Transcript Highlights:

• Just a reminder to folks that this is what will be the base budget for housing, and depending on targets
• to make decisions on what we're able to fund or shift money around or where we have to make cuts depending
• around or where we have to<01:14:39.760><c> make</c><01:14:39.960><c> Cuts</c><01:14:40.360><c> depending
• > on</c><01:14:41.320><c> uh</c><01:14:41.480><c> what</c><01:14:41.600><c> our</c> to make Cuts depending
• on uh what our to make Cuts depending on uh what our budget<01:14:42.120><c> Target</c><01:14:42.480

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Anywhere between 14 and 16%, depending on the district.
• So the future of Texas depends on the strength of our rural schools. Thank you for your time.
• acknowledge that, you know, we are funding in a particular manner and that the onus of that is really dependent
• So I think it's going to depend. district by district, but because it is opt-in, it's an opportunity
• days a week, the fifth day you're at your college campus, and you're there 7.30 to 4.00. or 435, depending

Bills: HB2 , HB2

Committee: House Public Education

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace

Transcript Highlights:

• fortunate, I guess I should say, that it hit me at 16, being type 1 diabetic, which requires insulin dependency
• c><00:36:13.400><c> insulin</c> diabetic which requires insulin diabetic which requires insulin dependency
• > and</c><00:36:16.440><c> regulations</c><00:36:17.119><c> of</c><00:36:17.359><c> glucose</c> dependency
• um and regulations of glucose dependency um and regulations of glucose monitering<00:36:18.359><c> and
• fortunate, I guess I should say, that it hit me at 16, being type 1 diabetic, which requires insulin dependency

Bills: HF1247 , HF628

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: child care, aides, supervision, child care centers, staffing regulations, childcare, day care, licensed child care center, early childhood education, child care licensing, director qualifications, staff ratios, group size, staff-to-child ratio, substitutes, volunteers, assistant teacher, teacher qualifications, infant care, toddler age

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, depending on the location, we need the flexibility to do different treatments, and those are going
• Uh, depending on the location, we need the flexibility to do different treatments, and those are going
• Uh, depending on the location, we need the flexibility to do different treatments, and those are going
• Uh, depending on the location, we need the flexibility to do different treatments, and those are going
• It might go up depending on population, and we're approximately at that 560 to 570 range.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• support to raise the child in surviving minor children until each child reaches the age of 18, or 23 depending
• influence to help provide child support and raise that person's kids until they reach 18 or 23, depending
• reach</c><00:59:15.200><c> 18</c><00:59:15.599><c> or</c><00:59:15.799><c> 23</c><00:59:16.319><c> depending
• </c> kids until they reach 18 or 23 depending kids until they reach 18 or 23 depending on<00:59:16.680

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of transportation-related bills. SB 21 on water carriers would create an inflationary cost index mechanism; DOT, Agriculture, DCCA, the PUC, and several harbor and logistics interests supported it, while Pacific Transfer opposed. SB 1478 would require vessel masters to follow harbor master evacuation orders during emergencies; DOT clarified it applies only to commercial ports, with support from Hima and the Harbor Users Group and opposition from the Hailongm Association. SB 108 would authorize DOT to regulate vessel noise near commercial harbors; the White Harbor Users Group opposed, while DOT said it supported the intent but warned the bill may be preempted by federal law. SB 1475 would raise the bond ceiling for harbor improvement projects from $100 million to $600 million, and SB 1473 would cap central services assessments on DOT funds at $5 million and tie them to CPI; DOT supported both, and Budget and Finance explained the central services fee is generally a 5% deduction from special funds with some statutory exceptions. The committee also heard SB 1402 on securing mooring lines in state commercial harbors, which drew support from the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Hawaii Longline Association. SB 1522 on vehicle title transfers was supported by the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services. SB 599 would require DOT or counties to scan deceased cats and dogs for microchips before disposal; DOT said it would provide scanners, the Hawaiian Humane Society and a private witness strongly supported the bill, and the committee discussed that the measure would not charge pet owners and that Oʻahu microchip rates are about 80% for dogs and 70% for cats. SB 1025 would allow service and non-service animals on mass transit under certain conditions; DHS offered comments, Maui and Honolulu opposed, while the Hawaiian Humane Society, the Environmental Caucus, and others supported it, and an opponent raised concerns about large pets, service animals, and the need for size and off-peak restrictions. Later, the committee heard SB 1096 on license plate-flipping devices, with DOT and Honolulu police supporting it. SB 384 would expand victim restitution in DUI-related negligent homicide cases to include child support for surviving minor children; DOT, MADD, and the Kiki Injury Prevention Coalition supported it, while the Public Defender opposed, arguing the restitution amounts would be unverified and better handled through civil remedies. SB 597 would extend the deadline for the administrative driver license revocation office to issue decisions, and the Attorney General, police, and Maui prosecutors supported it because of drug-testing delays, especially on neighbor islands. Finally, SB 1285 would create a lower-level impaired driving offense and authorize administrative action; the Attorney General and Public Defender both raised concerns about charging discretion and resource impacts, while county, public health, alcohol policy, and victim advocates strongly supported the bill as a life-saving measure. The transcript ends partway through testimony on SB 1285, with no final committee votes or actions recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would really depend.
• um<01:10:38.440><c> it</c><01:10:38.560><c> would</c><01:10:39.080><c> really</c><01:10:39.440><c> depend
• </c><01:10:39.920><c> so</c><01:10:40.480><c> I</c><01:10:40.600><c> think</c> um it would really depend
• so I think um it would really depend so I think heat<01:10:41.280><c> treatment</c><01:10:41.800><c>
• So, depending on the commodity, sometimes we are able to get inspections of those goods after they enter

