Transcript Highlights:

• If you want to bring any legislation, if you're thinking about bringing some legislation, then we will
• if you want to bring any legislation, if you're thinking about bringing some legislation, then we will
• And so our request to Legislative Management was denied for the study.
• the legislative assembly unless the request is likely to be or presently is pending before a court,
• the legislative assembly unless the request is likely to be or presently is pending before a court,

Committee: Joint Agriculture and Water Management Committee

Summary: The committee met for its third interim meeting, approved the prior meeting minutes, and heard a series of statutory reports from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Water Resources. Chair Hauck noted that Legislative Management had denied the committee’s earlier request for a fertilizer capacity study, and that the committee would also revisit the proposed Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern merger later in the day. Commissioner Doug Goring reported on several agriculture topics, including uncrewed aerial systems grants to detect noxious weeds, irrigation expansion potential, the low-carbon fuels program for ethanol plants, the Environmental Impact Mitigation Fund, model zoning ordinances for animal feeding operations, and fertilizer production and usage in North Dakota. He emphasized that fertilizer supply depends heavily on natural gas and water, that most nitrogen fertilizer is imported, and that large-scale fertilizer plants require very large capital investments. Members discussed fertilizer storage, natural gas pipeline capacity, water availability, and the role of state infrastructure in supporting value-added agriculture. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Water Resources’ economic analysis tool for water conveyance and flood-related projects. Dr. Dwayne Poole explained that the tool was created under 2017 legislation to help evaluate projects expected to cost $1 million or more, and that the department is proposing adjustments to better account for end-of-useful-life conditions and changing hydrologic data. He said the changes would remain focused on direct, demonstrable costs and benefits, not indirect impacts, and would be implemented through guidance and operating procedures rather than statutory changes. Committee members and water users discussed whether the revisions would better reflect real-world conditions, including deferred maintenance, changing rainfall patterns, and downstream effects. A representative from the Water Resource District Association said the group was working with DWR and hoped to review test scenarios before the June meeting. The committee then received a detailed presentation on Devils Lake, its outlets, and the Tolna Coulee control structure. State Engineer John Paskowski reviewed lake history, outlet capacities, sulfate and downstream flow constraints, and the purpose of the Tolna Coulee structure in limiting head cutting and preventing uncontrolled downstream releases. Members questioned whether the structure was effectively a dam, whether the lake would naturally overflow without it, the last time the outlets ran, and whether water quality in Devils Lake has improved over time. Paskowski said the outlets last operated in August 2025, that sulfate levels still limit operations, and that the lake has freshened somewhat but not enough to eliminate water-quality concerns. The discussion also touched on whether water from flooded areas or closed-basin systems could be reused for irrigation, and on the broader implications of wet cycles, inundated land, and drainage management across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation creates a brand new state agency.
• I'm the legislative director for the AFL-CIO.
• I've held the position of legislative chair.
• The appropriate level of incentive.
• We are opposed to the legislation.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• request is to allow us to engage in direct NIL relationships with our student athletes.
• So, you're right that it is a $5 million request of public funds to put into the program.
• The direct appropriation is different.
• </c> certification that meets appropriate certification that meets appropriate standards<00:43:32.880
• </c><00:45:39.359><c> I</c> removal of composting is appropriate I removal of composting is appropriate

