Transcript Highlights:

• have a strike-everything is we went on extensive negotiations with people, stakeholders, and the agency
• You know, my challenge is with ROC in the last year.
• While that agency does important work, While that agency does important work, it is woefully backlogged
• So, yeah, it's not a general fund-funded agency.
• I don't know if it should be the courts that should be deciding this, and not the agency.

Bills: HB2174 , HB2496 , HB2744 , HB2863 , HB2910 , HB2938

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: insurance regulation, modeling organizations, financial disclosure, rate-making, predictive models, revitalization districts, construction contracts, infrastructure, municipal services, intergovernmental agreements, user fees, landowner agreements, overtime, wages, employee rights, industrial commission, complaints, adjudication, landlord, tenant

Transcript Highlights:

• Here to talk us through the challenges our students face and the ways we can support them is retired
• national debt and trying to figure out what he believes is best for our federal departments and agencies
• It was a pleasure. and agencies and and um the impact it's and agencies and and um the impact it's having
• <00:11:33.519><c> that's</c><00:11:34.320><c> responsible</c><00:11:34.880><c> for</c> of the the agency
• that's responsible for of the the agency that's responsible for me<00:11:35.800><c> as</c><00:11:35.959

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• needed your wisdom and guidance, it is now. gathered here today begin their time filled with so many challenging
• HB 908 by Spiller-Williams, a reporting of law enforcement agencies of missing children in the National
• HB 926 by Harrison, relating to the adoption and avoidability of certain rules proposed by state agency
• relates to the establishment of legislative economic analysis unit and the expiration of certain agency
• 983 by Noble relating to the confidentiality. of certain information held by the Texas Education Agency

Bills: HCR21 , HCR22 , HCR23 , HCR24 , HCR25 , HCR26 , HCR27 , HCR31 , HCR41 , HCR42 , HCR43 , HCR44 , HCR45 , HCR52 , HCR53 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR73 , HR8 , HR10 , HR13 , HR20 , HR21 , HR50 , HR59 , HR61 , HR71 , HR74 , HR79 , HR84 , HR86 , HR90 , HR91 , HR102 , HR103 , HR107 , HR113 , HR125 , HR126 , HR132 , HR142 , HR145 , HR149 , HR150 , HR152 , HR167 , HR179 , HR181 , HR183 , HR186 , HR192 , HR196 , HR199 , HR207 , HR211 , HR212 , HR213 , HR216 , HR249 , HR256 , HR259 , HR261 , HR263 , HR272 , HR281 , HR285 , HR294 , HR295 , HR300 , HR305 , HR311 , HR313 , HR315 , HR316 , HR323 , HR331 , HR339 , HR340 , HR346 , HR349 , HR352 , HR357 , HR358 , HR360 , HR363 , HR374 , HR377 , HCR20 , HCR28 , HCR30 , HCR32 , HCR49 , HR14 , HR15 , HR19 , HR23 , HR24 , HR25 , HR26 , HR27 , HR29 , HR47 , HR48 , HR55 , HR56 , HR66 , HR85 , HR92 , HR93 , HR95 , HR96 , HR140 , HR155 , HR164 , HR204 , HR241 , HR242 , HR250 , HR253 , HR260 , HR262 , HR265 , HR279 , HR310 , HR312 , HR328 , HR332 , HR359 , HR362 , HR367

Keywords: recognition, award, petroleum industry, leadership, community service, HCR 22, House Concurrent Resolution, Texas Legislature, commendation, honorary resolution, Dr. James Olson, James Olson, University of Texas Permian Basin, UT Permian Basin, psychology professor, 50 years of service, faculty recognition, academic award, Piper Professor Award, Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award

Transcript Highlights:

• language of the bill a transition to an actual regulatory entity, uh, whether that's at an existing agency
• have a regulatory body set up if it's not already something that, that can be housed in an existing agency
• The what, what you, what we see as the biggest challenge with the NRC is efficiency.
• Jimmy Glotfelty, um, one last thing, uh, we, we have about 5 or 6 state agencies that have a role in
• When a household faces other challenges, and, uh, oftentimes, uh, consumers just fall behind.