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered SB 1023, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and free-roaming cats, with funding sources including an income tax checkoff. The Department of Taxation had no substantive comment, while the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the measure but opposed any trap-neuter-release or re-release approach, saying spay-neuter is important but release does not reduce cats on the landscape. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about creating another special fund and tax checkoff, saying the fund may not meet statutory criteria and could create administrative burdens. The Hawaiian Humane Society strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently provides little funding for animal overpopulation control and that the measure would help nonprofits and align conservation and animal welfare goals. Several other supporters testified, including a cat sanctuary representative who described the need for a dedicated funding mechanism and a possible Oahu sanctuary to remove cats from sensitive areas. After questions about the effectiveness of trap-neuter-release and the need for alternative management tools, the committees voted to recommend passage with amendments, including blanking appropriation amounts, moving them into the committee report, setting the effective date to July 1, 2050, and noting Budget and Finance concerns; the recommendations were adopted in both committees, with some members voting with reservations. The hearing then moved to SB 1120, relating to transportation and a clean fuel standard. The Department of Transportation said it supported the intent but wanted more information on economic impacts. Electrify America and Neste supported the bill, saying a clean fuel standard would help finance EV charging, encourage investment, and expand lower-carbon fuel options such as renewable diesel. In response to questions from senators about rural and agricultural transportation needs, witnesses said the standard could support both electrification where feasible and cleaner liquid fuels in the interim for equipment that cannot yet be electrified. DOT also described county transit efforts and said it was working with Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island on assessments for zero-emission bus replacement and charging infrastructure. The committees also heard testimony on SB 586, relating to climate change and zero-emission buses by 2045, with the State Procurement Office supporting the intent but suggesting the language be moved to a different statute; DOT said it was providing pass-through funding to counties and had some zero-emission bus purchases and charging stations on order. The discussion emphasized infrastructure costs and implementation challenges, but no final vote on SB 1120 or SB 586 was described in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our district courts, the county will provide security for that, often depending on the county; there
• Chair, Representative, they're paid less than $45,000 a year; it's around $40,000 to $42,000 depending
• It really much of it depends on the geographic. location.
• So, it is on a case-by-case basis when you're trying to meet those standards, depending on what that
• Chair, yeah, it depends on where you are geographically. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• This affects overall productivity and increases dependency on disability benefits.
• I urge you to pass House Bill 63 for every child who depends on others to protect them in crucial moments
• to pass House Bill 63 for every child to pass House Bill 63 for every child who<03:11:33.720><c> depends
• 35.080><c> to</c><03:11:35.279><c> protect</c><03:11:35.680><c> them</c><03:11:35.920><c> in</c> who depends
• on others to protect them in who depends on others to protect them in crucial<03:11:37.000><c> moments

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ensure the dollars move faster. ...more efficiently and with greater predictability to the fairs that depend

