Transcript Highlights:

• As you've heard earlier this morning, our overdose rates, both fatal and non-fatal, are declining rapidly
• In the last year, we are projected in 2025 to have about 254 fatal overdoses.
• Nor does it go far to prevent overdoses or fatal overdose deaths.
• to prevent far to nor does it do much to prevent overdoses<00:54:56.240><c> or</c><00:54:56.480><c> fatal
• </c> overdoses or fatal or overdose deaths. overdoses or fatal or overdose deaths.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Seattle Times recently reported that 68% of the fatalities reported by DCWRF were of families who
• The Seattle Times recently reported that 68% of the fatalities reported by DCWRF were of families who
• This is more of the same mindset that has led to record-breaking fatalities.
• This is more of the same mindset that has led to record-breaking fatalities and near-fatalities.
• Many children's fatality reports are over the age of five.

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on February 6, 2026, and first voted to suspend the five-day notice rule for all bills on the agenda. Senators Braun and Gildon objected, arguing the bill needed more public review and that the fiscal note had only just been released, but a roll call vote passed 15-9 and the committee proceeded to Senate Bill 6346. Staff briefed SB 6346 as a proposal to create a 9.9% income tax on Washington taxable income above a $1 million per-household standard deduction, with a $50,000 charitable deduction, apportionment rules for nonresidents and certain professions, quarterly estimated payments, and credits for capital gains tax and certain business taxes. Staff said the tax would begin in 2029 and eventually raise about $3.5 billion annually from roughly 30,000 taxpayers. The bill also would expand the Working Families Tax Credit, create a sales tax exemption for grooming and hygiene products, increase the small business B&O tax credit and filing threshold, and end the B&O surcharge on high-grossing businesses one year early. Members questioned the bill’s constitutionality, its exemption from referendum, treatment of student athletes, natural-resource industries, and whether real estate gains would be captured. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including labor groups, educators, health care advocates, counties, child care workers, and some business owners and high-income individuals, said the bill would make the tax code more progressive and provide stable funding for health care, education, child care, public defense, and other services, while expanding the Working Families Tax Credit. Opponents, including many small business, construction, housing, and taxpayer advocates, argued the measure would function as a tax on pass-through businesses and retained earnings, harm housing production and investment, encourage wealthy residents and businesses to leave the state, and violate the state constitution or the will of voters. No final action on SB 6346 was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I did not see that change as being fatal, but I recognize that if that change was made, we would have
• So I did not see that change as being fatal, but I recognize that if that change was made, we would have
• So I did not see that change as being fatal, but I recognize that if that change was made, we would have
• So I did not see that change as being fatal, but I recognize that if that change was made, we would have
• but I re recognize that if being fatal but I re recognize that if that<00:23:59.240><c> change</c><00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on April 1 to consider GM 510, the confirmation of Todd Aio to the board of directors of the Hawaiʻi Convention Center Authority. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from HTA representatives and numerous individuals. Supporters described Aio as a strong leader with experience in tourism, development, nonprofit work, and public service, including his time on the city council and work with Disney’s Aulani, Ward Village, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. In his remarks, Aio said he would bring legal, development, and corporate governance experience to the board. He emphasized the need for the authority to better define its role, oversee contractors, and help guide the relationship between destination management and branding/marketing contractors. He also said community engagement and cultural considerations should be central to tourism planning, and that the board should work to stabilize the agency during its transition. Members questioned him about board conflicts, the lack of a permanent HTA CEO, and how to measure the success of cultural and branding campaigns such as mālama and kuleana messaging. Aio said conflicts are inevitable when board members come from industry backgrounds, but they must separate their “work hats” from their board duties. He supported replacing the interim leadership with a permanent CEO once compensation legislation is finalized, and said success should be measured through better data, including possible exit surveys and other technology-based tools. He also said he would oppose replacing Hawaiian protocol with another cultural protocol, while supporting inclusion of other cultures alongside a Hawaiian sense of place.