Bills: HB2384

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: student-athletes, compensation, name image likeness, NCAA, Title IX, transparency, education, Hawaii, athletic programs, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees heard HB 2384, relating to student athlete compensation, with testimony largely in support from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletics, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Athletics, and several other supporters. UH Mānoa said the bill would create a framework for name, image, and likeness (NIL) policies, including education, financial literacy, agent regulation, transparency, and reporting. Supporters argued NIL is now a necessary part of college athletics to recruit and retain athletes, keep Hawaiʻi talent in-state, and remain competitive, while also helping student athletes develop as future leaders. One supporter also emphasized the need for financial guidance so young athletes do not mishandle NIL income. Committee members questioned why the bill would direct public funds to NIL payments rather than broader athletic operations or other student groups, whether other states are funding NIL directly, and whether the approach could create a bidding war. UH representatives said the university already has NIL contracts in place, but the bill would strengthen and formalize policies. They said the requested funding model includes about $5 million for NIL and $10 million for athletics operations, with the NIL amount intended to supplement private fundraising; they also noted UH has raised roughly $1.5 million to $2 million for NIL since July 1 and is targeting $3 million this fiscal year. Members also raised concerns about fairness, public spending priorities, and whether the university’s policies adequately protect student athletes. The committees voted to pass HB 2384 HD1 with amendments. The chair said the bill should be amended to explicitly state that allocated funds may be used by UH for NIL payments to student athletes, and asked the next committee to examine whether a different payment scheme, similar to those used elsewhere, might be more appropriate for public funds. One member announced a no vote, citing concerns about direct public funding of NIL and unequal treatment of student athletes versus other students. The JHA committee adopted the same recommendation, with some members voting with reservations. Afterward, the meeting moved on to HB 644 HD1 on single-use plastics, where the first testimony was in opposition from the Hawaii Food Industry Association and the Biodegradable Products Institute, both arguing the bill as drafted would improperly exclude certified compostable products and should better align with composting and certification standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've had many of my top priority bills held in Appropriations before, and it has taken me years to get
• An electronic copy of the agenda is available online at the Assembly Appropriations Committee website
• An electronic copy of the agenda is available online at the Assembly Appropriations Committee website
• AB 2589, Irwin, federal legislation review, do pass out on an A roll call.
• AB 2246, Wix, age-appropriate design code, do pass. That's out on an A roll call.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• During the 87th legislative session, we passed House Bill 21.
• Chairman, I respectfully request. The break to close. Thank you.
• And it was a request that was put in the bill for that.
• I would like an opportunity to close when appropriate, Mr. Chairman.
• I'd like an opportunity to close when appropriate, thank you, Chairman.

Bills: HB316 , HB353 , HB 1160 , HB1414 , HB1422 , HB1443 , HB1713 , HB1789 , HB1902 , HB2073 , HB2666 , HB2695 , HB316

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: motor fuel, criminal offense, metering device, organized crime, Texas Penal Code, trespassing, school safety, day-care centers, education, trespass, public safety, utility employees, criminal penalties, assault, harassment, public duties, safety, law enforcement, driving offenses, license regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• So this bill is not about increasing appropriations.
• But this legislation would codify it.
• As part of that role, I am on the Massachusetts Indigenous Legislative Agenda.
• And as Mark said, Earl's effort led to this legislation,...
• And as Mark said, Earl's effort led to this legislation, Mark said, Earl's effort led to this legislation

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development held a hearing on October 21, opening with a moment of silence for former committee chair Senator Edward Kennedy. Chairs Senator Paul Mark and Representative Sean Garballey then heard testimony on several bills related to tourism funding, arts infrastructure, public art, Native heritage, and a choreographer laureate. A major focus was legislation to require earlier distribution of regional tourism council grants from the Tourism Trust Fund, with testimony from regional tourism leaders from North of Boston, Metro West, Cape Cod, and Senator Joan Lovely. Witnesses said delayed grant allocations make it difficult to plan fall, winter, and shoulder-season marketing, and they argued that an October 1 or September 1 deadline would help preserve tourism’s economic impact without increasing appropriations. They cited tourism’s role in jobs, tax revenue, and regional economic development, especially for smaller and less prominent tourism regions. The committee also heard strong support for the Creative Space Act and the PLACE Act, which would help municipalities preserve affordable creative workspace and create a public art funding mechanism tied to state construction projects. Testimony from MassCreative, MAPC, arts organizations, muralists, and local arts leaders emphasized loss of workspace, displacement of artists, and the economic and community benefits of public art. Additional testimony supported bills to protect Native American heritage by preventing the sale of funerary and sacred objects in public or nonprofit collections, and a bill to establish a first-in-the-nation choreographer laureate of the Commonwealth. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned after public testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Cooperatives is having a legislative Cooperatives is having a legislative reception<00:21:02.080
• </c> I understand what you were doing, but I think as legislators sometimes we are legislating too much
• we &gt;&gt; but I think as legislators sometimes we are<02:18:57.280><c> legislating</c><02:18:58.240
• &gt;&gt; You heard the lady's request to carry &gt;&gt; You heard the lady's request to carry the<06:
• House Bill number 487, supplemental appropriations. House Bill 487, supplemental appropriations.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the senator from District 6 off the floor today, but we'll be taking up the other two pieces of legislation
• You've heard the unanimous consent request. Is there objection? Hearing none. Senator Woodward?
• You've heard the request. Is there an objection?
• The Idaho State Board of Education unanimously approved this legislation to move forward on April 16,
• Just a reminder that next Monday, the 16th, is the 36th Legislative Day.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Appropriations were increased to fund the governor’s request for MDE’s legal costs and their fraud detection
• </c><00:03:46.959><c> We</c> 2026 as a one-time appropriation. We 2026 as a one-time appropriation.
• Appropriations were increased bianium.
• the governor's request for MD's to fund the governor's request for MD's legal<00:04:53.440><c> costs
• c><00:04:58.639><c> the</c> appropriations that came into the appropriations that came into the working