Summary: The committee opened with routine announcements, including hearing logistics, public comment instructions, and a brief “fun fact” about National Pecan Month and Ag Day. After establishing a quorum, the committee took up a consent calendar of four bills—AB 2423, AB 2743, AB 2778, and AB 2779—which were approved unanimously. The main item heard was AB 1711 by Assembly Member Conley, which would require more timely distribution of state funds for fairs and fairgrounds and expand allowable uses for those funds. The author and the Western Fairs Association argued that fairs are important for agricultural education, local economies, cultural events, and emergency response, and that delayed funding leads to deferred maintenance and higher costs. Several committee members spoke in strong support, noting the importance of county fairs in their districts and their role as community hubs and emergency shelters. There was no opposition testimony. The committee voted AB 1711 out on a due pass motion to the Appropriations Committee, and the bill ultimately passed unanimously. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ensure the dollars move faster, more efficiently, and with greater predictability to the fairs that depend

Committee: House Agriculture

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 100% disability by the VA with a spouse is awarded around $50,000 annually before any additional dependents

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard two main bills before taking several votes. SB 1053 by Senator Nilo would let county boards of supervisors in counties affected by a governor-declared disaster on or after January 1, 2026, extend by up to three years the five-year deadline for transferring a damaged property’s base-year property tax value to replacement property. Nilo argued the measure is needed because recent wildfires and other disasters make rebuilding within five years unrealistic, and members from both parties supported the bill as a common-sense local-control measure for disaster recovery. The committee voted 5-0 to pass SB 1053 to Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 888 by Senator Sayarto, which would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. Sayarto said the current rule can unfairly disqualify disabled veterans by counting their disability benefits as income, creating a catch-22 that can threaten housing stability. Members praised the bill as bipartisan, fair, and helpful to veterans on fixed incomes, and Sayarto accepted committee amendments. The committee voted 5-0 to pass SB 888 as amended to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. The committee also adopted a consent calendar containing SB 999, SB 1073, and SB 881. After the roll was completed, SB 1053 was confirmed out on a 5-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• 100% disability by the VA with a spouse is awarded around $50,000 annually before any additional dependents

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard two main bills before taking up a consent calendar. SB 1053 by Senator Nilo would allow county boards of supervisors in counties affected by a governor-declared disaster on or after January 1, 2026, through January 1, 2031, to extend by up to three years the five-year period for transferring a property tax base-year value to replacement property. The author said the measure responds to recent wildfires and other disasters that make rebuilding within five years difficult, and committee members broadly supported local control and disaster recovery flexibility. No opposition was heard, and the bill was approved 5-0 and sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 888 by Senator Seardo, as amended, which would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income calculations for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. The author argued that counting disability benefits as income creates a catch-22 for disabled veterans and can disqualify them from tax relief despite fixed incomes and high medical costs. Members described the bill as a common-sense, bipartisan fairness measure that would help veterans remain housed in California. No opposition was presented, and the bill passed 5-0 to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, which included SB 999, SB 1073, and SB 881. After the consent items, SB 1053 was again called up and confirmed out of committee on a 5-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• 100% disability by the VA with a spouse is awarded around $50,000 annually before any additional dependents

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It would depend on how they write these rules and how that gets stabilized and how you can get a repeatability

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee met with a quorum and first approved the minutes from February 24, 2026. The committee then heard House Bill 662, which would allow milk buyers and sellers to consider bacteria counts in milk testing and give the Idaho State Department of Agriculture a role in developing rules for that process. Representative John Vander Woude explained that current milk payments are based on components like butterfat, protein, somatic cell count, and lactose, and said the bill would only open the door to possible future bacteriology standards, not require them. Testimony in support came from Jamie Neal of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association and Travis Jones of the Intermountain Milk Processors Association. Both described the bill as a compromise between producers and processors that would create a fair, transparent process for resolving disputes over milk quality testing and pricing. Vander Woude also answered questions about his lab’s role, explaining that it tests individual cow samples as a management tool and does not currently perform bacteriology testing. After closing testimony, Senator Cole moved to send House Bill 662 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, seconded by Senator Lent. The motion passed without opposition, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• on the idea that public discourse is a necessary part of democracy, and whereas a strong democracy depends

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our digital economy depends on trusted data and resilient networks.

