federal agencies consider next steps.

Transcript Highlights:

• Great guy, great supporter of agriculture, and welcome to the committee.
• Great guy, great supporter of agriculture, and welcome to the committee.
• </c><00:03:59.480><c> a</c> future with critical needs to support a future with critical needs to support
• Facilities across Minnesota to support Minnesota agriculture.
• </c><00:09:26.279><c> in</c> created or retained that we supported in created or retained that we supported

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• > acceleration</c><00:10:56.320><c> not</c> on support and acceleration not on support and acceleration
• Senator Boyd, while I generally support this, let me ask you a few technical questions.
• </c> because I saw that we had the supports because I saw that we had the supports in<00:21:16.640><c
• </c><00:42:19.760><c> of</c> chairman has been very supportive of chairman has been very supportive of
• </c> we this supports we this supports gifted<01:37:28.400><c> students</c><01:37:28.960><c> and</c><

Keywords: Education - Room 216, 22 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hale Cusinelli was welcomed as a speaker at two events held by president's supporters.
• Project Esther paints liberal civil society groups as a Hamas support network without any proof.
• True support for Jewish students like me means listening to our diverse experiences and needs and not
• I have this poster from the demonstration.
• Nobody in this room can support their ideas.

Keywords: anti-Semitism, hate crimes, college campuses, civil rights, public safety, protests, intimidation

Summary: The committee meeting focused on addressing the rising tide of anti-Semitism across the nation. Among the discussions, members expressed concerns about the disturbing acts of hate witnessed on college campuses, with instances of harassment and intimidation targeting Jewish students being highlighted. High-profile incidents, including vandalism and the display of extremist symbols, prompted urgent calls for investigations and measures to protect civil rights. The importance of moral clarity in confronting such hate crimes was emphasized as well, outlining the responsibilities of leaders to ensure safety and uphold justice.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, the author's amendment does represent an important step in the right direction and demonstrates
• me to continue working in good faith with members of both parties to get to a solution we can all support

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Last fall, all prospective vendors completed certification testing and publicly demonstrated their systems
• And it's a great way, like I said, to give back to your community and support democracy.

Summary: The committee heard a budget presentation for the Department of State. House Fiscal Division said the FY27 recommended budget is $128.6 million and 367 positions, with elections making up the largest share. Secretary of State Nancy Landry said the office is implementing Louisiana’s first closed party primary, continuing voter education efforts, and moving toward procurement of a new voting system that would produce a voter-verifiable paper ballot and support risk-limiting audits. Members asked about polling place confusion, machine replacement costs, election commissioner pay, and the cost of educating voters about the new primary system. Landry said polling places are not changing because of the new primary law, the new system is expected to cost about $100 million total, and a bill this session would raise election commissioner pay by $100 per day. Fiscal staff also estimated the closed primary law will add about $31.5 million in costs over five years, mostly from converting local elections to statewide elections and voter outreach. The committee then reviewed the Department of Veterans Affairs budget, which was presented at about $105.2 million with a mix of federal, state, self-generated, and interagency funds. The department said most costs are tied to personnel and veterans’ homes, and that the homes are funded largely by federal dollars plus self-generated revenue. Members focused heavily on delays in processing National Guard disability claims and payments to veterans. Representatives said constituents had waited about a year for claims to be resolved, while the department said it had increased staffing and was processing a backlog of more than 400 claims, but still had about $950,000 in approved claims awaiting funding. The department said the payout program is governed by statute and that additional supplemental funding has been requested. Members also discussed veterans’ home care, including how service-connected disability status affects eligibility and costs, and whether chronic wound care and related complications could increase long-term costs. The department said veterans with higher service-connected ratings receive care with federal support, while others pay fees. Several members urged the department to provide clearer timelines and better communication to claimants, and one member suggested a separate oversight hearing to address the disability claim process and any needed statutory changes. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last fall, all prospective vendors completed certification testing and publicly demonstrated their systems
• And it's a great way, like I said, to give back to your community and support democracy.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> I ask for member support. I ask for member support.
• </c> be happy to support that. be happy to support that.
• </c> Senate supported that. Senate supported that.
• I support this bill. I support taxing millionaires and billionaires.
• I support taxing I support this bill.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We're honored to work alongside you all, and I really appreciate all of the support they've given.
• One last question for our Olympian: What measures are in place to support athletes' mental health?
• California to shine with your support. Well, thank you so much.
• But I'm confident that we'll have significant city support for those programs.
• We're going to need support as well. We're working with our local partners.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I want to be very clear that we support, um, the structured literacy piece and we support that implementation
• And the financial support to implement this fully.
• And we want to be supportive because as you heard and you know it's here, so we want to be supportive
• , but we also want to be appropriately supportive so we're not.
• one another and, and maybe the state supporting us with that as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• So otherwise, she would be here to support. You're in the wrong place, Mr. Bailey. Yes, sir.
• I think they're here to, yes, it says they're waving in support of you. Why, I see them wave.
• So we were honoring veterans for their service to our country, and I strongly supported that.
• And I show in that paper that that would be revenue neutral if you support it with a bond.
• And for those reasons, I'll be supporting him in this adventure.

