Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, there is a new section at the very end that provides a default effective date for the article
• ><00:36:08.040> that<00:36:08.160> provides<00:36:08.480> a<00:36:08.520> default
• the very end that provides a default the very end that provides a default effective<00:36:09.280

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This will mean that the default disclosure standards apply to vehicular pursuit policies, and we'll leave
• This will mean that the default<00:41:00.319> disclosure<00:41:00.880> standards<00:41:
• 01.280> apply<00:41:01.520> to default disclosure standards apply to default disclosure

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard HB 698, which would increase criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses. The chair explained that a proposed SD1 narrowed the bill to “pet animals” only, and testimony focused heavily on whether the bill should be limited to pets, whether service animals should also be included, and whether the measure could unintentionally affect livestock or cultural practices such as chicken fighting. Supporters, including the Hawaiian Humane Society, rescue organizations, and several individuals, argued that stronger penalties are needed because animal cruelty is under-prosecuted, that abuse of animals is linked to violence against people, and that harsher penalties could deter abuse. Opponents, including the public defender’s office and some farmers and livestock interests, argued the existing law is already on the books, enforcement is the real problem, and the bill is vague and could create unintended consequences. Several witnesses described graphic examples of animal abuse and urged the committee to act, while one testifier from the Disability Communication Access Board asked that service animals be explicitly included because they are not considered pets and are important to the independence and safety of people who rely on them. Committee members questioned the scope of the SD1, including whether it covered chickens, domesticated pigs, and service or emotional support animals. The deputy attorney general was asked to provide follow-up clarification on those points, and the Hawaiian Humane Society said it would welcome adding service animals back into the bill. At the end of testimony, the chair announced the final testimony count as 112 in support, 128 in opposition, and one comment, noting that some testimony appeared to address the broader House version rather than the narrower SD1. Because several questions remained unresolved, the committee deferred HB 698 until Monday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. in room 016, with a vote to be taken then. After that, the committee moved on to its 10:02 decision-making agenda and deferred HB 108 as well, citing concerns about alcohol shipment, drunk driving, and underage access; it then began discussion of HB 226 on windshield tinting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Often times it is Medicaid, and unfortunately, Madam President, it is Medicaid where everything defaults
• OFTEN TIMES IT IS MEDICAID, AND UNFORTUNATELY, MADAM PRESIDENT, IT IS MEDICAID WHERE EVERYTHING DEFAULTS
• You have your judgment, I'll withhold mine. >> THROUGH YOU, MR.
• You have your judgment, I'll withhold mine.
• YOU HAVE YOUR JUDGMENT, I'LL How many National Guard members will $535 million pay for to keep in our

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, then approved the prior day’s Journal and moved into motions, resolutions, and budget-related business. Senator Gianaris called up Senate Print 5898A for reconsideration; the Senate voted 59 ayes to restore the bill to the third reading calendar. Several amendments were also received on third-reading bills, and the Finance Committee was called into session while the chamber proceeded with resolutions. The Senate adopted Resolution J.2106 recognizing Second Chance Month and the mental health impacts of incarceration, with Senator Brisport speaking in support and a guest from the community recognized in the chamber. The body also adopted Resolution J.1492 designating May 27, 2026, as Taiwan Heritage Day, with remarks from Senators Sepúlveda, Stavisky, and Liu highlighting Taiwanese contributions to New York and expressing support for Taiwan amid current geopolitical tensions. The Finance Committee then reported several budget bills, including Senate Prints 9003D, 9004D, 9007C, and 9009C, which were moved to third reading. The remainder of the session focused on the supplemental and controversial budget calendars, especially tax and spending provisions. Senators debated the “Protecting Our Wallets” energy rebate, with supporters describing it as a one-time check for eligible taxpayers and critics arguing it was too small and not tied directly to utility bills; the chamber accepted the message of necessity and laid the bills aside. Members also debated extensions and changes to tax provisions affecting corporations, alternative fuel exemptions, Broadway and theatrical production tax credits, charitable deductions for certain 501(c)(3)s, nicotine pouch taxes, a new New York City pied-à-terre tax, and a standardbred horse-racing testing fee. Several senators criticized the budget as raising costs or favoring certain industries, while supporters defended the measures as revenue-raising, affordability, or public-health policies. No final votes on the controversial budget bills are shown in the excerpt beyond procedural rulings, adoption of the resolution calendar, and acceptance of committee reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• exist to serve that function as that guarantee that it made when an approved financings... ...were to default
• hand on staffing it occasionally, you might be thinking, well, maybe we just get rid of... were to default

