Transcript Highlights:

• successfully in our office since 2021 in response to the COVID pandemic, and in fact Zoom has become the platform
• ><00:03:08.159> has<00:03:08.400> become<00:03:08.640> the<00:03:08.879> platform
• <00:03:09.200> of in fact Zoom has become the platform of in fact Zoom has become the platform

Bills: SB2697, SB2399, SB2665, SB2851, SB3102, SB2521, SB3157

Keywords: SB2697, Hawaii transportation, motor vehicle law, road shoulder, shoulder lane, shoulder driving, high occupancy vehicle lane, HOV lane, vehicle registration, expired registration, out-of-state vehicle, vehicle tax delinquency, impoundment, vehicle seizure, public auction, county finance, Department of Transportation, law enforcement, antique motor vehicle, traffic penalties

Summary: The joint hearing of the Transportation and Labor and Technology committees considered HB 2097, which would allow administrative driver’s license revocation hearings to be held by interactive conference technology such as Zoom and permit electronic exchange of evidence. DOT and the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office supported the bill, saying Zoom hearings have worked well since 2021 and save time and money. Both committees passed HB 2097 with technical and nonsubstantive amendments. The Transportation Committee then heard HB 1163 on commercial driver licensing, HB 2113 on funding vegetation removal from the Kaola Stream drainage way, HB 2283 on port pilotage, HB 1588 on a noise detection camera program, and HB 2333 on airport special districts and aeronautics penalties. DOT asked for HB 1163 to use “non-domiciled” language to match federal rules, and the committee passed it with amendments. For HB 2113, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity said the project would likely need about $1 million, and the committee passed the bill with amendments while noting the funding would be reflected in the committee report rather than the measure itself. HB 2283 drew broad support from maritime and labor interests, but the committee deferred it, saying the Senate version was already moving and would be used instead. HB 1588 received support from DOT and several community and health-related testifiers who said noise from traffic is a serious problem, but the committee expressed concern about enforcement language and re-referred the bill to Judiciary/Ways and Means while still passing it forward. HB 2333 was supported by DOT and airline interests; after questions about airport loitering and sleeping rules, the committee passed it as is. In the final decision-making, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on HB 1163, HB 2113, HB 1588, and HB 2333, and deferred HB 2283.

Transcript Highlights:

• Becker, and Caldwell, concerning search warrant requirements for operators of certain electronic platforms
• of warrant requirements for operators of certain<00:33:05.679> electronic<00:33:06.240> platforms
• <00:33:07.280> Senate certain electronic platforms. Senate certain electronic platforms.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 17, 2026 journal, and received a series of committee reports. Senate Services reported several bills and resolutions as correctly printed or engrossed. The Appropriations Committee advanced Senate Bill 5 with amendments, and reported a large slate of House bills 1150 through 1179, most with favorable recommendations and many recommended for the consent calendar. The Finance Committee advanced Senate Bill 46 with amendments and reported several appointments for confirmation, including members of the Financial Services Board and the Advisory Committee to the Property Tax Administrator. The State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee postponed Senate Bill 33 indefinitely and sent Senate Bill 48 to Appropriations. The Senate also approved an appointment filling a vacancy on the Legislative Audit Committee, naming Senator William Lindstedt. On third reading, the chamber passed Senate Bill 11, concerning search warrant requirements for operators of certain electronic platforms, by a vote of 31-2 after no votes from Senators Basley and Zamora Wilson. Senate Bill 76, concerning the practice of certified public accountants, passed 33-0. The Senate then resolved into Committee of the Whole for second reading of Senate Bill 7, concerning medical marijuana use by terminally ill patients in health facilities, and Senate Bill 54, concerning a security deposit exemption for post-closing occupancy agreements; both were adopted, amended, and advanced to third reading. Later, the Committee of the Whole considered House Bill 1027, which would allow retiree executive directors of boards of cooperative services to keep retirement benefits and clarify BOCES funding eligibility; after brief discussion, it was adopted and advanced. The committee also laid over Senate Bill 84 until February 19 and Senate Bills 37, 31, 53, and 43 until February 23. During announcements, senators noted committee meetings and caucus gatherings, including Statutory Revision, Transportation and Energy, Judiciary, Capital Development, and Democratic and Republican caucuses. Senator Jaquez marked the start of Ramadan and invited members to observe with local Muslim communities. Senator Priestly used personal privilege to criticize the state’s AI policy and the relocation of Palantir, prompting a reminder that policy debate should occur in the proper forum. The Senate adjourned until Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m explaining the bill, and so this program, the federal drought, creates a platform of different programs
• “This bill is to create a state platform to be able to have a designation for property.
• sorry Madam Chair I'm explaining the bill and so this program the federal drought is is creates a platform
• This bill is to create a state platform to be able to have a designation for property.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• opportunity to optimize business practices and foster innovation, however, artificial intelligence platforms
• dangerous and deceptive practices of large technology companies that wield artificial intelligence platforms

