Transcript Highlights:

• through CIS consortia to collaborate through CIS consortia to pool<01:18:12.239> resources<01
• development of these collaborative development of these collaborative efforts<01:18:33.480> a
• It has been a collaborative process from beginning to end.
• Um, and that will continue to be collaborative. It is not meant to be punitive to districts.
• It's a huge, huge shift, and I really appreciate the collaborative work to make that shift.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Education Policy Committee met under a co-chair arrangement and heard opening remarks emphasizing civility, direct testimony from school leaders, and a focus on whether state policy is meeting student needs in the least intrusive and most cost-effective way. Chair Coleman asked testifiers to keep remarks brief and policy-focused, and the committee began with a series of superintendents describing local budget pressures and the cumulative impact of state mandates. Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent Corey McIntyre said the district, the state’s largest, is serving about 37,000 students and faces a roughly $26 million deficit even after major reductions, including cutting about $44 million and roughly 250 central office jobs. He cited rising costs tied to compensation, special education and multilingual cross-subsidies, unemployment, paid leave, READ Act implementation, student/staff safety and K-3 discipline requirements, and transportation, saying the district still faces about $50 million in mandate-related shortfalls and may need to reduce class size and student supports. Senator Kunesh responded that summer unemployment claims are paid from a separate state budget line, not the district general fund, and asked about paid leave costs; McIntyre and the chair clarified the district’s concern was the possibility of future costs if state funding ends. Prior Lake-Savage Superintendent Michael Thomas said district revenues are rising only about 2.5% to 3% while expenses are growing 5% or more, driven by inflation and vendor costs. He argued that the state’s inflationary funding tie should be maintained, and asked for an increase in local optional aid of $250 per pupil and more flexibility for districts that struggle to pass local levies. Minnetonka Superintendent David Law argued that schools are being asked to absorb broader community burdens, including food and mental health needs, while still being judged on academics and graduation; he said REACT funding fell short, forcing the district to shift reading funds to staff development, and urged the committee not to roll mandates forward without funding. Fergus Falls Superintendent Jeff Drake said expanded unemployment, earned sick and safe time, and paid family leave are creating staffing and budget challenges for rural districts, estimating unemployment costs could reach $240,000 annually and sick and safe time about $25,000, with added difficulty recruiting support staff and substitutes. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• believe a strong and collaborative believe a strong and collaborative partnership<00:07:11.680><
• It ends these dangerous, costly, and optional agreements which aren't required to collaborate with ICE
• Do you feel that a<01:20:06.320> collaboration<01:20:06.880> would<01:20:07.120> be<
• /c><01:20:07.280> better<01:20:08.239> or a collaboration would be better or a collaboration
• <01:29:52.560> with governments were uh collaborating with governments were uh collaborating

Bills: HF3405, HF3413, HF3769, HF3768, HF3771, HF3465

Keywords: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Use of Force Investigations Unit, federal agents, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, Customs and Border Protection, CBP, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, officer-involved death, use of force, law enforcement accountability, police oversight, independent investigation, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from February 25, 2026, and then took up several Department of Corrections-related bills. House File 3768, as amended by the A1 amendment, would extend the DOC’s graduated licensing and enforcement tools to juvenile detention facilities and state-licensed halfway houses, allowing corrective action plans and conditional licenses instead of only revocation. Commissioner Paul Schnell and Dakota County Juvenile Services Center Deputy Director Matt Bower testified in support, saying the bill would improve consistency, stability, and accountability without changing jail licensing. Members asked about costs and sheriff input; the commissioner said the bill is cost-neutral and that sheriffs were informed but did not provide input. The committee adopted the amendment and recommended the bill to the general register. The committee then heard House File 3769, another DOC technical update bill, which would clarify tuberculosis screening procedures when incarcerated people refuse testing, allow mental health units at more than one facility and short-term stabilization at Oak Park Heights when clinically appropriate, and clarify the department’s substance use disorder treatment programs. Schnell said the changes were technical but important for effective operations. Members again asked about county costs and sheriff support, and the commissioner said the bill affects only DOC facilities and is cost-neutral. The committee approved the motion to re-refer the bill to the Health Finance and Policy Committee. The final major item was House File 3405, the chair’s bill, as amended by the A3 amendment. The amendment broadened the definition of federal agents, made the effective date retroactive, and removed a sexual assault investigation section to eliminate the fiscal note. The bill would require the BCA’s use-of-force unit to investigate deaths caused by federal agents in Minnesota, not just Minnesota peace officers. Chair Mohler argued the bill closes a loophole and ensures state-level, independent investigations; Dr. B.B. Newman testified in support, saying it preserves Minnesota’s investigative authority and public confidence. Deputy Superintendent Scott Mueller said the BCA already investigates deadly-force cases and has handled some federal-related cases, but he did not think the bill was necessary and recommended a no vote. Members debated whether the bill was needed given existing practice, with supporters saying the statute should clearly require state investigation and opponents questioning whether it would change anything. The committee adopted the amendment and continued discussion of the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• This limits the ability to teach, collaborate, or lead instruction the way the roles intended.
• They collaborate with teachers.
• They collaborate with teachers. Learning to read and reading to learn.
• They collaborate with teachers.
• They collaborate with teachers on ways to enrich the reading experience for students.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:48:14.800> with<00:48:15.040> partners<00:48:15.520> including collaboration
• with partners including collaboration with partners including law<00:48:16.720> enforment<00:
• and problem solving, not collaboration and problem solving, not in<01:00:07.119> punishment.
• It is unaddressed distress, isolation, and breakdown in adult collaboration.
• ,<01:06:12.000> and to communicate, collaborate, and to communicate, collaborate, and identify

