Transcript Highlights:

• So you guys have done a great job.
• You've done a great job.
• You can go back to the time of these atrocities and find many people that were doing their jobs, that
• He taught me to never stop learning every day that you're on the job—never, ever, ever stop learning.
• He showed that being pro-jobs and pro-community are not competing priorities.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and opened with a prayer and pledge that reflected on Japanese American incarceration during World War II and recent storm-related losses in California. The chamber then handled routine procedural matters, guest introductions, and several consent and file items before moving to floor debate on a series of resolutions and budget measures. The main policy item was HR 82, declaring February 19, 2026, a day of remembrance for the incarceration of Japanese Americans. Members from both parties and several caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing the injustice of Executive Order 9066, the importance of remembering civil liberties failures, and the need to guard against similar abuses today. The resolution drew some criticism of its rhetoric toward federal law enforcement, but after debate the Assembly added 72 coauthors and adopted HR 82 by voice vote. The chamber also adopted ACR 128, a resolution recognizing solidarity with Ukraine, and later passed ACA 7, a constitutional amendment related to government preferences, after a partisan debate over whether it would restore or prohibit discrimination. The Assembly also took up two budget-related concurrence items. AB 107, described as technical and conforming changes to the 2025 Budget Act and adjustments related to Proposition 4 projects, passed concurrence 59-3 and was sent immediately to the Governor. AB 117 authorized the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to borrow up to $590 million from already awarded transit capital funds to support operating costs for BART, Muni, AC Transit, and Caltrain; supporters called it a bridge loan to stabilize transit, while opponents called it a bailout lacking accountability. The measure passed concurrence 52-16 and was also transmitted to the Governor. The session ended with adjournments in memory of former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, with members praising his leadership in city government, energy policy, and clean energy development. The Speaker then announced the bill introduction deadline and the next floor session date before adjourning the Assembly until Monday, February 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was volunteered for that; that was a job that I was going to take on, and I was a trustee for 11 years
• At Renton Technical College, I was volunteered for that; that was a job that I was going to take on,
• This job keeps you very busy. So thank you. You're welcome. Thank you.
• And I think they do an amazing job. They have one of the best retention and persistence rates.
• And as Delano was doing a great job conveying all the fantastic cutting-edge work that our campus is

Summary: The Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee first waived the five-day notice rule and held a public hearing on Substitute House Bill 2525, which would establish a Heritage Orchard Program at Washington State University. Staff explained the bill was narrowed from the original version and would require WSU to maintain a registry of heritage orchards and a list of rare and lost apple varieties, with a null and void clause and fiscal note available. Representative Gloria Mendoza testified in support, describing Washington’s apple history and the effort to identify and preserve old apple trees still found on farms and trails around the state. Members asked questions about how the program would locate trees and preserve historic varieties, but no vote was taken on the bill during the hearing. The committee then heard several gubernatorial appointments to higher education boards. Representative Deborah Inteman was nominated to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, Bryce W. McKibben to the Pierce College Board of Trustees, former Senator David Frockt to the Western Washington University Board of Trustees, and former Senator Christine Rolfes to the Olympic College Board of Trustees. Each appointee described their background in higher education, public service, and community college or university advocacy, and members asked about attendance, board service, and how they would help bridge legislative and institutional priorities. The committee also held a work session on Central Washington University’s geothermal and decarbonization efforts, with staff explaining the university’s open-loop geothermal system, planned geo-eco plants, and climate action goals tied to state clean building and decarbonization mandates. CWU officials said the project is intended to reduce emissions, support campus heating and cooling, and serve as a living laboratory for students. In executive session, the committee moved to report a panel of gubernatorial appointments, including the higher education appointments heard that day, with a recommendation that they be confirmed. The motion passed by voice vote, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maloney did a really good job describing this, as much as I'd like to talk about the ag budget, I think
• Maloney did a really good job describing this, as much as I'd like to talk about the ag budget, I think
• Montana does a good job with their inspection stations.
• Montana does a good job with their inspection stations.
• Last year, as I stood before you, I was in the job for three months.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard presentations on the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and the State Liquor Division. For Agriculture, legislative staff reviewed the agency’s structure, staffing, dedicated funds, and FY 2026–2027 budget requests, including pay adjustments, replacement items, IT hardware, a reappropriation for the Resilient Food Systems Grant, and two major one-time requests: a deficiency warrant for exotic pest response and a supplemental appropriation for quagga mussel treatment. Director Chanel Tewalt emphasized the history and urgency of Idaho’s invasive species program, described the state’s rapid response to quagga mussels, and explained how the program uses inspections, stations, chemicals, and other tools to reduce risk. Members asked about grant timing, vehicle replacement, signage costs, research into alternative treatments, chemical costs, possible use of sturgeon, and whether budget cuts would affect inspection stations; the director said some station openings or hours could be delayed or reduced, but priority would be given to border crossings and higher-risk locations. The committee then reviewed the State Liquor Division budget. Staff outlined the division’s dedicated-fund operations, personnel levels, statutory distributions, and FY 2027 requests for inflation, replacement items, and IT/security equipment, all recommended by the governor. Director Andrew Arulenandum said his priorities were safety, legal exposure, and operational continuity, citing a store shelving collapse and warehouse safety needs as reasons for some requests. Members asked about a policy proposal to restrict bulk lottery ticket purchases by out-of-state syndicates, the division’s pricing and markup structure, and whether Idaho might move away from a state-run liquor model. The director and his staff said the lottery restriction would not have a fiscal impact, that the markup is standardized, and that while the division remains open to efficiency ideas, the current control-state structure is intended to support revenue and temperance. The meeting ended with notice that the committee would return the next day to take action on FY 2027 maintenance budgets.