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then administered the oath of office to newly elected Senator Brian Nathan of District 14, who was welcomed by the chamber. The Secretary read the governor’s amended special session proclamation, which expanded the call to include legislation on artificial intelligence protections, an AI Bill of Rights, related public records exemptions, and medical freedom, in addition to congressional redistricting and related litigation funding. The chamber then read the bills filed within the call: SB 2D (Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights), SB 4D (public records), SB 60 (medical freedom), and SB 8D (congressional districts). The Rules Chair moved SB 2D and SB 4D forward, and the Senate took up SB 2D first. On SB 2D, the sponsor said the bill was intended to protect parents and children from deceptive AI practices, safeguard personal information and image rights, and ensure technology serves rather than deceives Floridians. Senator Grall opposed the bill, arguing it weakened protections and gave parents a false sense of security, while Senator Busillo supported it as a necessary but imperfect first step that should be implemented carefully. After debate, the Senate passed SB 2D by a vote of 37 yeas and 1 nay. The Senate then passed SB 4D, the companion public records exemption bill, after brief discussion about which investigative files would be exempt during enforcement proceedings; the vote was 33 yeas and 4 nays. The Rules Chair announced committee scheduling, noted SB 60 (medical freedom) would be temporarily postponed in Rules, and the Senate also set SB 8D for special order on Wednesday, April 29. The chamber adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29.

Transcript Highlights:

• the rest discuss riders. 10 is a new rider related to unexpended balance authority for licensing platforms
• This would. authority between BAYANYA for the licensing platform, which Was appropriated funding for

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These online order and delivery platforms have really shifted the way that restaurants, convenience stores
• that have substance use disorders, we know they use public transportation, we know they're on the platforms
• that have substance use disorders we know they use public transportation we know they're on the platforms

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 31 bills covering driver privacy and data, distinctive license plates, public awareness signage, railroad safety, superload permitting, TNC/delivery data reporting, and MBTA safety measures. Chairs Jim Arciero and Brendan Crighton outlined the hearing process, and the committee heard testimony from state officials, advocates, family members of fallen officers and firefighters, transportation industry representatives, civil liberties groups, and others. No votes were taken during the hearing itself, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn. Several speakers supported bills creating a Blue Star Family license plate to honor families of fallen law enforcement officers, and a separate motorcycle plate for fallen firefighters. Colonel Jeffrey Noble and others from the Healey-Driscoll Administration and law enforcement groups said the plates would complement existing memorial practices and provide a lasting public tribute. Family members of officers killed in the line of duty gave emotional testimony in support, and Representative Steve Ultrino and Paul Jakes backed the firefighter memorial motorcycle plate as revenue-neutral, with proceeds supporting the fallen firefighter memorial. The committee also heard testimony on transportation policy and safety bills. Industry witnesses urged modernization of Massachusetts superload permitting rules, saying current requirements are slower and more expensive than neighboring states and delay public projects. Advocates supported a human trafficking awareness bill requiring hotline signage in transit facilities, a driver privacy bill limiting automatic license plate reader data retention and sharing, and a bill requiring two-person crews on freight trains and other railroad safety measures such as hotbox detectors and transportation for railroad employees. Senator John Keenan also testified for expanded naloxone availability in MBTA stations and said the MBTA had not fully complied with prior legislative directives.

Transcript Highlights:

• James Warren from Share More Stories introduced SEQ oral history platforms for statewide storytelling
• . ...SEQ oral history platforms for statewide storytelling, encourage public participation to capture
• narratives on freedom and independence, and position this platform as key to representation and engagement

