Transcript Highlights:

• How many states already do this? Mr.
• Diaz, I believe there are five states that allow it as a method.
• Reentry has been funded by the state in some capacity since FY22.
• So this has been a very good investment on behalf of the state.
• And the state has something that the counties need, and now is money.

Bills: SB1317 , SB1655 , SB1656 , SB1751 , SCR1049

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: reentry programs, criminal justice, funding, grants, recidivism, attorney general, jury duty, election worker, Arizona Revised Statutes, temporary appointment, civic duty, family court, professional personnel, parenting time, legal decision-making, evidentiary hearings, child custody, ethical standards, capital punishment, death penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• Safety and efficiency in our state forensic system.
• However, most adults in our state lost access to care.
• We moved from Texas a couple years ago as we were victims of seven hate crimes.
• It will worsen the teacher shortage we already have in the state.
• Teachers are leaving the state. Teachers are leaving the profession.

Bills: S0560 , S0590 , S0778 , S1010

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Keywords: child welfare, psychotropic medication, Department of Children and Families, community-based care, liability insurance, forensic services, defendants, mental health, judicial system, defense, legal definitions, minors, healthcare, parental rights, criminal penalties, civil action, sex-reassignment, investigations, economic damages

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs considered four bills. SB 590, by Sen. Bradley, would toll the statute of limitations for failure to report suspected child abuse by mandatory reporters until the offense is known to law enforcement; an amendment clarified retroactive application for offenses not already time-barred by the bill’s effective date. Sen. Bradley said the bill is intended to ensure accountability in institutional abuse cases and not to change the reasonable-suspicion reporting standard. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard SB 778, by Sen. Simon, which would update the definition of forensic client so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed for incompetency can be housed with other Chapter 916 residents, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs at the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. Barney Bishop appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably without amendment. SB 560, by Sen. Garcia, would streamline procedures for psychotropic medication prescriptions for children in DCF custody, reduce duplicative background checks and reporting, and simplify consent documentation. Amendments removed language allowing licensed clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists to serve as evaluators and narrowed changes to the Road to Independence Program’s postsecondary education services and supports, extending eligibility ages from 18 to 26 while keeping the five-year cap. Senators discussed the fiscal impact and funding blend for the education stipend. The committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably. The committee then took up SB 1010, by Sen. Yarbrough, which adds criminal and civil enforcement for violations involving sex-reassignment prescriptions or procedures for minors and related parental-rights provisions. An amendment clarified that the civil action authority applies to minors and that damages benefit the affected minor. Public testimony was heavily divided, with supporters saying the bill enforces existing protections and opponents warning it would chill care, counseling, and school-based support for transgender youth. Senators Harrell, Sharief, and Rouson raised concerns about vagueness, standing, and impacts on teachers and health professionals; Sharief voted no, while the bill was still reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Teresa and I—Teresa actually started in the State Capitol.
• This bill mirrors a framework of SB 474, which limits commissary price markups in state facilities to
• This bill will deter companies from outsourcing manufacturing to other states and ensure the vitality
• SJR 18 actually builds on an effort that is being done in many states around the United States, Montana
• houses in the United States.

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest and retirement recognitions, including tributes to long-serving Assembly staff Liz Foster and Teresa Trujillo. Members also made procedural motions, including placing SB 546 on the inactive file, re-referring SB 716 to the Local Government Committee, and rescinding prior actions on SB 1344 and SB 1273 to return them to the third reading file. The body then took up a long series of concurrence and third-reading items, with most measures passing overwhelmingly. Among the bills discussed were AB 442 on working forest management plans, AB 2042 on civil actions, AB 1145 on vehicles, ACR 162 honoring Congressman Doug LaMalfa, AJR 17 on immigration registry renewal, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 1306 on controlled substances and semiconductor manufacturing, SB 1169 extending tentative map validity, SB 1211 on conviction integrity units, SB 971 on older adult education, SB 1193 on Alameda County discretionary funds, SB 1115 on public cemetery district trustee removal, SB 1187 removing language-access provisions from a Brown Act transparency measure, SB 505 on money transmitter security, SB 799 on the South Bay Regional Housing Trust, SB 994 banning NDAs for local officials and staff, SB 1405 on unclaimed retirement distributions, SB 881 extending food-bank-related tax incentives, SJR 18 on campaign finance reform, SB 1307 on forged real estate documents, and SB 1196 on utility hookup timelines. Most measures were approved with little or no opposition; SJR 18 passed 43-14, and several items required urgency or 54-vote thresholds and were adopted. The Assembly also adopted HR 136 designating Home Hardening Week and the consent calendar, including ACR 228. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory presentations for David and Lupe Navarro and Rachel Summers, followed by an announcement that the Assembly would reconvene the next day at 9 a.m. for a floor session recognizing departing members, and the House adjourned until Tuesday, August 18 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The IG report stated, The IG didn't bother to investigate whether there was collusion between SBA officials
• Fitzgibbon's holds a bachelor's degree from the best university, Iowa State University.
• Sims obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas.
• In the United States, last year, last year of the Biden administration, 886,000 jobs.
• I do believe small businesses, they're the engine of our economy, every state.

