Transcript Highlights:

• History tells us in the Civil War Days, the colonel would sell horses of fallen soldiers to the highest

Bills: HR1052, SB2184, SB171

Keywords: 4-H, youth development, community service, education, volunteering, Oklahoma, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, SB171, state government, Capitol security, peace officer commission, legislative security, Department of Public Safety, Commissioner of Public Safety, President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House

Transcript Highlights:

• uh we do know that that staff from trees uh we do know that that staff from both<00:27:19.320> our
• The trees are going to be okay.
• The trees are going to be okay.
• The trees are going to be okay.
• mushroom hunting to the same oak trees mushroom hunting to the same oak trees the<01:40:18.320><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, it was larger branches, larger trees. Okay.
• Well, it was larger branches, larger trees. Okay.
• <01:33:42.800> I've people chopping down their trees I've people chopping down their trees
• So, one of our neighbors is dumping a lot of green waste, a lot of tree-trimming debris.
• We need to get some kind of way to effectively treat the tree-trimming stuff that's going around.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard SB 1146, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi to develop an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan for debris management and water quality control in the Ala Wai Watershed. Testimony was largely supportive from DLNR, a UH student, and a special improvement district representative, while one speaker suggested the work should be coordinated with existing efforts to avoid duplication. Committee discussion focused on the multi-jurisdictional nature of the watershed, existing debris-trap work that captures only about 20 to 30 percent of debris, the role of the university in capstone projects and recommendations, and the relationship to the existing Geni project and other community efforts. Members also asked about costs, tracking progress, and the difference between water-quality improvements and the larger debris problem. The committees then voted to pass SB 1146 with amendments, including blanking out the appropriation and deferring the effective date to July 31, 2050. The motion passed in both committees, with votes recorded in support and no opposition noted during the decision-making. The committees also heard SB 321, which would deem certain fee simple privately owned lands transferred to adjacent property owners or community associations if specified conditions are met. Testimony was in support from several individuals, but members raised concerns about the lack of input from counties and the state, and about how the bill might affect roads already used by the public or maintained by local governments. After discussion, the committees voted to advance SB 321 unamended to the next committees, with the measure adopted in both committees despite one recorded no vote in the Water and Land committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Why would there be all those trees right on the jump? And he said, mm.
• Why would there be all those trees right on the jump? And he said, mm.
• And he hit a tree head-on and was killed instantly. So my point is, it’s not the money.
• There should be a standard of runoff between the racetrack and a tree or a fence.
• And even then, those trees and fences oftentimes should be barricaded with hay bales or some sort of

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security heard testimony on several bills, with strong support expressed for a proposed municipal and public safety building authority (H. 2571/S. 1650). Municipal officials, fire chiefs, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, regional planning leaders, and Senator Comerford described aging town halls, fire stations, DPW facilities, and other local buildings, especially in small towns and gateway cities, and argued that local budgets and Proposition 2 1/2 make major capital projects difficult to fund. Testimony emphasized the need for a dedicated revenue stream, with the bill proposing a share of marijuana excise tax revenue and a rural funding set-aside. Committee members asked about prioritization and funding levels, and witnesses said even a modest start would help address a large statewide backlog. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee later adjourned unanimously. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2689, requiring fuel gas alarms/detectors in residential dwellings using explosive gases. Representative Jeff Roy, Susan Brown, Jason Cohn, and representatives from NEMA and Kidde supported the bill, describing it as a life-saving measure similar to carbon monoxide detector requirements. Witnesses cited the 2015 Franklin propane explosion that killed Nancy and Robert Brown, the Merrimack Valley gas explosions, and national fire data showing fatalities and property damage from gas leaks. They said detectors are affordable, commercially available, and should be required where gas is used; one witness noted battery-backed or battery-operated options exist. Committee questions focused on cost, battery power, outdoor propane setups, and whether the bill would cover private databases or only residential safety devices. Another major topic was S. 1755 on missing and abducted children. Senator Pavel Payano testified in favor, citing the case of Lee Manuel Villoria Paolino and arguing that misclassification of missing children as runaways can delay urgent response and worsen outcomes, especially for Black and brown youth. He said the bill would set minimum law enforcement response standards, require training, and expand multilingual intake forms. The committee also heard support for expanding the state DNA database through familial DNA searching, with Dr. Amory Myers explaining that the technology could help solve long-unsolved cases while including guardrails to prevent use of private consumer DNA databases. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on H. 2740, “Colby’s Law,” establishing safety standards for BMX and motocross tracks. Colby Lippincott’s family, community members, and industry representatives described his fatal crash and urged requirements for medical staff, insurance, inspections, warning systems, barriers, and access roads. Witnesses said the bill would not end the sport but would create basic protections, and the committee heard that Massachusetts would join a number of other states with similar standards. The hearing ended with a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then, you get out to the ag community, and they're like, 'Oh, your trees are just getting out of hand
• Do we go after the small invasive woody trees first that are easy to manage?
• They will go around, and you can shoot these pellets at trees with a like an airsoft gun, but it's like
• Trees and drop, and then when the rain comes, it kills the tree.
• I want to get on a horse or get on a helicopter and drive around and kill trees.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• trying to make a point, something he was opposed to, and he talked about how this man had planted this tree
• when it was just a little tree and that tree grew, and I'm listening to him, and, and he finished, but
• And so I went up to him, I said, Sylvester, what was the point of the tree story?