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee of Reference met for sunset reviews and first heard a presentation on the Credit Enhancement Eligibility Board from the Governor’s Office. The presenter explained that the board, created in 2016, has no dedicated staff or administrative budget and is supported by existing budget and policy staff and the Treasurer’s Office. The board’s purpose is to lower borrowing costs for qualifying schools by using a guarantee fund to enhance credit ratings, and it has largely been used by charter schools. Because the board has reached its statutory leverage cap and has not met since 2022, it is currently in a monitoring role, but it must remain in place to honor guarantees if any approved financing defaults. The committee asked about financing maturities, demand from schools, and whether a shorter continuation period would make sense. No public testimony was offered, and the committee voted to recommend continuing the board for 10 years, until July 1, 2036. The committee then reviewed the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). WICHE’s president described the interstate compact, its regional role in higher education access, workforce development, and data services, and its major student programs: the Western Undergraduate Exchange, the Western Regional Graduate Program, and the Professional Student Exchange Program. She highlighted tuition savings for Arizona students and the state, the return of many PSEP graduates to practice in Arizona, and additional cost savings through cooperative purchasing and technology contracts. The committee asked no substantive questions, and it voted to recommend continuing WICHE for 10 years, until July 1, 2036. The final major item was the Arizona Department of Education School Safety Program performance audit, followed by testimony from the department. The Auditor General reported that the program has grown substantially, especially after expansion to counselors and social workers and increased appropriations, but that ADE did not consistently ensure schools complied with program requirements. In a sample of 16 schools, most had issues such as missing or incomplete operational plans, inadequate safety team activity, incomplete required training, missing activity logs, or reimbursement requests lacking expenditure reports. The audit said these problems reduced the program’s effectiveness and increased the risk of improper spending, and it recommended stronger monitoring, written procedures, and better documentation review. ADE accepted the findings and said it is implementing the recommendations through more direct staff oversight, training requirements tied to funding, encrypted submission of emergency plans, site visits, and representative desk reviews. The discussion then shifted to whether emergency plans should address federal law enforcement actions; the director said the plans are designed for campus safety threats generally and do not specifically contemplate ICE enforcement. The committee took no vote on the audit presentation and adjourned after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• in here that the application has to include documentation of reduction in revenue over time, so by default
• that the application has to include documentation of reduction in revenue over time, so kind of by default

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development considered a full agenda of transportation, economic development, housing, emergency services, and specialty license plate bills. Several measures were explained and advanced without opposition, including the Department of Transportation agency bill (CS/CS/SB 1662), a Purple Heart toll exemption bill (CS/SB 574), a Florida Highway Patrol specialty plate bill (CS/SB 824), a construction disruption assistance loan program for small businesses (CS/CS/SB 324), a manufactured housing assistance bill for local housing plans (CS/SB 1714), a foreign agents registration bill (CS/CS/SB 766), military academy specialty plates (CS/SB 1024), a Safe Coastal Wildlife specialty plate (CS/SB 1246), an emergency services warning-light bill (CS/SB 1644), the Florida Wildflower specialty plate (SB 1152), and a toll exemption bill for 100% disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients (CS/SB 532). The committee adopted amendments on several bills. On CS/CS/SB 1662, Senator Collins’ strike-all amendment made a range of DOT-related changes, including the Florida Transportation Academy, seaport and airport accountability provisions, and allowing cranes to move under special blanket permits at night. On CS/CS/SB 324, the committee adopted a delete-everything amendment and a further amendment removing liability language; the bill would create a revolving loan program for small businesses harmed by public works construction, with members raising concerns about eligibility, verification of losses, and public records issues for financial documents. On CS/SB 766, an amendment clarified definitions and aligned the bill with federal FARA standards, including a 20% beneficial ownership threshold. On CS/SB 532, an amendment added Purple Heart recipients to the toll exemption. Testimony and debate were generally supportive, with several outside witnesses appearing in favor of the bills, including Florida PBA, the Florida Manufactured Homeowners Federation, the Florida Manufactured Housing Association, the Center for Security Policy, and the Florida Wildflower Foundation. Members highlighted constituent impacts and policy concerns on a few measures, especially the construction disruption loan bill and the disabled veteran toll exemption, where some senators suggested narrowing the scope or adding protections. All bills considered were reported favorably, and senators later requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected tabs before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• that the application has to include documentation of reduction in revenue over time, so kind of by default
• that the application has to include documentation of reduction in revenue over time, so kind of by default