Bills: HB14 , HB 106 , HB146 , HB267 , HB274 , HB 1127 , HB1359 , HB1393 , HB1584 , HB1640 , HB1710 , HB2152 , HCR101 , HJR8 , HR51 , HB106 , HB146 , HB267 , HB274 , HJR8 , HR51

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund

Transcript Highlights:

• But, like I said, for accountability, we do have the accrediting agency CODA.
• They create a lot of challenges.
• It has always been challenged, but it has been, you know, approved.
• Members, I'm told that this wasn't brought by a specific agency.
• It goes to the agency; it goes to Homeland Security to spend.

Bills: SB1041 , SB1088 , SB1118 , SB1128 , SB1168 , SB1176 , SB1189 , SB1207 , SB1250 , SB1272 , SB1274 , SB1286 , SB1428 , SB1457 , SB1461 , SB1503 , SB1519 , SB1537 , SB1582 , SB1618 , SB1654 , SB1713 , SB1827 , SCR1012 , SCR1020

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, cybersecurity, homeland security, artificial intelligence, state appropriation, VPN security, zero trust, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes

Transcript Highlights:

• the structure so that regular caring citizens have legal pathways to hold ICE, a rogue government agency
• </c> agency that routinely flouts our laws. agency that routinely flouts our laws. move<00:09:35.120>
• </c><00:14:50.800><c> already</c><00:14:51.279><c> follow,</c> law enforcement agencies already follow
• , law enforcement agencies already follow, including<00:14:52.480><c> presenting</c><00:14:53.120><c>
• ><c> the</c><00:54:27.520><c> court</c> challenged in California, the court challenged in California,

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:11:57.360><c> of</c> addressing the complex challenges of addressing the complex challenges of
• </c> what are the positions in the agency what are the positions in the agency that<03:08:36.279><c>
• </c><03:16:40.239><c> or</c> by a state County Municipal agency or by a state County Municipal agency
• </c><03:20:56.040><c> or</c> at State County Municipal agency or at State County Municipal agency or
• <05:25:43.798><c> thank</c> challenging thank challenging thank you<05:25:46.040><c> other</c><05:25:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 144 and House Bill 145, both related to professional licensing for dietitians and dental hygienists. HB 144 was described as a technical fix to align statute with existing Board of Dental Examiners rules allowing dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide and local anesthesia, with supporters saying the bill would add needed training and examination requirements to statute. A dentist and dental society representative testified that the practice is already being done safely within scope, and committee members discussed whether nitrous oxide is still used and whether the bill was mainly to keep the paperwork and law consistent. The committee moved HB 144 forward on a 12-0 vote and placed it on consent. HB 145 would join New Hampshire to a dietitian licensure compact and add a criminal history check for initial licensure to match compact language. The sponsor and board witnesses said the compact would improve portability, support telehealth, help military families and spouses, and maintain public safety by ensuring qualified practitioners and information-sharing among member states. Committee members asked about withdrawal from the compact, the difference between single-state and compact licensure, and why a background check was included; the witness said the compact is not yet active, with four states enacted and seven needed, and that the background check is required by the compact language. Additional testimony from a private-practice dietitian supported the bill, citing continuity of care, rural access, and workforce mobility, while some members raised concerns about telehealth across state lines and the practical effect of the background check.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> I wonder if perhaps someone from the agency, Mr. Kittsburger, put you on the spot here.
• </c><00:15:40.440><c> Kittsburger,</c> agency, Mr. Kittsburger, agency, Mr.
• He said the agency sometimes takes too much liberty in interpreting bills, though he added that maybe
• He said the agency takes a little too much liberty in interpreting their bills, and maybe that is on
• </c> Housing Finance Agency Housing Finance Agency uh<00:56:20.280><c> develop</c><00:56:20.720><c> those

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• agency to absorb.
• was a nonprofit agency as it was reporting.
• </c> agency without corresponding revenue. agency without corresponding revenue.
• Um, so they’re governmental agencies.
• </c><03:58:28.880><c> counterparts</c> with our state agency counterparts with our state agency counterparts

Committee: House Fish and Game and Marine Resources

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a standing MOU with every federal agency, not just DHS or ICE.
• We're not an immigration enforcement agency. So we are in an assisting role only on that.
• We're not an immigration enforcement agency. So we are in an assisting role only on that.
• Not been an actual physical impact or fiscal impact to the agency. Okay.
• And I know that's a huge challenge for y'all.