Transcript Highlights:

• all our communities in outstate Minnesota, where I am from, and the cities, the metro area, and non-fatal
• Non-fatal overdoses involving fentanyl have continued to rise as far as 2023, which was the last year
• Non-fatal overdoses involving fentanyl have continued to rise as far as 2023, which was the last year
• This would prove to be her final fatal move.
• move the day he killed her final fatal move the day he killed her she<00:40:32.800><c> was</c><00:40

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2025, Hawaii hit a 20-year high with 129 traffic fatalities.
• National research also shows that approximately 18% of fatal crashes involve unlicensed drivers.
• involve unlicensed fatal crashes involve unlicensed drivers.<01:25:41.120><c> Now,</c><01:25:41.154>
• The heart-wrenching traffic fatalities and violent actions perpetuated by irresponsible individuals who
• The heart-wrenching traffic fatalities and violent actions perpetuated by irresponsible individuals who

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing. For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities. The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation aims to enhance officer safety and reduce fatalities caused by gunfire during patrols

Bills: HB2217

Keywords: law enforcement, bullet-resistant, grant program, safety equipment, peace officers, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• California has even ranked the highest in fatalities among deaths associated with OHVs.
• But in it, it talked about 400 drivers accused of a fatal crash went on to receive another ticket and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in 1955 was recalled after 10 death reports, swine flu vaccine, 1976 recalled after 53 reported fatalities
• vaccine in 1955 was recalled after 10 death reports, swine flu vaccine, 76 recalled after 53 reported fatalities

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the February 10, 2026 minutes and then took up Senate Bill 1346, which would place a two-year moratorium on mRNA-based COVID-19 products for pregnant women and children, with exemptions for certain gene therapies, cancer, genetic disorders, clinical trials, and compassionate use. Senator Shippy presented the bill as a child-safety and informed-consent measure, arguing Idaho should act independently of federal agencies and that the bill was a temporary pause rather than a blanket ban. He also said the bill language still needed clarification and asked that it be sent to the 14th order for possible amendments. The committee heard extensive testimony both for and against the bill. Supporters, including Nicholas Holster, Christina Parks, James Thorpe, Laura Demeray, Xavier Figueroa, Gordon Wilkerson, and others, argued that mRNA products are unsafe, that there are serious reported adverse events and contamination concerns, and that the state should protect children and pregnant women until more long-term data is available. Opponents, including Stephen Montemot, Primo Castro, Amaya Donahue, and Stephanie Nemore, argued that mRNA vaccines are not gene therapy, that the bill would interfere with parental choice and physician judgment, and that it could disrupt access to approved medical care and research. Several senators questioned the bill’s definitions, the process for reviewing safety data, interstate commerce implications, and the scope of the moratorium. After debate, Senator Lenney moved to send SB 1346 to the 14th order for possible amendments. Senators raised concerns about the legislature’s ability to evaluate scientific evidence and about the breadth of the bill’s definitions, while others said the bill’s intent was reasonable but needed cleanup. The motion passed by a 5-4 roll call vote, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seventy-four percent of fatal accidents happen in rural... ...before the law ever took effect.
• Seventy-four percent of fatal accidents happen in rural environments. Seventy-four percent.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received committee reports and bill referrals. Among the measures introduced or advanced were bills on restroom access and indecency, assertive community treatment, foreign law in Idaho courts, police dog protections, hospital taxing district petitions, legislative residency requirements, driver education options for parents, and redesigning the agricultural license plate. The House also passed several bills on second or third reading, including HB 652, HB 556, HB 602, HB 654, HB 549, HB 628, and HB 663, sending them to the Senate. HB 556 drew the most debate. Supporters argued the state should raise reimbursement to counties for housing state inmates in county jails because county costs have risen well above current reimbursement levels, counties are overcrowded, and property taxpayers are subsidizing state obligations. Opponents said the fiscal note was too large for the current budget year, though several members still acknowledged the underlying problem. The bill ultimately passed the House 59-10. HB 602, which limits the use of foreign law when it conflicts with Idaho or U.S. constitutional rights, also passed after questions about prior legislation affecting child support enforcement; the sponsor said this bill was narrower and preserved existing law as the guardrail. HB 673, which would require legislative candidates to have lived in their district for 120 days in the preceding year before filing, generated significant concern about retroactivity, fairness, and impacts on military members, missionaries, traveling workers, and others with temporary absences. After debate, the House voted to send it to general orders for further work rather than advancing it immediately. HB 628, concerning parent-taught driver education in urban districts, was defended as expanding parental choice and reducing costs, while opponents raised safety concerns about teaching teens on busy roads without dual brakes or other safeguards; it passed 63-6. The House adjourned after announcements and committee meeting notices.