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met to consider a full agenda of bills, beginning with CS/CS/SB 1662, the Department of Transportation agency bill. Senator Collins presented a strike-all amendment that retained creation of the Florida Transportation Academy, clarified the Florida Transportation Research Institute, restored legislative budget commission review for certain work program amendments, adjusted small-business and supply-chain grant provisions, added airport and seaport accountability measures, and allowed special blanket permits for oversized cranes to travel at night under FDOT safety protocols. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably. The committee also favorably reported SB 574, allowing Florida Purple Heart license plate holders to pass tolls free, and CS/SB 824, creating a specialty plate supporting Florida Highway Patrol troopers and scholarships. The committee then took up CS/SB 324, which creates a revolving low-interest loan program at the Department of Commerce for small businesses harmed by significant public works construction. Senator Smith described a local example involving prolonged sewer work in Orlando that hurt businesses in the Lake Ivanhoe district. Members raised concerns about fiscal impact, eligibility standards, proof of loss, business age, and whether financial records should be protected from public disclosure. The bill was amended to remove a hotline, add a webpage, and refine liability language, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 1714, requiring local housing assistance plans to include support for mobile home owners, including lot-rent assistance; CS/SB 766, revising registration requirements for agents and organizations tied to foreign countries of concern; and CS/SB 1024, creating specialty plates for the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy. Additional measures approved included CS/SB 1246, authorizing a Save Coastal Wildlife specialty plate with proceeds going to the Zoo Miami Foundation; CS/SB 1644, expanding warning light use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and organ transport vehicles, with discussion focused on Hatzalah emergency services; SB 1152, increasing the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee to support conservation, research, and native seed industry development; and CS/SB 532, exempting 100% disabled veterans from tolls. An amendment to SB 532 also added Purple Heart recipients to the toll exemption. Several members requested to be recorded voting in the affirmative on selected tabs, and the committee adjourned after all bills were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE STATUTE IS IN THE DIVISION OF DEFAULT.
• INCLUDE PROCEDURES THAT DEAL WITH THE AGENCY'S BUSINESS IN A WAY THAT IS SUPERIOR TO THE MINIMUM DEFAULT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• personal property, providing that An action to sell property may be taken upon 45 days of continuous default
• , allowing the imposition of late fees for rental payments in default, providing for an alternative contact

Transcript Highlights:

• That doesn't mean that a farmer is going to default.
• That doesn't necessarily mean a farmer is in default.
• default standpoint. default standpoint. uh<01:29:34.400> that<01:29:34.719> doesn't
• It just means we are going to default.
• It just means we a farmer is in default.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:18 University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Economics Presentation 00:02:18 Farm Credit Mid-America Presentation 01:12:41, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This changes that so that the power to adjust is now the default rule.
• This changes that to where that power to adjust is now the default rule.
• This changes that to where that power to adjust is now the default rule.
• beneficiaries and, you know, hopefully more advantageous to them in the long run. adjust is now the default
• So a adjust is now the default rule.

Bills: SB309, HB192, SB178, SB179, SB237, HB10, HB107, HB189, HB37, HB226, SB309, HB192, SB178, SB179, SB237, HB10, HB107, HB189, HB37, HB226

Keywords: automated driving systems, oversized vehicles, transportation, regulations, permits, HB192, international wire transfer, wire transfer fee, remittance fee, money transmission business, Alabama Securities Commission, Department of Revenue, Education Trust Fund, ELL instructors, English Language Learner, ESL teachers, income tax credit, remittances, international money transfer, migrant families

Transcript Highlights:

• agriculture, and construction sectors are a direct threat to that capital through delayed payments and defaults
• agriculture, and construction sectors are a direct threat to that capital through delayed payments and defaults
• got to— dollars are going to be expended by October, so [clears throat] just nobody should go into default
• c><01:46:58.800> should<01:46:59.040> go<01:46:59.360> into<01:46:59.600> default
• <01:47:00.080> or just nobody should go into default or just nobody should go into default

Bills: HF4477

Keywords: Minnesota business recovery loan program, small business loan, zero-interest loan, forgivable loan, business recovery, economic development, small business emergency loan account, Minnesota Initiative Foundations, nonprofit lenders, greater Minnesota, Twin Cities metro, seven-county metropolitan area, immigration enforcement, business interruption, revenue loss, job preservation, business stabilization, state appropriation, forward fund, loan forgiveness

