Transcript Highlights:

• Hi, thank you so much for the opportunity to testify.
• Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony. Next is UH. Support.
• Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony.
• Thank you for this opportunity.
• Thank you for your time and thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation and Culture heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 1422, which would exempt certain community-based organizations providing transportation services from motor carrier law, drew support from the Department of Transportation, PUC, DLNR, Kauaʻi County, the Hōnaunau Initiative, and others; members asked about narrowing amendments to prevent unintended use, and the bill later advanced with amendments, including a three-year sunset. HB 1162, requiring motorcycle instruction permit applicants to complete a DOT-approved basic rider course, received support from DOT and Honolulu Customer Services; it advanced with amendments to address city and county concerns and to allow more implementation time. HB 1259, which would remove the need for an engineering study when reducing speed limits by up to 10 mph, had mixed testimony and was deferred for further discussion. HB 1260, establishing summer streets pilot programs for counties other than Oʻahu, drew support from DOT, DOH, UH, Hawaiʻi Appleseed, bicycling and public health groups, and individuals; DOH and others asked that Oʻahu be included, but the measure was deferred for later decision-making. HB 177, making civil ID cards free, had opposition from DOT and Honolulu Customer Services and support from health advocates; DOT said the program costs about $1.3 million annually and would need replacement funding, and the bill was deferred. HB 862, authorizing motor coaches, small buses, and vans for school bus services under certain conditions, received broad support from disability advocates, DOE-related entities, neighborhood boards, and private providers, with testimony emphasizing flexibility and accessibility; it was deferred. HB 667, requiring microchip scanning and reporting when deceased cats or dogs are removed from roadways, was supported by DOT, the Hawaiian Humane Society, and many animal groups and individuals, and was passed unamended. HB 960, increasing the cap on certain DOT capital investment contracts, and HB 228, authorizing electronic license plates and banning plate-obscuring devices and flipping devices, were both heard and then deferred. HB 1156, increasing the amount of special facility revenue bonds available for harbor improvements, received support from DOT, the Island Chamber of Commerce, Alakaʻi Energy, and the Harbor Users Group, and was passed unamended to Ways and Means.

Transcript Highlights:

• The opportunity to maintain residency status within the state ensures that they benefit from in-state
• When the opportunity came along to receive a higher education in prison, I had to prove residency, but
• I didn't get an opportunity to debate last year, so I will use this chance to do it.
• And I think that Florida has an incredible opportunity with this institute.
• So I think it's a great opportunity for the state, and I'd appreciate your support.

Bills: S0176 , S0372 , S0720 , S0816

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Keywords: campus safety, higher education, university safety, college safety, student safety, threat assessment, violence prevention, credible threat, campus security, law enforcement notification, emergency response, public universities, Florida College System, student conduct, workplace violence, security escorts, incident reporting, title IX-like safety procedures, institutional safety policy, school violence

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum present and considered several bills and one confirmation. Senate Bill 720, relating to resident status for tuition purposes for previously incarcerated Floridians, was presented by Senator Osgood and supported by testimony from Eddie Fordham, who described his own reentry and college experience and the difficulty of proving residency after long incarceration. Senators Jones and Rodriguez spoke in favor, emphasizing rehabilitation and access to education. The bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee then approved Senate Bill 372, which would extend the state employee tuition waiver program to sheriff’s office employees on a space-available basis, with support noted from the Florida Sheriffs Association. Senate Bill 176, dealing with campus emergency management, conduct, and workplace violence policies, was also reported favorably after discussion focused on clearer reporting protocols, protective measures, and timely updates for students, faculty, and staff; several groups waved in support. Members also voted to recommend confirmation of Douglas Broxton to the Board of Governors of the State University System. Finally, Senate Bill 816, establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute to advance research, prevention, care, education, collaboration, and outreach on diabetes, received supportive testimony from medical and university representatives and favorable comments from senators, including remarks about research, federal funding, and improved outcomes. The bill was reported favorably, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got to make that opportunity.
• All right, has everybody had an opportunity? All right, has everybody had an opportunity?
• opportunity? opportunity?
• </c><01:09:34.560><c> to</c> also, this might be an opportunity to also, this might be an opportunity
• </c> And it's an opportunity, too. And it's an opportunity, too.

