Transcript Highlights:

• Kelly McMillan on behalf of the California Water Association, in support. Good morning.
• protections to include utility workers, such as those employed by investor-owned and publicly owned water
• protections to include utility workers, such as those employed by investor-owned and publicly owned water
• David Bulldog, employee of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, outside employee, electrical

Summary: The committee heard several bills, though no final votes were taken because a quorum had not yet been established. SB 493 by Senator Becker would add war or armed conflict to California’s price-gouging emergency triggers, with the author and supporters arguing it would protect consumers from gas-price spikes tied to international conflict. Opponents, including business and housing groups, warned the bill could over-trigger emergency powers and create broad, ongoing price controls. The chair indicated support for an aye-as-amended recommendation once quorum was reached. SB 1056 by Senator Grayson would require protective orders for disclosure of sexually explicit material involving adult victims in specified criminal cases. Denise Huskins-Quinn and Aaron Quinn testified in support, describing how sensitive evidence in their case was copied and handled without adequate safeguards; supporters said the bill would extend privacy protections similar to those already used for child sexual abuse material. Criminal defense attorneys supported the goal but raised concerns about notice procedures and how the bill would apply when material is in the public domain. The chair said the bill filled a gap in existing law and would receive an aye recommendation. SB 1208 by Senator Grayson would let law enforcement seize and return crypto assets used in scams and fraud to victims. The Attorney General’s office and law enforcement groups supported the bill as a tool to recover losses from transnational crypto fraud, while the ACLU and public defenders argued it lowered the burden of proof, raised constitutional concerns, and could be misused against unbanked or low-level defendants. The chair nevertheless said the bill aligned with existing law for stolen property and would be recommended aye. SB 874 by Senator Weber-Pearson would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, including requiring background checks for employees of providers and convening a stakeholder workgroup; it drew support from the California Association for Behavior Analysis and no opposition was heard. Later, SB 1266 by Senator Stern would change how the value of stolen copper and related infrastructure damage is calculated, aiming to address copper theft and its costs to cities and utilities. Supporters said the bill would better capture the real harm from thefts that disrupt streetlights, telecom, and emergency services, while opponents argued it would inflate charges, turn many misdemeanors into felonies, and increase court and incarceration costs. The author said he would continue discussions and accept the amendments. Senator Cervantes presented SB 1379, which would separate the Riverside County sheriff and coroner offices and create an independent medical examiner; supporters cited in-custody death concerns and conflicts of interest, while opponents said the problem was not unique to Riverside and that the bill would override local control. Cervantes also presented SB 1418 to extend ballot-custody protections to other election records and equipment after a Riverside County ballot seizure, with support from the Attorney General’s office. Finally, Senator Blakespear began presenting SB 936 on nitrous oxide misuse, describing public health, impaired-driving, and disposal concerns, but the transcript cuts off before the bill’s testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we are treading water in Dallas County to avoid outsourcing the prisoners that we are bringing in.
• Yes, I have a question specifically regarding any recent information on the 1944 water agreement.
• Regarding the 1944 water agreement, I don't have any recent information, but I'd be happy to circle back
• It's been a recurring issue, so definitely, Texas wants its water. I fully agree. Okay, good.