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The special committee took a collaborative, not confrontational, approach to our work with the Judiciary
• <00:07:50.560> not committee took a collaborative not committee took a collaborative not confrontational
• <00:08:02.800> posture<00:08:03.440> this same collaborative posture this same collaborative
• parties and then there's collaborative parties and then there's collaborative law<01:02:35.960><
• Collaborative law—I was a collaborative lawyer. I also was a mediator before I became a judge.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee on the Children and Family Law Committee met organizationally to continue work on family court issues, building on a prior special committee’s report and taking a collaborative approach with the Judiciary. The chair said the group would focus on solutions rather than rehashing public complaints, and identified three main topics for early study: specialization and training of family court judges, the extent to which judges should be bound by the rules of evidence, and whether mediation in family cases should be mandatory or voluntary and what qualifications mediators should have. A fourth concern was also raised about overlap between superior court domestic violence cases and family court custody/support matters, and whether one judge should hear both. Members discussed whether to divide into smaller subcommittees, but the prevailing view was to work as a committee of the whole at first. Most members agreed that additional public testimony was unlikely to add much, though recent concerns could still be emailed to the committee. The committee then heard from Attorney Erin Krian, general counsel for the judicial branch, and Judge Michael Mace. Krian said the judicial branch could provide additional witnesses on mediation and judicial training, including Judge Kissinger, and noted the branch was preparing materials on how other states handle the issues. Mace described the history of the Family Division and said he had reviewed older reports going back to the 1990s. He also outlined current judicial branch efforts, including expanded shadowing for new judges, monthly family-law trainings, and a year-long focus on family law topics. He reported that court rules had been updated to clarify notice requirements for minor guardianship changes, and that the branch had received positive feedback on the family access motion, which provides a statutory timeline and listed remedies for parenting-time disputes. Members also discussed prior committee work on rules of evidence and family court procedures. One member recalled recommending quiet review of any judges who appeared to apply evidence rules inconsistently, and Krian said the administrative judge can review complaints even if they come from a single person. The committee also received a status update on prior initiatives, including a federal grant for guardian ad litem services for indigent litigants in four locations, testing of redesigned court forms, and continued training improvements. The chair scheduled the next subcommittee meeting for April 1 and the full Children and Family Law Committee for April 8, with further documents from committee research and NCSL to be circulated.

Transcript Highlights:

• with our K12 program in collaboration with our K12 partners<01:12:14.320> and<01:12:14.440>
• with us to do any collaboratively with us to do any troubleshooting<01:18:32.760> that<01:18:
• The One Health Clinic model fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among students and professionals
• The One Health Clinic model fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among students and professionals
• <01:47:41.639> among interdisciplinary collaboration among interdisciplinary collaboration

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• legislature, collaborative with the administration, and collaborative with child care providers to bring
• collaborative with the legislature<01:37:28.679> collaborative<01:37:29.239> with<01:37
• :29.360> the legislature collaborative with the legislature collaborative with the administration
• and collaborative with administration and collaborative with child<01:37:31.560> care<01:37:31.719
• we like in the spirit of collaboration we like in the spirit of collaboration so<01:42:33.599>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• properties and one residential shoreline parcel in Ka'anapali on Maui that have been working collaboratively
• <00:33:31.360> for<00:33:31.480> several been working collaboratively for several been
• working collaboratively for several years<00:33:32.000> to<00:33:32.080> address<00:33
• <01:22:06.120> summary 23rd, which was a collaborative summary 23rd, which was a collaborative
• . collaboration. collaboration.