Committee: House Education Funding

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And training opportunities or or method.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• opportunities opportunities um<01:37:15.360><c> just</c> um just um just couple<01:37:17.760><c> of<
• And I think we have the opportunity here.

Bills: HF3793 , HF3699 , HF793 , HF3322 , HF3426

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: groundwater, water use permit, data centers, public health, environmental regulations, municipalities, state park license plate, specialty license plate, Minnesota DNR, Department of Natural Resources, license plate design contest, North Shore, Lake Superior Agate, AI-generated art, artificial intelligence, Minnesota resident, state parks, specialty plates, vehicle registration, contest requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• It's good to be here in human services and appreciate the opportunity to present House File 2276.
• </c> services and appreciate the opportunity services and appreciate the opportunity to<00:26:48.880>
• </c><00:46:24.319><c> about</c><00:46:24.480><c> the</c> opportunity to speak today about the opportunity
• </c> Would love if that was an opportunity. Would love if that was an opportunity.
• </c> provide our state with the opportunity provide our state with the opportunity to<01:35:58.480><c

Bills: HF2115 , HF2276 , HF1644 , HF99 , HF2068 , HF2707 , HF2704 , HF2406 , HF1674 , HF1579

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: human services, aging services, disability services, behavioral health, long-term care, nursing home, nursing facility, assisted living, waiver services, medical assistance, Medicaid, case mix reimbursement, PDPM, RUG, direct care and treatment, developmental disabilities, day services, positive support, guardian, conservator

Transcript Highlights:

• I really appreciate this opportunity.
• Thank you very much. also had the opportunity to work with also had the opportunity to work with John
• </c><01:05:17.800><c> that</c> they've lost these opportunities that they've lost these opportunities
• And the hope is that there's always opportunity for change.
• </c><01:38:23.400><c> for</c> that there's always opportunity for that there's always opportunity for

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a long list of Governor’s messages for appointments to state boards and commissions, including the Board of Dentistry, Barbering and Cosmetology, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, Real Estate Commission, Board of Naturopathic Medicine, State Boxing Commission, Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, Hawaii Medical Board, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Pharmacy, and the Public Utilities Commission. Most nominees and supporting agencies testified in support, and many nominees simply stood on their written testimony. Several nominees also answered questions about their experience and the issues facing their boards, including dental insurance and Medicaid concerns, condo and real estate disputes, pharmacy regulation and telepharmacy, boxing and MMA rule updates, and medical board service in rural areas. The committee discussed some contested or notable nominations in more detail. Richard Emery’s nomination to the Real Estate Commission drew opposition testimony tied to a condo management dispute, and he responded by emphasizing the need for factual evidence, mediation and complaint data, and better consumer education. Trinette Kahui and Andrea Ushijima were also nominated to the Real Estate Commission, with broad support. For the Boxing Commission, Robin Jumawan described ongoing statutory updates, MMA-related work, and delegation of amateur boxing rules. For the Hawaii Medical Board, Elizabeth Ignacio was strongly endorsed by state and industry witnesses as highly qualified and familiar with rural health issues, while Rebecca Sawai also received support from the board and Kaiser Permanente. In the decision-making portion, the committee moved to advise and consent to nearly all nominees on the agenda. Senator McKelvey stated reservations about Richard Emery due to opposition and possible conflicts, and also about nominees who were not present at the hearing, specifically Corrine Muldrow Soto and Stacie Kealoha Inouye; Senator Lamasao also noted reservations on those absent nominees. The chair disclosed personal acquaintance with Dr. Sawai and Andrea Ushijima. The committee then voted to adopt the recommendations, with the noted reservations and one no vote on GM 697 reflected in the record, and later reconvened to take up Governor’s Message 514/515 for John Etemura as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, where additional support testimony was heard from the Governor’s office, DCCA, and former consumer advocacy staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• This project and these funds are a one-time opportunity to meet the needs of our district.
• This project and these funds are a one-time opportunity to meet the needs of our district.
• So we thank you for the opportunity to be here today.
• So we thank you for the opportunity to be here today.
• chair and the committee for allowing me the opportunity to appear before you today.