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• pharmaceutical industry. ...and take into account the foundational importance of nutrition, clean water
• There was overcrowding, access to water and food, good water and food was limited.
• Like most parents, I'm treading water on a daily basis. Thank you.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing on several vaccination-related bills, including proposals to eliminate non-medical or religious exemptions for school immunizations (notably H. 2554 and S. 1557), a bill to require or improve reporting and administration of immunization data and exemptions (described as the Community Immunity Act, S. 1618), and H. 2431, which would prohibit COVID-19, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccine requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2463, which would classify funeral directors as public health workers for vaccine-priority purposes during emergencies. The chair reviewed testimony rules and repeatedly asked speakers to keep comments orderly and brief so the committee could hear as many people as possible. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony on H. 2554 and S. 1557 was sharply divided. Pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, public health advocates, and groups such as the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Massachusetts Medical Society, March of Dimes, Massachusetts Families for Vaccines, and several parents supported eliminating religious exemptions, arguing that vaccination protects medically vulnerable children and adults, improves herd immunity, and helps prevent outbreaks of measles, pertussis, and other diseases. They cited local school data showing pockets of lower coverage and incomplete reporting, and several speakers referenced outbreaks in other states and the need for stronger, more consistent reporting and exemption management. Opponents argued the bills would infringe on religious freedom and parental rights, force families to choose between faith and education, and unfairly target a small number of families; some also said Massachusetts already has high vaccination rates and that the real issue is incomplete data or the gap population rather than religious exemptions. H. 2431 drew testimony from supporters who said COVID-era mandates caused job losses, privacy concerns, and harm, and that the bill would prevent future requirements for COVID, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccines in schools, workplaces, and public settings. Supporters described personal experiences with alleged vaccine injury or mandate-related hardship. H. 2463 was supported by the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, which argued funeral directors work in infection-facing settings and should be eligible for vaccine priority during public health emergencies. The hearing featured extensive public testimony but no committee action beyond hearing the bills and taking questions from members.

Transcript Highlights:

• It means going without water or without food.
• It means going without water or without food.
• County could sometimes be stranded in bed without food, water, medicine, or bladder or bowel care.
• County could sometimes be stranded in bed without food, water, medicine, or bladder or bowel care.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• how many times he's come to Frankfort, but he's had to stop somewhere to fix a sewer leak, to fix a water
• 19:43.920><c> a</c> somewhere to fix a sewer leak, to fix a somewhere to fix a sewer leak, to fix a water
• 45.519><c> many</c><02:19:45.679><c> times</c><02:19:45.840><c> he's</c><02:19:46.080><c> come</c> water
• leak, or how many times he's come water leak, or how many times he's come to<02:19:46.559><c> Frankfurt

Bills: SB141 , SB124 , SB56 , SJR116 , SB94 , SB37 , SB127 , SB197 , SB66 , SB70 , SB133 , SB160 , SB214 , SB312 , SB52 , SJR62 , SJR75

Keywords: legal advertisements, tax rates, public hearings, transparency, local government, sick leave, education, teacher retirement, benefits, employee compensation, Medicaid, nonopioid analgesics, pain management, health care regulation, utilization controls, physician shortage, health care access, medically underserved areas, medical education, workforce development

Transcript Highlights:

• as amended because we need to address the fraud issue specifically, and I don't want to muddy that water
• </c><00:35:25.800><c> to</c><00:35:25.880><c> muddy</c><00:35:26.080><c> that</c><00:35:26.359><c> water
• ,</c> and I don't want to muddy that water, and I don't want to muddy that water, but<00:35:27.720><c

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The initial recommendation from the insurer was essentially basic cleaning, soap, water, and general
• essentially basic the insurer was essentially basic cleaning,<01:59:39.920><c> soap,</c><01:59:40.400><c> water
• ,</c><01:59:40.639><c> and</c><01:59:40.880><c> general</c> cleaning, soap, water, and general cleaning
• , soap, water, and general vacuuming.<01:59:42.239><c> The</c><01:59:42.480><c> biohazard</c><01:59:43.119

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said he was venturing into waters where he wanted to be careful, but that his understanding is there
• :29:50.240><c> venturing</c><00:29:50.799><c> into</c><00:29:51.200><c> into</c><00:29:51.600><c> waters
• </c><00:29:52.000><c> that</c><00:29:52.240><c> that</c> I'm venturing into into waters that that I'm
• venturing into into waters that that um<00:29:53.279><c> I</c><00:29:53.520><c> want</c><00:29:53.600

Bills: HF3698 , HF4243 , HF4239 , HF4241 , HF4242 , HF4240

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: libraries, electronic books, digital audiobooks, licensing agreements, public access, campaign finance, elections, political contributions, disclosure, reporting thresholds, economic interest statements, financial disclosure, ethics, public officials, local officials, metropolitan governmental unit, metropolitan area, candidate filings, principal campaign committee, political committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the Water Quality Control Commission effective February 16, 2026, February 15, 2029.
• reappointed.<02:15:50.480><c> Members</c><02:15:50.760><c> of</c><02:15:50.800><c> the</c><02:15:50.880><c> Water
• Members of the Water reappointed.
• Members of the Water Quality<02:15:51.840><c> Control</c><02:15:52.200><c> Commission</c><02:15:52.560