Committee: All ALC-GAME & FISH/STATE POLICE

Summary: The committee first heard from Arkansas State Police leadership about the agency’s role in federal immigration enforcement. Colonel Mike Hager said State Police has completed 287(g) training for all but 12 officers and is authorized to assist ICE in limited circumstances, but is not an immigration enforcement agency. He emphasized that troopers only make immigration-related notifications after lawful stops or arrests for other offenses, and that the agency uses discretion and chain-of-command approval for any planned operation. Members asked about how immigration status is determined, whether stops are tracked, whether local agencies are participating, and whether there are costs or reimbursement mechanisms; Hager said the agency began tracking encounters in September and had 48 detentions since then, most tied to other criminal violations such as DWIs or domestic violence. He also said there were no current planned immigration operations beyond assisting federal partners. The committee then received an update from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Director Doug Schoenrock on wildlife management areas, waterfowl habitat, and related infrastructure. He reported that most moist-soil units and green tree reservoirs were flooded or near normal, with one new pump not yet operational and a vandalized Ed Gordon/Point Remove pump back in service since December. He also said the Lake Conway dam and water-control work were progressing, with a public meeting scheduled at Mayflower High School. Questions followed about dock removal notices, maintenance on other water-control structures, and a recent fatal boating accident at Baumito WMA, which Schoenrock described as a high-speed collision in flooded timber and said the agency was working on a safety memorial effort with the victim’s widow. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on duck season, drought conditions, and criticism of the Flyway Federation’s push to restrict hunting over standing corn. Schoenrock said Arkansas remains the nation’s top duck-hunting destination, but drought and warm weather have reduced water availability and caused ducks to move north; he cited survey numbers showing 1.4 million ducks in the state at the end of December but a much lower January count. He argued that standing corn is legal and that federal habitat and water policy, not Arkansas law, drives long-term duck populations. Members raised concerns about changing migration patterns, the role of private clubs, federal regulation, and the possible effects of wind turbines and solar panels on waterfowl; Schoenrock and Commissioner Chris Caldwell said the commission is studying those issues, including a University of Arkansas at Monticello project on avoidance behavior, and that no immediate regulatory changes were announced. The committee took no formal vote and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's very challenging.
• </c><01:28:57.199><c> fund</c> uh you know, the rabies challenge fund uh you know, the rabies challenge
• </c><01:45:49.040><c> challenged</c><01:45:49.679><c> and</c> large number of animals challenged and
• Um, previous efforts between communities and agencies and legislation have been a bit of a challenge,
• </c> balanced that includes state agency balanced that includes state agency leadership,<04:49:33.920

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's a challenge, and so being able to combine this and really bring a solution forward, I just
• </c><00:09:52.800><c> of</c> focus on but uh one of the challenges of focus on but uh one of the challenges
• and I think being that's a challenge and I think being able<00:10:07.000><c> to</c><00:10:07.160><c>
• </c><00:10:44.959><c> and</c><00:10:45.120><c> so</c> and that's that's a challenge and so and that's
• that's a challenge and so being<00:10:45.560><c> able</c><00:10:45.800><c> to</c> being able to being

Bills: HF2446 , HF2878 , HF2667 , HF1795 , HF2683 , HF2916

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• I know finding a time that worked for all of the working group members was a challenge.
• I know finding a time that worked for all of the working group members was a challenge.
• sometimes can be challenging to come away with things that are more controversial.
• sometimes can be challenging to come away with things that are more controversial.
• sometimes can be challenging to come away with things that are more controversial.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• know, folks in agencies.
• And so, in a sense, this is the challenge of having it both ways.
• Yeah, so I'd say this has probably been Challenges. Yeah.
• I mean, not, but you just pointed out the challenges of it.
• And I think when you are considering this challenge, Task ahead.