Committee: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Keywords: SBA, 7A loan program, underwriting standards, loan defaults, Community Advantage Program, small business funding, testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on discussions regarding the SBA's 7A loan program and its implementation challenges. Members raised significant concerns about recent changes to the underwriting standards, which have been criticized for leading to an increase in loan defaults. Ranking members expressed a desire for a return to stronger guidelines to protect taxpayers and ensure the program remains a viable source for small businesses struggling to secure funding. Testimonies from community lenders highlighted their efforts to support underserved communities and stressed the importance of the Community Advantage Program.

Transcript Highlights:

• As the judge presiding over the case stated, and I quote, I am having trouble understanding how a member
• of the bar could state unequivocally that this order is constitutional.
• Those meetings have some of the most sensitive information that the United States government has.
• Now in my role at the Department of Justice, I represent the interests of the United States.
• What's the United States Supreme Court opinion?

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Keywords: John Eisenberg, assistant attorney general, national security, China Initiative, Department of Justice, judicial authority, executive actions, nomination hearing

Summary: The committee meeting primarily involved discussions around key nominations and pressing legal issues pertaining to the Department of Justice. Notable discussions included the nomination of John Eisenberg for assistant attorney general for national security, where concerns over the revival of the China Initiative were raised. Senators expressed significant apprehensions regarding previous actions taken under this initiative and its implications for national security. Additionally, there were critiques of the broader implications of executive actions that challenge judicial authority, aligning with ongoing dialogues about the integrity of the judiciary and executive oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> United States Army. United States Army.
• </c> a religious state. a religious state.
• to state.
• United States is actually better States.
• The United States.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 19, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are the 38th state. So, I had state. We are the 38th state.
• Uh, the House Appropriations Committee will meet in the old state library tomorrow at 8:00 a.m.
• </c> the United States. the United States.
• . state. state.
• This is meeting the in-state state.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:15.440><c> families</c><00:08:15.759><c> and</c> In a state where many families and In a state
• Again, state ISO and FIRK levels.
• </c><00:49:05.760><c> of</c> which sort of summarize the state of which sort of summarize the state of
• no</c><01:13:03.280><c> jurisdiction</c> The state however has no jurisdiction The state however has
• </c> Is that stated in statute anywhere? Is that stated in statute anywhere?

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> it's well established in other states. it's well established in other states.
• of the state fire marshal.
• The state cannot regulate that.
• The state cannot regulate that.
• Um, there were multiple testing sites across the United States—California, Texas, New Jersey, Florida

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Testimony thank you and please state Testimony thank you and please state your<00:19:06.120><c>
• That's the amendments. add amendment stating that upon approval add amendment stating that upon approval
• </c> Shivers uh representing the Hawaii state Shivers uh representing the Hawaii state chiropractors<
• </c> majority of states in the United States majority of states in the United States who<01:01:03.039
• We are, you know, as the UHERO report states, we are the worst state by a long shot.