Keywords: American Revolution 250 Commission, 976, house, all

Summary: The Virginia 250 Commission met to review progress on the Commonwealth’s semiquincentennial planning and related business. Members approved the January 8, 2026 minutes, adopted the annual electronic/virtual meeting policy, and received updates on fundraising, advisory councils, partner institutions, and upcoming signature events. Reports highlighted strong donor support for Virginia Commemoration, Inc., with total gifts, pledges, and in-kind support reaching about $8.7 million and more than $2 million in pending requests. A major portion of the meeting focused on 2026 signature programming, including the Tribal Nations Leadership Advisory Council’s event at the Williamsburg Lodge, African-American Advisory Council initiatives such as African Landing Day, the African Landing Memorial opening at Fort Monroe, Juneteenth programming, and nationally broadcast July 4th events in Williamsburg. Other partners reported on exhibits and programming at Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Mount Vernon, and other historic sites. Carly Fiorina also announced that Virginia 250 and PBS will partner on a live national broadcast of the July 4th celebration, branded “America Made in Virginia.” The commission reviewed and approved the VA 250 and VCI budgets and the reopening of the grant-making process through Virginia Tourism and Virginia Humanities. Members discussed transparency, projected surpluses, and the possibility of later evaluating the economic return on the commission’s work. The body also adopted a resolution naming Carly Fiorina principal executive and Frank Sadler acting executive director, effective January 30, 2026, and ratifying their prior actions on behalf of the commission. Before adjournment, members discussed the Powhatan Mantle and ongoing conversations about its possible exhibition or custodial care involving Virginia tribes and the Ashmolean Museum. The meeting ended with comments reflecting on the commission’s inclusive approach to commemoration and a motion to adjourn in honor of Thomas Jefferson, which was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would that not be from some online platform that they're going into bases to learn about various cases
• we have the word tablet in the bill then if we know that the tablets Cannot access social media platforms
• the bill is that the Department of Corrections shall prohibit inmates from accessing social media platforms

Bills: SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923, HB2979, HB2980, HB3662, HB4107, HB3082, HB2997, HB3083, HB3055, HB2951

Keywords: motor vehicle, accident, notification, liability, civil action, gender neutral, SB1456, Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, sunset extension, sunset law, breath alcohol testing, DUI, DWI, drunk driving, drug testing, chemical testing, field sobriety, roadside screening, blood test, saliva test

Transcript Highlights:

• That's our platform. So I'm... ...level, let the consumer decide.
• That's our platform. So I'm... ...on, that's our platform. So I'm... I can't get past that.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Commerce Committee reconvened to continue testimony on House Bill 2085, which would preempt local regulation of the sale of tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products and establish a statewide standard. The bill sponsor and supporters repeatedly said the measure is intended to create uniform rules for retailers, protect small businesses from a patchwork of local ordinances, and preserve existing local zoning authority. Several members questioned whether the bill’s language was too broad or vague, especially as to whether it could affect zoning near schools or other sensitive locations, and the sponsor said zoning was not the intent and should remain local. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Missouri Vape and Alternative Products Association, Ware Brands, Warrant’s, the Missouri Grocers Association, Maverick Convenience Stores, and the Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association. Supporters argued that local flavor bans or other restrictions would harm small businesses, create compliance problems, and push sales into neighboring jurisdictions. They also said federal Tobacco 21 rules already govern sales to minors, and that the bill should be read as a statewide sales standard rather than a public health measure. One supporter emphasized that retailers already comply with FDA enforcement and that inconsistent local rules create operational burdens. Opposition came from the Missouri Public Health Association and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, which said local tobacco regulations have helped prevent youth smoking and that the bill could invite litigation over existing ordinances and limit future local public health action. Committee members raised concerns about local control, public health, and the bill’s wording, while the sponsor clarified that the bill would preempt state and local standards on the sale of tobacco products where the state has already acted, but would not require every locality to adopt a 21-year-old purchase age. An informational witness from MOST Policy Initiative described health risks associated with vaping, flavored products, and youth nicotine use. The hearing concluded without a vote, and the committee adjourned after taking all testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• They were creating a platform for us online that will actually standardize and move all of these items—the
• database, the resolutions, the worksheets—everything would be generated in this one platform.
• They've done great work with the Board of Finance in the past, so we use their current platform, and

Transcript Highlights:

• In particular, as part of the population health management strategy, we have an IT platform called Medi-Cal
• the last phase of the Medi-Cal Connect portal, which is actually going to be the person-centered platform
• So really using and leveraging the existing IT tools and platforms that are here in the year 2025 to