Transcript Highlights:

• notified or they're not doing those interlocks, are we seeing them in other accidents or other fatalities
• And it is a prevention measure, I think, if we can stop a fatality.

Summary: The committee began with a brief introduction of Hazel Stevens, a new page from Kuna High School who said she is interested in government and hopes to attend NNU and become a lawyer. Senators asked a few light questions, then moved to legislation. The first bill, Senate Bill 1311, would require ignition interlock companies to notify the Idaho Transportation Department when an interlock is installed so the court-ordered one-year interlock period begins with proof of installation, and to notify prosecutors when a device prevents a vehicle from starting. Senator Foreman and AAA Idaho’s Matthew Condi testified in support, saying the bill would close loopholes, improve accountability, and help ensure DUI offenders actually comply with restrictions. Some senators raised concerns about surveillance, false positives, and whether the bill could create reports for low-level alcohol readings, but supporters argued prosecutors would retain discretion and the data already exists. The committee voted 5-4 to send SB 1311 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then received a court presentation from the Idaho Supreme Court’s Administrative Office of the Courts. Imelda Lopez described court assistance officers, who help self-represented litigants with forms, procedures, and referrals but cannot give legal advice; she highlighted statewide services, online forms, fee waivers, and local partnerships. Chris Paulson followed with an overview of family court services, including parenting plans, the Focus on Children course, mediation, and financial assistance for court-ordered services in family law cases. Israel Enriquez then described treatment courts, especially mental health and veterans courts, emphasizing strict supervision, treatment, accountability, and lower recidivism compared with traditional supervision. Senators thanked the presenters, and one noted the importance of treatment courts amid budget concerns. After the presentations, the committee took up two court-related cleanup bills from Senator Lakey. Senate Bill 1308 removes an outdated statutory reference to Idaho Rule of Civil Procedure 16(j) in the mediation confidentiality statute, and Senate Bill 1309 codifies the priority of payments for juvenile case funds, placing restitution to victims first. Both bills drew little discussion, were moved by committee members, and passed unanimously to the floor with do-pass recommendations. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The imbalance between the rich and the poor is the oldest and most fatal ailment of all republics.
• Two thousand years ago, the imbalance between the rich and the poor is the oldest and most fatal ailment

Summary: The Assembly met, initially lacking a quorum, and the Clerk called the roll until a quorum was established. The chamber then proceeded through routine opening business, including prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, recognition of Native lands, approval of procedural motions, and several unanimous-consent actions to re-refer bills and allow committees to notice bills pending re-referral. The Assembly also recessed regular session to convene a joint convention for the Governor’s State of the State address. In the joint convention, Governor Gavin Newsom delivered his final State of the State speech, focusing on California’s economic performance, education investments, housing reforms, public safety, homelessness, climate policy, insurance issues, and the state’s response to federal actions. He highlighted budget plans, including a proposed $248.3 billion general fund, increased reserves, major education funding, child care and after-school investments, housing and affordability measures, mental health and homelessness funding, infrastructure projects, clean energy goals, and wildfire recovery efforts. He also praised legislative collaboration on AI regulation, tax credits, and other policy areas while criticizing federal policies and calling for continued state action. After the address, the Governor’s speech was ordered printed in the journal, the joint convention adjourned sine die, and the Assembly returned to regular session. The Speaker announced the desk would remain open for introduction of the budget bill, noted the next floor session would be Monday, January 12 at 1 p.m., and the House adjourned on motion of the Majority Leader.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alcohol combined with cannabis is the second most common cause of fatal crashes, contributing to impaired
• Young drivers are particularly at risk, with 26% of crash fatalities among drivers aged 25 and younger