Bills: SB3253, SB2401, SB3169, SB17, SB3014, SB3032, SB1432, SB2002, SB2972, SB3247

Keywords: conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, biodiversity, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F, state funding, public purpose, habitat restoration, predator-free sanctuary, ecosystem restoration, Zealandia, wildlife refuge

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on SB 5253 SD2 relating to conservation and SB 2401 relating to regional shoreline mitigation district, with the chair emphasizing short testimony limits and the need to finish before session. On SB 5253, DLNR said it stood on its written testimony and answered questions about the bill’s proposed nonprofit endangered species sanctuary. Members asked whether existing entities or agreements, such as land trusts, private landowners, and DLNR safe harbor agreements, could accomplish similar conservation goals without creating a new entity. DLNR said similar work already exists, but it was not aware of a comparable sanctuary model in the state. A member also questioned language suggesting for-profit businesses in the sanctuary, and DLNR said the intent appeared to be sales of outreach or similar materials, though it agreed that such activities could be handled by a nonprofit. The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2401, which would create a regional shoreline adaptation/mitigation framework. The Department of the Attorney General said it had concerns about inconsistent use of the terms “mitigation” and “adaptation,” warning of possible title-subject issues. DLNR said it was neutral on the terminology and more concerned with the substance, and noted that the bill would not waive permits; any plan would still require environmental review and applicable state and county permits. DLNR also supported OHA’s recommendation to consider impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during regional planning, and said the bill’s language on temporary shoreline protection measures could help address the gap between emergency permits and longer-term planning while avoiding a hardening-only approach. The Office of Planning supported the regional planning concept but noted it is not a regulatory agency and would need to work with DLNR and the Land Board. OHA supported the bill’s planning-based approach but recommended amendments to require assessment of impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during plan development and to clarify that environmental review would still apply at the project level. Testifiers from the Ka‘anapali Steering Committee strongly supported the bill, saying it would provide a regional framework for ongoing erosion problems while preserving full regulatory authority and normal permitting, and they proposed amendments to standardize terminology, create a limited pathway for temporary shoreline protection, and address ownership and maintenance responsibilities. Members discussed the meaning of “mitigation” versus “adaptation,” the scope of shoreline hardening, and whether the bill would help the legislature take a broader, more holistic view of shoreline decisions. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention Collaborative is the backbone of our statewide veteran focus
• Through the collaborative, we impact.
• The Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention Collaborative is helping turn our veteran suicide prevention
• Are there policy issues or issues with collaboration or data that also frustrate your work or make it
• and we'll coordinate and collaborate and we'll coordinate and collaborate with<00:43:29.200>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting of the session with member introductions and a statement from the chair that veterans issues would remain distinct and receive separate attention. The first item was an update on the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley from Executive Director Randall Dietrich. He said the museum has operated for nearly 50 years, has outgrown its current space, and is building a new 40,000-square-foot facility with $32 million in state support plus several million more in private funding. He described construction progress, planned exhibits including restored military artifacts and the USS Ward gun, and said the museum is scheduled to open on September 12. In response to Senator Kunish, Dietrich said the museum is actively incorporating stories and flags representing women, tribal nations, and other underrepresented groups, including 11 tribal flags at the entrance, and is working to integrate those stories throughout the galleries rather than isolating them. The committee then received an update from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on the veterans suicide prevention plan from Rachel Johnson, Veterans Committee Health Director, with John Kelly later answering questions on department impacts. Johnson said the plan is a coordinated statewide framework built with legislative support, expanding regional coordinators, veteran health navigators, data analytics, and community partnerships, including a suicide mortality review pilot in Hennepin County. She said Minnesota loses about 100 veterans a year to suicide, that firearms remain the primary mechanism, and that prevention must address community connection, economic stability, and access to care, not just clinical treatment. She also said the plan aligns with state and federal strategies and is intended as a living roadmap. In response to questions, Johnson said the department is exploring data-sharing policy issues, has not seen a direct financial impact from federal VA staffing changes, and is tracking federal proposals affecting VA advisory groups. She also said 988 data is available in general but more Minnesota-specific data on the veteran option is still being gathered. Members asked follow-up questions about trends in veteran suicide, the role of families in identifying warning signs, and the Hennepin County mortality review pilot. Johnson said the annual number has remained around 100 for about 15 years, with a dip in 2024 and a return to that level in 2025, and that the Hennepin County pilot was chosen because it offers a manageable geography and existing coalition work, with an initial review expected by May or June. The final item began a presentation from the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Legislative chair Larry Fonder said the group’s priorities are protecting veterans from fraud and modernizing the property tax benefit for disabled veterans, but the presentation would focus on educating the committee about the role, training, certification, and accountability of county veteran service officers. President Tom Anderson, the Winona County VSO and a Navy veteran, began describing his background and office staffing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Collaboration... Ten seconds.
• Collaboration was attempted on our part.
• collaboration among the districts and the CTE specifically.
• That said, it's a collaborative process.
• This proposal restricts collective bargaining and weekends collaborative or collaboration between districts

