Transcript Highlights:

• House 4203, an act providing for the election of candidates in the city of Haverill.
• House 4204, an act providing for the election of candidates in the city of Haverill.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then received a gubernatorial message recommending fiscal year 2027 appropriations legislation, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The Committee on Rules reported and the House adopted a resolution honoring Transition House on its 50 years of service to survivors of domestic violence and their families. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 for two filed petitions: one concerning vacancies on the Groton-Dunstable School Committee and another establishing a sick leave bank for an employee of the Department of Public Health. The House then took up several engrossed bills and emergency preambles, including Senate 2908 and Senate 3031/House 31, both of which received the required separate emergency preamble votes and were adopted 5-0. The chamber also passed to enactment House 4203 and House 4204, both relating to the election of candidates in Haverhill, and House 5096, which extends the period for Southbridge to grant additional on-premises alcohol licenses. Later, the House concurred in a Senate amendment to House 4137 authorizing Wayland to establish a Millennium Fund for the Whalen Free Public Library. It also adopted an amendment substituting House 5531 for House 4614 concerning James J. O'Neill Park, and then passed the bill to be engrossed as amended. The session included a citation recognizing the Sandwich High School Lady Blue Knights girls varsity lacrosse team as 2026 MIAA Division IV-A state champions, with remarks spread upon the record. The House adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and then adjourned to an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• , that that candidate is then able to serve in the office.
• , that that candidate is then able to serve in the office.
• The emergency clause is necessary to ensure that all candidates for the Office of Sheriff have plenty
• The emergency clause is necessary to ensure that all candidates for the Office of Sheriff have plenty
• . requirements and to make sure that all future candidates in Washington will be certified as well.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2487 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6137 , SB6244 , SB5420 , SB5868 , SB6044 , SB6132 , SJM8002

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, insurance tax, state regulation, insurers, taxation, budget impact, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives

Summary: The House took up Second Substitute Senate Bill 5974, a bill modernizing and strengthening laws concerning sheriffs, police chiefs, volunteers, youth cadets, and related law enforcement roles. Members first considered a striking amendment and then a series of floor amendments, with debate repeatedly focusing on sheriffs as elected constitutional officers, the scope of state authority over local law enforcement, and whether the bill would create unfunded mandates or practical problems for counties. Supporters of the bill and many amendments argued for clarifying language, local flexibility, and state payment for new requirements; opponents generally warned the bill would weaken elected sheriffs, impose costs on counties, or overreach into local control. Amendment 2343, which would have added intent language emphasizing that sheriffs are directly accountable to the electorate, was debated at length and defeated on a roll call vote, 41 yeas to 56 nays. Amendment 2373, shifting background-check costs to the state through the Washington State Patrol, was also defeated, 44 yeas to 53 nays. Amendment 2374, narrowing provisions affecting private security and specially commissioned officers, failed 41 to 56. Amendment 2369, clarifying rules for volunteers and youth cadets, failed 41 to 56. Amendment 2371, limiting surveillance-related provisions to situations requiring a warrant, failed 42 to 55. Amendment 2372, clarifying that only non-public information would be restricted from disclosure, also failed 41 to 56. Later, Amendment 2370, which would have aligned the bill’s definition of volunteer law enforcement officers with existing statute, was defeated 42 to 55. Finally, Amendment 2352, which would have exempted current sheriffs from the bill’s new decertification rules, was debated as a protection against changing the rules midstream but was opposed on the grounds that the bill already grandfathered in the one sheriff who did not meet the new experience requirement; the amendment’s vote was not completed in the excerpt provided. The transcript also begins with the Speaker signing several bills, including Substitute House Bill 1570 and Substitute Senate Bill 6248.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, um, we had five candidates. None of those candidates sat on the PTSA board.
• In 2024, um we had five candidates.<00:32:51.600><c> None</c><00:32:51.840><c> of</c><00:32:52.000><c
• > those</c><00:32:52.159><c> candidates</c><00:32:52.559><c> sat</c> candidates.
• None of those candidates sat candidates.
• None of those candidates sat on<00:32:52.960><c> the</c><00:32:53.120><c> PTSA</c><00:32:53.840><c> board

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• This requires objections made by an officer of a political party to candidate nomination papers should
• This requires objections made by an officer of a political party to candidate nomination papers should
• SB 335, Senate Bill 335, requires objections made by an officer of a political party to candidate nomination
• officer, which was, I believe, in 1994, a Green Party, and advocating for the Green Party against the candidate
• officer, which was, I believe, in 1994, a Green Party, and advocating for the Green Party against the candidate