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met to consider a large slate of gubernatorial appointees, with 127 nominees on the agenda. The committee first approved the grouped nominees in Tabs 1 through 54 by unanimous roll call vote after brief public testimony in support of several appointees. The committee then took up individual University of West Florida and Pensacola State College-related nominations, including noting that Dr. Joel Rudman had resigned from the Pensacola State College board before appearing, leaving no action to take on that tab. Several UWF trustees were confirmed after testimony focused on their qualifications and priorities for the university. Paul Bailey emphasized his local ties, legal background, and interest in UWF’s military connections and pre-law program; Rebecca Matthews highlighted her education and public service background, current role as UWF board chair, enrollment growth, fundraising, and alignment with state directives; Rachel Moyah discussed her education leadership experience, finance role, and positive enrollment and fundraising trends; Ashley Ross described her fundraising and higher education background and stressed workforce, advancement, cyber, and military partnerships; and Christopher Young spoke about his Panhandle roots, business experience, audit and compliance work, and support for military and student opportunity. Each of these nominees was confirmed by roll call and forwarded to the full Senate. The most contentious nomination was Adam Kissel for the UWF Board of Trustees. Kissel described his background in higher education policy, free speech, philanthropy, and federal education work, and said he would focus on free speech, accreditation, military/veteran support, honors programming, and graduation rates. Committee members questioned him closely about prior writings on privatizing public higher education, his views on free speech versus Senate Bill 266, Project 2025, AI in administration, and his fit for UWF. Public testimony was split, with supporters praising his free-speech credentials and reform views, while opponents, including former UWF leaders, warned he was too ideological and not sufficiently grounded in the university community. After debate, the committee voted 5-4 not to confirm Kissel, so his name will not be forwarded to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• We support House Bill 410.
• We all work and volunteer. and support the economic community.
• And I support this bill.
• I'm not going to stand in support of this bill.
• We urge your support for HB 80.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm in full support of Senator Nichols' bills because it seeks to remedy the...
• I want to first begin by stating that I do support... ...to House Bill 711.
• I want to first begin by stating that I do support the grow-your-own pathway.
• I will support the motion.
• I will support the amendment, and I will support the motion, but I am...

Summary: The committee first approved minutes from March 9, 10, and 11, 2026. It then took up Senate Bill 1336, a proposal to codify civics and American founding content in Idaho social studies standards. Sponsor Senator Anthon said the bill was a work in progress and asked that it be sent to the 14th order for amendment, citing concerns about flexibility, local control, and implementation. Testimony from school groups was generally supportive of the goal but raised concerns about codifying standards in statute, the Western civilization requirement, staffing and scheduling impacts, and funding for curriculum changes. The committee voted to send SB 1336 to the 14th order. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 1412, a school hiring and reporting bill combining earlier proposals on educator misconduct disclosure, mandatory reporting, employer verification, Professional Standards Commission reporting, and whistleblower protections for private school employees. Senator Nichols said the bill was intended to create uniform statewide protections and transparency. Testimony strongly supported the bill from several educators and advocates who described failures to report abuse, retaliation against whistleblowers, and cases where alleged offenders remained employed. The committee voted to send SB 1412 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 832, which would change career technical education hiring rules by replacing a fixed 6,000-hour industry experience requirement with standards set by the State Board of Career Technical Education. The bill was presented as a way to improve recruitment and retention of industry professionals, and it passed with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard House Bill 711, creating alternative authorization pathways for school principals and superintendents through either a grow-your-own route or an executive leadership route. Supporters argued it would help districts, especially rural ones, recruit leaders and that it was optional; opponents said it lowered standards, did not solve retention problems, and could weaken preparation in school law, finance, and instructional leadership. Despite objections, the committee voted to send HB 711 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee revisited House Bill 516, which would restrict classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity and had an amendment clarifying that incidental references in certain subjects would not be prohibited. Testimony was sharply divided, with supporters framing it as a parent-rights and transparency measure and opponents warning it would chill instruction and invite litigation; discussion focused on the meaning of “incidental reference” and the bill’s private right of action, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We support this bill from the ASRPA standpoint.
• Madam Chair and members, absolutely, they are in full support of this.
• I'm here in support of the bill. Pamela Carter, Good afternoon.
• I'm here in support of the bill.
• I'd appreciate your support. Thank you for hearing the bill.