Transcript Highlights:

• For one reason or another, they've all fallen short.
• I mean, it's no different than felling a tree.
• I mean, it's no different than felling a tree.
• no different than felling a tree. no different than felling a tree. somebody<03:43:11.040> runs
• <03:45:55.359> I a tree, but I didn't tell you. I a tree, but I didn't tell you.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hunt said about Illinois, they simply just have so much volume that their prices have fallen and they
• so much volume that their<00:41:19.200> prices<00:41:19.520> have<00:41:19.680> fallen
• and they are a their prices have fallen and they are a more<00:41:20.720> mature<00:41:21.040
• Prices around your area have already fallen.
• So, a one gram cart, which I'm fallen.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:20 Approval of June 4, 2026 Minutes 00:03:09 Prioritizing Kentucky Agriculture: Medical Cannabis 00:03:38 Prioritizing Kentucky Agriculture: Bourbon 01:41:03, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Correctional Industries work line that actually will teach inmates a viable skill and get out like tree
• Tree trimming could be to some degree, but to be honest with you, if it's a serious tree trimming event
• we need to do, we do hire outside arborists to come in and do it because we don't want to damage trees
• I have a question. honest with you, if it's a serious tree honest with you, if it's a serious tree trimming
• because we don't want to damage trees because we don't want to damage trees and<00:14:03.360>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety heard several resolutions, including HCR 944/HR 90 to request a gubernatorial proclamation designating Hawaii as a Purple Heart state on August 7, 2025; HCR 205/HR 197 urging Maui County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite a permanent replacement for the Kulani Hakoi Bridge; and HCR 164/HR 159 urging counties to maintain an electronically accessible list of hurricane refuge shelters. No one testified on the first two measures. On the hurricane shelter resolution, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the intent and requested a wording change from “special needs” to “access and functional needs.” The committee then heard HCR 70, which asks the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to expand personal and professional development programs to include community service programs. Director Tommy Johnson said DCR supports the intent and described existing community service work lines at Kulani, the women’s correctional facility, and Wawa, including tasks such as pothole repair, tree trimming, and school grounds work. In response to questions, he said participation depends on inmate eligibility, volunteer status, and whether the work would interfere with programming; inmates must have no serious misconducts in the prior year and no escape attempts. He also explained that some work lines are tied to security classifications and facility type. The committee spent the most time on HCR 153/HR 148, which requests DCR to incrementally reduce the number of inmates housed in private out-of-state facilities. The ACLU of Hawaii strongly supported the resolution, arguing that private prisons are unsafe and that Hawaii should bring incarcerated people home. The ACLU cited federal findings and actions against private prison contractors, conditions at the Saguaro facility in Arizona, and the need for in-state rehabilitation and oversight. Director Johnson also supported the measure in principle but said population levels, security classifications, and available in-state facilities limit how quickly people can be returned. He said DCR provides annual reports on inmates eligible to return and suggested more frequent reporting could be considered. Committee members discussed benchmarks, quarterly reporting, parole, and reintegration services, and the ACLU argued that other states have reduced or phased out private prison use through sentencing reform, parole changes, and reintegration programs. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• When my son—two of my sons—had to draw their family tree in school, both of my boys are adopted.
• So that family tree was challenging for them because they didn't know where it went.
• Part of their family tree went...
• uh I'll just draw their family tree uh I'll just speak<01:23:24.280> for<01:23:24.520> from
• was challenging for them family tree was challenging for them because<01:23:43.600> they<01:23

Bills: HF22, HF45

Keywords: parent's bill of rights, parental rights, minor consent, minors, parents, guardians, education rights, school records, home schooling, charter school, private school, health care consent, medical privacy, patient records, exam room access, biometric data, DNA samples, blood samples, mental health, physical health