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to anchor that investment here so that we can create and retain jobs.
• Here so that we can create and retain jobs and strengthen Missouri's role in strategic supply chains
• we want investment to come to Missouri, and that's part of this incentive to come invest and create jobs
• bring this bill forward and what are they intending to do with this besides just, you know, bring jobs
• We hurt when we lose, and in Kansas City we're experiencing that when we lose so that there are jobs

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2896, sponsored by Rep. Brown, which would change how boards of governors for state universities are selected. Brown said the bill, developed with input from the governor’s office, would simplify appointment rules by removing service-area and congressional-district requirements and instead limiting board membership so no more than half of the voting members come from the county where the institution is located, with a St. Louis exception. Members asked about Missouri residency requirements, the effect on Missouri State University and Southeast Missouri State University, and whether university presidents would recommend candidates to the governor. Brown said he would follow up on questions and was open to discussing possible adjustments, especially regarding geographic representation. One witness spoke in favor, arguing that boards should reflect a cross-section of the state. No opposition was presented, and the hearing on HB 2896 was closed. The committee then took up House Bill 1659, the Missouri Defense and Energy Independence Act, sponsored by Rep. Steinmeyer. The bill would create a grant program to help Missouri manufacturers convert facilities to produce strategic materials tied to national defense and energy resilience. Steinmeyer described it as a private-capital-first program requiring at least $500,000 in private investment, with grants capped at $1 million per project per year, subject to appropriation, annual reporting, and repayment provisions if projects fail. He said the bill is intended to attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen supply chains while keeping taxpayer risk limited. Members raised concerns about environmental and public safety risks, the bill’s placement in the higher education committee, whether it should instead be funded federally, and whether the program would mainly benefit large companies rather than small businesses. Questions also focused on the bill’s workforce-development component, the lack of detail on training and public-health protections, and the budget impact of creating a dedicated fund that would retain money and interest rather than sweep it to general revenue. Steinmeyer said the bill is meant to support existing Missouri companies or companies establishing headquarters in Missouri, and that universities had been involved in discussions about workforce needs. A representative from the API Innovation Center testified in favor, saying the bill could help develop key starting materials for pharmaceuticals and support reshoring. One witness testified in opposition, arguing the state should not subsidize private industry and warning about fiscal strain and environmental oversight. No vote was taken, and the hearing concluded without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm saying is others really haven't kind of got it together, you know, so it's really been Debbie's job
• In front of our people in this country, and farmers do a good job of that.
• I, as a farmer, when I started farming, I had a job to make my farm work, and it's hard and it's a tough
• in front of our people in this country in front of our people in this country and farmers do a good job
• I'm grateful to know Josh Wood there, coming out of MSU as a grad there, and now in this fantastic job