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary of Agriculture from prohibiting the use of lead ammunition or tackle on certain federal land or water
• Secretary of Agriculture from prohibiting the use of lead ammunition or tackle on certain federal land or water
• Secretary of Agriculture from prohibiting the use of lead ammunition or tackle on certain federal land or water
• Secretary of Agriculture from prohibiting the use of lead ammunition or tackle on certain federal land or water

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, which is HP 1652 HD1 relating to storm water management systems, and the chair's recommendation will
• <02:13:48.880><c> relating</c><02:13:49.119><c> to</c><02:13:49.360><c> storm</c><02:13:49.679><c> water
• </c> uh HD1 relating to storm water uh HD1 relating to storm water management<02:13:50.400><c> systems

Bills: HB1183 , HB1656 , HB1658 , HB1661 , HB1663 , HB1664 , HB1859 , HB2116 , HB2271 , HB2276 , HB2335 , HB2360 , HB2387 , HB2472 , HB1805 , HB2469 , HB1815 , HB1860 , HB2117 , HB2118 , HB2437 , HB2438 , HB2604 , HB1590 , HB2156 , HB2268

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes, indebtedness, salary recovery, employee compensation, deductions, financial management, collective bargaining, employee relations, impasse procedures, arbitration, public employment, HB1661, cafeteria plan, Section 125, Internal Revenue Code, flexible spending account

Transcript Highlights:

• , or TENs, are efficient but relatively expensive systems that provide space heating, cooling, and water
• that provide space heating,<01:26:24.800><c> cooling</c><01:26:25.600><c> and</c><01:26:25.840><c> water
• </c><01:26:26.080><c> heating</c><01:26:26.480><c> to</c> heating, cooling and water heating to heating
• , cooling and water heating to multiple<01:26:27.040><c> buildings</c><01:26:27.520><c> through</c><01

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The Board of Water and Soil Resources has indicated the program needs a combination of GEO bonds and
• The<00:09:44.720><c> board</c><00:09:44.959><c> of</c><00:09:45.120><c> water</c><00:09:45.360><c> and
• </c><00:09:45.600><c> soil</c><00:09:46.000><c> resources</c> The board of water and soil resources The
• board of water and soil resources has<00:09:46.880><c> indicated</c><00:09:47.440><c> the</c><00:09:

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This muddies the water. The only reason to do this is to enable cheating.
• .<01:23:27.280><c> This</c><01:23:27.520><c> muddies</c><01:23:28.000><c> the</c><01:23:28.239><c> water
• This muddies the water. The consent. This muddies the water.