Bills: S0214 , S0694 , S1266

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Keywords: special districts, funding, financial assistance, rural community, state agency, economic development, compensation, wrongful conviction, civil rights, historic injustice, reparation, cybersecurity, internships, workforce development, education, economic growth

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum present and considered three bills. First, SB 214 by Senator McLean, a rural access bill for special districts, was amended to allow independent special districts in rural areas to receive certain state and federal financial assistance payments directly for verified work rather than relying on reimbursement. Testimony in support came from representatives of water and sewer entities and the Florida Association of Special Districts. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/SB 214 favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1266 by Senator Collada on cybersecurity internships and workforce readiness. The bill was amended to create a cybersecurity experiential learning opportunity and clearance readiness program within the Department of Commerce, working with Cyber Florida at USF. A proposed amendment to the amendment was withdrawn by Senator Bernard. With no opposition noted, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/SB 1266 favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 694 by Senator Bracey Davis, which provides compensation to the descendants of the Groveland Four—Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas—for wrongful convictions and related harms. The bill was presented as a justice and redress measure, with supportive testimony from Delatry Hollinger and comments from Senator Smith and the chair praising the effort. The committee reported CS/SB 694 favorably, and then adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our digital economy depends on trusted data and resilient networks.

Bills: S0214 , S0694 , S1266

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development

Keywords: special districts, funding, financial assistance, rural community, state agency, economic development, compensation, wrongful conviction, civil rights, historic injustice, reparation, cybersecurity, internships, workforce development, education, economic growth, 999, senate, all

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum present and considered three bills. Senate Bill 214, by Senator McLean, would allow certain special districts in rural communities and rural areas of opportunity to receive invoice payments for verified work under state and federal financial assistance agreements, rather than relying on reimbursement models that can strain cash flow. An amendment narrowing and clarifying the bill for independent special districts and water and wastewater projects was adopted, and the committee heard support from representatives of W3C Water and Sewer Cooperative, the Amakily Water and Sewer District, Resiliency Florida, and the Florida Association of Special Districts. The committee then reported CS for SB 214 favorably. The committee next took up CS for SB 1266, by Senator Colata, addressing cybersecurity internships and workforce readiness. The bill was described as a response to Florida’s cybercrime threat ranking and workforce gap, and a delete-all amendment created a cybersecurity experiential learning opportunity and clearance readiness program within the Department of Commerce, in partnership with Cyber Florida at USF and participating institutions. A proposed amendment to the amendment was withdrawn by Senator Bernard, and with no opposition or appearance forms, the committee reported CS for CS SB 1266 favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS for SB 694, by Senator Bracey Davis, providing compensation to the descendants of the Groveland Four: Charles Greenlee, Walter Irvin, Samuel Shepard, and Ernest Thomas. The bill was presented as a final step in redressing the wrongful accusations, convictions, deaths, and incarcerations tied to the 1949 case, following prior legislative apologies, pardons, and vacatur of convictions. Delatry Hollinger testified in support, and Senator Smith praised the measure as an important step toward justice. The committee reported CS for SB 694 favorably, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It depends on the project, I would assume.

Committee: House General Laws

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• work together in the years to come to finish the job and make sure that people have a safe and dependable

Summary: The House and Senate Transportation Committee conferees met to consider the conference report for SB 5161, the transportation budget for the 2025-27 biennium. Staff explained that the underlying 2023-25 transportation budget was revised downward by about $1.3 billion, from $14.5 billion to $13.2 billion, and the report included a dedication honoring the late Senator Bill Ramos for his service to Washington and its transportation system. Members from both chambers spoke in support of the budget and praised the work of committee staff, noting the difficulty and length of the negotiations. Several conferees said the budget was responsible and cautious given uncertainty around costs and federal funding, while still advancing major priorities such as ferry procurement, fish barrier removal, safety improvements, State Patrol staffing, preservation and maintenance, and key projects including the North Spokane Corridor, SR 520, Gateway, and other Connecting Washington and mega projects. After discussion, the committee adopted the conference report by voice vote, with members then recorded as recommending it. The report was advanced to the House and Senate, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• My hope is to do that really soon, possibly even depending on when it gets passed, Mr.

Bills: SB242 , SB5 , HB596 , SB5

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: codification, state law, legal revisions, Alabama code, legislative updates, archives, history, board of trustees, vacancies, government control, catfish, transportation, public waters, criminal penalties, natural resources, education, public schools, constitution amendment, national anthem, weekly broadcast