Committee: House House Agriculture, Acequias And Water Resources

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Wayne Denny and his team have absolutely done an amazing job with a very smooth transition, with no loss
• of cases... ...absolutely done an amazing job with a very smooth transition, with no loss of capability
• communications network. ...communications has done a phenomenal job of maintaining our public safety
• You do such a great job that it attracts out-of-state vets.
• That you do such a great job that it attracts out-of-state vets to come and live with us.

Summary: The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee heard budget presentations for the Idaho Military Division, the Division of Veterans Services, and PERSI. For the Military Division, analysts reviewed the agency’s structure, recent transfers of emergency medical services into the division, and the fiscal year 2027 request, which included hazardous materials response funding, a pay-parity adjustment for 223 state employees, a small enhancement for grant administration overhead, and rescissions tied to vacant positions and reduced tuition assistance and state match funding. General Donnellan said the division had absorbed the 3% rescission, but further cuts to state education assistance for Guardsmen would be concerning. Members also asked about the EMS transition, CEC-related pay parity, and the general’s military service. The committee then reviewed the Division of Veterans Services budget. Analysts described the state veterans homes, cemeteries, and veterans assistance programs, along with ongoing staffing challenges and the use of a temporary nursing pool to reduce reliance on contract nurses. Administrator Mark Champal said the division is making progress on staffing, expects to save nearly half a million dollars through the new pool, and continues to manage near-capacity homes while the new Boise veterans home is under construction. He also highlighted outreach efforts for homeless and vulnerable veterans, the division’s high satisfaction rates, and recent gains in benefits claims, education certifications, and community support connections. Finally, PERSI’s budget and operations were discussed. Analysts outlined the retirement system’s dedicated funding, the ongoing pension software upgrade, and requested one-time funding for the final year of that project, a continuity-of-operations and records management plan, and IT replacements. Director Mike Hampton reported strong investment returns, a funded ratio around 90%, and more than $1.3 billion in annual benefits paid. Committee members asked about retiree cost-of-living adjustments, the PERSI Choice 401 plan, the possibility of moving toward defined contribution or hybrid plans, and the meaning of “other” participating employers. Hampton said the board had recommended a retroactive retirement allowance adjustment through 2022, explained that PERSI’s structure supports retention, and noted that board meetings are now livestreamed. The committee adjourned until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some argue resource development brings needed jobs. Does economic opportunity matter?
• National estimates project up to 50,000 new jobs from expanded timber and mineral access.
• Of your projected 50,000 jobs, how many are seasonal versus long term?
• Roughly 60% would be permanent jobs, including mechanics, logistics, processing, and restoration.
• I thought you guys did a wonderful job.

