Transcript Highlights:

• I'm in support of it.
• I urge you to support this resolution.
• We support democracy, we support the free market system, and I'll even say that there is no country on
• Is that enough to, um, to support you and protect you and stop this?
• I do support House Bill CR 76.

Committee: House S/C on International Relations

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why we support this efficiency bill.
• That's why we support this efficiency bill.
• Thank you. state to support the common sense of state to support the common sense of improvements<00:
• That's why we support this efficiency bill.
• That's why we support this efficiency bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to need infrastructure to support that and job growth to also support that increased activity
• Thank you, guys, so much for your support. Thank you, sir. All right.
• This location will eventually support approximately 100 high-tech careers.
• Most of our toolkit can support... ...take advantage of several programs.
• Almost 3,000 jobs are generated by these partners with NASA support.

Committee: Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security

Summary: The committee met to hear presentations on Florida’s space economy and related infrastructure. SpaceX Vice President Kiko Donchev described the company’s Florida operations, launch cadence, reusable rocket program, Starlink service, and plans for future Starship activity at the Cape. Senators asked about Florida employment, expansion plans, satellite lifetimes, disaster-relief uses of Starlink, and recreational connectivity; members also praised SpaceX’s hurricane response and broader public benefits. Donchev said SpaceX’s Florida workforce has grown to about 1,600 and that the company hopes to add Starship pads and continue expanding in the state. The committee then recognized Commander Dennis Baker for his military service and veteran advocacy, including his leadership of the Florida Veterans Foundation, grant work, the Walk of Honor, and the Gadsden Flag license plate program. Members highlighted that revenue from the plate helps fund veterans’ dental care and noted upcoming dental services for veterans in Volusia County. Baker received a flag flown over the Capitol and a framed gubernatorial proclamation. Newview CEO Clint Grumman presented the company’s commercial satellite LiDAR mapping system, describing its Lake Nona headquarters, Florida ownership, planned jobs, and applications for infrastructure planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster response. He said the company’s satellite data could improve accuracy and lower costs, and noted partnerships including a Department of Defense contract and a European Space Agency moon-mapping effort. Space Florida then outlined its role as the state’s aerospace finance and business development authority, emphasizing its pipeline of projects, spaceport improvement program, workforce academy, and efforts to address infrastructure constraints and seek tax-exempt bond authority for spaceports. NASA’s Kelvin Manning closed with an update on Kennedy Space Center, highlighting Artemis progress, rising launch demand, commercial partnerships, economic impact, and the Florida University Space Research Consortium. No bills were voted on, and the meeting adjourned after comments from members.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise to support this bill.
• I rise to support this bill. Speaker. I rise to support this bill.
• </c> public servants who support veterans. public servants who support veterans.
• </c> veteran to be sent to specific supports. veteran to be sent to specific supports.
• As we support our veterans homes.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> they supported um uh they supported they supported um uh they supported wages<00:13:56.000><c> for
• </c> support of SF2480. support of SF2480.
• I ask that you support SF 2480.
• We support them all.
• We support them all.

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> support local food systems. support local food systems.
• </c> think deeply about supporting this bill. think deeply about supporting this bill.
• </c><01:20:48.400><c> so</c> soil or other growth media supports so soil or other growth media supports
• </c> our strong support for House File 4085. our strong support for House File 4085.
• </c><01:31:44.560><c> We</c> for their strong support of E15. We for their strong support of E15.

Bills: HF3898 , HF3957 , HF4372 , HF4350 , HF3692 , HF4085

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: pesticides, wild rice, environmental protection, agriculture, water quality, pollinators, training, management plan, fertilizer research, education grants, Minnesota Agricultural Council, technology transfer, agricultural productivity, HF4372, Minnesota agriculture, meat processing, meat processing training, retention incentive grants, grant extension, project deadline extension

Transcript Highlights:

• I urge you to support this bill.
• I urge you to support this bill.
• We urge you to support this bill.
• I’m planning to support it.
• I’m planning to support it.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:47.680><c> uh</c> therapies the education to support uh therapies the education to support
• We are in support of it.
• We are in support of it.
• We are in support of it.
• We are in support of it.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I'll just leave it at that: we strongly support this legislation. I answer any questions.
• On behalf of the businesses we represent, we're here to express our support for Senate Bill 1301.
• For those reasons, the Meridian Chamber respectfully supports Senate Bill 1301.
• And so in my view, I'm very supportive of putting those pieces together.
• We stand in support of House Joint Memorial 19, and we thank the sponsor for...