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services heard an overview of efforts to streamline access to safety net programs and move toward more automatic, person-centered enrollment. CDSS, DHCS, and CalHHS described current cross-enrollment between Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and CalWORKs, including data showing high overlap among programs and a text-message outreach pilot that increased CalWORKs applications and enrollments but reached only a small share of potentially eligible people. Witnesses emphasized barriers such as differing federal eligibility rules, data-sharing limits, privacy concerns, and the need for better technology, consent management, and stakeholder engagement. Members pressed the administration on how to institutionalize these efforts across administrations and asked for concrete budgetary and regulatory steps to support “no wrong door” enrollment and automatic referrals. The committee also reviewed several chair priorities. On the proposed foster care multi-agency office, CDSS said existing coordination structures already address much of the intended work and asked to verify prior fiscal scoring. On the Employment First Office, CalHHS explained that the office’s $1 million budget was eliminated in the 2024-25 budget as part of deficit reductions, while noting that employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities remains an administration priority through existing departmental coordination. For the food insecurity proposal, CDSS said it could provide technical assistance but would need new data-sharing agreements, could not separately calculate a CFAP participation rate with current data, and would likely need until July 1, 2027, plus ongoing staffing, to complete the requested report. The mandated reporter proposal drew support for reform, with CDSS estimating low-millions in one-time training costs and ongoing costs in the hundreds of thousands. The subcommittee also discussed a guaranteed income proposal. CalHHS suggested drafting new statutory language and considering a county-administered model rather than a state-run competitive grant process to reduce administrative burden, while members and public commenters urged support for AB 661 and a study of a permanent statewide guaranteed income program. Public testimony also supported automatic enrollment, community-supporting mandated reporting reforms, and cash assistance for fire recovery. In the final items, CSD described how local nonprofit partners helped during the Los Angeles fires with food, housing vouchers, transportation, and emergency energy assistance, and explained that LIHEAP and CSBG remain important but limited tools for disaster response. CSD also said recent federal staffing cuts and possible future federal budget threats could affect LIHEAP and CSBG administration, though no immediate service disruptions had occurred and additional LIHEAP funds were expected to be released soon.

Transcript Highlights:

• We offer it on three core platforms.
• <00:35:19.440> We We offer it on three core platforms.
• We We offer it on three core platforms.
• And then we provide a citizen platform And then we provide a citizen platform to<00:43:14.560>
• <01:55:15.840> are that we've covered in that platform are that we've covered in that platform

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met with a quorum, approved the August meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from Dr. Jerry Brosky of the Kentucky Mesonet and Kentucky Climate Center. He described the Mesonet’s statewide weather network, now with 84 stations in 78 counties, real-time data used by the National Weather Service, mobile apps, and more than a billion observations. He said recent legislative funding has allowed upgrades such as soil temperature and moisture sensors, cameras at every site, and improved communications and power systems, and has enabled expansion into new counties. He also highlighted products used for flooding, drought, and heat safety, including a wet bulb globe temperature tool being developed with the Department of Public Health. In response to questions, he said counties interested in a station should contact his center, that a station typically costs about $50,000, and that the program is already considering a second Pike County site. The committee then heard from Ryan Drain of Blue Skies and Chris McGee of the American Red Cross on long-term disaster recovery and a software platform called Darcy, short for Disaster Aware and Ready Communities Initiative. McGee explained the Red Cross’s long-term recovery work, including support for recovery groups, direct financial assistance, grantmaking, and coordination with local and federal partners. He emphasized that disasters are occurring more frequently and with repeated impacts, and shared examples from Kentucky and other states showing the need for organized recovery and storm shelter support. Drain said Darcy was developed after the 2021 Mayfield-Graves tornado recovery to replace fragmented spreadsheets and PDFs with a centralized, survivor-led system for preparedness, response, and recovery, designed to improve coordination, reduce duplication, and shorten recovery time. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adoption of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• provision of services to young people and, in connection therewith, requiring certain social media platforms
• I move L33 to the amendment. >> This amendment just clarifies the definition of a covered platform.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• opportunity to optimize business practices and foster innovation, however, artificial intelligence platforms
• dangerous and deceptive practices of large technology companies that wield artificial intelligence platforms

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the rest discuss writers. 10 is a new rider related to unextended balance authority for licensing platforms
• This would UB authority between biennia for the licensing platform, which was appropriated funding for

Transcript Highlights:

• They showed a platform that did have some connectivity to it. I'm excited about that.
• And if I'm not on the same platforms or systems or able to talk at the beginning of the incident, that
• But even today, the common language or the common platform, without standardization, without a framework
• BearFlood.org was going to be used for their web-based platform, and then there was some ability within
• I'm too old to tell you all of the different social media platforms—Facebook, all that stuff.