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's related to advanced opportunities.
• Advanced opportunities were stopped being awarded in July of 2023, and the entire section was already
• It's related to advanced opportunities.
• Advanced opportunities were stopped being awarded in July of 2023, and the entire section was already
• Upperclassmen have the opportunity to meet with legislators at the Santa Rosa luncheon.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate, uh, I appreciate the opportunity to lay out committee substitute for House Bill 4876, which
• Condominiums have helped address increased housing costs by offering the opportunity for more homes on
• Uh, thank you for the opportunity to speak in favor of SB 1333.
• Thank you, Madam Chairwoman, uh, and members for the opportunity to lay out House Bill 5567.
• I'm glad to answer any questions and I would respectfully, uh, reserve the opportunity to close.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the opportunity to lay out committee substitutes for House Bill 4876, which relates to the
• Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to lay out Senate Bill 1333 before you today.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak in favor of SB 1333.
• I'm glad to answer any questions, and I would reserve the opportunity to close.
• Thanks again, Chairman Button, for the opportunity to lay this out.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 390 helps promote entrepreneurship. provides them with greater opportunities to participate
• We strongly support initiatives that create opportunities for veteran-owned businesses and keep Texas
• veterans have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation. ...ensures that we have created opportunities
• Now, they deserve the opportunity to succeed as business owners.
• Get the opportunity to serve the people of the state well or better than well-resourced companies or

Bills: SB 390 , SB 1197 , SB 1271

Committee: Senate Veteran Affairs

Keywords: veteran-owned businesses, state contracting, historically underutilized business, economic opportunity, small business, economic development, veterans, certification, Texas legislation, unmanned aircraft, spaceport, criminal offense, aviation regulations, airspace safety, military installations, concurrent jurisdiction, governor's approval, state agency, land acquisition, Veteran Affairs

Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Veteran Affairs addressed several significant bills aimed at supporting veterans and their businesses. Among the bills discussed was SB390, which seeks to expand the definition of historically underutilized businesses to include all veteran-owned businesses, regardless of disability status. This change aims to create a more equitable economic landscape for veterans and to foster their participation in state procurement opportunities. The committee heard strong testimony supporting this initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing veterans with fair chances in business development.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many times students don't have an opportunity to take an elective.
• Every student should have the opportunity. opportunity to see themselves in their education, in the history
• We are working on proposals to ensure equal opportunity for all students, protect funding for students
• Thank Representative Vowers for filing our Equal Opportunity Bill and we are counting on your support
• . when given the opportunity, and that is that this is a movement of values. to calls for values.

Keywords: education, curriculum, HB178, diverse history, equity, testimony, higher education crisis, representation

Summary: The meeting was characterized by impactful discussions focused primarily on education and the representation of diverse histories in Texas's curriculum. Notably, Representative Christina Morales advocated for HB178, a bill aimed at ensuring that all Texas high school students have access to Mexican-American and African-American studies as part of their graduation requirements, moving from elective-only status. This bill garnered support from both sides of the aisle, highlighting a cooperative effort to improve educational equity in Texas. Several representatives shared personal stories reflecting on the importance of inclusive education, showcasing the bill's far-reaching implications for students' sense of identity and history.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank you for the opportunity to be here today.
• </c> audience who haven't had an opportunity audience who haven't had an opportunity to<00:25:02.000>
• Also, thank you, Chair West, and everyone, for your opportunity to be here today.
• Students are having the opportunity to communicate.
• Well, I opportunity to communicate.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> these opportunities to their residents. these opportunities to their residents.
• Thank you for the opportunity to be here today. Thank you very much.
• to be here Thank you for the opportunity to be here today. today. today.
• <00:31:40.360><c> that</c><00:31:40.480><c> can</c> opportunities that can opportunities that can environmental
• ><c> continue</c> gives opportunity to continue gives opportunity to continue improvement<01:02:04.280

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so same access and opportunity.
• These are opportunities where things.
• Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to come and testify today.
• </c> so much for this opportunity. so much for this opportunity.
• </c> program, she created that opportunity program, she created that opportunity for<00:21:56.159><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Dunn, the fact of the matter is that the more opportunities for augmentation, for transportation, for
• Okay, well, thank you everyone for your service and giving me an opportunity to speak.
• Oh, Chair... all of you, thank you for this opportunity.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of HB 2494.
• So there should be an opportunity.