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 335 would route objections by political party officers to candidate nomination papers through the Office of Elections. The State Election Director testified that his office was not the right venue for party-membership challenges because it could create conflicts and force the Attorney General to represent the chief election officer in court; members discussed whether all objections should instead go directly to Circuit Court, but no action was taken. SB 280 would expand first-degree negligent injury to cover injuries negligently caused by intoxicated drivers. The Public Defender opposed the bill as too harsh and urged either a lower penalty or clearer statutory definitions of “under the influence,” while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it as a needed increase in accountability for drunk drivers who actually injure someone. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing offenses, proportionality, and whether the change would increase jury-trial volume; the prosecutor responded that the bill would apply to a smaller subset of cases involving actual injury and would help ensure more serious treatment of those cases. The committee also heard SB 292, establishing Safe Harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, with testimony in support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HPD, U Alliance, and others, and no opposition. SB 31, concerning an additional penalty for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on agricultural land, drew only supportive testimony. SB 356 would require restitution in the form of financial support to the minor children of victims killed or disabled by an intoxicated driver; the Public Defender opposed it as better suited to civil court and questioned enforcement after probation, while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it and said courts can issue enforceable restitution orders. Testimony also strongly supported SB 1284, a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, with supporters arguing it would strengthen protections in response to current political conditions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, again, great candidate, great skill set, and we are in strong support of this nominee.
• So, again, great candidate, great skill set, and we are in strong support of this nominee.
• First one is preserving ag lands and water resources. candidate, great skill set, and we are candidate
• </c><00:25:00.120><c> for</c><00:25:00.320><c> this</c> dream up a better candidate for this dream up
• a better candidate for this board<00:25:00.840><c> seat.

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee heard gubernatorial nominations for the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. For GM 615, Matthew Liam was nominated to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, CGAPS, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in strong support, citing his landscape industry leadership, pesticide training background, and prior service. Members asked about his experience in Australia and his approach to restricted-use pesticides; he said he avoided using restricted-use pesticides in his landscaping business but applied related safety and recordkeeping practices. Testimony was unanimous in support, with no opposition or comments. For GM 616, N. Young was nominated to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Support testimony from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council highlighted his experience with Lanai agriculture, Sensei, the Food Basket, Pacific Gateway Center, Kamehameha Schools, and institutional purchasing. In response to questions, he discussed balancing public and private funding, the need for adequate capitalization of agricultural projects, and using financial tools to help farmers and accelerate agricultural income streams. He also said the board should focus on making agricultural land productive and strengthening food security. The nomination drew strong support, with no opposition or comments. For GM 617, Jason Moniz was nominated to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council supported him, emphasizing his decades of veterinary and animal disease control experience, ranching background, and knowledge of biosecurity, leases, and livestock issues. Moniz said his priorities would be preserving agricultural land and water resources, improving biosecurity, supporting farmers and ranchers, and increasing food production in Hawaii. He also said he would be willing to speak up for agriculture and not let the department be sidelined. The nomination received 29 written and oral supports, with no opposition or comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, members, House Bill 2318 declares a person is ineligible to be a candidate for nomination or
• We, as a consultant who runs campaigns, I would not advise my candidates to not fill out the paperwork
• Any school district governing board member who is a candidate for nomination or election after the effective
• So if I'm running as a candidate, that's when my term limits begin.
• So the eight years begins for any candidate for nomination or election after the effective date, so happy

Committees: House Education , House House Education Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:

• We work to meet candidates where they are in their education, provide support and programming through
• As I mentioned previously, 370 current certified licensure candidates are serving in those schools, and
• We anticipate that approximately 85 candidates will be eligible for certified licensure... ...85 candidates
• These 370 candidates are now enrolled in an EPP, so we're also seeing a boost to enrollment in our EPP
• We did have people that just graduated and they were great candidates.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation on strategic resource management in public education. LESC staff and PED officials argued that New Mexico has increased school funding, but local budgeting and planning remain fragmented and overly compliance-driven. They described long-term pressures including declining enrollment, rising special education costs, falling cash balances, changes in federal funding, and leadership turnover, and said schools need more intentional multi-year planning tied to student outcomes. They also outlined the many disconnected planning requirements schools must complete, compared New Mexico’s current approach with Ohio’s three-year budget forecasting model, and recommended continuing multi-year appropriations, adding $2.5 million for state grants in the unified application, and directing LESC, LFC, and PED to develop a long-term financial planning proposal. PED said it is working to reduce administrative burden through school accreditation, a unified application for federal and state funds, and internal alignment of guidance and coaching, with pilot schools reporting time savings and better alignment. Members raised concerns about four-day school weeks, the burden on small districts, the need for outcomes and return on investment, and whether the state should move toward a two-year or three-year planning cycle; staff clarified that the proposal was to streamline or eliminate redundant requirements, not add another layer. The committee then received an update on the Educator Fellows program. PED described it as a Grow Your Own pipeline that employs candidates as supplemental educational assistants while they work toward licensure, providing salary, benefits, paid leave, mentoring, and coursework support. Officials said the program helps address teacher shortages, improves student-to-teacher ratios, increases workforce diversity, and supports the Martinez-Yazzie action plan. They reported 370 current fellows across 86 LEAs and about 180 schools, with many fellows being people of color, first-generation college students, or second-career educators; roughly 85 are expected to become certified this year. A local HR director from Belen testified that the program has been especially valuable in small communities, where fellows are already rooted in the community and several have moved into teaching roles. Members asked about high school recruitment, tuition, retirement and benefits, the relationship to the Higher Education Department’s Grow Your Own scholarship, and the role of university partners. PED said fellows choose among accredited higher education partners, the program is separate from the scholarship but complementary, and the state is also building an apprenticeship model and seeking to expand the program to more LEAs, though some districts are on a waiting list because of funding and local match requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• jurisdiction over the public subsidy program, which I'm sure you know much more about than I do as candidates
• than</c><00:05:12.680><c> I</c><00:05:12.840><c> do</c><00:05:13.160><c> as</c><00:05:13.600><c> candidates
• </c><00:05:14.720><c> um</c><00:05:15.720><c> it</c> more about than I do as candidates um it more about
• than I do as candidates um it is<00:05:15.960><c> funded</c><00:05:16.320><c> in</c><00:05:16.479><c
• Obviously, you all as elected officials know a little bit about this area of the law as successful candidates

Transcript Highlights:

• However, what happens if there aren't any candidates that are eligible under the rest of the criteria
• needed in order to be a correctional... ...what happens if there aren't any candidates that are eligible

Committee: Senate Crime Victims, Crime And Correction

Summary: The Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction met under Chair Senator Julia Salazar and considered nine bills, with the first bill laid aside at the sponsor’s request for further stakeholder discussion. The committee then took up measures on correctional policy, including prohibiting county correction officers from dispensing medications to incarcerated individuals, expanding conditional release for eligible offenders who complete post-secondary degrees or programs, requiring at least one formerly incarcerated person on the State Board of Parole, and authorizing vocational training in solar hot water system installation for incarcerated individuals. Members generally expressed support for the rehabilitative and workforce-training goals of several bills. The committee also discussed a bill directing a study of gender disparities in programming and resources between men’s and women’s facilities, with Senator Pete Harckham noting concerns from women in his district about unequal access to programming. Another bill would authorize transfer of pregnant and postpartum incarcerated individuals to residential treatment facilities, and a separate measure would establish emergency management release plans for correctional facilities during declared state disasters. The final bill would provide mental health counseling for correction officers and civilian staff in correctional facilities. Most bills were moved by motion and reported from committee, often with Senator Dean Murray voting no or noting opposition/abstention on several measures. The conditional release bill was reported to Finance, while the others were reported from committee. No additional amendments or substantive votes were described beyond the committee actions on each bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• essential they are in a lot of ways, and also how hard it is, having been elected without being a candidate
• In a lot of ways, and also how hard it is, having been elected without being a candidate, that no one
• So it's the only governing body for the community, even though I didn't, I wasn't a candidate.
• And also how hard it is having been elected without being a candidate. in a lot of ways, and also how
• hard it is having been elected without being a candidate that no one wants to do these jobs, except