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So this legislation would really streamline that.
• So we have some time to put that, to put the funding, the appropriation decision out on that, which is
• probably prudent to do right now in the current appropriation climate.
• probably prudent to do right now in the current appropriation climate.
• I know his request was for at least two.

Committee: House Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and first took up several bills in executive session. It voted House Bill 3144, relating to injunctions, due pass by an 8-4 vote; House Bill 3160, relating to preliminary injunctions and judicial proceedings, due pass by a 9-4 vote; House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2254, relating to post-conviction relief, due pass after adopting a technical committee amendment and substitute, by an 8-5 vote; House Bill 2206, relating to commercial activities, due pass by a 12-1 vote; and House Bill 2256, relating to minimum prison terms, due pass by a 9-4 vote. Members raised questions on HB 3160 about whether probate commissioners should be included in the bill’s language, and on HB 2254 about whether it was the same measure previously used to speed up the process. In public hearing, the committee heard House Bill 1711, the Uniform Interstate Deposition Discovery Act, which the sponsor and the Attorney General’s office said would streamline out-of-state depositions and subpoenas, reduce legal fees, and make Missouri’s process consistent with more than 40 other states. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee also heard House Bill 1713, which would simplify dissolution of deadlocked LLCs by allowing a judge to order dissolution more quickly, with the sponsor arguing it would reduce delay and litigation; no witnesses opposed it. House Bill 2427 would add judicial positions in St. Charles County, with the sponsor and members discussing the county’s rapid growth, docket pressure, staffing, and the need to reconcile differences among pending versions of the bill. No witnesses testified for or against that measure. The committee then heard House Bill 3086, which would create an additional associate circuit judge position in Miller County. The sponsor and a local attorney testified that Miller County’s caseload, tourism-related population spikes, municipal cases, and lack of commissioners justify moving up the statutory population threshold for a second associate judge. Members asked about treatment court staffing, courtroom space, senior judges, and whether similar arguments might apply in other counties. Finally, House Bill 3072 would allow the Industrial Labor Commission to modify attorney fee arrangements in permanent total disability cases when an attorney retires or dies and a new lawyer must take over; the sponsor said it would clear up an oversight and help manage ongoing medical issues. The committee also heard House Bill 2968, a cleanup bill to align circuit descriptions with prior recircuiting changes and to authorize a previously budgeted circuit judge position in the 25th Circuit. Testimony from the Judicial Conference explained that the bill would remove outdated geographic language and resolve ambiguity about the election date for the new judge. The meeting concluded after the public hearing on HB 2968, and members were told the next Judiciary meeting would be held the following Tuesday at noon in Hearing Room 3.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this legislation would really streamline that.
• On where the appropriate number is going to land, but it's kind of somewhere in there.
• to do right now in the current appropriation climate.
• So I think, I know his request was for at least, was for needing at least two.
• If that was two circuits, I don't know if one circuit and two associates would be appropriate or if it

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are here to hear one piece of legislation.
• You'll find that there on legislative finding C.
• And that's why I support this legislation.
• Committee, I know there has been a request.
• So Romer is not applicable to this legislation.