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 4043, which would require each school district and charter school to ensure that at least one employee at each school is trained in CPR, first aid, and AED use by August 1, 2027. The sponsor said he would consider floor amendments to clarify that a trained person should be available at all times and to tie the requirement to schools that actually have AEDs. Supporters, including a constituent who lost a child, said the bill could help save lives; opponents and some members raised concerns about cost, staffing, and whether one trained employee is enough. The bill received a due pass recommendation on a 7-1 vote with several members voting present. The committee then took up House Concurrent Resolution 2015, as amended by a strike-everything amendment supporting at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for students and prominent display of the federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans. A public health advocate testified in favor, emphasizing chronic disease prevention in children. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and then gave the resolution a due pass recommendation on a 12-0 vote. House Bill 2621, as amended, addressed enrollment and special education access for pupils in unorganized territory, tribal land, and certain military-connected students, including changes to certificates of educational convenience and timelines for district and county action. The sponsor and stakeholders described it as a technical fix to reduce enrollment delays and improve access to services. After adopting both the strike-everything amendment and a Garcia amendment, the committee passed the bill 11-0. The committee also advanced House Bill 2385, which limits superintendent contracts to one-year terms during the first three years of employment and allows longer terms only after three consecutive years. The sponsor framed it as a way to reduce costly buyouts and give school boards more flexibility; there was no public testimony, and the bill passed 7-4. House Bill 4106, creating the One Arizona Service Fellowship Program, also passed after amendment. Supporters said it would build service opportunities and workforce experience, while some members objected to creating and funding a new state program; it passed 8-2 with one present. Later, House Bill 2992, as amended, established a pilot program in schools for child sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention, expanded to K-12 in the amendment and funded from the Victim Compensation and Assistance Fund. A survivor and anti-trafficking advocate strongly supported teaching children and training staff, while some members objected to the funding source and possible unintended consequences. The bill passed 6-5 with one present. House Bill 2370, concerning who may modify weapons detection systems and requiring superintendent notification to governing boards within 24 hours, passed 8-3 after a debate over school safety, accountability, and whether the bill was too vague or too narrow. House Bill 4056, as amended, would bar fees for legislators making public records requests in their official capacity and require electronic delivery; the sponsor cited large fees charged by school districts, while opponents warned against broad fee exemptions. It passed 8-3. Finally, the committee began House Bill 2478, which would create the Arizona Commission on Student Outcomes to study K-12 performance, accountability, graduation requirements, finance, and related issues, with a proposed amendment to add early childhood analysis. The sponsor said the commission would help drive a statewide conversation and that the Classroom Site Fund had sufficient unused balances to support it. Testimony from early learning and advocacy groups was generally neutral but supportive of including early childhood in the study, and the discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• She has done a wonderful job working with students and collaborating with other mentors, including attending
• She has done a wonderful job working with students and collaborating with other mentors, including attending
• <01:11:13.520> with<01:11:13.760> our<01:11:14.120> administration collaboratively
• with our administration collaboratively with our administration and<01:11:15.360> with<01:11:
• among other attorneys, um, collaboration among other attorneys, brainstorming,<01:12:55.199> things

