Transcript Highlights:

• In that case, an appropriate notice will be posted.
• Thank you for giving the opportunity, and I did give a signed copy to fellow legislative colleagues.
• So you guys legislative uh colleagues.
• I started as a legislative aide. So please take care of your legislative aides.
• </c><01:04:18.720><c> out</c><01:04:18.880><c> ofstate</c> appropriation amount for the out ofstate appropriation

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on economic development, tourism, business climate, and related policy areas. On HB 1943, which would support a DBEDT office in Korea, DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in support, emphasizing Korea’s importance as a market for investment, trade, and tourism and the value of helping small and midsize Hawaii businesses access Asian markets. A later witness also tied the proposal to broader free-trade and APEC-related goals. The committees heard no opposition on that measure. The committees then heard HB 1612 and HB 1614, both supported by multiple organizations and agencies. Testimony for HB 1612 stressed Hawaii’s weak business climate and the need for policies that improve economic growth and competitiveness; the Hulamua Collaborative cited survey results showing only 19% of respondents viewed Hawaii as a good place to do business. HB 1614 also drew support, with HTC saying its focus is on economic growth. For HB 1968 and HB 1967, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the University of Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce, and Hulamua Collaborative largely stood on written testimony in support; the hearing notes reported nine supporters and one opponent on HB 1968, and seven supporters with one comment on HB 1967. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 1589, a bill to create dementia training and recognition for businesses. Testifiers included a private citizen sharing a personal family story, the Alzheimer’s Association, and DBEDT. Supporters said the measure would help families affected by dementia, reduce stigma, and make businesses more dementia-friendly. DBEDT said the issue would be better handled by an agency with dementia expertise, while the Alzheimer’s Association said it could provide training at no cost and suggested amendments to shift implementation toward the Executive Office on Aging and to use the term “dementia business champion.” The final major topic was HB 1608, involving a space-related project and financing. Phoenix Space testified that the bill would help launch responsive space access operations at Hilo International Airport, create local jobs, and support partnerships with Hawaii institutions, while another supporter said the project could diversify the economy. A committee member raised a timing concern, noting bond cap capacity was already allocated through 2028, and the witness said they were willing to work on a solution. The hearing also included HB 1850 on capital gains taxation, where supporters argued the bill would make the tax system fairer by increasing taxes on investment income, while the Chamber of Commerce opposed it. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Thompson has a unanimous request to strike the title without objection.
• And with that, I respectfully request a yes vote. Thank you. Clerk will call the roll.
• These exemptions are appropriately targeted and helpful without compromising the public safety.
• I would also like to request a strike title on this.
• This bill came at the request of Oklahomans for the Arts.

Bills: SB1241 , SB1242 , SB1442 , SB1592 , SB1623 , SB1625 , SB1913 , SB1940 , SB1949 , SB2102 , SB592 , SB992

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Keywords: ticket sales, resale, consumer protection, fraud, bots, transparency, refunds, event tickets, medical marijuana, cannabis, marijuana license, commercial grower, grow operation, bond requirement, land reclamation fee, revolving fund, environmental remediation, redevelopment, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, OMMA