Bills: HB2043, HB2046, HB2126, HB2131, HB2132, HB2133, HB2223, HB2265, HB2411, HB2666

Keywords: felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, education, funding, school districts, state aid, education reform, venue, employee conflict, superior court, legal proceedings, workplace disputes, weapons, explosives, trafficking, firearm regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• And then during the winter peaks, there's no solar support.
• I strongly urge you to support this bill.
• Associate counsel at Texas Realtors, testifying in support of HB 2349.
• I am here on behalf of Favor Delivery to testify in support of SB 2154.
• And why not in support versus on what is there?

Bills: SB438, SB512, SB647, SB648, SB1495, SB2121, SB2145, SB2154, SB2167, SB2184, SB2211, SB2268, SB2349, SB2443, SB2629, SB2702, SB2902

Keywords: SB 438, Texas, State Office of Administrative Hearings, SOAH, administrative law judge, ALJ, public information act, open records, confidentiality, privacy, home address, home telephone number, emergency contact information, social security number, family members, Government Code 552.117, Government Code 552.1175, Tax Code 25.025, public records, government transparency

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up several pending bills, voting favorably on SB 1612, SB 2717, SB 1468, SB 1642, and SB 1789. SB 1612 was reported favorably with objections to the local and contested calendar, while SB 2717, SB 1468, SB 1642, and SB 1789 were reported favorably, with SB 1642 and SB 1789 sent to the floor. SB 2717 would create the Texas Energy Efficiency Council; SB 1642 would add an executive director to the Texas Department of Insurance structure; and SB 1789 would establish pole standards and clarify PUC authority and remedies. The committee also heard an ERCOT update from CEO Pablo Vegas on the updated long-term load forecast, which showed a much higher unadjusted growth projection driven largely by data centers. ERCOT described an adjusted forecast using historical delays and lower realized build rates, and members discussed reliability, generation timelines, and the importance of SB 6 for demand response and flexibility. The committee then heard and left pending SB 2629, which would allow condominium and property owners’ association meetings and voting by electronic means; SB 2702, which would let nationally certified professionals test backflow prevention assemblies without a separate TCEQ license; SB 2167, which would let TDLR pause new license applications tied to human trafficking emergency orders or pending SOAH cases; SB 2349, which would exempt short-term leases and certain leasebacks from flood disclosure requirements; SB 2121, which would tighten the data broker registry law; and SB 2443, which would authorize TDLR electronic delivery of notices and other documents. Testimony generally supported these bills as cleanup, modernization, or workforce-streamlining measures, with some members expressing caution about electronic meetings and emphasizing in-person accountability. The committee also heard SB 2902 on coerced debt and identity theft, with testimony from a law professor and family violence advocates supporting stronger protections for survivors and suggesting a police report as an additional proof option. SB 512, a refiled bill restricting money transmission license holders from fining users for terms-of-service violations, also received supportive testimony and was left pending. Later, the committee heard SB 2145 on allowing certain TIF boards to meet virtually in narrow circumstances, SB 2268 on extending Texas Energy Fund loan deadlines in some cases, SB 1495 creating an EV supply equipment advisory board, SB 2154 regulating delivery network companies under a statewide framework, SB 2184 lowering the age for pyrotechnic operator and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18, SB 2211 on combining data centers, power generation, and produced-water desalination projects, and SB 647 on title theft protections and clerk authority to refuse fraudulent filings. Most of these bills were left pending after brief testimony and questions, with members focusing on reliability, regulation, and safeguards against fraud.

Transcript Highlights:

• I urge you to reject SB 17 turn support policies that expand opportunity.
• So I'm asking you to not support this Bill. >> Thank you. Thank you.
• Dei is in support of local communities which is so diverse. Thank you.
• Florida waives in support at Mt.
• action waives in support.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, to demonstrate prayer, Father Guy Council Mangel told this story.
• And for that reason, I cannot support this budget. ...spending priorities.
• And for that reason, I cannot support this budget. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Green supports the motion to table. Direct the Secretary to open the machine.
• We have to support small companies. This is not a major dollar factor.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• support.
• Samuel Lee with Campaign Life Missouri, to go on record in full support of House Bill 3146.
• Samuel Lee with Campaign Life Missouri testified in full support of House Bill 3146.
• We do support this bill.
• We all support freedom, so it's a safe placeholder. So let's just go with that.

Keywords: 959, house, all