Bills: SB2024, SB227, SB268, SB1467, SB1580, HB5537, SB1313, SB1677, SB918, SB331, SB2207, SB2721

Keywords: e-cigarettes, marketing prohibition, youth protection, criminal penalties, public health, school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, death records, vital statistics, healthcare, trauma facility, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• Duchenne muscular dystrophy. is a universally fatal, rare pediatric disease resulting from an absence
• Duchenne is one of the most common fatal genetic. disorders and predominantly affects males approximately

Bills: SB437, SB528, SB626, SB636, SB884, SB968, SB1044, SB1608, SB2336

Keywords: healthcare, training, abuse, neglect, penalties, chemical dependency, safety, regulation, inpatient competency restoration, competency restoration, forensic mental health, mental health law, criminal competency, incompetent to stand trial, Chapter 46B, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state hospital, behavioral health, local mental health authority

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the statistics I have, the 24 fatalities in 2023, they were a total of all the work zone fatalities
• So, if I told you in 2025 there was 24 fatalities involving these vehicles, >> I'd say it's far less
• </c><03:25:51.279><c> involving</c><03:25:51.760><c> these</c> there was 24 fatalities involving these
• there was 24 fatalities involving these vehicles, vehicles, vehicles, &gt;&gt; I'd<03:25:53.200><c>
• go up or down if this bill is fatalities go up or down if this bill is passed?

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This does increase the risk for vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks that can be potentially fatal to
• This does increase the risk for vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks that can be potentially fatal to
• This does increase the risk for vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks that can be potentially fatal to
• This does increase the risk for vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks that can be potentially fatal to
• to children who be potentially fatal to children who attend<04:29:38.040><c> school</c><04:29:39.040

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several measures, beginning with HB 194, which would designate May 22 as Maritime Day. Testimony from labor, health, and community groups was in support, and the committee later recommended passage of the bill as is, with several members voting yes and some reserving or being excused. HB 458 would designate April 27 as Brother Joseph Dutton Day; the Department of Accounting and General Services, the Joseph Dutton Guild, and a descendant all supported it, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. HB 957 would designate the first Friday in May as Lā‘au Day; support came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many individuals, and the committee recommended passage as is. HB 345 would establish the ʻōpae ula as the state shrimp to promote awareness and protection of anchialine ecosystems; DLNR, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAu, and other supporters testified, and the committee recommended passage with technical amendments. The committee also heard HB 901, which would allow public charter schools to appeal directly to the Board of Education on certain operational, governance, or funding matters. The Attorney General and the Public Charter School Commission offered technical comments and suggested amendments, while the commission described its current monitoring and renewal process and said it works closely with schools over the life of a charter contract. Members raised concerns about whether the bill would shift too much work to the Board of Education, and one member voted no when the committee later moved the bill with the Attorney General’s amendments. HB 1066 would add Head Start-related ex officio members to the Early Learning Board; the Early Learning Board and the Executive Office on Early Learning supported it, explaining the changes were needed to align with the federal Head Start Act, and the committee moved it forward without opposition. HB 1069 would add voting members from the Department of Education and Board of Education to the School Facilities Authority Board. DOE and the School Facilities Authority supported the change as a way to strengthen collaboration, though questions from members focused on the current communication process between the agencies. HB 1343 would require the Board of Education to adopt a policy banning student phone and related device use during school hours; the committee noted written testimony in support and then moved to decision-making. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HB 194, HB 458 with technical amendments, HB 957, HB 345 with technical amendments, HB 901 with amendments, HB 1066, HB 1069, and HB 1343.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation aims to enhance officer safety and reduce fatalities caused by gunfire through patrol

Bills: HB2217

Keywords: law enforcement, bullet-resistant, grant program, safety equipment, peace officers