Summary: The committee first considered RS 33025, a concurrent resolution supporting consolidation of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission with the Idaho Department of Water Resources as part of broader executive-branch efficiency efforts. Senator Harris said the resolution explains the rationale and process for the proposed realignment, and noted a letter of support from commission leadership. Senator Guthrie asked how the estimated savings would be achieved. The committee voted to send the resolution to print. The main policy item was Senate Bill 1222, a trailer bill to last year’s domestic well legislation. Senator Anthony said it clarifies the definition of subdivision for IDWR purposes, ties it to a five-lot threshold, and makes clear the new rules apply only to subdivisions initiated on or after July 1, 2025. Supporters, including Paul Arrington and other stakeholders, said the bill fixes unintended effects on existing or partially built subdivisions and preserves the original intent of the law, while still limiting future domestic-exempt well use. Bruce Smith testified in opposition to immediate action, urging the committee to table the bill and hear more from IDWR about implementation. After questions about domestic use, fire suppression, subdivision definitions, and irrigation impacts, the committee voted to send SB 1222 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard gubernatorial appointments to the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board from Kenneth Long and Carl Ray. Both described their backgrounds in outfitting, guiding, outdoor recreation, and public service, and members asked about board responsibilities, geographic representation, and challenges facing the industry, including access and tag allocation. The committee then took up Docket No. 24-3501-2-250, a set of eight rule changes for the Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board. John Price said the changes were part of zero-based regulation and were developed through public meetings and stakeholder input; they removed duplicative definitions, clarified overlap predator and tag designation rules, refined river boundary descriptions, and corrected a typo. The committee voted to adopt the docket. At the end of the meeting, the committee hosted an American Falls FFA Ag Issues team presentation on the federal roadless rule rescission. The students presented arguments on both sides of the issue, focusing on forest health, wildfire risk, tribal concerns, recreation, and economic development. Senators praised the students’ preparation and leadership, but no committee action was taken on the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• centers, the billions of dollars would be paid by industries in Washington and could adversely affect jobs
• The Centaurus Data Center now supports 21 full-time jobs, and the average is about 125% of the median
• It's a strategic investment that produces jobs, capital investments, and long-term tax revenue for the
• These industries provide thousands of family-wage jobs and are vital to our communities.
• He said these are good jobs and that the legislature should keep in mind ways to signal that Washington

Bills: SB6171 , SB5965 , SB5982 , SB6004 , SB6010 , SB5941 , SB6050

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: energy facilities, large energy consumers, regulation, environment, sustainability, retail bags, pollution, customer impact, consumer-owned utilities, clean energy, port districts, market customers, energy transformation, renewable energy, public entities, electric generation, contracting, SB 6010, Washington energy siting, EFSEC

Transcript Highlights:

• the REC Group found that a single one-gigawatt facility can generate 45,000 temporary construction jobs
• , thousands of permanent high-wage jobs in IT and engineering, and more than $400 million annually in
• targeted refinements, it can strike the proper balance, encouraging investment, creating high-wage jobs
• targeted refinements, it can strike the proper balance, encouraging investment, creating high wage jobs
• Florida can either welcome billions in capital investment, high-wage jobs, and substantial tax revenue

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries heard and voted on several bills. SB 986 would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and also restrict smoking in rooms and bars; the sponsor said it is intended to protect public health and outdoor spaces, while the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supported the goal but raised concerns about impacts on designated smoking areas, and cannabis advocates warned about unintended effects on patients and property rights. The committee reported SB 986 favorably. The committee also passed SB 678, which restores statutory authority for DBPR’s long-standing rule allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise taxes; a strike-all amendment was adopted, including retroactive application to January 1, 2025, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 800, which increases penalties for repeat unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts, was amended and reported favorably as well. Members then considered SB 408 on vaccine advertising and liability. The sponsor argued the bill would address declining public trust in vaccines by allowing claims against manufacturers that advertise in Florida, while opponents said the measure is preempted by federal law, raises First Amendment concerns, and would create unnecessary litigation. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee reported SB 408 favorably. The committee also heard SB 484 on data centers, which would set PSC tariff requirements so large load customers pay their own costs, preserve local planning authority, and limit water permits for large data centers; testimony was mixed, with supporters emphasizing ratepayer protections and economic benefits and critics warning about overregulation and confidentiality limits. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SB 1118, which creates a time-limited public records exemption for certain data center development information held by local governments, after the sponsor said it was meant to prevent extended NDAs while still allowing local notice and input. SB 1050, requiring veterinarians to provide written prescriptions so pet owners can choose their pharmacy, was also reported favorably. The meeting ended after several members recorded votes on bills they had missed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Great job. The chair recognizes Maylee Laird, testifying on behalf of herself.
• Great job.
• job of screening for infectious diseases.
• If you just answer my— I generally, I'm a trial lawyer in my day job.
• And you know, they do a good job. We had blood; okay? We did have blood.