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard an informational presentation on transportation fuel supply in Arizona from Gordon Shemp of Nemecu Analytics. He described Arizona’s dependence on pipeline deliveries, limited terminal inventories, and the resulting vulnerability to outages and price spikes. He also discussed recent refinery closures in California, increased imports from overseas, and a proposed Kinder Morgan project that could add east-to-west capacity into Phoenix. Committee members asked about fuel formulations and how many fuel types move through the system; Shemp said the project would not change destination fuel specifications and that multiple fuel products already move through the pipelines. The committee then took up House Bill 2758, which would allow groundwater transport from the McMullen Valley basin to an initial AMA and related uses, with provisions for eligible entities, transportation fees, and water improvement programs. Supporters, including Stan Barnes, Jim Downing, and Barry Arons, argued the bill follows the 1991 transfer-basin framework, provides needed water augmentation for urban Arizona, and includes local benefits and guardrails. Opponents, including La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin, Devonna Sater, and Ed Curry, said the bill would worsen groundwater decline, subsidence, and well failures in Salome and Wenden and favored rural communities being used to solve urban water shortages. The committee approved HB 2758 on a 4-3 vote. The committee also considered HB 2078, which clarifies that certain aggregate mining reclamation notice requirements apply only to new reclamation plans and new aggregate operations, not existing mines. The sponsor said the bill fixes confusion from prior legislation, and the committee passed it 5-0. HB 2031, extending the deadline for applying for a certificate of grandfathered right in the Wilcox AMA from 15 to 27 months, also passed after some members argued the extension was needed for affected applicants while others said it would delay needed protections. HB 2102, allowing county improvement districts in certain basins to use eminent domain for a well and standpipe site and to operate domestic water delivery systems, and HB 2103, allowing gifts and fee revenues to support water hauling and local water improvement programs, both passed 4-3 despite opposition that they were only partial fixes. Later, HB 2117, which increases the annual distribution cap for conservation district education centers and shifts Environmental Special Plate Fund disbursements to the Natural Resource Conservation Board, passed 5-2 after supporters called it a technical cleanup and one member objected to changing the administering entity. HB 2261, revising agricultural property tax valuation terminology and requiring income-based valuation for agricultural real property, passed 4-3 after assessors and county representatives warned it would remove agricultural improvements from the tax rolls and shift costs to homeowners, while farm groups said it would clarify and stabilize agricultural taxation. Finally, HB 2262, transferring the Resource Analysis Division from the State Land Department to the Arizona Geological Survey and changing related geospatial advisory duties, was presented with State Land Department concerns that the bill left several duties and funding questions unclear; the transcript ends before any final action on HB 2262.

Transcript Highlights:

• They choose community, opportunity, and quality of life.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify in opposition to ESSB 6346. My name is Ryan Lickle.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify, and I respectfully urge you to support this bill.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak. My name is Michael Woody representing Visit Seattle.
• Washington State has the opportunity to even out the tax inequalities in our state.

