Transcript Highlights:

• >> THANK YOU CHAIRMAN, THE INTERPRETATION SHOULD ALWAYS BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY AND ANY COMMENTS THAT COME
• BUT MANY TIMES IN THE RATES CASE PROCESS THEY, THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS OR STATUTORY FRAMEWORK OF A

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have translators and interpreter shortages. We have court reporter shortages.
• You don't have an interpreter, you don't have court transcripts coming out, the cases don't move.
• translators and interpreter shortages. translators and interpreter shortages.
• > you<00:37:26.920> don't don't have an interpreter, you don't don't have an interpreter
• you know, if you look at the statutory you know, if you look at the statutory duties<01:54:25.880

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up decision-making on two judicial nominations heard the previous day. Governor’s Message 796, naming Annalisa En Bernard Lee as Circuit Court Judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County), and Governor’s Message 797, naming Michael K. Soong as Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit (Kauai), were both recommended for consent and adopted by unanimous roll-call votes. The committee then heard testimony on Governor’s Message 801, the nomination of Vladimir P. Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Support came from the Governor’s office, Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm, Honolulu Managing Director Michael Formby, the Hawaii Association for Justice, United Public Workers, HGEA/AFL-CIO, the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association, labor and trade unions, retired Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, retired judges, bar and court officials, and many other individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized Devens’ legal experience, work ethic, labor-law background, community ties, mentorship, and ability to manage the judiciary and address the appellate backlog. A few speakers opposed the nomination, including Chuck Freedman, who raised concerns about union influence and potential conflicts, and others who submitted opposition testimony. Devens also testified, describing his Honolulu upbringing, education at UC Berkeley, six years with the police department, and more than 30 years in private practice before joining the Supreme Court. He said the chief justice role is primarily an administrative one, highlighted his experience with bar and judicial administration committees, and identified reducing the appellate backlog as a major priority. No vote was taken on GM 801 during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's not, you know, you could have a child care facility under DFS statutory scheme.
• child care facility under DFS statutory child care facility under DFS statutory scheme.<00:04:16.720
• So, looking at those two interpretations of that language, I would say the fact that you have expressly
• So, looking at those two interpretations of that language, I would say the fact that you have expressly
• So, looking at those two interpretations of that language, I would say the fact that you have expressly

Bills: SF0071, SF0088, SF0056

Keywords: homeland security, search and rescue, grants, emergency response, Wyoming, sex offender, child care facility, residency restrictions, public safety, criminal law, sex offenders, child care facilities, legislation, kratom, regulation, healthcare, age restrictions, manufacturing standards, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The problem is the office lacks the statutory ability to help beyond aiding law enforcement, who may
• 28.040> the name the problem is the office lacks the name the problem is the office lacks the statutory
• 29.240> to<00:04:29.400> help<00:04:29.800> Beyond<00:04:30.360> aiding statutory
• ability to help Beyond aiding statutory ability to help Beyond aiding law<00:04:30.960> enforcement
• the executive department interprets the executive department interprets freely<01:25:24.000>

Bills: HF1837, HF361, HF2725, HF2566, HF2744, HF1685, HF501, HF1889, HF1389

Keywords: state policy, employment, health insurance, fossil designation, public funds, community resources, Capitol Mall, grantmaking, community vitality, livability, funding, healthy aging, aging policy, older adults, seniors, elderly, gerontology, long-term care, assisted living, nursing homes

Transcript Highlights:

• elig eligibility to have a statutory elig eligibility to donate<00:19:10.679> directly<00:19:
• That is a real stretch from our germane interpretations.
• That is a real stretch from our germane interpretations.
• That is a real stretch from our germane interpretations.
• That is a real stretch from our germane interpretations.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• comments that it would probably be better used for, uh, when you go back into 18.31 and do the, the statutory
• just leave it alone completely and exempt it out of the, um, threshold adjustments, but that's a statutory
• It's interpretation of the statute is clear, and that report will be marked as not required.
• So the opinion looked at the statutory construction of the Harris County Houston Sports Authority to
• At issue are 2 8-day pre-election reports, uh, subject to the higher statutory fine.