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Governor’s Message 767, the nomination of Kanoi AD Jackson to serve as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit. The chair announced that the committee would not vote on the governor’s message or two judge nominations until Tuesday, April 15, but planned to vote that day on two Defender Council items. Testimony on Jackson’s nomination was limited to two minutes per speaker, and the hearing was conducted partly by Zoom. Supporters emphasized Jackson’s qualifications, work ethic, judicial temperament, and community ties. Testifiers included the West Hawaii Bar Association, family members, a retired teacher, retired Judge Robert Kim, and the Hawaii State Bar Association. The West Hawaii Bar Association said Jackson received high marks from its review process and that the Third Circuit needed a permanent judge for stability. Judge Kim and others praised her preparation, intelligence, humility, and experience as a prosecutor and litigator. Jackson also spoke in her own behalf, acknowledging that her background is primarily criminal rather than civil, but saying she is committed to learning the civil docket and serving the community if confirmed. Members questioned the Hawaii State Bar Association about the basis for its support, including how many members responded and whether concerns were raised about Jackson’s lack of civil experience. HSBA said it uses a confidential review process, receives both positive and negative comments, and does not track votes or percentages, but its board voted to support her. Judge Kim responded that judges can learn new areas of law, that civil dockets can be managed with benchbooks and help from other judges, and that Jackson’s trial experience would serve her well. No vote was taken on Jackson’s nomination during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I stand for questions. ...can raise a lot of collaborative energy.
• The collaborative agreement goes on to three and four, where that's where the agreement talks about how
• The collaborative agreement goes on to three and four, where that's where the agreement talks about how
• The collaborative agreement goes on to three and four, where that's where the agreement talks about how
• The collaborative agreement goes on to three and four, where that's where the agreement talks about how

Bills: SF0122, SJ0006, SF0121, SF0106

Keywords: medical necessity, insurance, healthcare policy, independent review, claim processing, shared parenting, family law, joint custody, child well-being, parental rights, pharmacy, collaborative care, healthcare, prescriptions, patient safety, Wyoming Pharmacy Act, welfare, Medicaid, employment, eligibility verification

Transcript Highlights:

• I bless them to engage in transparent processes and to foster a culture of collaboration and compromise
• I bless them to engage in transparent processes and to foster a culture of collaboration and compromise
• Amen. culture of collaboration and compromise. culture of collaboration and compromise.
• collaborative process. Thank you, Mr. collaborative process. Thank you, Mr. President.
• <00:43:16.880> transparent<00:43:17.440> public collaborative transparent public collaborative

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One, the association believes that collaboration through shared guiding principles for restoration of
• One, the association believes that collaboration through shared guiding principles for restoration of
• And I think at the end of the day, we're just here to collaborate with OPED.
• And I think at the end of the day, we're just here to collaborate with OPED.
• We're trying to be collaborative here. That's the whole idea.

Bills: SCR8, SCR40, SCR83, SCR179, SCR90, SCR94, SCR159, SCR165, SCR177

Keywords: building permits, seniors, health care, disability, safety modifications, county regulations, expedited processing, environment, pollution, tourism, disposable bodyboards, polystyrene, marine ecosystems, lithium-ion batteries, environmental safety, recycling, public safety, waste management, Honolulu, Maui County