Committee: House Economic Development & Technology

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development and Technology met on February 7, 2025, to hear testimony on several bills and later take up amendments and votes. HB 1405, HB 1406, and HB 1407 drew broad support from business, housing, utility, and development groups, with no opposition noted on those measures. Testifiers generally said the bills would streamline permitting, improve coordination, and expand support for chambers of commerce and small businesses. After recess, the chair recommended amendments to each bill, including changes to broaden eligibility, add reporting requirements, and include funding and staffing notes. HB 1405 was amended to allow certain projects with one state and one county permit to qualify, require annual DBEDT reports to the Legislature, and note one full-time position and $125,000 in funding; the committee voted to pass it with amendments. HB 1406 was amended to move the intergovernmental task force from DBEDT to the House Legislature, add a Speaker-appointed chair, and include a $125,000 appropriation note; it also passed with amendments. HB 1407 was amended to convert the chamber support from a grant process to an RFP process and require a 1-to-5 match on a $100,000 award; it too passed with amendments. In each case, the chair’s recommendation was adopted, with Representative Tam excused. The committee also heard HB 796, a tax-credit review bill, which drew no support and 12 opposition testimonies with three comments. Opponents, including SAG-AFTRA Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued that automatic sunset provisions or broad tax-credit cuts would burden working families and that existing review mechanisms already exist under state law. The Department of Taxation and DBEDT offered technical comments, and the Tax Foundation suggested the bill’s goals might be better addressed by cleaning up the existing review process. Later, the committee heard HB 303, which had 17 supporters and no opposition. Testifiers from the Department of Health, University of Hawaii, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Queen’s Health System, and the Hawaii State Chiropractors Association supported the measure, with the chiropractors asking to be included in eligibility. The Hawaii State Center for Nursing said the program had been successful for five years and had room to expand. HB 577 also drew support, with the Department of Taxation offering comments and the Tax Foundation noting technical issues. HB 949 generated mixed testimony: Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce supported it, while Hawaii Children’s Action Network raised concerns about the bill’s effects and the lack of fiscal analysis; Sugar Creek Capital also supported the measure and clarified that the credit would not offset the GET. Finally, HB 933 and HB 959 were heard, with HB 933 receiving six support testimonies and comments focused on grocery tax relief and food insecurity, and HB 959 drawing strong support from labor and advocacy groups for its broad tax relief package, while the Tax Foundation and Hawaii Appleseed urged caution about the proposed 50% GET increase and asked for clearer fiscal analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> baiting permits throughout the state. baiting permits throughout the state.
• It's in the State House.
• It's in the state house. Well, down? It's in the state house.
• </c> the first floor in the state house. the first floor in the state house. Yeah. Okay. Okay.
• Are you allowed to vote on an amendment provided that it states what we said it was to state?

Committee: House Fish and Game and Marine Resources

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• United States of America and to the United States of America and to the republic<00:02:01.920><c> for
• </c> duty orders during a state of emergency. duty orders during a state of emergency.
• </c> National Guard's response to state National Guard's response to state emergency<00:21:54.360><c>
• Other states respect made tangible.
• Just ask the Secretary of State.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal from March 4, 2026. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 50 and 191 and requested concurrence. Several bills were reported for second reading and committee action, including measures on schools, barbering, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, fire protection, school district reporting, teacher certification, legal representation, cost and fee reporting, dentistry, credit insurance, harmful practices, elections, child welfare, health data, Medicaid directed payments, workplace violence in health care, utilities, solid waste, carbon sequestration, and coal/energy affordability. House Bill 534 was sent to the Rules Committee after receiving prior readings, and House Bill 600 was brought up for third reading and passage. House Bill 600, relating to the collection of delinquent tax bills, was explained as allowing counties to use a consolidated procedure to collect multiple delinquent tax cases more efficiently, requiring county attorney contracts with the Department of Revenue to include that option, and extending to counties some property-tax collection tools already used by cities for delinquent and dilapidated properties. A member from Jefferson raised concerns that the bill could allow foreclosure on occupied properties and warned about potential harm to elderly or low-income homeowners; the sponsor responded that the bill was not intended to remove anyone from their property. The House passed HB 600 by a vote of 82-11, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 662, concerning regulation of low-voltage battery-charged security fences by local governments, was described as a business-friendly measure supported by the Chamber of Commerce and affected industries, intended to define the fences and reduce regulatory uncertainty in commercial and industrial zones without removing local regulation. It passed unanimously, 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 364, relating to benefits for Kentucky National Guard members, was amended by House Floor Amendment 1 to define Commonwealth emergency pay and hazardous duty for Guard members on state active duty during emergencies. Supporters emphasized compensation for Guard members responding to disasters and emergencies, and members cited recent flood and crash responses as examples of their service. The bill passed 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 534, an elections bill, was taken up with House Committee Substitute 2 adopted. The sponsor said the bill was the product of work by the Secretary of State, the Board of Elections, county clerks, KREF, and others, and was intended to strengthen election laws. Debate focused on a provision that would remove from voter rolls individuals convicted of felonies even while appeals are pending; one member argued this would disenfranchise people before appeals are resolved and sought to offer an amendment, but a motion to suspend the rules for that amendment failed with only 18 votes in favor. Another member said the substitute was the best version of the bill and indicated he would offer amendments, including changes to the felony-appeal language and campaign finance timing, while also seeking to remove a section requiring federal cooperation. The transcript cuts off during that discussion, before final action on HB 534 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:09.759><c> um</c><00:05:10.320><c> they</c> and he stated or she stated that um they and he
• stated or she stated that um they go<00:05:10.800><c> in</c><00:05:11.120><c> they're</c><00:05:11.440
• So um it's it's a work state service.
• </c> maintenance of the state unified plan. maintenance of the state unified plan.
• Texas to make a living and just Texas to make a living and just recently,<00:39:35.520><c> you</c><00