Bills: HB1546

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: Medicaid, health insurance, healthcare access, insurance subsidies, pilot program, affordable care, preventive services, low-income, community engagement, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2083, which would add homeless shelters to Hawaii’s drug-free/safe-zone protections. The City and County prosecutor’s office strongly supported the bill, saying service providers asked for the change because drug activity near shelters can undermine recovery efforts. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, focusing on a possible notice problem because many shelters are not readily identifiable and the bill’s 750-foot distance requirement could be difficult to apply. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii also opposed the bill, arguing it would expand criminalization of poverty and drug use and that drug-free zone laws are ineffective and disproportionately harmful. The prosecutor’s office said it would do more research on the notice concern. The committee then moved on without taking a vote in the transcript provided. The committee next discussed HB 2087, which would change the treatment of abuse of family or household member cases by ending the deferred-acceptance pilot and returning to the prior statute. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying the pilot had not reduced backlog as intended and that domestic violence cases should remain petty misdemeanors without deferral. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Public Defender’s Office both opposed HB 2087, instead urging extension of the pilot for another five years so the legislature can better evaluate how deferred acceptance is working. They said deferrals can be a useful incentive for behavior change and that more data is needed before ending the program. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about why Hawaii should differ from other counties and whether repeat offenders could keep receiving deferrals; the prosecutor said the deferral is available only once and reiterated support for returning to the old statute. The committee then heard HB 2096 on aggravated circumstances in child protective proceedings. The family court and Attorney General’s Office supported the bill, saying current law limits aggravated-circumstances findings to the early return hearing, which can prevent findings in the most serious abuse cases when key evidence is not yet available. They said the bill would allow such findings later in the case and, with proposed amendments, would let the court consolidate aggravated-circumstances and termination-of-parental-rights hearings to reduce delay and appeals. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii opposed the measure, arguing it would expand state power in family matters and could worsen outcomes for parents and children. Committee questions focused on the amended language, including what “another court of competent jurisdiction” means and whether a charge alone would be enough; the judiciary responded that criminal courts are included, but a hearing and opportunity to defend would still be required. Finally, the committee took up HB 1959, another domestic violence measure. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Public Defender’s Office, the Crime Victim Compensation Commission, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and county prosecuting offices testified in support. Supporters said the bill would extend the pilot program while keeping deferred acceptance of guilty pleas in place, giving more time to evaluate whether the program is working and whether a more formal diversion model should be developed. The coalition also suggested technical fixes to ensure judiciary data reporting continues and that the deferred-acceptance statute is not inadvertently repealed. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript before the committee moved on to the next bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• care really don't care because, like the previous legislator that spoke about five people back, the water
• <c> people</c><00:46:45.280><c> back,</c> five people back, five people back, the<00:46:48.000><c> water
• 48.640><c> been</c><00:46:48.800><c> muddied</c><00:46:49.200><c> with</c><00:46:49.440><c> the</c> the water
• has been muddied with the the water has been muddied with the conversation<00:46:50.240><c> of</c><00

Bills: HB0003 , HB0004

Committee: House Labor, Health & Social Services

Keywords: pregnancy centers, abortion, pro-life, healthcare, women's rights, state regulation, civil rights, freedom of speech, medical assistance, birthing centers, Medicaid, Wyoming, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to muddy the water, but I thought that would be... the long-term homeowners
• mean</c><01:13:06.320><c> to</c><01:13:07.280><c> muddy</c><01:13:07.679><c> the</c><01:13:07.840><c> water
• ,</c><01:13:08.000><c> but</c><01:13:08.159><c> I</c> didn't mean to muddy the water, but I didn't mean
• to muddy the water, but I thought<01:13:08.560><c> that</c><01:13:08.719><c> that</c><01:13:09.040><

Bills: HB0045

Committee: House Revenue

Keywords: property tax, exemption, homeowners, long-term, aged, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• etc., the governor has to weigh whether or not to exclude price controls for everything from bottled water
• everything exclude price controls for everything from<00:29:39.039><c> bottled</c><00:29:39.520><c> water
• </c><00:29:41.840><c> So,</c><00:29:42.399><c> um</c> from bottled water to vehicles.
• So, um from bottled water to vehicles.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 5 and heard testimony on a long agenda of transportation-related bills. Early measures included HB 2392, which would create an employer tax credit for transportation demand management benefits; HB 2462, which would bar auto manufacturers and dealers from charging post-sale fees for already-installed hardware; and HB 2423, which would require diesel sold for on-road use to contain at least 5% biodiesel. HB 2392 drew support from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual, with the Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation offering comments. HB 2462 drew support from DCCA and one individual, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed it. HB 2423 drew comments from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Farm Bureau, support from Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii Transportation Association, and a question from the chair about whether biodiesel is exported; the witness said production stays local. The committee also heard HB 1771 on voluntary carbon offsets for air travel, HB 2081 on requiring firefighters exempt from CDL rules to follow equivalent alcohol and substance abuse policies, HB 2334 on allowing the Department of Transportation to assume NEPA responsibilities for certain projects, and HB 2336 on DOT agreements with the Department of Defense for work at military installations using federal funds. HB 1771 drew comments from Life of the Land warning that carbon offsets are often unreliable and could create liability, while Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offered comments. HB 2081 received support from DOT, county human resources offices, fire departments, and county officials, with the Hawaii Firefighters Association in opposition. HB 2334 was supported by DOT, and the director said other states using NEPA assignment can complete projects in about half the time. HB 2336 was supported by DOT, HIEMA, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council; the committee discussed the administrative fee as a way to recover costs under an intergovernmental agreement. The most extensive testimony centered on HB 1666, which would limit new motor vehicle markups above 5% of MSRP and require recordkeeping. Multiple dealer groups and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association opposed it, arguing it would threaten dealership operations, especially in Hawaii’s high-cost market and for vehicles without an MSRP. The committee also heard HB 2375 on uniform towing and parking enforcement standards on state and leased lands, including notice, disability protections, payment safeguards, and public reporting; DLNR, DAGS, and several advocacy groups testified, with strong public support and concerns about towing practices and ADA compliance. HB 2415, which would appropriate funds for crosswalks near school properties, drew support from DOT, DOE, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and the committee discussed how counties would request projects and how funding would be allocated. Finally, HB 2451, which would move Hawaii toward fare-free public transit beginning in 2027 and create a dedicated funding source through a petroleum tax increase, received broad support from DOT, the Energy Office, public health and advocacy groups, and many individuals; DOE testified that it currently uses about $2.1 million for student bus passes and that the program is tied to savings from inactive school bus routes.