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions related to water, coastal management, and permitting. Early measures included SCR 8 on faster county action for certain home-modification permits for older adults and people with disabilities, SCR 40 on banning disposable body boards, SCR 83 on creating a lithium-ion battery disposal facility, SCR 179 on enforcing Maui fire-code provisions for brush clearance and emergency access, and SCR 90 on kupuna-friendly permit requirements. No testifiers were present for those measures, and the chair moved through them without taking votes in the portion provided. The most extensive discussion was on SCR 94, endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, and SCR 159, urging shared guiding principles for restoring and maintaining Waikiki’s beaches and shoreline. University of Hawaii testimony said the surfing-reserve designation would bring recognition, could help attract grants, and would require a stewardship committee and management plan, but would not itself block beach nourishment or shoreline restoration. Members asked about possible effects on dredging, beach nourishment, and shoreline structures; the witness said impacts on surfing were not expected to be immediate or significant. For SCR 159, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the resolution but requested clarifying amendments to broaden references to law, stakeholder collaboration, and coastal science expertise. The Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association also supported the measure, emphasizing coordinated maintenance, public access, and the economic importance of Waikiki beaches, while noting that existing legal agreements and court decisions should be reflected in the resolution. The discussion also covered whether the state and private owners share repair and maintenance obligations for Waikiki seawalls; testimony said existing agreements remain relevant but must yield to current law. The committee also heard SCR 165 designating March as Water Month, with support from the Board of Water Supply and others, and SCR 177 requesting DAGS to convene a cooperative working group on state projects needing county permits. Mary Alice Evans said the latter would help expedite permitting, especially for housing and other state projects, and would complement efforts to standardize county permitting processes. No final votes or dispositions were announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is a result of several years of work in collaboration with an idea from the Minority Leader
• So, um, this is a really exciting bill, a long collaboration that led us to this point.
• So, um, this is a really exciting bill, a long collaboration that led us to this point.
• So, um, this is a really exciting bill, a long collaboration that led us to this point.
• collaboration that led us to this point. collaboration that led us to this point.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and then received committee reports advancing several bills, including House Bills 1262, 1183, 1184, 1331, 1332, and 1333, along with Senate Bills 2, 20, 80, 137, and 141. The chamber also removed House Bill 1331 and Senate Bill 80 from the consent calendar and later took up special orders for second reading. Senate Bills 20 and 137 were considered on the consent calendar, their committee reports were adopted, and both bills passed second reading and were placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. The Committee of the Whole report was then adopted by a 32-0 vote with 3 excused. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 1332, which concerns the legislative department cash fund. Sponsors and supporters described the bill as transferring $12 million to the general fund and capping the fund balance at $8 million to improve transparency and align spending with current needs. Senator Pelton offered amendment L4 to lower the cap to $5 million and remove automatic inflation adjustments, but the amendment failed on a voice vote. The bill itself was then adopted. House Bill 1333, dealing with payment of legislative department expenses, was also adopted after discussion of salary-related adjustments and cash fund transfers. Senate Bill 141, which creates an optional $5 motor vehicle registration fee to fund wildlife crossings and related transportation improvements, drew the most debate. Supporters emphasized reduced vehicle-animal collisions, lower insurance costs, and the ability to leverage federal matching funds; several senators described personal or constituent experiences with wildlife crashes. Opponents argued existing bridge enterprise and wildlife cash funds should be used instead of creating a new fee, even if optional. Despite that opposition, the bill passed. Senate Bill 143, renaming the Colorado Youth Advisory Council review committee in honor of the late Senator Faith Winter, also passed unanimously. House Bill 1019 was laid over until April 27, and House Bill 1331, which modifies legislative interim activities and reduces an appropriation, passed after amendment L2 clarified that per diem and travel payments would not be made for meetings not actually held.

Transcript Highlights:

• which aims to protect victims of interpersonal violence by strengthening information sharing and collaboration
• which aims to protect victims of interpersonal violence by strengthening information sharing and collaboration
• that collaboration, make sure it's<00:24:39.760> mutual<00:24:40.240> and<00:24:40.559
• And by enabling coordinated, efficient project delivery and strengthening day-to-day collaboration between
• between the state and collaboration between the state and federal<00:33:24.559> partners,<00:

Bills: HB2264, HB2336, HB2298, HB1518

Keywords: protective orders, military, law enforcement, judicial coordination, victim safety, community safety, federal military installations, disaster response, emergency services, state funding, transportation department, public safety, Hawaii, education, high school diploma, veterans, wartime practices, armed services, HB1518, Hawaii SNAP