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this would default to the asleep factor for people unless there's an exception that the person needs
• So, this would default<01:02:12.520> to<01:02:12.720> the<01:02:12.880> asleep<01
• :02:13.880> factor<01:02:14.520> for<01:02:15.280> people default to the asleep
• Community options become unstable, and institutional placement becomes the default. Mr.
• Chair and members, this is default. Mr.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, cooperation between law enforcement agencies should be the default because enforcing the law
• should be the default.
• because enforcing the law be the default because enforcing the law should<01:28:44.000> be<01
• :28:44.159> the<01:28:44.320> default.
• should be the default. should be the default. federal<01:28:46.400> law,<01:28:47.360>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it became a self-help, um, I guess, by default. >> by default Or it became a, it—we could not enforce
• self-help um<01:16:56.640> I<01:16:56.880> guess<01:16:57.040> by<01:16:57.280> default
• <01:16:58.400> um<01:16:59.360> um um I guess by default um um um I guess by default
• um um >> by<01:17:00.000> by<01:17:00.239> default >> by by default >>
• ; by by default >> or<01:17:01.600> it<01:17:01.920> became<01:17:02.159> a

Bills: SB2045, SB2354

Keywords: combat sports, boxing, mixed martial arts, health regulations, safety standards, licensing, event regulation, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees first took up SB 2071 on rent-to-own housing. Testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC and Hawaii Realtors, but Sierra Club of Hawaii and others opposed the bill unless it was amended to exclude ceded lands from the 99-year lease provision. Members discussed the scope of ceded versus non-ceded lands and whether an inventory exists. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including HHFDC’s proposal to make the fixed-price period flexible by tying it to an option period and Sierra Club’s language limiting the program to non-ceded state or county land. They then heard SB 2191 on limited profit housing associations. HHFDC supported the measure, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Office of the Auditor urged caution about tax exclusions and asked for clearer, more targeted limits and measurable outcomes. The committees adopted amendments to add a statement of purpose, include measurable metrics, apply the tax provisions to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and delay the effective date to allow for administrative changes. SB 2191 was recommended for passage with amendments. The committees also considered SB 2197, which would have replaced the five-year fixed-price period in rent-to-own housing with an option period set by HHFDC, but deferred it indefinitely because its issues were addressed in SB 2071. SB 2180 on deposits of public funds drew comments from the Hawaii Bankers Association questioning definitions and noting banks are already subject to Community Reinvestment Act requirements; decision-making was deferred to the next day in the CPN committee and to a later date for the housing committee. Finally, SB 2210 on housing discrimination received support from disability advocates and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, which asked for one additional investigator; the committees passed it with amendments adding a blank appropriation for one full-time position and planned to notify Ways and Means for possible re-referral.

Transcript Highlights:

• It works in the 47 other states that default to it.
• 00:48:06.720> other<00:48:06.960> states<00:48:07.280> that<00:48:07.440> default
• the 47 other states that default to it. the 47 other states that default to it.
• And so I urge this committee to support Senate Bill 416 and let us default to the federal standard under
• The law is impossible to comply with as... 416 and let us default to the federal 416 and let us default

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So with this amendment passed, the original 316 sets a default rate, which is less than 50%, or 40% of
• So the provision in the original 316, where you have the default rate set to, you know, 200% of Medicare
• 30:46.279> less<00:30:46.519> than<00:30:46.679> 50%<00:30:47.200> or default
• rate Which is less than 50% or default rate Which is less than 50% or 40%<00:30:48.640> of<00
• you have the default rate set to<00:31:15.799> you<00:31:15.960> know<00:31:16.440>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 167, a PFAS-related measure expanding the state’s restrictions to include ski wax and related fluorocarbons. The sponsor said the bill was a follow-up to last year’s PFAS law and largely targeted products already off the market, describing it as a reaffirmation of the state’s intent to keep PFAS out of water. The committee voted unanimously to recommend the bill ought to pass and then placed it on the consent calendar. Next, the committee considered House Bill 275 on health career credentialing requirements. The discussion centered on a proposal that would have required insurance companies to pay for training mandated by federal requirements. Members concluded that approach was not appropriate and voted unanimously to make the bill inexpedient to legislate, then placed it on the consent calendar. House Bill 276, dealing with on-premise beverage license requirements, was then reconsidered after an initial ITL vote. The committee adopted an amendment creating a tavern license for establishments limited to patrons over 21, with a higher fee and no food requirement, and then voted 15-0 to recommend the bill ought to pass as amended; it was also placed on the consent calendar. The committee then took up House Bill 310, which would establish a commission to study a regulatory framework for stable tokens and tokenization of real-world assets. The sponsor said the amendment added blockchain-based trusts and discussion of privacy and environmental concerns. The committee approved the amendment 16-0 and then voted 16-0 to recommend the bill ought to pass as amended, placing it on the consent calendar. House Bill 312, concerning intercollegiate student athletes’ right to earn compensation from name, image, and likeness, was retained because members said the issue was not ready and the NCAA had not resolved how to handle it. Finally, the committee began discussion of House Bill 316 on ground ambulance reimbursement, with an amendment that would replace the bill’s reimbursement provisions with a study commission; members debated how it related to another bill, HB 725, and whether the amendment would delay immediate relief for ambulance providers.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a clinician in this situation, by default, I've had to learn the dance of access to insurance coverage
• PMAP plan assignments are usually by default, not by informed choice.
• ><00:09:30.800> by as a clinician in this situation by as a clinician in this situation by default
• I've had to learn the dance of default I've had to learn the dance of access<00:09:33.120> to
• plan assignments are usually by default plan assignments are usually by default not<00:10:22.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Used to provide safer defaults and stronger privacy settings, age awareness can be part of a very protective
• So that can be in the vein of strong default safety settings, more robust reporting requirements, and
• continuing to talk far too much, I think that is one great example: the reduction of contact there, default
• by safety—excuse me, safety by default—for users who, you know, where the age signal is identifying