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in other states, as was mentioned, there are online platforms that have been facilitating sales.
• We've seen that by utilizing<01:08:12.400> online<01:08:13.400> platforms utilizing online
• platforms utilizing online platforms that<01:08:15.480> the that the that the local<01:08:17.040
• So, in other states, as online platform.
• that have been facilitating platforms that have been facilitating sales.<01:08:39.759> This<01

Bills: HF3951, HF4005, HF962, HF4585, HF3870, HF4542, HF3893, HF4293, HF4075, HF4057, HF3809

Keywords: submetered utility service, tenant rights, digital payment, eviction protection, housing policy, biometric data, consent, data protection, civil penalties, privacy laws, HF4585, Minnesota, harassment restraining order, HRO, restraining order, temporary restraining order, petitioner notice, service of process, law enforcement notification, sheriff

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:44:21.280> But<00:44:21.520> specifically<00:44:22.000> when media platforms
• But specifically when media platforms.
• And then also in public information, social media platforms to reach younger populations.
• window to get information out to the public, especially those younger generations that use those platforms
• generations that use those platforms generations that use those platforms more<00:55:04.240>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing with the City and County of Honolulu Department of Emergency Management on its hazard mitigation plan and recent emergency events on Oahu. Chair Dela Botti opened the meeting by explaining that the briefing was intended to review the mitigation planning process, the city’s hazard mitigation plan, and lessons learned from recent tsunami and wildfire threats, building on earlier briefings with state emergency management and transportation officials. Director Collins and hazard mitigation staff officer Ian Kio presented the plan, describing it as a five-year FEMA-required document focused on reducing long-term risk to people and property, not an operations plan for active disasters. Kio outlined how the plan was developed over roughly 18 months with a core team, steering committee, consultant support, and public input, and said it was formally adopted by the mayor’s office and approved by FEMA in July 2025. He said the updated plan was aligned more closely with the state hazard mitigation plan, expanded to cover 15 hazards including climate change and sea level rise, and organized around hazard risk rankings and mitigation strategies. He identified the highest-risk hazards as climate change and sea level rise, floods, health risks, hurricanes, tsunamis, and wildfires, and said the plan includes short-, medium-, and long-term actions such as education, Firewise community planning, flood mapping, and major infrastructure projects like tsunami walls and street elevation work. He also emphasized that the plan will be maintained with yearly updates and ongoing public feedback. Collins then discussed after-action findings from the July 6 Meli fire and the recent tsunami response, noting that reviews are still ongoing. He said the fire response showed strong initiative and teamwork, including police officers helping with fire suppression support and door-to-door evacuation efforts before firefighters arrived, and a staff duty officer who initiated a wireless emergency alert without waiting for higher-level direction. He said these actions reflected a culture of rapid decision-making when lives are at stake. Collins also urged residents to prepare by making family plans, gathering supplies, checking flood and tsunami risk maps, retrofitting homes, and obtaining insurance before disasters occur. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill imposes a tax on the collection of consumer data by social media platform businesses, based
• on the number of Minnesota consumers from whom a social media platform business collects data in a month
• I am here this morning in opposition to the new tax on social media platforms.
• First of all, the social media platforms tax.
• platforms platforms uh<02:05:29.440> tax<02:05:30.560> uh<02:05:30.800> social<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• platform, and a sort of pro-cannabis platform.
• <01:17:28.360> or<01:17:28.719> you sort of a Prohibition platform or you sort of a
• Prohibition platform or you know<01:17:29.080> a<01:17:29.320> ending<01:17:29.719>
• prohibition<01:17:30.199> platform<01:17:30.520> and<01:17:30.639> a know a
• ending prohibition platform and a know a ending prohibition platform and a sort<01:17:30.880> of<

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Minnesota House Commerce Committee held its inaugural meeting with Chair Tim O’Driscoll and co-chair Representative Greg Davids opening the session and inviting members to introduce themselves. Members briefly described their districts, business backgrounds, and priorities, with recurring themes including small business competitiveness, insurance and health care access, property and real estate issues, agriculture, and making Minnesota easier to do business in. Committee staff also introduced themselves and reminded members and testifiers about sign-in procedures and microphone use. The committee then heard an overview from Eric Toell, interim director of the Office of Cannabis Management, on the agency’s work and budget priorities. He said the office now oversees adult-use cannabis, medical cannabis, and hemp-derived cannabinoid products, has grown from about nine employees to 90 full-time staff plus temporary workers, and has been working with a Cannabis Advisory Council on testing, warning labels, and implementation issues. He also described outreach efforts, including webinars, newsletters, guidebooks for local governments, and office hours for applicants, along with enforcement of hemp-derived product rules through more than 3,000 inspections and an increase in compliance rates from about 35% to 75%. Toell also reported that the medical cannabis program has surpassed 51,000 patients and nearly 2,500 registered health care providers, and that a chronic pain report found more than a third of patients reported decreased pain. On the adult-use side, he said the office has posted proposed rules for public comment, plans to adopt them after review, and will open a licensing window from February 18 to March 14. He explained that the office is also managing community reinvestment grants and a technical assistance grant, with an emphasis on safeguards to ensure funds reach intended recipients. No votes were taken during this meeting.