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• like</c><00:54:51.359><c> these</c> that legislative guideposts like these that legislative guideposts
• ><c> to</c><02:13:15.280><c> chapter</c> Any legislations or revisions to chapter Any legislations or
• </c> how legislation will impact their lives. how legislation will impact their lives.
• </c> um most appropriate for their schools. um most appropriate for their schools. uh<03:08:42.880><c
• I did want to share that amount is what was requested in our executive budget request for the purpose

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education met on February 17 and announced it would limit public testimony to one minute because more than a thousand testimonies were expected on one measure. The first bill heard was HB 1934, relating to the Imagination Library of Hawaii. The state librarian and Friends of the Library supported the bill, saying the program is a proven, cost-effective way to improve early literacy and should be expanded statewide for children ages 0 to 5. Friends of the Library said the current 50/50 match requirement would be too difficult to meet immediately and asked for state funding for the first few years to help launch the expansion. Testimony included eight supporters and one opponent, and members asked whether the proposal was an expansion of an existing program; the state librarian said it would expand service beyond currently targeted communities. The committee then heard HB 20004, which would extend the floating librarian pilot program. The state librarian, Department of Education, HSTA, and several individuals testified in support. Supporters said the program helps address staffing needs and improves student readiness, especially for college and information literacy. One retired community college librarian said school librarians help students prepare for college and are increasingly important in teaching critical evaluation of misinformation and AI-generated content. Members asked about implementation of the existing pilot, including recruitment of certified librarians for neighbor island and Oahu complex areas; DOE said those positions had been identified and recruitment was underway, and existing funds remained intact. The final major discussion was HB 2398, which clarifies the library system’s role in RNMSP-related projects and public library construction on or near school land. The state librarian and public library system supported the bill, while the Department of Education and Attorney General’s office raised concerns about vague language, especially the phrase “land controlled by the board,” and suggested amendments. In questioning, the state librarian explained that the bill was prompted by conflicts on shared or adjacent school/public library sites, including traffic, pickup and drop-off access, and other operational issues. DOE described significant disruption from one project’s traffic changes and said planning for such projects should involve early coordination and formal agreements. The state librarian responded that the new bill would clarify oversight and help avoid delays and disputes over property control and future renovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, Madam Chair, at that appropriate time, I'd like to move favorably. Rep.
• I support it, and at the appropriate time, I'm favorable for it.
• There's no fiscal note, there's no mandate, there's no appropriation.
• This legislation appropriately maintains strong standards for child safety for all pre-K programs, requires
• So I respectfully request that... So I respectfully request that you all vote in favor of Bill 441.

Bills: HB624 , HB1022 , HB1203 , SB82 , SB206 , SB305 , SB376 , SB441

Committee: House Education

Keywords: school safety, emergency operations plan, crisis management, active shooter, drills, training, classroom security, primary health services, behavioral health, school health providers, medical necessity, student health care, education, school week, instructional time, public schools, performance score, student athletes, cardiovascular health, sudden cardiac arrest

Transcript Highlights:

• :24.640><c> attorneys</c> multiple legislative council attorneys multiple legislative council attorneys
• We heard from Tucker Anderson from Legislative Council, Rick Seagel from Legislative Council, and Beth
• James from Legislative Council.
• Roll call has been requested and when the vote is taken it shall be by roll.
• Senate Appropriations Committee has its joint hearing with House Appropriations and Public hearings for

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> seriously, do we need to legislate seriously, do we need to legislate absolutely<00:44:04.000><c
• , legislation, legislation, we're<02:03:47.400><c> just</c><02:03:47.800><c> really</c><02:03:48.280>
• </c> say that's not appropriate, whatever. say that's not appropriate, whatever.
• </c> talked about, we request an eye vote. talked about, we request an eye vote.
• This bill comes from the legislative audit committee at the request of the state auditor to clarify and

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> emotional and so I would I would request emotional and so I would I would request that<00:04:22.320
• </c><00:16:05.519><c> there</c> ignition interlock legislation there ignition interlock legislation there
• It's not a new piece of legislation to this committee.
• Right now, this is well-intended legislation.
• </c> well-intended legislation well-intended legislation my<01:00:56.839><c> problem</c><01:00:57.200