Transcript Highlights:

• It just cleans up the statutory reference technical issue that was identified by the revisor.
• citation that um, didn't make statutory citation that um, didn't make sense<00:31:44.960> because
• It just um cleans up the um<00:32:47.840> the<00:32:48.080> statutory<00:32:48.720>
• reference<00:32:49.120> technical um the statutory reference technical um the statutory reference
• <02:46:32.479> language Um it also aligns statutory language Um it also aligns statutory language

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you If you do receive an email or a communication that you can interpret as requesting records, please
• Records must be produced in response to lawful public records requests unless covered by a statutory
• hopeful that's something the commission never has to deal with in an emergency context, given your statutory
• an executive session, I would be working closely with general staff to make sure you meet all the statutory

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on May 6, 2026, with quorum present and unanimously approved the October 21, 2025 minutes. The Attorney General’s Office then provided its annual refresher on Washington’s Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act, emphasizing broad disclosure requirements, records retention, prompt routing of records requests to staff, and OPMA rules for meetings, conference calls, emails, special meetings, and executive sessions. JLARC staff next reviewed 2026 tax preference legislation, noting 20 bills affecting tax preferences. Examples included repeal of the coal sales tax exemption, changes to data center exemptions, new property tax exemptions for renewable energy facilities and land bank authorities, and a broad tax package in Senate Bill 6346 that created credits and deductions, expanded the working families tax credit, and exempted items such as diapers and hygiene products. Staff also presented the 2026 expedited review report covering 64 tax preferences and explained that it is based on prior JLARC reviews and Department of Revenue studies rather than full new reviews. The commission approved unchanged 2026 public testimony questions and then adopted the draft 2027–2036 tax preference review schedule, along with a new rolling 10-year schedule format that will be updated each May. During discussion, Representative Pollitt questioned how preferences are prioritized for full review versus expedited or no review, especially for large preferences without performance statements, and staff explained that legislative mandates, expiration timing, and staff capacity drive the schedule. The commission agreed staff would meet with members to discuss possible future adjustments. The meeting concluded with public and staff recognition of Commissioner Grant Forsyth, who is leaving the commission after 13 years of service. Speakers praised his leadership, consensus-building, and long tenure as both commissioner and chair. The next commission meeting was announced for August 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you do receive an email or a communication that you can interpret as requesting records, please be
• Records must be produced in response to lawful public records requests unless covered by a statutory
• hopeful that's something the commission never has to deal with in an emergency context, given your statutory
• an executive session, I would be working closely with general staff to make sure you meet all the statutory

Summary: The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on May 6, 2026, with quorum present and unanimously approved the October 21, 2025 minutes. The Attorney General’s Office then provided its annual open government refresher, covering key points of the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act, including broad disclosure requirements, records retention, response timelines for public records requests, and rules for meetings, special meetings, emergency meetings, and executive sessions. JLARC staff gave a 2026 legislative session update on tax preference bills. They highlighted 20 bills affecting tax preferences, including repeal of the coal-related sales and use tax exemption, changes to data center exemptions, new property tax exemptions for renewable energy facilities and land bank authorities, and a broad tax package in engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6346 that created multiple credits, deductions, and exemptions. Staff also presented the 2026 expedited tax preference review report covering 64 preferences, noting it is based on prior JLARC reviews and Department of Revenue studies and is now available in an interactive searchable format. The commission approved the 2026 public testimony questions without changes and then adopted the 2027–2036 tax preference review schedule, along with a new rolling 10-year schedule that will be updated each May. During discussion, commissioners raised concerns about how preferences are prioritized for full review versus expedited review, especially for older or high-revenue preferences without performance statements, and staff explained that legislative mandates, expiration dates, and workload constraints drive the schedule. The meeting also included a public and staff recognition of Commissioner Grant Forsyth’s 13 years of service and leadership, with remarks praising his collaborative approach and long tenure; the next meeting was set for August 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• to<00:10:14.079> how<00:10:15.360> uh,<00:10:15.519> to<00:10:15.839> interpret
• <00:10:16.959> uh, confusion as to how uh, to interpret uh, confusion as to how uh, to interpret
• Um, and might again cause a statutory interpretation problem where it could be argued that fentanyl isn't

Bills: SF0009

Keywords: fentanyl, controlled substances, minors, drug distribution, enhanced penalties, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The main thing that we tried to accomplish is to align the current statutory language with the changes
• The commissioner shall have broad authority to administer, interpret, enforce this chapter.
• ><00:20:27.360> administer, broad authority to administer, broad authority to administer, interpret
• <00:20:30.080> But interpret, enforce this chapter. But interpret, enforce this chapter.