Transcript Highlights:

• You got to blow them out of the water because you need it here for tourism as well as a second industry
• You got to blow them out of the<01:03:30.240><c> water</c><01:03:30.880><c> because</c><01:03:31.200>
• 31.520><c> need</c><01:03:31.680><c> it</c><01:03:32.000><c> here</c><01:03:32.400><c> for</c> the water
• because you need it here for the water because you need it here for tourism<01:03:33.760><c> as</c><

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard seven bills on consumer protection, DBEDT-related matters, and tourism/creative industry issues. On SB 2031, DCCA supported aligning state law with the FTC’s 2025 rule on hidden fees and pricing misrepresentations in live event ticketing and short-term lodging; hotel and financial industry witnesses also testified, and senators asked for complaint and enforcement data. On SB 2129, DBEDT and business groups supported a study of minimum wage impacts, with testimony emphasizing effects on hours, employment, prices, and business viability; a senator asked whether the study could also examine the gig economy and business closures, and DBEDT said that may be possible but would require more research and data access. On SB 2259, which would promote dementia-friendly businesses, DBEDT said the measure fit better with another agency and lacked the department’s expertise, while the Executive Office on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association supported the intent and offered to help with curriculum, branding, and training. Testifiers described dementia as a spectrum and said businesses should be trained to communicate effectively with customers and employees living with the disease; suggested amendments included changing the branding language and requiring at least 85% of employees to complete training rather than all employees. A senator also raised concerns about stigma and whether early-stage dementia should affect a person’s ability to function, and the witness responded that people can often function well in early stages. The committee also heard SB 2577 on sports tourism, which DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported as a way to better understand which events draw visitors and economic benefits. SB 2578, creating a film commission, drew broad support from DBEDT, Creative Industries, SAG-AFTRA, the Hawaii Film Alliance, the Hawaii Film Office, and others, but several witnesses urged changes to the commission’s composition and authority, including more labor representation and limits on the commission’s ability to adjust the production cap. Senators questioned staffing, costs, and whether current film office employees should transfer to the new commission, and one senator proposed a friendly amendment to add musicians, SAG, IATSE, and Teamsters, though the department cautioned that too many members could make the commission difficult to manage. The transcript ends during discussion of the film bill, with no final votes or committee actions stated for the measures heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Well, good morning, Senator Waters. >> Good morning, Mr. Chair, members of the committee.
• Senator David Waters, District 4, here to introduce Senate Bill 565.
• Are there any questions for Senator Waters?
• The last one is Senator Waters. I'm going to move out to pass." "We have a second.

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's like, you know, it's kind of when I make cement, I keep on adding, you know, I add water and then
• you</c><01:33:54.000><c> know,</c><01:33:54.080><c> I</c><01:33:54.239><c> add</c><01:33:54.480><c> water
• <01:33:54.639><c> and</c><01:33:54.880><c> then</c><01:33:54.960><c> I</c> adding, you know, I add water
• and then I adding, you know, I add water and then I need<01:33:55.199><c> to</c><01:33:55.360><c> add

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Keywords: 1189, house, all