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have put these events out where you can come in that day, interview, even take a job, get on, get
• on an exam, become reachable, interview, and receive a ten-day... of job offer that same day.
• And 275 job offers.
• Do you believe that by having these job positions that we'll start to be able to comply with the fines
• Thank you for that Well, thank you for bringing some light to the jobs and retention that's there, but

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They just did an extraordinary job of collaborating and being creative and finding ways to continue..
• clear that the federal tariffs and things the federal government are doing are having an impact on jobs
• And so I do think that over the interim, we will be working likely on a jobs package for next session
• Building and Construction Trades folks who depend on those data centers for jobs really wanted us to

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: Legislative leaders from the Washington Senate and House reflected on the end of the 60-day session, saying they were relieved to adjourn on time despite last-minute negotiations and a fire alarm evacuation. They described the session’s main goals as protecting Washington from federal actions and improving affordability, and said they made progress on both fronts. Among the measures highlighted were bills related to masking for law enforcement, election data security, joining the West Coast Health Collaborative, using science in vaccine and health-care recommendations, protecting immigrant rights, prohibiting impersonation of law enforcement, setting uniform standards for law enforcement, and the Flock camera bill. They also emphasized affordability and budget actions, including the “millionaires tax,” which they said would help fund tax relief on items such as diapers, over-the-counter medicines, and hygiene products, along with free school lunches and an expanded senior and disabled property tax credit. Leaders said all three budgets were completed, and credited unusually strong collaboration among House, Senate, and governor’s staff for getting the operating, transportation, and capital budgets across the finish line. They also noted a bill expanding energy assistance for low-income residents. In response to questions, leaders said the data center tax break bill fell short because it lacked votes in Ways and Means, with labor concerns and the pace of regulation cited as major issues. They said the Mosquito Fleet bill did not advance because the House and Senate could not reconcile differences in time. Looking ahead, they said juvenile rehabilitation, jobs in response to federal tariffs, data center regulation, education funding, health-care access and hospital support, charity care, public defense funding, and AI regulation are likely to be priorities next session. They also said their relationship with the governor improved significantly this year because of more regular communication and alignment.

Transcript Highlights:

• They just did an extraordinary job of collaborating and being creative and finding ways to continue .
• tariffs... ...federal tariffs and things the federal government are doing are having an impact on jobs
• And so I do think that over the interim, we will be working likely on a jobs package for next session
• depend on those... ...building and construction trades folks who depend on those data centers for jobs

Summary: Legislative leaders from the Senate and House gave a session wrap-up focused on the major priorities they said were accomplished in the 60-day session: protecting Washington from federal actions, improving affordability, and passing the state budgets on time. They highlighted bills on masking for law enforcement, election data security, joining the West Coast Health Collaborative, using science in vaccine and health-care decisions, protecting immigrant rights, prohibiting impersonation of law enforcement, setting uniform standards for law enforcement, and a Flock camera bill. On affordability, they pointed to the “millionaires tax” package, which they said will eliminate sales tax on certain hygiene products, over-the-counter medicines, and diapers, expand school meals, and help fund investments in state services. They also cited a larger senior and disabled property tax credit and energy assistance for low-income residents. The leaders said the House and Senate budget teams worked closely together, especially after the final revenue forecast, to complete the operating, capital, and transportation budgets despite concerns about the state’s fiscal outlook. They described the governor’s relationship with legislative leaders as stronger this year, with more regular communication and coordination. They also noted that some bills did not make it through, including the Mosquito Fleet bill, which stalled because the House and Senate could not agree on changes, and a data center tax break bill, which did not have enough votes in Ways and Means and drew significant concern from labor and construction trades about job impacts. Looking ahead, they said juvenile rehabilitation, public defense funding, data center regulation, education funding, health-care access, and a possible jobs package will likely be priorities next session. They also said the new AI bill provides a starting point for future regulation. No formal votes were taken in the exchange itself; the discussion was a press availability summarizing session outcomes and unfinished business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Concerns about HIPAA, but I can give you a brief list of some jobs that are falling in the cracks right
• So employers right now, they're still able to say that you cannot be impaired on the job, especially
• for those jobs that you mentioned.
• Lot of jobs that still need that.