Summary: House Finance held a public hearing on Gross Substitute Senate Bill 6346, a proposal to impose a 9.9% tax beginning in 2028 on Washington taxable income over $1 million for individuals, with related rules for residents, nonresidents, pass-through entities, estimated payments, penalties, credits, and revenue distribution. Staff explained that the bill would also fund several tax changes, including an expanded Working Families Tax Credit, sales tax exemptions for grooming and hygiene products, higher small business B&O credits, an early end to the B&O surcharge on very large businesses, and repeal of most retail services sales tax changes from last session. The fiscal note projected about $2.53 billion in additional state revenue in FY 2029 and $3.21 billion in FY 2030, with local revenue losses and significant Department of Revenue implementation costs. The chair also announced concerns about apparent fraud and duplicate records in the public sign-in system and set testimony rules limiting questions and shortening testimony time as the hearing progressed. The prime sponsor, Senator Jamie Peterson, said the bill was intended to make Washington’s tax system less regressive and to raise revenue for schools, health care, higher education, and other public needs while reducing the burden on lower- and middle-income residents. Supporters from labor, education, health care, child care, housing, poverty-reduction, and social service organizations argued that the bill would help fund essential services, expand the Working Families Tax Credit, and improve fairness by asking the wealthiest households to contribute more. Several individual supporters, including business owners and workers, said they were willing to pay more and described the need for better-funded schools, health care, child care, and public defense. Opponents, including former Attorney General Rob McKenna, business groups, construction and real estate representatives, and taxpayer advocates, argued the measure would function as an unconstitutional income tax, would be unstable and likely expanded over time, and would harm small businesses organized as pass-through entities. They said the bill would reduce investment, discourage entrepreneurship, and could drive businesses and high earners out of Washington. Some local government representatives supported the public defense funding but asked for more dedicated revenue and protection against local revenue losses from the bill’s sales tax exemptions. No committee vote or final action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And those counties are not going to start giving youth opportunity until you make them.
• With the emergence of Harbor Heights, it provided us an opportunity to breathe a little bit.
• Thank you for this opportunity to address the committee on this important topic.
• This bill creates meaningful opportunities to gauge people's individual progress.
• I want to thank you for this opportunity.

Bills: HB2389 , HB2456

Committee: House Early Learning & Human Services

Keywords: juvenile justice, youth sentencing, juvenile rehabilitation, DCYF, Department of Children Youth and Families, community supervision, community transition services, suspended disposition, less restrictive alternative, sentencing grid, juvenile confinement, juvenile prison, rehabilitation, recidivism, mental health treatment, substance use disorder, chemical dependency, trauma-informed care, racial disparities, equity

Transcript Highlights:

• And those counties are not going to start giving youth opportunity until you make them.
• Thank you for this opportunity to address the committee on this important topic.
• This bill creates meaningful opportunities to gauge people's individual progress.
• I want to thank you for this opportunity.
• I want to thank you for this opportunity.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2456, which would create a juvenile firearm early intervention alternative for youth charged in juvenile court with unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree. Staff explained that the program would require prosecutor agreement, intensive community supervision, random suspicionless searches, therapy and mentoring services, periodic court review, and dismissal of the charge upon successful completion. The bill would also raise concealed pistol license fees by $100 each and dedicate the revenue to a new account funding the alternative. Representative Davis said the bill is intended to fill the gap between firearm possession charges and later juvenile sentencing, and to fund evidence-based services; one member questioned whether the fee increase functions more like a tax than a fee. The chair then paused testimony on HB 2456 to return to the other bill. The bulk of the hearing focused on House Bill 2389, which would expand suspended disposition alternatives, reduce some juvenile robbery sentencing ranges, add a midpoint review for certain youth committed to DCYF, and create new rules for juvenile rehabilitation capacity and emergency transfers. Supporters, including youth currently or formerly in juvenile facilities, defense advocates, restorative justice providers, and some judges, argued the bill would reduce overcrowding, improve rehabilitation, address racial disparities, and give judges more individualized options. Several testified that youth need treatment, family connection, and incentives for progress rather than long confinement, and that current sentencing practices are outdated and underuse suspended dispositions. Opponents, including sheriffs, prosecutors, county officials, victim advocates, and some judges, argued the bill would shift costs and responsibility to counties, require resources that do not exist, and weaken accountability for serious offenses such as robbery, assault, and trafficking. They raised concerns about expanded appeals, added court workload, the need for more staffing and programming, and the impact on victims and public safety. DCYF said it supports reducing overcrowding but wants clearer emergency transfer authority for Green Hill; facility staff described improved conditions as population has fallen, but said overcrowding still creates safety and programming problems. No vote was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, I would say we have an opportunity to turn that tide.
• We have an opportunity to no longer be number one in the country in this manner.
• Chair, members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• Chair, members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• Thanks for the opportunity to testify.

Bills: HB1591 , HB2209 , HB2403 , HB2526

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, survivor protections, legal remedies, defendants, theft, robbery, sentencing enhancements, criminal justice, property crimes, failure to register, registration requirements, public safety, law enforcement, prostitution, public health, criminal justice reform, community safety, 904