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, here's an example of Australian tree fern that was noticed as for sale in one of our nurseries on
• entry monitoring thousands of palm trees entry monitoring thousands of palm trees for<01:23:15.040
• And that's the way trees in this zone.
• Um, and this is 2,634 trees last year.
• and more than 2,634 treated trees and more than 2,634 treated trees treated.<01:27:11.360> And

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, if you got 10 feet between trees, but you got a 20° slope, then you need 20 feet between
• the base of the trees.
• compared to other trees that are hardwoods, which won't go.
• Flam. ...across the state, you have to go 30 feet between the trunks of the trees.
• compared to other trees that are hardwoods, which won't go.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and began with housekeeping on testimony deadlines, hybrid participation rules, time management, and expectations for civility. The chair said testimony posted at least 24 hours in advance would be available to members and the public at the same time, late testimony would still be processed, and decision-making would generally be deferred to later in the day so morning hearings could adjourn before the noon floor session. The first bill heard was HB 673 on emergency management. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator James Barros testified in opposition, saying the bill could undermine the executive’s unity of command during emergencies and objecting to provisions allowing the legislature to terminate a state of emergency by a two-thirds vote. Members asked about the difference between an emergency order and a state of emergency, whether other states use legislative checks and balances, and whether long-running emergencies such as COVID-19 or homelessness should have clearer end conditions. Barros said the agency, along with the Attorney General’s office and the governor’s office, would review the language and that the issue is setting conditions for when an emergency ends. The committee then heard HB 596, also on emergency management, which would clarify types of events that count as dangers and emergencies. Barros opposed the bill, saying the current list covers known hazards but should remain open-ended for future threats; he cited COVID-19 as an example of an unforeseen event and said the bill could limit flexibility. Members asked whether the list could be expanded, and Barros said the agency would look at that possibility. Testimony included support from the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and concerns from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii about the bill’s special fund provisions; the committee also corrected testimony that had been submitted for the wrong bill. The final measure discussed was HB 1060 on emergency preparedness and the Community Readiness Center Program. Barros explained the proposal as part of HEMA’s effort to build local readiness centers and community hubs, with an initial target of 10 communities through a federal grant and a longer-term concept of roughly 100 statewide. The Climate Advisory Team supported the bill’s intent but urged that centers be developed with strong community and nonprofit involvement through the HARRP program. The Department of Taxation offered comments on the special fund, and members raised questions about cost, size, use of existing school facilities, public messaging, and equity across communities. Barros said the centers would provide backup communications, power, water, and food for a community group, would not function as general shelters, and would be designed to help communities hunker down and recover after a disaster.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Okay, we're saving the trees. Thanks, Callie. Yes.
• <00:36:18.800> Thanks, >> okay, we're saving the trees.
• Thanks, >> okay, we're saving the trees.
• Thanks, Callie.<00:36:19.359> saving<00:36:19.760> the<00:36:19.920> trees<00:36
• Callie. saving the trees and the ink. Callie. saving the trees and the ink.

Bills: HF3298, SF3832, HF3528, HF3516, HF3972, HF4118

Keywords: underground storage tanks, petroleum, reimbursement program, environmental regulation, pollution control, dairy assistance, investment relief, agriculture support, food production, economic relief, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, dentistry, licensure, registration

Transcript Highlights:

• And whether it's extra mowing before Derby Day or the routine removal of roadside debris, litter, tree
• And whether it's extra mowing before Derby Day or the routine removal of roadside debris, litter, tree
• And whether it's extra mowing before Derby Day or the routine removal of roadside debris, litter, tree
• And whether it's extra mowing before Derby Day or the routine removal of roadside debris, litter, tree
• roadside day or the routine removal of roadside debris,<00:03:18.000> litter,<00:03:18.640> tree