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills. AB 2002 would clarify and extend the REAP 1.0 regional housing planning grant program, with the author and regional planning groups arguing it provides needed technical assistance for housing elements and RHNA compliance; the California Building Industry Association opposed unless amended over concerns about local constraints. The committee discussed accepted amendments on regulations, suballocation to subregions, and spending deadlines, and then passed the bill on a do pass as amended motion to Senate Appropriations. AB 1684 would prohibit HOAs from restricting homeowners’ ability to install or replace cooling systems, with supporters citing heat safety and opponents focusing on building integrity, electrical capacity, permits, and common-area placement; the committee adopted amendments on licensed electrical contractors, disclosure, and permit requirements, and passed the bill to Senate Judiciary. AB 1710 would extend SB 330-style vesting protections to state and regional agencies so housing projects are not subject to later regulatory changes, with supporters emphasizing predictability and opponents warning it could conflict with later state, regional, and federal requirements, especially for water and environmental rules; the bill was passed as amended to Senate Local Government. The committee also heard AB 2263, which would authorize the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to provide employee housing on its land with a preference for VTA workers while keeping units open to the public and compliant with fair housing law. VTA said the bill would help employees facing long commutes and high housing costs, and the committee discussed financing through transit-oriented development partnerships and existing land holdings; the bill was passed as amended to Senate Appropriations. AB 2270 would require the state tax credit committee to account for rural realities when scoring farmworker housing projects for low-income housing tax credits; supporters said current amenity-based scoring disadvantages rural farmworker developments, and the bill was passed as amended to Senate Appropriations. Later, AB 2118 would refine AB 2011 by limiting local objective standards that can block mixed-use and affordable housing projects, with supporters saying cities still use loopholes to delay projects; the committee discussed possible state mandate reimbursement issues and passed the bill to Local Government. Finally, AB 2050 would require HOA reserve funding based on reserve studies, add notice and safeguards for reserve transfers, and phase in funding over six years; supporters argued it would prevent large special assessments and protect homeowners, while opponents said enforcement remains weak and the bill could still burden owners. The committee did not take a final recorded vote on AB 2050 in the portion provided, but members discussed the need for stronger enforcement and the balance between reserve funding and affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill requires, as we talked about, that This bill requires, as we talked about, that a candidate
• We will have the write-in candidates now be counted for the persons who filed their intention to be a
• write-in candidate, and not for the people that write in just because there's a line and they write
• For candidates or passage or defeat of election issues in their district.
• And so when this bill passes, they will no longer be able to use public funds for candidate and issues

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill requires, as we talked about, This bill requires, as we talked about, that a candidate for
• We will have the write-in candidates now be counted for the persons who file their intention to be a
• write-in candidate, and not for the people that write in just because there's a line and they write their
• For candidates or passage or defeat of election issues in their district.
• And so when this bill passes, they will no longer be able to use public funds for candidate and issues

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 124-1 vote, and numerous introductions of student groups, health professionals, and other guests. Committee reports were then read, including several bills recommended “do pass.” The chamber also heard a personal privilege speech from a St. Louis County member responding to a North St. Louis County school track meet shooting, calling for stronger action on gun access and firearm safety. The main floor work focused heavily on appropriations and capital projects. House Bills 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 were debated and passed, covering reappropriations, maintenance and repair projects, new capital improvements, and remaining ARPA pandemic funds. HB 2017 passed 137-9, HB 2018 passed 127-21, HB 2019 passed 98-48, and HB 2020 passed 127-24. Members emphasized that the bills largely used previously appropriated or federal funds, while some Democrats raised concerns about general revenue spending and one-time infrastructure projects. The House also adopted and finally passed Senate-amended HB 2641 on hemp/cannabis-related regulation, with changes on privacy, worker organization, effective date, and age restrictions; it passed 125-21 on adoption and 126-23 on final passage. HB 2423, dealing with Department of Finance staffing and capacity, passed unanimously after Senate adoption. Other measures passed included HB 1919 on electronic filing parity with IRS rules, HB 1768/2060 on short-term rental property tax classification, HB 1855 adding Alpha-Gal Syndrome to reportable conditions, HB 2355 creating a Food is Medicine pilot option, HB 1717/1643 on psilocybin therapy for veterans and first responders, HB 2372, a broad health care package, HB 2408 on the deaf-blind fund, HB 3000 on auditor/siganture-related procedures, HB 2898 restoring land bank tools, and HB 1740, “Melanie’s Law,” strengthening DWI penalties and ignition interlock requirements. Not all bills advanced: HB 3239, which would have expanded and funded the workforce diploma program through MoCAP, failed 55-95 after criticism that it shifted K-12 formula money and stripped vendor standards. HB 2760, the “Praise Act” on treatment of houses of worship during emergencies, drew extended debate on religious liberty, public health, and consistency in emergency orders; the transcript cuts off before the final vote is shown. Throughout the day, members frequently cited bipartisan support for health, public safety, and administrative bills, while several measures drew sharper partisan or policy disagreements over funding, regulation, and local control.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like, have you, have you had candidates? Have you done interviews? Mr. Chair, Ms.
• Caldwell, we do have candidates.
• we use to impact the vacancies, we recognized that there was an increased amount of unqualified candidates
• sources and increased outreach to post job openings with a goal to garner a better quality group of candidates
• about is being managed through the strategic plan, improving our outreach to get more qualified candidates

Transcript Highlights:

• I very much cared about which candidates won. candidates lost but I knew that we'd run an honest election
• , the Secretary of State is charged with providing advice and assistance to election officials. candidates
• election would not be possible. without the support and participation of the political parties, candidates
• And for every voter, it's giving five votes to this candidate. And half a vote to that other one.
• To print out the ballot card, which is the voter's proper precinct. polling place, candidates and races

Committee: House Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• Equality California and here supporting our Board of Advisor member, Jesse Melgar, a really great candidate
• And then we have candidates come and actually interview for the jobs on site with our staff, and we can
• And then we have candidates come and actually interview for the jobs on site with our staff, and we can
• And we find that we get a lot of candidates through these programs, and we have conversion rates of like
• And we find that these, we get a lot of candidates through these programs, and we have conversion rates

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• has been separated from employment for one year prior to reemployment must successfully retake the candidate
• has been separated from employment for one year prior to reemployment must successfully retake the candidate
• reemployment must successfully retake reemployment must successfully retake the<00:29:14.799><c> candidate
• physical</c><00:29:15.760><c> ability</c><00:29:16.240><c> test</c><00:29:16.480><c> or</c> the candidate
• physical ability test or the candidate physical ability test or CPAT,<00:29:17.600><c> ensuring</c><

Committee: House State Government

Transcript Highlights:

• But it can mean that, but it also can mean a very candid discussion with parents, and again, research
• says that candid discussion with parents oftentimes makes the difference.
• She's a doctoral program candidate in occupational therapy.
• She's a doctoral program candidate in occupational therapy.
• Approved programs will use these standards to train teacher candidates, and they will be used for teachers

Bills: SB6192 , SB6206 , SB5346 , SB6125 , SB5841 , SB5907 , SB5951

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Keywords: education, reading, mathematics, student intervention, instruction, academic standards, child care, first responders, incentives, pilot program, mobile phones, cell phones, smartphones, school phones, classroom distraction, digital citizenship, media literacy, internet safety, cyberbullying, student mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• She's also an educator for over 35 years and a Democratic candidate for Arizona Superintendent of Public
• George runs Resolute Group and Data Orbital and is also a candidate for the House in 2026, LD3.
• I have a dear friend, Jonathan Treble, who is running for Congressional District 1 candidate.
• I have Kyle Clayton, board president for Washington Elementary School District and candidate for Senate
• seat, LD-27, and Isaac Young, public school teacher, prior intern here, and also candidate for Phoenix

Transcript Highlights:

• my video started um to support Lena Alla Lopez, but I do support her as well as um all the other candidates
• my video started um to support Lena Alla Lopez, but I do support her as well as um all the other candidates
• 52.959><c> other</c> support her as well as um all the other support her as well as um all the other candidates
• 54.000><c> have</c><00:03:54.159><c> submitted</c><00:03:54.480><c> for</c><00:03:54.720><c> and</c> candidates
• that I have submitted for and candidates that I have submitted for and will<00:03:55.120><c> stand</

Summary: The committees met on a 3:00 p.m. agenda that included House Concurrent Resolution 94 and several gubernatorial nominations. HCR 94, which asks the governor to proclaim Hawaii a Purple Heart State on August 7, 2025, drew support from the Hawaii Veterans of Foreign Wars and no opposing testimony. The chair recommended passage as is, and the committees adopted the recommendation without objection. The bulk of the meeting focused on nominations to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, along with one nomination to the Medical Advisory Board. Nominees and supporters emphasized experience, continuity, and service: Dana Alla Lopez, Beverly Lee, and others described prior commission work; Janet Sato and Marcia Deutsch highlighted long involvement in arts education, grants review, and public art; and Randall Francisco stressed arts advocacy and accessibility. Testimony in support also came from commission staff, the Association for Hawaiian Civic Clubs, the County of Kauai Office of Economic Development, the mayor of Kauai, and others. One nominee, Judy Kvel Kovville, had support from the Department of Transportation. Several committee members raised broader questions about sustaining arts funding amid possible federal cuts and changes in state project financing that could reduce revenue under the 1% for art law. The nominees for the arts-related posts said they were open to exploring new funding sources, including private philanthropy, community support, and learning from other states. After discussion, the committee voted to advise and consent on all listed nominations—GM506, GM507, GM508, GM556, GM654, GM740, GM742, and GM743—with no votes or reservations, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if anybody knew that I would wind up as a candidate for vice president, I would have appreciated
• would wind up And if anybody knew that I would wind up as<00:09:26.760><c> a</c><00:09:26.800><c> candidate
• c> for</c><00:09:27.320><c> vice</c><00:09:27.600><c> president,</c><00:09:28.080><c> I</c> as a candidate
• for vice president, I as a candidate for vice president, I would<00:09:28.280><c> have</c><00:09:28.400