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:02 HB 446: 00:01:44 HB 456: 00:07:08 Discussion in Opposition to HB 456: 00:15:20 HB 10: 00:26:18 HB 96: 00:36:54 HB 399: 00:56:31 HB 465: 01:03:04, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 446, as amended by committee substitute, which would expand third-degree assault protections to cover judges and justices of the Court of Justice and public transportation drivers. Supporters said the bill responds to violence and threats against judges and would extend protections already given to other public servants. Members generally supported the bill, though several suggested broadening it further to include circuit clerks or all officers of the court. The committee adopted the substitute and favorably passed HB 446 on an 18-0 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 456, a DUI-related cleanup bill sponsored by Representative Patrick Flanery and presented by County Attorney Joe Ross. The bill would add fentanyl, Flexeril, and clopene to the per se DUI list, treat driving on a suspended license as an aggravating circumstance, revise implied-consent notice language, and make changes to ignition interlock rules, including suspension periods and fees. Representative Scott West of the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, warning that some interlock violations and fees could unfairly extend suspensions and discourage participation, while members and the sponsor said the bill would strengthen DUI enforcement and that non-listed substances could still support DUI charges under other provisions. The committee adopted the substitute and favorably passed HB 456 by a 16-0 vote with one pass. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 10, relating to the rights of real property owners, sponsored by Representatives Maryanne Proctor and Emily Callaway, with testimony from a Pacific Legal Foundation representative and a Boone County Sheriff’s Office staff attorney. The sponsors said the bill is intended to address squatting by defining squatters and improving property-owner remedies, and noted support from sheriffs and realtors. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s full presentation or any committee action on HB 10.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, legislation was enacted requiring L&I to make a good-faith effort to notify an employer or owner
• We respectfully request that you not move this bill forward.
• And number two, that the decision of the arbitrator is not binding on the legislative authority of the
• county or their decision to appropriate the funds necessary to implement the decision.
• Or their decision to appropriate the funds necessary to implement the decision.

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee held its first meeting of the session and heard four bills. HB 2107 would make permanent and slightly narrow a temporary L&I requirement that, after an on-site safety inspection at a building construction site, the agency make a good-faith effort to notify the owner or employer within 10 working days if an immediately identified hazard could injure a worker. Construction industry groups and L&I supported the bill and said the pilot had worked well, with L&I reporting it had been able to notify owners almost 96% of the time during about 1,400 inspections. HB 2137 would remove the population threshold for binding interest arbitration for correctional employees in city and county jails. Teamsters representatives said the change would give corrections officers in smaller jurisdictions the same bargaining rights as other uniformed personnel and help address safety, staffing, and wage inequities. County representatives opposed the bill, saying it would increase bargaining and compensation costs for many counties, and asked for amendments requiring arbitrators to consider county finances and making awards nonbinding on county legislative authorities. HB 2264 would clarify unemployment insurance eligibility for workers who opt into an employer-initiated layoff or reduction-in-force plan, even if they can rescind their decision, so long as the termination results from the employer’s plan. Supporters said current court rulings create confusing and unfair denials of benefits for workers who leave in good faith during layoffs; NFIB raised questions about severance, retirement, and UI solvency. HB 2243 would allow physical therapists and occupational therapists to serve as attending providers in the workers’ compensation system. Physical therapy and occupational therapy advocates said this would speed care and return workers to work sooner, while retailers, food industry representatives, NFIB, the Washington State Medical Association, and L&I raised concerns about diagnosis, scope of practice, added costs, and the possibility that all PTs and OTs would have to join the provider network. No votes were taken; the committee heard testimony and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Isaiah Herrera, Legislative District 5. Representatives Aguirre and Marquez. Dr.
• Isaiah Herrera, Legislative District 5. Representatives Aguirre and Marquez.
• State of Arizona Legislative Proclamation honoring the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
• Dated this 21st day of April, 2026, Representative Jeff Weninger, Legislative District 13.
• So I'm in support of the bill, and I would request my Republican members, please vote yes.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and the legislation violated.
• This is a joint legislative priority for both the VFW and the student veterans of America.
• I'm going to ask our National Legislative Director.
• We applaud the bipartisan efforts to reintroduce legislation that supports this goal.
• As you know, we've been challenged by the expense of this legislation.

Committee: Senate Senate Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: veteran services, Secretary Collins, healthcare provisions, contract cancellations, transparency, accountability, committee meeting, legislation

Summary: During this committee meeting, various bills were discussed with a specific focus on veteran services and healthcare provisions. Notably, the cancellation of critical contracts under Secretary Collins sparked significant debate, with representatives emphasizing the adverse impact on veteran care. The meeting featured testimonies from veterans and stakeholders who expressed their concerns regarding the potential fallout of these cancellations, demonstrating the urgency of transparency and accountability in management decisions. Discussions also delved into various legislative proposals aimed at improving services for veterans amidst these challenges.