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Board of Directors testifying in support of substitute Senate Bill 6309.
• We are in full support of that program, and we want to see that move forward.
• We're fully supportive of the coordination or consultation requirement.
• I'm here today to urge support for Senate Bill 6132.
• I'm testifying in support of Substitute Senate Bill 6076.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills related to transportation, utilities, housing permitting, and port financing. Substitute Senate Bill 6309 would give regional transit authorities, such as Sound Transit, more flexibility to apply for permits before acquiring property, exceed certain local height/setback limits when needed for rail systems, and use development agreements to vary local standards; the sponsor and Sound Transit testified that the bill would speed delivery of light rail and bus rapid transit, and an amendment was described to allow permits on property not yet owned if the transit authority remains responsible for obtaining property rights. Substitute Senate Bill 6076 would streamline procurement rules for public utility districts on clean energy, storage, transmission, and distribution projects by raising self-performance and contract thresholds, allowing limited noncompetitive procurement in certain reliability or specialized-technology situations, and extending some provisions until 2045; supporters from PUDs, labor, and industry said the changes are needed because of rising costs, long lead times, and grid reliability demands, while committee members asked about the size of the threshold increases and the scope of the bidding waivers. Substitute Senate Bill 5729 would prohibit local governments from charging applicants for third-party plan review when a licensed local staff professional of the same discipline has already reviewed the materials, while still allowing third-party review at the applicant’s cost in certain cases; the sponsor said the bill was narrowed from a broader version and was intended to prevent duplicative fees, and builders supported it as a permitting streamlining measure. Senate Bill 6132 would create a narrow debt-limit exception for the Port of Moses Lake to support a rail project and preserve federal funding eligibility; the port and economic development supporters said the project is ready to bid and needs additional borrowing capacity because of inflation, and the sponsor clarified that the bill is intended to apply only to that port. Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5374 would require tribal governments to be included in transportation planning coordination under the Growth Management Act and create a tribal traffic safety coordinator grant program; the sponsor emphasized severe pedestrian fatality disparities for Native people and said the bill is about consultation and safety, while county representatives supported the policy goal but asked for clearer cross-references to existing GMA consultation and dispute-resolution processes. The committee also took up Substitute Senate Bill 6070/6076-related testimony and, at the end of the hearing, announced that bills would be executed the next day and amendment requests should be submitted as soon as possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today in support of Senate Bill 382.
• And I stand in support of the bill as presented to you.
• So I am speaking in support.
• We're here speaking in support of this bill. We're here speaking in support of this bill.
• And, you know, I'm in support of the bill.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum and considered five bills. Senate Bill 628, naming a portion of South Navy Boulevard in Pensacola as Warrior Sacrifice Way to honor three Navy sailors killed in the 2019 Naval Air Station Pensacola attack, drew supportive remarks from senators and was reported favorably. Senate Bill 382 addressed electric bicycles and scooters by requiring riders to yield to pedestrians, limit speed near pedestrians, and use audible signals, while creating an e-bike safety task force and reporting requirements; witnesses from law enforcement, local government, and school boards supported the bill but urged clearer inclusion of e-scooters and better data collection, and the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 880 created a Miami Northwestern Alumni Association specialty license plate to fund scholarships and school programs, and Senate Bill 696 authorized online trademark registration applications and updated trademark classification and verification procedures; both were reported favorably with little opposition. The committee also took up Chair DeSigley’s CS for SB 654 on traffic infraction enforcement cameras for red-light running, school-zone speeding, and school-bus violations. The bill aimed to increase consistency, transparency, and fairness by limiting data use, requiring records retention, authorizing virtual hearings, restricting commissions, and adding school board approval and reporting requirements for school-bus camera programs. An amendment was adopted to clarify several provisions, including the definition of careful and prudent driving, limits on camera data use, contract timing for commission prohibitions, and reporting on violations outside authorized enforcement periods. Members raised concerns about privacy, surveillance, school-zone notice, and whether all-day school-zone enforcement should continue; Hillsborough County law enforcement testified in support of all-day enforcement based on crash data, while the sponsor said he would continue working on clarifications. After debate, the amended bill was reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I'm happy to support them and I ask for your support as well. All right, thank you very much.
• Now, 55 years later, I'm standing here asking for your support.
• I'm a huge supporter...
• I support it. Thank you.
• And so I'd appreciate your support.