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational hearing on the impact of social media on LGBTQ+ youth, focusing on benefits, risks, and possible safeguards. Chair members framed the discussion around the tension between protecting young people from addictive design, harassment, hate speech, exploitation, and mental health harms while preserving access to affirming resources, community, and crisis support that many LGBTQ+ youth rely on online. Members emphasized that the hearing was meant to inform future policy rather than relitigate prior bills, and several members of the LGBTQ+ Caucus attended or participated. The first panel featured lived experience and advocacy testimony from Madi Roby of Alliance for Trans Youth Rights, Shea Gardner of LGBT Tech, and Casey Pick of the Trevor Project. Roby described social media as essential to exploring identity, finding trans language and safety information, and connecting to Trevor Project resources during a family crisis, while also acknowledging online hate and bullying. Gardner argued that lawmakers should regulate harms more precisely rather than impose broad age-based exclusions, warning that account bans and age-gating could cut off access to community, privacy-protective pseudonymity, and crisis resources. Pick testified that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than peers to attempt suicide, that social media can be both a lifeline and a risk, and that Trevor Space and other moderated online spaces can improve mental health and reduce isolation; she also cautioned against policies that would push youth into less visible, less moderated spaces. Committee members questioned the witnesses about algorithmic feeds, addictive design, age verification, and whether platforms should be required to do more to protect youth. Several lawmakers distinguished between personalized feeds and addictive features such as infinite scroll and autoplay, and asked for more targeted prescriptions. Witnesses generally supported stronger privacy protections, limits on data collection and use, better reporting and moderation tools, digital literacy, and design changes that reduce harmful engagement patterns without eliminating access to community. The discussion also touched on the loss of LGBTQ-specific 988 services at the national level and the importance of maintaining alternative support pathways. The second panel presented research from Common Sense Media, UC Irvine, Hope Lab, and LGBTQ+ Health Australia. Researchers reported that LGBTQ+ youth often arrive online with higher depressive symptoms and limited in-person support, encounter homophobic and transphobic content at high rates, and may self-censor because of fear of harassment. At the same time, many said social media helps them feel less alone and find affirmation. Dr. Sean Young emphasized a harm-reduction approach, noting that online environments can be designed to support health and that policymakers should measure whether restrictions actually reduce harm or simply displace it. Dr. Amy Green echoed that social media is both harmful and supportive for LGBTQ+ youth, underscoring that the policy goal should be to make youth safer rather than less visible online.

Transcript Highlights:

• If there's a default on a project, generally the lender forecloses on its deed of trust and takes the
• In the last 41 years that I've been in this business, I've been involved in six defaults.
• And of those six defaults, they have occurred a loss to those... ...contractors that I worked with.
• Because you believe there's a default or some issue on Project B, they stay safe.

Bills: HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Transcript Highlights:

• extent that this becomes, for those who oppose this bill, that this is really a case of substituting judgment
• this my concerns here are whether or not this is<03:18:59.439> substituted<03:19:00.160> judgment
• So<03:19:01.439> if<03:19:01.680> we<03:19:01.920> have is substituted judgment
• So if we have is substituted judgment.

Keywords: 1189, house, all