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology met on February 25, 2026, to consider gubernatorial nominees to the Hawaii Workforce Development Council under GM 630, GM 628, and GM 631. The chair explained hearing procedures, noted backup reconvening plans in case of technical failure, and said decision-making would occur after testimony if time permitted. Testimony on all three nominees was overwhelmingly supportive, including from Department of Labor and Industrial Relations officials, Workforce Development Council representatives, and various outside supporters. For GM 630, Carrie Miro described decades of work on career pathways and emphasized applied learning, internships, and stronger links between education and employers. Senators questioned how to restore hands-on trade and career education and how to connect students to real workforce opportunities; Miro said businesses should help shape training and that students need both credit and employment incentives. For GM 628, Rona Fukumoto said her experience leading Lanakila Pacific and working in homeless services would help the council better understand the needs of people with disabilities, older adults, and other vulnerable populations, and she stressed educating employers and the public. She also said youth programs, apprenticeships, and early intervention for “opportunity youth” are important, and noted that college-based programs like those at HCC can still provide effective hands-on pathways. For GM 631, Keith Dlo, who is seeking reappointment, said the Workforce Development Council should help create a future in Hawaii for younger generations by aligning schools, agencies, employers, and communities. He said his work on American Job Centers and the council’s convening power show it is an active body, not just a reporting mechanism. Senators pressed him on how to measure success beyond federal compliance, and Dlo said the council needs Hawaii-specific metrics focused on participation, completion, job placement, and retention of young residents, while also adapting to changes like AI. No votes or final confirmations were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Bills: HR208 , HR50 , HCR54 , HR102 , HCR110 , HR103 , HCR111 , HR114 , HCR122 , HR152 , HCR162 , HR20 , HCR19 , HR98 , HCR106 , HR49 , HCR53 , HR53 , HCR57 , HR93 , HCR101 , SB3225