Keywords: Business and Financial Institutions - Room 210; 28 January, 2026: 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several banking, real estate, and licensing bills. Senate Bill 20007 would remove the repeal date for Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance authority to conduct joint bank exams with the Federal Reserve, after testimony that the program has been successful; it was passed out on a do-pass motion. Senate Bill 2011, extending the repeal date for the Mississippi Debt Management Services Act by three years, was also passed out. Senate Bill 2383, a banking modernization bill, was explained as updating definitions and procedures, including treating ITMs like ATMs, allowing state banks to approve dividends without prior regulatory approval if in good standing, streamlining articles-of-incorporation amendments by making the banking commissioner the final approver, and eliminating parity-request requirements for certain public welfare investments; it was passed out as a committee substitute. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2711, which would update residential mortgage lending recordkeeping and disclosure language under the SAFE Act to remove obsolete federal references and better fit manufactured-home lending; it was passed out as a committee substitute. Senate Bill 2706, a professional engineers and surveyors bill, was described as a reorganization and modernization of licensure statutes, with the main policy change expanding who may recommend board appointments, staggering six-year terms, and barring recent disciplinary offenders from board service; after questions about appointment advice-and-consent and term length, it was passed out as a committee substitute. Senate Bill 2713, supported by the Mississippi Association of Realtors, would codify buyer agency agreements and move the required signing deadline from before a home is shown to before an offer is submitted; it was passed out. Senate Bill 2748 would align real estate statutes with current rules, replace certified-mail renewal notices with email notices, and extend the earnest-money submission deadline from one business day to two; it was passed out as a committee substitute. Senate Bill 2715, from the Department of Banking and Consumer Finance, would clarify the new money transmitter law, direct collected fees and penalties to enforcement of the act, add consumer notices and fraud warnings, and create data-security requirements based on a model law; senators questioned the fund balance, annual budget, and the relationship to a separate virtual currency kiosk bill, but the bill was passed out. The final bill on the agenda, 2768, was postponed to the committee’s Monday meeting, and the committee then rose and reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• I APPRECIATE THAT YOU THAT YOU GUYS HAVE THESE INTERPRETATIONS BUT THIS IS WHAT WE MINUTES.
• THESE INTERPRETATIONS BUT THIS IS WHAT WE MINUTES. THIS TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS.
• YOU HAVE TO COMPETE AGAINST PEOPLE THAT ARE UNDERCUTTING AND DISCOUNTING YOUR INTERPRETATION SO I GUESS
• BUT ISN'T THAT YOUR SELLER IS PROVIDING THE BUYER AND RECEIVING THAT IT IS HARD TO READ AND INTERPRET
• BUT IN TERMS OF STATUTORY MANDATE, THAT IS NOT EVEN UNTIL NEXT YEAR.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Absolutely, so if the court is going to interpret.
• Because you’re saying that this means intersex, if the court is going to interpret...
• What would happen from your interpretation of this bill if we don't add your amendment?
• this language differently and as courts across the state interpret this language differently.
• Do you agree with that statutory definition? Yes.