Committee: House Health Care Affordability, Select

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do not have an agency recourse.
• We do not have an agency recourse.
• We do not have an agency recourse.
• We do not have an agency recourse.
• We do not have an agency recourse.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on February 19, 2025, and first heard House Bill 150, which would prohibit lending a firearm to someone who does not have a firearm permit or a registered firearm. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, though HPD said enforcing any time limit on a loaned firearm would be difficult. Several members of the public opposed the measure, arguing it would interfere with lawful lending for hunting, competitions, training, military-related use, and family situations, and could create unintended criminal liability. One supporter said the bill would strengthen gun safety and encourage more responsible ownership. No vote was taken during the testimony portion described. The committee then heard House Bill 186, which would make harassment by stalking a class C felony. The Office of the Public Defender requested deferral, arguing the bill would remove a misdemeanor option that can help deter escalation and could be unnecessarily severe and burdensome. Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying stalking can be a precursor to more serious violence. The Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney raised concerns about how the new felony would fit within the existing grading scheme, noting that aggravated harassment by stalking and first-degree terroristic threatening are already class C felonies. April Bautista testified in strong support, describing her own experience with domestic violence and stalking and urging passage of the bill. Committee members discussed whether other penalty structures might be possible, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard House Bill 991, which would delete the term “agent of the contractor” from criminal history record check provisions to comply with FBI requirements. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center supported the bill with comments, explaining that the FBI had found the term too broad for fingerprint-based background checks tied to access to federal tax information. In addition, House Bill 995 was introduced, changing deadlines for annual firearms carry reporting; the Department of the Attorney General supported it, saying the revised deadlines would allow a more complete report, and HPD was also heard on the measure. The transcript ends before any votes or final committee actions on these bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• others and to never give up on their dreams, and remain faithful and determined through life's challenges
• He also completed the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge.
• So with the removal of certain, as you stated, there with other agencies...
• Some of them we do for different agencies.
• private agency licensure, compensation protections, and disposition of embryos.

Bills: HB410 , HR310 , HR314 , HR316 , HR317 , HR321 , HR275 , HR276 , HR279 , HR282 , HR286 , HR289 , HR292 , HR295 , HR302 , HR319 , HR307 , HR273 , SCR59 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR68 , SCR69 , SCR70 , SCR54 , SCR55 , SCR64 , SCR75 , HCR32 , HB776 , HB42 , HB119 , HB159 , HB302 , HB1017 , HB1028 , SB217 , SB283 , HB953 , SB208 , HR74 , HB998 , HB901 , HR20 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , SB97 , SB123 , SB237 , HB36 , HB74 , HB75 , HB258 , HB259 , HB414 , HB459 , HB784 , HB848 , HB956 , HB1095 , HB1220 , HB1252 , SB469 , SB479

Keywords: recording, privacy, notification, direct conversation, law enforcement, first responder, penalties, oil and gas, orphan wells, inactive wells, shut-in wells, marginal wells, plugging and abandonment, well decommissioning, site remediation, site restoration, Oilfield Site Restoration, OSR program, financial security, bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• This measure adds the Hawaii Emergency<00:28:22.000><c> Management</c><00:28:22.480><c> Agency</c><00
• Agency and Office of<00:28:23.679><c> Homeland</c><00:28:24.159><c> Security</c><00:28:24.559><c> to
• This measure adds the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security to the list
• So we find it very important that those agencies would have access to it. Thank you very much.
• </c> actually poses a challenge in that way. actually poses a challenge in that way.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. SB 1296 HD1, relating to disaster recovery, would exempt reconstruction of lawfully constructed structures damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster from special management area permits under certain conditions. OPSD, DLNR, the County of Maui, Front Street Recovery, and the Grassroot Institute supported the bill, saying it would speed rebuilding after disasters like the Maui fires; one witness noted the bill would not cover shoreline parcels unless amended, and members asked about the five-year rebuild window, the meaning of “lawfully constructed,” and whether unlawful structures were excluded. Testimony was also heard on SB 1413, which would allow the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to dispose of abandoned property in federal public housing projects after notice and within five days; HPHA said the bill would help address illegal dumping and clarify procedures. SB 31 HD1, concerning discriminatory restrictive covenants, was briefly described and had support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission and comments from the Uniform Law Commission, with no in-person testimony. The committee then heard SB 1341, which would add HEMA and the Office of Homeland Security to agencies allowed to review energy industry information and would expand the program’s emergency-management purpose. The Hawaii State Energy Office supported the measure, saying the data is important for emergency response and fuel-supply planning. SB 10008 HD1 would authorize counties to adopt ordinances enforcing accessible parking space requirements and clarify county enforcement of EV-related parking provisions; the Disability and Communication Access Board strongly supported the accessible-parking provisions, saying current enforcement is weak, while noting section three on EV spaces is already largely in statute and could be struck if the committee preferred. Tina Yamaki of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition. Finally, the committee heard SB 1028 SD1 HD1, which would eliminate fees, fines, and court costs for offenses committed by minors, discharge existing related debt, limit community service for minors to 72 hours, and repeal certain penalties tied to minors and their parents or guardians. The Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council, Community Alliance on Prisons, and DebtFree Justice Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that youth fines burden families, worsen poverty, and disproportionately affect Native Hawaiian youth. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments, raising possible constitutional title issues because the current draft incorporates material from HB 129 and includes sections that may relate more to restitution or curfew than to fines and fees; supporters responded that the title is sufficient and cited case law. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is for the service providers agencies and opening up that pathway to apprenticeships through the
• think the more we talk about sort of inclusion of people with disabilities and their workforce challenges
• hospital, given purchase of service, the way our field works, I get nervous unless it's a $300 million agency
• And then the only reason I mentioned these trades, they're going to help promote it to the agencies in

Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee met to approve the prior minutes and then focused primarily on planning a future apprenticeship-related presentation or panel. Members discussed a draft outreach letter and follow-up with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, with the goal of involving state officials, employers, and possibly trade representatives. The group also discussed how apprenticeship efforts could connect to disability employment goals, including opportunities for people with disabilities and service providers to be included in the conversation. A major topic was Governor Healey’s goal of expanding apprenticeships to 100,000 participants and concerns raised at a recent Chamber of Commerce event about barriers to entry, including education requirements and a $250 annual fee for employers. Several members noted that while large employers may absorb the fee, it could discourage small and mid-sized businesses, and they suggested a tiered fee structure or eliminating the fee altogether. Members also emphasized that apprenticeship conversations should include people with disabilities and avoid stereotypes about what jobs they can do. The subcommittee discussed possible focus areas for the event, settling tentatively on child care and home health as practical starting points, with interest in adding behavioral health as a possible model. They also discussed whether to include a representative from higher education or a state apprenticeship liaison. No final decisions were made on speakers or format, but members agreed to continue outreach, propose dates, and likely hold the session on Zoom rather than in person or hybrid.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're the medium-size agencies and one large agency, which is RTD. to, if it'll come to the stop that
• They're the medium-size agencies and one large agency, which is RTD.
• I urge a yes vote. is helpful to the uh transit agencies is helpful to the uh transit agencies um<02:
• But, the other agencies we've large one.
• Construction is a challenge.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• [clears throat] state agencies and [clears throat] state agencies and county<00:33:07.440><c> agencies
• </c> delays or no lawsuits or no challenges. delays or no lawsuits or no challenges.
• And these are state agencies; they should be able to play together.
• And these are state agencies; they should be able to play together.
• </c> counties and other regulatory agencies counties and other regulatory agencies such<00:40:38.400>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on February 3, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills, with the chair emphasizing a two-minute limit and noting that bills would die if the hearing ran past noon. For HB 1848, the Commission on Water Resource Management and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development both supported the measure with technical, non-substantive amendments. Testimony focused on requiring early consultation about water availability in district boundary amendment petitions, with water officials explaining that the petitioner should submit a written statement reflecting consultation and that the goal was to identify water constraints earlier in the development process. The Land Use Commission’s representative opposed the bill, arguing that water availability is already addressed through existing environmental review and agency consultation, that the issue had been raised and rejected before, and that the proposal could create unnecessary delay or litigation. The committee then heard HB 1728 on rainwater catchment systems. The Commission on Water Resource Management said it acknowledged the bill’s intent but deferred to counties and other regulatory agencies, including the Department of Health, on regulatory implications. Hawaii Realtors testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion of the hearing shown. For HB 1652 on storm water management systems, the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association opposed the bill, arguing it would weaken protections created by Act 281 (“Sharkey’s Law”) and increase drowning risk for children by exempting certain water features from safety requirements. The American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii supported the bill, saying the language clarifies and better balances child safety with practical green stormwater infrastructure, including depth-based limits and exemptions for certain agricultural ponds. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the agricultural pond exemption, saying such ponds are used for irrigation, livestock, and fire control and are generally away from the public. A private testifier, Allison Schaers, opposed the bill and described her daughter’s drowning in a detention basin, arguing that poor maintenance can turn stormwater features into dangerous hazards. The hearing ended without any recorded committee action or vote in the excerpt provided.