Bills: HB137 , HB283 , HCR114 , HB137 , HB283 , HB1398 , HB1960 , HB2153 , HB2431 , HB2638 , HB2699 , HB2999 , HB3208 , HB3389 , HB3413 , HB3510 , HB3642 , HB3859 , HB3974 , HB3986 , HB4142 , HB4173 , HB4174 , HB4542 , HB4605 , HB4663 , HB4731 , HB5064 , HB5216 , HB5218 , HB5332 , HB5453 , HB5577

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: state budget, fiscal biennium, budget repeal, financial management, state funding, Medicaid, healthcare access, Affordable Care Act, federal funding, low-income individuals, insurance coverage, memorial, pedestrian bridge, Houston, Sergio Ivan Rodriguez, city council, oversize vehicles, transportation permits, Hidalgo County, port authority

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, there's tremendous local support and financial support for this, and this would allow the state
• We support the smart development of both freight and passenger rail in Texas, and we do support Senator
• And we do support Senator Hughes Bill 2366.
• That's why we support this bill. Did you close? Okay. And that's why we support this bill.
• I'm here today in support of Senate Bill 2366.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on transportation infrastructure, public safety, and local commemorations. SB 2841 would clarify the overweight corridor designation for the Port of Brownsville so all three statutorily approved bridges are treated uniformly for northbound and southbound overweight traffic; the Port of Brownsville testified in support, and the bill was left pending. SB 39 would restore the commercial motor vehicle “admission rule” framework in collision cases; Senator Birdwell explained the committee substitute, and the bill was later reported favorably. The committee also heard and later advanced SB 682, SB 1369, and SB 1422, which rename stretches of highway or a bridge in honor of fallen firefighters and military service members, with no opposition testimony and all left pending before final votes. The committee also heard SB 2366, which would create a grant program for short-line railroad projects through rural rail transportation districts for track, bridge, capacity, and restoration work. Senator Hughes and several witnesses from rural rail districts and rail advocacy groups supported the bill, while TxDOT explained current rail funding is limited and that the bill would be the first such grant program for Class 3 short lines; members discussed that the bill would need a floor amendment because state funds cannot be paid directly to railroads. SB 1013 would expand crosswalk protections under the Lisa Torrey-Smith Act to include certain driveway curb cuts along sidewalks; it was supported by the author and left pending before later being reported favorably. The committee also considered SB 2080, which would modernize port and navigation district rules by easing records and procurement requirements, exempting certain security and cybersecurity discussions from recording, and expanding some operational authority. Port Houston and the Texas Ports Association supported the bill, while the City of Corpus Christi raised concerns that the language could expand port economic-development authority beyond navigation purposes and affect local tax bases; the Port of Galveston also noted concerns about the filed version but supported the bill as presented, and the committee substitute was later reported favorably. SB 2001 would create specialty license plates and related parking/toll benefits for permanently disabled peace officers; SB 2705 would codify registration exemptions for certain farm equipment and some specialty plates. Both were supported by witnesses, adopted with committee substitutes where applicable, and reported favorably. Final votes on the reported bills were largely unanimous or near-unanimous, and the committee recessed after leaving some motions open briefly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without their support and encouragement, I would not be here today.
• I especially want to thank my mother and father for the love and support they've given me throughout
• I'm grateful for their love and support, as I am for my friends who have joined me here today to support
• If confirmed, I look forward to supporting. the President, supporting the Secretary, as they best see
• Yes. that U.S. support for the World Food Program is an important priority. should be used to support

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Keywords: Senator Flinstone, HB22, SB4, amendments, public testimony, legislation, environmental impact, economic implications

Summary: The meeting featured a thorough examination of various bills, including substantial discussions on HB22 and SB4. Key points included amendments proposed by committee members, particularly from Senator Flinstone, who emphasized the need for clarifications on certain provisions. The committee actively engaged with several witnesses providing public testimony, some in favor of the proposed legislation while others highlighted concerns and potential implications. The discussions were vibrant, showcasing different perspectives, especially on the environmental and economic impacts of the bills in question. The meeting concluded with a consensus to reconvene after a recess to further address the outstanding issues related to the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• While SBIR and STTR have enjoyed bipartisan support for several decades, we have not yet been able to
• Thank you for your amazing work in support of small business.
• They bolster our industries, they support the good-paying jobs, local jobs.
• So, you know, from our view, we support the mission of the agencies.
• STTR program can better support American tech innovation in biotech and other critical sectors?