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice met and considered two House bills. HB 2217 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement agencies equip patrol vehicles with bullet-resistant components such as windshields, side doors, and windows. Senator Hagenbuch explained that the measure is intended to improve officer safety in light of shootings through patrol car glass, and no invited or public testimony was offered. The committee voted 6-0 to report HB 2217 favorably to the full Senate and also recommended it for the open uncontested calendar. The committee then took up HB 2594, with Senator Creighton explaining that it updates venue rules for cybercrime and related theft cases involving intangible property such as cryptocurrency, online fraud, and intellectual property theft. The bill would allow prosecution in the county where the victim resides, where the defendant is apprehended, or where the defendant is extradited to, giving prosecutors more flexibility when crimes cross county lines. No questions or testimony were offered. The committee voted 6-0 to report HB 2594 favorably to the full Senate. It was also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. After completing its business, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• and dangerous drug interactions with common meds like blood thinners, and it can... ...and even be fatal

Bills: HB25

Keywords: ivermectin, pharmacist authority, prescription-free, healthcare regulation, patient access, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• problems and dangerous drug interactions with common meds like blood thinners, and it can even be fatal

Bills: HB25

Keywords: ivermectin, pharmacist authority, prescription-free, healthcare regulation, patient access

Transcript Highlights:

• Typically, those fatalities are, if you're sort of intimate to the fire, right, so that might be very
• think we're seeing a trend, unfortunately, in our state over the last few years, that our fire fatalities
• are If you're typically those fatalities are If you're sort<01:12:04.400><c> of</c><01:12:04.560><c>
• /c><01:12:28.880><c> fire</c> the last few years that our fire the last few years that our fire fatalities
• are going up in the fatalities are going up in the residential<01:12:30.880><c> structures</c><01:12

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cal/OSHA Bureau of Investigation, or BOI, which is responsible for reviewing and investigating fatalities
• appropriation, what AB 2321 will do is empower public prosecutors to investigate cases where there is a fatality
• appropriation, what AB 2321 will do is empower public prosecutors to investigate cases where there is a fatality

Summary: The committee heard several labor-related bills, with testimony largely focused on worker protections, AI, workplace safety, and employment access. AB 1697 would delay implementation of AB 692 on employer debt traps by one year to allow more time to address collective bargaining concerns; it drew support from the NFL and no opposition. AB 2495 would expand prohibitions on immigration-related threats used by employers to intimidate workers, with strong support from immigrant-rights, labor, and legal aid groups describing coercion and fear among undocumented and new-arrival workers; it advanced on a divided roll with some members voting no or not voting. AB 2511 would require DIR to study pay disparities between behavioral health and medical-surgical providers, with supporters arguing low reimbursement drives provider shortages and opponents warning of duplicative reporting, proprietary-data concerns, and added administrative burden; it was moved forward to the Health Committee. AB 2157 would make permanent the Displaced Oil and Gas Workers Fund Pilot Program, with displaced refinery workers and labor/environmental groups supporting the bill as a needed transition tool; it passed to Appropriations. AB 2530 would require 60-day notice for public-employer layoffs, relocations, and closures, narrowed by amendment to public agencies; supporters said public workers deserve the same notice protections as private-sector workers, while some opposition sought clarification, and the bill passed to Judiciary. The committee also heard AB 2488, which would direct DIR and UC to study Cal/OSHA inspector vacancies and recruitment pathways. Supporters, including a laid-off refinery worker and WorkSafe, said chronic understaffing has weakened enforcement and that experienced workers could fill the gap; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2545 would create an EDD study of AI-related workforce displacement and safety-net impacts, with labor and tech-policy supporters warning of large-scale job loss and the need for data to plan for unemployment and other public programs; business groups opposed the reporting and task-force structure but acknowledged the issue, and the bill passed to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 2027 would restrict employers and vendors from using worker data to train or deploy AI systems that replace workers, while limiting collection to what is necessary for employment administration; supporters framed it as a privacy and anti-displacement measure, and opponents argued the definitions were too broad and could hinder useful workplace technologies. The bill advanced to Privacy and Consumer Protection. Later, AB 2095, the Fair Chance Act bill, was presented to clarify and strengthen rules limiting conviction-history screening in hiring, including written explanations and protections for applicants seeking promotions or new roles with current employers. Supporters described ongoing discrimination against people with records and the need for a real second chance, while opponents said the bill was too broad, added burdens, and could conflict with existing statewide rules. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on AB 2095, but the discussion centered on balancing reentry opportunities with employer concerns about individualized assessments and safety-based hiring decisions.