Summary: The committee opened by announcing that it would hear testimony but would not take decisions on the day’s bills, with action deferred to a later decision-making agenda. The first measure, HB 2264, would require notification to military security forces when a protective order is issued involving a military-affiliated person. Support came from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii National Guard, and DBEDT’s Military Affairs office, all emphasizing better coordination and faster notice to help protect victims and support command oversight. Family Court Judge Jesse Hall supported the intent but asked for deferral, explaining that a prior fax-and-email notification system had broken down and that the military had not re-engaged with the court. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the bill but recommended narrowing it so it applies only when the respondent is actually marked as military-connected and delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027 to allow implementation. In questions, members discussed the current breakdown in communication, the number of military-marked TROs statewide, and whether the bill would be necessary if the old system were restored; the military witness said she would try to reestablish contact with the court. The committee then took up HB 2336, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense for services at federal military installations and charge an administrative fee. DOT and the Military Affairs office supported the measure, describing it as a way to speed projects, combine state and federal resources, and strengthen infrastructure that also supports disaster response and the economy. Members questioned why the bill was needed if similar arrangements had existed before, and whether Title 23 federal highway funds could be used; DOT responded that the bill would help expedite projects and supplement, not supplant, federal funding, while each project would still require review of the appropriate funding source. The committee also heard HB 2298, which would allow the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii Office of Veterans Affairs, and DOE supported the bill, and DOE said implementation would have only a minimal printing cost. Finally, the committee heard HB 1518, which would require DHS, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to create a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release by January 1, 2028. DHS said it was already working on a pilot and stood on its testimony; the County of Hawaii, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the measure, arguing it would improve reentry outcomes and would not cost the state additional money. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank the sponsor and dedicated members of the committee who have collaborated on amendments
• I want to thank the sponsor and dedicated members of the committee who have collaborated on amendments
• Chair, Representative Baca, we would identify that assessment instrument in collaboration with our school
• Thank you for the work on this and the collaboration between all the groups and the House on this bill
• We stand in support of this bill and are ready to collaborate with the Public Education Department and

Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Transcript Highlights:

• It revises the Cancer Connect Collaborative membership. ...prior to beginning employment, revises the
• Cancer Connect Collaborative membership, establishes grant parameters and reporting requirements for
• Additionally, the bill creates the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator to be overseen by
• the collaborative to provide... ...2028, I'm really hot on the mic there, revises several aspects of
• the collaborative to provide... ...Connect Collaborative Research Incubator to be overseen by the collaborative

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met for Budget Day and heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper said the plan reduces overall spending from the prior year, keeps strong reserves, includes a 4% pay raise for state employees, maintains employee health care contributions, and makes major investments in water quality, transportation, and education infrastructure. Committee chairs then summarized their budget silos, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and agriculture/environment/general government. Members asked questions mainly about school funding, AP and dual enrollment support, voucher and scholarship impacts, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted a large consent package of amendments and then approved three late-file amendments: funding virtual college tours for high school students, funding the FSU Sunshine Genetics program, and providing money for the Port of Fernandina customs facility. The committee then voted to report SPB 2500, the General Appropriations Bill, as a committee bill. It also favorably reported SPB 2502 (implementing bill), SPB 2504 (state employees placeholder), SB 7022 (Florida Retirement System contribution rates and DROP changes), CS/SB 1320 (recreating the Resilient Florida Trust Fund), SPB 2506 (gaming compact revenue distributions, including water projects and rural lands), SPB 2508 (29 new judgeships), SB 7014 (ending the court mediation and arbitration trust fund), SPB 2510 (K-12 conforming bill), SPB 2512 (higher education conforming bill), and SPB 2514 (health and human services conforming bill). The committee also took up several policy bills. It approved SB 7028 on cancer research, creating grant parameters, reporting requirements, a five-year pediatric cancer research incubator, and the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute VisionGen Initiative. It approved CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality, adding resident satisfaction surveys, medical director standards, safety culture reviews, electronic health record requirements, financial reporting penalties, and a study of best practices. It approved CS/CS/SB 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion options, adds Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, expands grant uses, and creates a behavioral health data repository. It also approved SB 114 creating the Florida Center for Excellence in Insurance and Risk Management at FSU and moving the public hurricane loss model there. The committee then began considering SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, including a late-file amendment, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• This collaborative approach and co-location of state agencies and resources enhances our influence with
• This ongoing communication and collaboration... ...are essential for establishing a productive relationship
• Executing the Governor's request requires substantial collaboration with Texas Congressional members.
• And this level of collaboration, particularly in a state as large as Texas, is an achievement in itself
• Okay, so there's collaboration between you and the local authority.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because if you want to move fast, you have to be collaborative.
• And so the ramifications, the best thing that we can do is work together collaboratively, like we did
• Under the last administration, the Department of Commerce collaborated with other federal agencies.
• I think, I didn't coin this, but collaboration is the next phase of innovation, okay?
• We need to collaborate on what we agree should move forward on the innovation.