Bills: SB 8, HB7, HB15, HB 265, HCR 13, SB 8, HB 7, HB 15, HB 265, HCR 13

Keywords: sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam, prohibition, state law, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• president that deference, the court concluded that the president, quote, lawfully exercised his statutory
• 01.520> his president quote lawfully exercised his president quote lawfully exercised his statutory
• authority<00:38:03.280> under<00:38:03.760> section<00:38:04.160> 12406 Statutory
• Supreme Court law or state supreme court law, we actually do have state supreme court case law interpreting
• We actually do have state supreme court case law interpreting the Paccomatus Act.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational briefing on federal and state authority over National Guard deployment in response to civil protest or unrest, prompted by recent federal actions and the California litigation in Newsom v. Trump. The chair explained the purpose was to help lawmakers and the public understand the legal background, the status of the California case, and possible Hawaii policy responses. David Day of the Attorney General’s office outlined several recent federal immigration-related executive actions and enforcement directives, then described Hawaii’s participation in multiple lawsuits challenging federal funding conditions, data-sharing demands, and the birthright citizenship order. A major portion of the briefing focused on Newsom v. Trump. Day summarized the June 2025 Los Angeles protests and the president’s memorandum federalizing National Guard units under 10 U.S.C. 12406, which California challenged as ultra vires, procedurally improper, and violative of the Posse Comitatus Act, the Tenth Amendment, and the APA. He said the district court initially granted relief, but the Ninth Circuit stayed the TRO and held, in a published decision, that review under section 12406 is highly deferential and that the president lawfully exercised authority under paragraph 3. He also noted California-law issues about orders being issued through the governor, and said Hawaii had supported California through amicus briefs and would continue to do so; the bench trial was scheduled for August 11-13. Members then asked how Hawaii law differs from California’s and whether the Ninth Circuit ruling would control here. Day said the standard-of-review aspects would likely apply, but the California-specific procedural language about orders issued in the governor’s name does not appear in Hawaii law. The committee also heard from Colonel Lloyd C. Phelps of the Hawaii Department of Defense, who explained that National Guard activations generally occur under Title 10 federal orders, state orders, or other statuses, and said the June 2025 federalization mechanism was a Title 10 call-up. He began addressing the president’s authority, the Posse Comitatus Act, and Hawaii’s own preparedness, but the discussion was cut short and members indicated they would return to the topic later. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are building those based off of what statutory requirements tell us to do, which is largely speaking
• those based off of what statutory those based off of what statutory requirements<00:08:40.560>
• I think the interpreters are just as much there for us as we are as the other way around.
• to the table in a get um interpreters to the table in a timely<01:43:40.080> manner.
• I I think the interpreters are versa.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, my motion is that we do advise and consent on the nomination, uh, met the statutory requirements.
• <00:30:41.360> requirements, statutory requirements, statutory requirements, He<00:30:42.960><
• , the courts can interpret, the courts can interpret, >> True.<02:46:00.400> and<02:
• The judiciary interprets and enforces those laws, uh, based on the elements of the crime.
• The judiciary interprets and enforces those laws, uh, based on the elements of the crime.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 31 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Dr. Reginald Anderson, and recited the pledge of allegiance. The journal and committee reports were dispensed with by voice vote. Early in the meeting, senators also introduced guests, including Dr. Adrian Gilliam Pierre as doctor of the day and several school groups and community visitors in the galleries. A major portion of the session was devoted to recognizing student athletes and coaches through commendation resolutions. The Senate honored the Northside High School Gators boys basketball team for winning its first Class 2A state championship, the Morton High School Panthers boys basketball team for winning the 2025 Class 4A title, East Rankin Academy teams for multiple championships, Simpson County Academy’s boys cross country team and Lily Overby, Brookhaven Academy’s fast-pitch softball team, and several other schools and programs. The chamber also recognized Mississippi artist Castro Coleman (Mr. Sipp) for his music contributions, and later introduced the Meridian High School Choir, Brookhaven Academy fifth graders, and David Hoke, who has delivered Bibles to all 50 state legislatures. The Senate then took up nominations and approved three by advise-and-consent: Kent Gerard Nico to the Mississippi Hospital Equipment and Facilities Authority, Marcus Jones Martin to the State Tax Appeals Board, and Keith Allen Williams Jr. to the Mississippi Business Finance Corporation. After that, Senator Kirby moved to suspend the rules and take up a large block of commending resolutions, which the Senate agreed to consider together. The block included numerous resolutions honoring schools, athletes, educators, and community figures, and the Senate agreed to proceed to final passage by roll call with no objection noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• interpretation of qualifying expenses. interpretation of qualifying expenses.
• I mean, this just could lead to, you know, this broad interpretation of maybe some of the expenses when
• I don't think the state librarian needs to have statutory authority to grant a scholarship.
• I don't think the state librarian needs to have statutory authority to grant a scholarship.
• I don't think the state librarian needs to have statutory authority to grant a scholarship.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But this area of law, we already have statutory requirements for annual reporting.
• , statutory requirements requirements, statutory requirements that<00:09:53.519> are<00:09:53.680
• of law, we already have statutory of law, we already have statutory requirements<00:10:22.959>
• <04:17:03.359> time that come in that have statutory time that come in that have statutory
• <04:22:49.920> damages with mandatory hourly statutory damages with mandatory hourly statutory

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Orange is the ongoing additional above the statutory rate. Gotcha. Okay. So, it gets kind of wonky.
• The EPSB is a statutory board created by the General Assembly in KRS 161.028 and has been tasked with
• <00:58:52.240> board<00:58:52.720> created Uh the EPSB is a statutory board created
• Uh the EPSB is a statutory board created by<00:58:53.359> the<00:58:53.520> general<00
• duty to report educator a statutory duty to report educator misconduct<01:02:11.839> for<01:02