Committee: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Keywords: SBIR, STTR, Innovate Act, small business, innovation, legislative reforms, economic growth, funding, technology transfer

Summary: The meeting focused on the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (SBIR-STTR), emphasizing the critical reforms necessary to enhance their effectiveness. Chair Ernst introduced the Innovate Act to streamline processes, ensuring funding is awarded based on merit and addressing existing abuses within the system. The discussion was robust, with numerous members expressing concerns about phase transitions and the need for targeted funding to support impactful technological innovations. The conversation also highlighted the program's importance in fostering economic growth, particularly for small businesses in rural areas, and the urgency for legislative changes as the program's authorization approaches expiration.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:59.959><c> thank</c> testimony is in support thank testimony is in support thank you<00:04
• Mai Brewing Company in support. Tiki's Grill in support. G. Bev Ganon Restaurants. Island Catering.
• Support: Tiki's Grill; G.
• I'm fully supportive of this bill. Thank you.
• Okay, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii in support, and Ann Takiuchi in support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of tax, budget, and policy bills. On SB 325 and SB 326, the Tax Foundation testified and the committee later recommended passage with amendments. SB 721, SB 1278, and SB 1465 also drew Tax Foundation testimony focused on technical corrections and effective-date issues; SB 1278 was strongly supported by the Hawaii Restaurant Association and other restaurant and business groups, who argued the bill should extend tax relief to the federal Restaurant Revitalization Fund because it served the same purpose as earlier COVID relief programs. A bar owner also testified in support, describing severe pandemic-related losses and lack of government assistance. The Department of Taxation asked about the estimated fiscal impact of SB 1278, which was stated to be about $16.8 million and not including interest. The committee also considered SB 1464 through SB 1470, with the Tax Foundation supporting most of the conformity and tax measures and opposing SB 1465 as unnecessary. SB 1464 was recommended for passage unamended, SB 1465 with amendments, and SB 1466, SB 1467, and SB 1470 unamended. SB 1362 and SB 1363 were deferred so the administration could explore moving funds within the existing budget instead of using emergency appropriations. SB 1044 was amended to create a condominium loan program and special fund to finance essential repairs and improve insurability of condominium properties, with loans repaid over 20 years and the fund eventually sunsetted. The committee also acted on several other measures: SB 533 was amended to remove an appropriation and require a local investor-owned utility to support schools affected by a planned public safety power shutoff program; SB 1117 was amended to define electric motorcycles and prohibit operation by those under 18; SB 1186 was amended to move a food-production working group to the Agribusiness Development Corporation and remove an appropriation; SB 1391 was amended to require a one-to-one match of state funds with private donations; and SB 1669 was amended with committee-report language noting concerns about jurisdictional definitions and board qualifications. Later, the committee recommitted SB 933 and SB 938 to Ways and Means after adopting proposed SD1 versions. Most measures were adopted unanimously, often with members voting no with reservation.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would allow the Department of Human Services to make sure that if you owe child support from money
• There's more than five billion unpaid child support out there, and uh, this we think it's a good bill
• It would allow the Department of Human Services to make sure that if you owe child support from money
• There's more than five billion unpaid child support out there, and uh, this we think it's a good bill
• That money is going to go to pay child support.