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:47 Maintenance 12:40 Approval of Minutes 12:55 Vehicle Regulation 21:08 General Admin and Highways 34:11 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum at first, then later approved the minutes once quorum was established. The committee heard presentations from Transportation Cabinet officials Mike Hancock, Jeremy Slinker, and Sean McCarnieran on maintenance, vehicle regulation, general administration, highways, and related capital projects. Hancock emphasized that maintenance is the cabinet’s most visible public service, especially for snow and ice removal and routine roadway upkeep, and said rising costs have outpaced funding. He cited a 61% increase in highway construction costs since 2020 and said maintenance spending was $488 million in FY 2024 and $511 million in FY 2025, while the FY 2026 baseline request was $483.3 million. The cabinet’s additional maintenance request would add $23.6 million in FY 2027 and $38.6 million in FY 2028, with expected impacts on litter pickup, mowing, vegetation management, and pothole repair if not funded. The cabinet also outlined five maintenance-related capital projects: additional funding for Ballard County maintenance/salt storage, Hopkins County maintenance/salt storage, Whitley County maintenance/salt structure, and the District 2 office and materials lab, plus reauthorization of the Breckinridge County maintenance and salt facility. Hancock also asked for budget language allowing the cabinet to use unexpected restricted and federal funds more quickly, similar to existing authority for federal earmarks. McCarnieran described the governor’s inclusion of funding for the ASHTOWare system, employee health exams, priority IT projects, and a District 7 office renovation request, noting that some items were not funded because they ranked low among competing projects. He also said the governor’s budget included a $7.5 million annual maintenance pool for the cabinet’s 1,200 facilities and requested additional restricted fund authority for Trimark and the Cumberland Gap Tunnel. Slinker focused on the Department of Vehicle Regulation, saying recent investments in staffing and equipment had reduced wait times and improved customer service in driver licensing offices. He requested $535,600 to keep temporary contract workers in place for the rest of the year, warning that without it regional office operations would have to be reduced. He said the surge in demand was driven by new 15-year-old licensing requirements, vision testing, and Real ID implementation, but believed the volume was beginning to level out. He also outlined FY 2027 and FY 2028 plans totaling $20.38 million and $19.85 million, including six new regional offices and a shift away from temporary workers toward state positions. Additional requests included $106,000 for debt service on the new driver’s license modernization system and operating costs of $5 million in FY 2027 and $2.5 million in FY 2028 to support the transition from the old system. Members asked about the cabinet’s funding sources, and officials said the road fund is the primary source, supported by motor fuels tax, usage tax, driver-related receipts, and some restricted funds; they stressed that the requests were not for additional general fund dollars. Questions also covered employee health exam reimbursements, the annual Trimark/Cumberland Gap contract, and the District 7 renovation request. No votes were taken on the budget items during the meeting, beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• during certain competitive field trial events where individuals and their dogs track and locate in trees
• never seen a dog take game at a field trial. ...where the dog took game, and the game went up the tree
• There's also hound breeds: Redbones, Walkers, Black and Tans, English, and several types of tree dogs

Bills: SB2801, SB2232, SCR18

Keywords: SB 2801, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Parks and Wildlife Code, field trial permit, hunting dog field trial, coonhound trial, dog trial, squirrel hunting, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals, hunting license exemption, wildlife management, public land permit, private land hunting, game fish and water safety account, permit fee, commission rules, Parks and Wildlife Department, Unplug Texas Day, digital detox

Transcript Highlights:

• acre-feet of water acquired versus, like, "Oh, there's this small farmer with three acres of pecan trees
• is a steep learning curve for me, but if there's five and a half acre-feet for every acre of pecan trees
• that is required for water, and someone has three acres of pecan trees, they need like 16 and a half
• Um, is there a way to negotiate and say, "Well, what if you watered only two acres of those pecan trees
• grower... ...you probably got hit by some really horrible weather that impacted generations of pecan trees

Transcript Highlights:

• What I'm asking specifically is for $400,000 of the appropriation to be allocated for trees on the upper
• So, for example, if the signage costs less, then maybe that could be used for trees, or if the trees
• I can ask, but we don't believe that trees can be bonded.
• Madam Chair, I'm not sure if the trees for this particular project could be bonded or not.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not fallen for that. I reserve.
• We're not fallen for that. I reserve.
• We're not fallen for that. I reserve.
• We're not fallen for that. I reserve.
• We're not fallen for that. I reserve.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't grow as tall and straight of trees in our mountains as places like Idaho and Montana.
• after we cut it down our crooked trees. after we cut it down our crooked trees.
• Horns in sections, which back 50, 60 years ago we had fire breaks, we had clean areas, we had new tree
• He said the Elk Fire was the perfect example of something wiping out a lot of lumber and trees.
• So they actually need the support of other trees around them.

Bills: HB0078, HB0087, SF0070, SF0068, SF0017, SF0043

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, water development, feasibility studies, appropriations, water management, rehabilitation, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, forestry management

Transcript Highlights:

• Service members like Benjamin remind us that Memorial Day is not only a day to mourn our fallen, but
• Service members like Benjamin remind us that Memorial Day is not only a day to mourn our fallen, but
• <00:13:05.680> to<00:13:05.920> mourn<00:13:06.240> our<00:13:06.480> fallen
• , a day to mourn our fallen, a day to mourn our fallen, but<00:13:08.560> a<00:13:08.800><
• And behind every fallen service member stands a family whose life will be forever changed.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, May 21, 2026, 1012, house, all