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:09 Roll call 00:00:24 Election of Co-Chairs 00:01:11 Office of Education Accountability Annual Report 00:04:41 Office of Education Accountability District Data Profiles, School Year 2024 00:23:50 Update from the Education Professional Standards Board 00:58:19 Adjournment 01:08:00, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting with roll call and procedural business, including elections of co-chairs. The House elected Representative Truett as House co-chair, and the Senate elected Senator Denine as Senate co-chair. After the organizational votes, the committee heard the Office of Educational Accountability’s annual report, beginning with Brian Jones and Deborah Nelson describing OEA’s investigations and research divisions and recent staffing turnover. On the investigations side, OEA said it handled complaints only when submitted in writing and generally opened cases only when it had enough facts to evaluate. Jones reported complaint volume declined from 805 in 2023 to 738 in 2024, with 325 in the first half of the current year. He outlined the kinds of matters OEA investigates, including school-based council issues, open meetings, board eligibility, nepotism, conflicts of interest, certification, activity funds, and surplus property, while noting that routine personnel matters, bullying, child interviews, and cases tied to litigation are generally handled locally or referred elsewhere. He also said OEA refers special education, assessment/testing, discrimination, and serious misconduct matters to the appropriate agencies, and that he did not see a need for statutory changes to improve OEA’s work, though he said cases should move more quickly. The research division presentation focused on OEA’s district data profiles and annual research agenda. Nelson explained that OEA reviews KDE-reported data and underlying datasets to verify accuracy, analyze trends, and produce reports for the General Assembly. She highlighted 2024 publications on district governance models and student achievement, and said this year’s agenda includes district data profiles, student discipline analysis, and a review of early childhood regional training centers. She also noted OEA received an NCSL notable document award for its 2023 staffing shortages report, its 10th such award. Sabrina Smith then walked through the district data profiles, which compile demographic, staffing, finance, and performance data for all 171 districts, plus statewide and comparative data. She noted changes in the report format, the continued availability of an online interactive version, and several trends: adjusted average daily attendance declined statewide from 2015 to 2024; the counselor-to-student ratio has improved but has not yet reached the statutory goal of one counselor per 250 students; the share of teachers moving from rank three to rank two has declined; special education identification has risen from 13% to 16%; and starting teacher salaries vary widely by district, with Kentucky’s average starting salary around $40,000 ranking near the bottom compared with surrounding states and the nation. Members asked about the history of the research division and whether the paper copies of the district profiles would continue, and staff said the printed versions would continue unless legislators asked otherwise.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's completely left open, and it's not subject to interpretation or subjectivity.
• It's completely left open, and it's not subject to interpretation or subjectivity.
• , and there are other states that have statutory coverage but no boxes yet.
• The claimant and SBHD agreed to a consent judgment for $6.4 million, but the $300,000 statutory limit
• The claimant and SBHD agreed to a consent judgment for $6.4 million, but $300,000 statutory limit has

Summary: The Rules Committee took up a large agenda of bills, with many measures reported favorably after brief explanations, amendments, and testimony. Early bills included CS/SB 658 on lien waivers and releases, which was amended to preserve enforceability despite form differences and then passed; CS/CS/SB 736 on brownfields redevelopment, which drew support from business and redevelopment interests and passed; and CS/SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, which was amended to bar certain building or fire code provisions affecting fuel-source choices and then passed despite opposition from environmental advocates. The committee also advanced CS/CS/SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, where manufacturers, dealer representatives, and industry groups warned the bill could undermine dealer networks and existing repair programs, while supporters argued it would improve consumer access and help farmers and equipment owners. The bill still passed. Other measures reported favorably included CS/SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of property-damage crashes, CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign-country controlling interests in health care licensing, CS/SB 772 on school access to glucagon for diabetes emergencies, CS/SB 1400 on removal of nonconsensual altered sexual depictions, and CS/SB 1696 on transportation network company impersonation and transit funding. A major portion of the meeting focused on affordable housing. CS/SB 1730, a follow-up to the Live Local Act, made several changes to zoning, height, density, parking, moratorium, and enforcement provisions, with members raising concerns about parking reductions, attorney’s fees, local control, and impacts in the Keys and other sensitive areas. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes and improves workforce housing implementation, while some witnesses urged additional exemptions for areas of critical state concern. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. Later, the committee considered several bills from Senator Leak, including CS/SB 576 on service of process, CS/SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments, and CS/SB 1164 on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices. CS/SB 606 drew substantial debate over whether hotels and extended-stay properties should be able to remove nonpaying guests without treating them like residential tenants; the sponsor said the bill clarifies transient occupancy and removes mandatory arrest provisions, and it passed. CS/SB 1164, which allows email notice delivery by agreement, passed despite concerns from tenant advocates that the bill should include clearer consent and safeguards. The committee also approved CS/SB 1374 on school district reporting of educator arrests and misconduct, CS/SB 940 on third-party restaurant reservation sales, and began hearing CS/SB 1690 on surrendered infants, which would authorize infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, with supportive testimony from proponents describing crisis situations and the need for anonymous surrender options.