Committee: Joint Gaming

Keywords: Gaming - Room 210, 2 February, 2026; 1:30 P.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Housing Hawaii's Future in support. Thank you. AP Hawaii in support. Jacob Winek in support.
• . support. support.
• </c> Housing Hawaii's Future in support. Thank you. AP Hawaii in support. Jacob Winek in support.
• Aloha United Way, in support. John Ahmoso, in support. Aloha United Way, in support.
• John Ahmoso, in support. Johnny May El Perry, in support. Veronica Moore, in support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several housing-related measures. On SB 2068, which would create an affordable housing land inventory task force within the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to study how to maximize housing on transit-oriented development and other state and county lands, testimony was mostly supportive from agencies and housing groups, with one opposition witness. In response to questions, OPSD said it was already working on a list of potential parcels but could not yet identify unit counts or a timeline, and estimated about $250,000 would be needed for staffing and contractual support. The committees also heard SB 2227 on rental assistance, which would require HPHA to make monthly rent supplement payments, prioritize certain tenants including kupuna, allow agreements with counties and nonprofits, and create a special fund supported by a transaction fee on recordings. HPHA supported the bill, and the Department of the Attorney General said it recommended amending the measure to describe the fee as a tax. Additional testimony included support from elder and community organizations and one opposition witness. For SB 2061, relating to residential condominiums and the 99-year leasehold program, HCDA and the project developer testified in support of amendments intended to preserve owner-occupant requirements while making the project more marketable and financially feasible. Members focused heavily on parking, affordability, and financing. HCDA and the developer said the parking stalls would be unbundled from the units, that the project would be a 99-year leasehold with 60% of units reserved for buyers at or below 140% AMI and 40% market-rate, and that the state’s $15 million equity contribution would cover only part of the parking garage and commercial component. The hearing then moved on to SB 3327, relating to HCDA and complete communities, but the transcript cuts off before that measure was fully discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll continue to support those students with our support efforts and support services through our faculty
• We'll continue to support those students with our support efforts and support services through our faculty
• We'll continue to support those students with our support efforts and support services through our faculty
• We'll continue to support those students with our support efforts and support services through our faculty
• </c> experience uh to support their success. experience uh to support their success.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met to hear updates from Kentucky public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System on compliance with House Bill 4, which restricts DEI-related activities and requires institutional and viewpoint neutrality. The chair emphasized that the hearing should focus on both compliance and the financial effects of the law. Eastern Kentucky University said its board adopted a House Bill 4 compliance resolution and an institutional neutrality policy. KCTCS reported systemwide reviews of programs, websites, scholarships, personnel, and admissions language, along with board actions removing a cultural competency course requirement, adopting institutional neutrality, and certifying compliance. KCTCS said about $2.5 million annually had been reallocated to other needs, and that no personnel were eliminated, though some roles were reassigned and DEI-related offices closed. Kentucky State University said it had already dissolved DEI offices before the bill passed, ended DEI-specific training, revised policies and gift acceptance rules, adopted a viewpoint neutrality policy, and was conducting ongoing reviews of programs, job descriptions, and web content. KSU said it had achieved substantial compliance, expected full operational integration by August 1, and had not terminated staff or closed academic programs because of the law. In response to questions, KSU said it was broadening outreach to all students rather than targeting specific populations and that its prior diversity finding was tied to not meeting a diversity quota. Morehead State University said it had no DEI office before House Bill 4, amended its non-discrimination statement to include political and social viewpoint neutrality and condemnation of religious and ethnic discrimination, and remained focused on serving its largely low-income student body. Murray State University reported reviewing scholarships, expenditures, training, and academic programs to ensure no differential treatment or indoctrination, revising its neutrality policy, and updating non-discrimination posters and training. When asked about a statement that DEI would “look different,” the university said it meant student support services would continue in a different form. Northern Kentucky University said it dissolved its diversity office and chief diversity officer position in 2024, reviewed programs, events, scholarships, and employee affinity groups, adopted a statement on intellectual diversity and viewpoint neutrality, and reviewed about 2,000 courses for compliance. NKU also said its new Center for Belonging would focus on first-generation and commuter students rather than rebrand prior DEI efforts. The University of Kentucky began its presentation by describing earlier changes made in August 2024, including disbanding its office of institutional diversity, removing diversity statements and mandatory training, adopting institutional neutrality, and ending race-based consideration in admissions and scholarships; the transcript cuts off before the rest of UK’s testimony and any committee votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> this can have bipartisan um support this can have bipartisan um support because<00:15:31.279><c>
• </c><00:20:25.679><c> this</c> organizations that are supporting this organizations that are supporting
• </c> Conservatory um which you know supports Conservatory um which you know supports the<00:45:48.280
• </c> $150,000 each um to continue to support $150,000 each um to continue to support planning<00:52:45.000
• </c> support and those who would be supported support and those who would be supported by<00:53:26.880

Bills: HF1013 , HF1598 , HF1656 , HF2162

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: energy, economic development, funding, renewable resources, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, air ventilation, geothermal, school financing, Minnesota Climate Innovative Finance Authority, geothermal energy, renewable energy, construction funding, Como Zoo, energy efficiency, HF2162, Minnesota, planning grants, renewable development account, clean energy, Department of Commerce