Bills: HB3081 , HB3127 , HB3128 , HB3498 , HB2035

Committee: House Business

Keywords: fire extinguisher, licensing, public safety, age qualification, State Fire Marshal, medical marijuana, employment rights, safety-sensitive positions, workplace policies, public assistance, workforce development, economic competitiveness, task force, apprenticeships, training programs, training barriers, business growth, industry coordination, business entities, corporation law

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> improvement, and now to continue our job improvement, and now to continue our job in<00:13:37.839
• </c><01:13:17.760><c> Good</c><01:13:17.920><c> job.</c> here. Thank you. Good job. here.
• Good job.
• Good job.
• Yes. >> Um, I would like to point out that there... doing a great job here. doing a great job here.

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• experiencing jobs, and those experiencing homelessness, homelessness, homelessness, may<00:50:46.240
• You're not doing your job. Thank you, Mr.
• You're not doing your job. tell you. You're not doing your job.
• We need to provide jobs.
• , and I think they realize now there are several areas that do a good job, but overall, in looking at

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, there's a job search going on?
• So, there's a job search going on?
• </c> Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
• </c> took another job. took another job.
• </c> that job, is I think what you're asking. that job, is I think what you're asking.

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota Housing Finance, you guys have done a good job.
• </c> you guys have done a good job. you guys have done a good job.
• </c><00:50:36.360><c> of</c> that the state can do a better job of that the state can do a better job
• </c> doing a good job like you have. So. doing a good job like you have. So.
• Jobs, incomes, demographics are big drivers. Inventory, supply, demand.

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator, I think they did a great job of bringing up two issues, and one of them was the funding
• of bringing up two issues a great job of bringing up two issues &gt;&gt; and<00:20:16.080><c> one</c
• of informing the voters so we don't job of informing the voters so we don't have<00:29:53.679><c> to
• is to try and prove great do um your job is to try and prove great value<00:30:36.559><c> right</c><
• to educate and we got &gt;&gt; and it's your job to educate and we got to<00:31:53.039><c> help</c><

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think, like I said, Director, I don’t envy your job, but we need to have these conversations to
• This goes far deeper than just they need to get a job.
• to secure a job before the person's<01:01:46.400><c> released.
• ,</c><01:01:48.640><c> they</c> they're released they have a job, they they're released they have a job
• </c><01:15:51.440><c> of</c> so yes, it is falls upon the uh job of so yes, it is falls upon the uh job

Bills: HB1769

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: criminal justice reform, rehabilitation, private prisons, racial equity, Native Hawaiians, community well-being, mass incarceration, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1769, which would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to incrementally reduce the number of people incarcerated in private out-of-state correctional institutions. The DCR director opposed the bill, saying the department does not control overall prison population levels because courts determine admissions, and arguing that Hawaiʻi’s in-state facilities are already over capacity, especially Halawa, which he said is 165% over design capacity. He said only a small portion of the population is under departmental control through furlough programs and argued that bringing people home would require building a new medium-security prison. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Public Defender’s office, and several individuals, argued the bill creates a phased, accountable path to reduce reliance on mainland prisons and bring people home. Supporters emphasized the harms of separating incarcerated people from ʻohana and culture, the disproportionate impact on Native Hawaiians, and the need for diversion, treatment, re-entry support, and fair sentencing. Several testifiers also said the department has more control than it claimed, pointing to underused furlough options, reclassification, and empty beds at some in-state facilities, while others urged clearer statutory language and guardrails. Members questioned the director about whether people could be reclassified or moved to available beds at facilities such as Kulani and Waiawa, and about whether the department could do more through staffing and contract changes. The director said some proposals had been sent to the Department of Human Resource Development, but that major facility changes would be costly and that minimum-security facilities would need substantial upgrades to house medium-security inmates. After discussion, the chair said the committee would defer HB 1769 to Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. for decision-making and adjourned the meeting.