Keywords: Boys & Girls Club of Hawaiʻi, Youth of the Year, Military Youth of the Year, House Resolution, HR 208, keiki, youth recognition, student achievement, leadership award, community service, youth development, after-school programs, teen center, military families, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Legislature, commendation, congratulation, positive youth development, Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> institutions in the state of Minnesota. institutions in the state of Minnesota.
• </c> student in the form of a state grant. student in the form of a state grant.
• state grant program.
• . state. state.
• </c> students who received the state grant. students who received the state grant.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• such as North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Michigan, and Tennessee.
• such as North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Michigan, and Tennessee.
• fee this state.
• </c> the process of updating our um our state the process of updating our um our state rail<00:38:26.839
• Cloud State, so I'm very familiar with it. So, Mr.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 269 and House File 749 together, both aimed at ending Northstar Commuter Rail service. The bill author described HF 269 as directing the Metropolitan Council and MnDOT to request a federal waiver and discontinue Northstar operations, with HF 749 setting performance requirements that would trigger a similar termination request. Supporters argued Northstar has low ridership, high operating subsidies, and large maintenance costs, and said the agencies now agree with the intent to terminate the line and possibly replace it with bus rapid transit. The chair moved HF 269 to the general register while also laying HF 749 over in committee, and testimony was heard on both bills at once. Testimony split sharply. Supporters of termination, including the bill author and Annette Meeks, said Northstar has consistently underperformed ridership projections, has required large taxpayer subsidies, and should be ended rather than extended. Opponents, including Jesse Cook, Darwin Scherlan, Joel Mueller, Katie Nicholson, and Annie Buckle, argued the line still serves riders, workers, and communities, that low frequency and underinvestment are the real problems, and that the state should improve service rather than shut it down. Several opponents emphasized Northstar’s role for commuters, special events, and future growth, especially the St. Cloud corridor. Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle and MnDOT Commissioner Danenberger said they support carefully evaluating alternatives to commuter rail and acknowledged the subsidy is not acceptable, but they also said the agencies are working with the federal government and BNSF on possible next steps. Zelle said the agencies believe bus service could provide more frequent and direct service, and when asked directly, he confirmed they are in favor of terminating Northstar and replacing it with bus service if feasible. No final disposition beyond the motion on HF 269 and the laying over of HF 749 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> been admitted to into the United States been admitted to into the United States and<00:29:30.000
• </c> attempts to solve a problem in our state attempts to solve a problem in our state that<00:30:55.080
• <00:37:30.560><c> of</c><00:37:30.680><c> the</c> state of the state of the vote<00:37:33.839><c> you
• has</c> housing insecurity that this state has housing insecurity that this state has ever<01:01:20.039
• </c> increase in homelessness that any state increase in homelessness that any state is<01:01:25.440>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, uh, just wanted to acknowledge that tomorrow at 8:30 in the morning in the Old State Library, uh,
• So, uh, just wanted to acknowledge that tomorrow at 8:30 in the morning in the Old State Library, uh,
• the United States.
• <01:14:13.440><c> States.
• </c> state of Colorado. state of Colorado.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> information to the Secretary of State information to the Secretary of State um,<00:14:07.040><c>
• /c><00:14:57.760><c> then</c><00:14:57.920><c> the</c><00:14:58.160><c> DMV</c> state or within the state
• then the DMV state or within the state then the DMV or<00:14:58.959><c> the</c><00:14:59.279><c> voting
• </c><01:35:04.080><c> local</c><01:35:04.400><c> enabling</c> state goes to change local enabling state
• </c> the state level? the state level?

Committee: Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , where a piece of state statutory law... ...where a piece of state statutory law and a state executive
• Our state, again, we follow the law, follow state and federal law.
• for state purposes.
• United States—it's Prince versus United States, the leading case on this issue—and the United States
• the state.

Summary: The Tribal Relations Committee held a work session on the Keep Washington Working Act, hearing first from the Office of the Attorney General, then the Office of the Governor, and finally advocates from the ACLU of Washington, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and One America. The Attorney General’s office described the 2019 bipartisan law as limiting state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, emphasizing minimal data collection, privacy protections, definitions in the statute, model policies for agencies, and the role of court orders and federal funding exceptions. Committee members asked about consistency in legal guidance, possible federal challenges, and whether the law has been litigated in Washington or elsewhere; the office said it has not been challenged in Washington and cited similar laws in other states that have been upheld or dismissed in litigation. The governor’s office said the administration is implementing the law across agencies through case-by-case review of data-sharing requests, coordination with the Attorney General and privacy officials, and a new executive order creating an immigration sub-cabinet to improve agency coordination and community input. Officials said the state will continue to protect immigrant communities, avoid using state resources for civil immigration enforcement, and comply with federal funding requirements where necessary, citing Medicaid and other programs as examples. They also discussed recent court rulings in Washington that blocked federal grant conditions tied to immigration enforcement and said agencies are being trained to review data privacy and sharing practices. Advocates argued that Keep Washington Working is grounded in anti-commandeering principles and is meant to ensure state resources are used for state purposes, not federal immigration enforcement. They said the law helps immigrant communities trust police, schools, and public services, but warned that data sharing and aggressive federal enforcement are eroding that trust and harming families. The panelists described cases involving alleged unlawful local cooperation with federal immigration authorities, family separation, detention, and due process concerns, and suggested possible improvements such as stronger enforcement mechanisms, a private right of action, and broader limits on data sharing. No votes or formal actions were taken; the committee closed the hearing after members thanked the presenters and invited follow-up on implementation issues and potential legislative changes.