Summary: The Business and Insurance Committee considered a series of bills focused on credit card interchange fees, insurance regulation, alcohol licensing, utility contractor authority, medical marijuana bonding, and business liability. Senators Thompson’s SB 2102 and SB 1940 sought to limit swipe fees on large financial institutions and on taxes and tips, respectively; both passed after questions about the asset thresholds and their impact on merchants and banks. SB 1625, by Senator Fricks, would let the Oklahoma Insurance Department prepare impact analyses on health benefit plan legislation, and passed unanimously. SB 1442, by Senator Dossett, lowered distiller licensing fees, created a microdistillery license, and restored a liability insurance proof requirement through an amendment; it passed 11-0. SB 1623, by Floor Leader Daniels, would revise the state credit union charter and passed 11-0. SB 1242, by Senator Hamilton, increased the bond required for medical marijuana grows from $50,000 to $100,000 and passed 10-0. The committee also heard SB 1949 from Senator Logan, which would allow utility contractors to work closer to buildings on private property, up to five feet from structures, instead of stopping at the property line. The bill drew extended questioning from Senator Brooks about permitting, training, liability, and the relationship between utility contractors and plumbers; an industry representative testified that utility contractors already do much of the work under licensed plumbers and that the bill would reduce costs and speed projects, especially in rural areas. SB 1949 passed 8-2. Senator Reinhardt’s SB 1592 and SB 1913, both insurance-related committee substitutes, were described as ongoing negotiations aimed at homeowner insurance transparency and consumer protections; members were told the bills were still being refined, but both passed, 9-1 and 10-0, respectively. Additional measures included SB 592, which would let distributors issue credits to retailers after repeated product replacements, aimed at reducing losses from poor inventory control at large retailers; it passed 9-0. SB 992 would provide civil liability protection for businesses and property owners when violent criminal acts occur on their premises, except in cases of gross negligence; it prompted debate over gun-free zones, security, insurance, and whether the bill would reduce incentives for safety measures, but passed 5-3. Finally, SB 1241 created the Oklahoma Fraud and Ticketing Accountability Act to address fake tickets, bots, deceptive resale websites, and venue liability in the live-event market; supporters included arts venues, and the bill passed 8-0. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a legislative analyst with the Massachusetts Municipal Association.
• This legislation will successfully close that loophole.
• We're grateful for your support of farmers' market legislation.
• I also want to echo Liz's points regarding hemp legislation.
• I thank the MMA for coming and supporting the legislation as well.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on a wide range of alcohol, liquor licensing, and hemp-derived beverage bills. Early in the hearing, there was a procedural dispute when Senator Jacob Oliveira attempted to testify virtually on S. 279; the House chairs declined to recognize virtual testimony from a committee member, and Senator Pavel Payano instead read prepared remarks supporting the bill to return liquor license authority to municipalities. The committee then heard testimony on H. 437/S. 279 from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Cohasset Town Manager Christopher Senior, both of whom argued that local control would streamline licensing, better match modern community needs, and support downtown economic development. A Lexington business owner also supported local licensing flexibility for a paint-and-sip business seeking a beer and wine license. The committee also heard extensive testimony on hemp-derived beverage regulation, including H. 357 and S. 222. Supporters from the Commonwealth Beverage Coalition and Theory Wellness said the products are already widely available in unregulated settings, including gas stations and smoke shops, and argued for a regulated framework with age limits, testing, labeling, and local public health funding. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild supported regulation of low-dose hemp beverages but asked that breweries be allowed to participate using their existing retail and distribution rights. The Guild also supported H. 478, which would allow limited self-distribution by pub breweries, saying it would reduce inefficiency and help small breweries grow. Several bills modernizing alcohol licensing laws were also discussed. Representative Ruel supported H. 477, describing it as a cleanup measure that would remove the contiguous-premises requirement, add a character standard for applicants, and extend public notice periods. Representative Sangiolo testified in support of H. 3893, a local liquor-license bill tied to economic development and new businesses in Lexington, including a movie theater, coffee shop, and paint studio. Fable Brewing Company also supported the local license bill, saying the licenses are needed before they can finalize leases and open. The committee then heard opposition from the Massachusetts Package Stores Association and several retailers, who warned that the retail tier is under pressure from oversaturation, declining revenues, and expanded competition, and opposed a long list of bills they said would further weaken existing stores or the three-tier system. At the end of the hearing, Representative McKenna testified in support of H. 437 and S. 279, emphasizing municipal autonomy and the importance of on-premises licenses for restaurants and other economic-development projects. The chairs noted that additional written testimony could still be submitted on bills that did not receive in-person testimony. The hearing concluded with a motion by Representative Sangiolo, seconded by Representative LeBoeuf, to close the hearing, which passed by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• requests for additional staffing for juvenile officers.
• That is part two of this legislation.
• As an attorney, I'm in favor of a well-written legislation.
• As an attorney, I'm in favor of a well-written legislation.
• Yes, according to the legislation.

Committee: House Children and Families

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we'll also get a preview of legislation that may come up in the next legislative session or before
• I work for the Legislative Counsel Service.
• individual legislator.
• A handful of changes to the legislative landscape.
• Appropriating money.

Committee: Joint Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, I'm going to move on to one of the other legislation that was... ...of the other legislation
• But just so everybody understands, this legislation is extra... This legislation is extra credit.
• It is not like the legislative process...
• Um, one of the pieces of legislation I've been working with the legislators on the last couple of years
• That legislation was trying to utilize a procedure called a declaratory order that we don't feel is appropriate

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first page introduced themself as Aligratski and said their legislator is Athena Holland.
• My legislator is Chris Winsky, and I go to Yellow M East High School in Granite Falls, Minnesota.”
• Our team name is the Wildcats, and my legislator is Liz Ryers, I think.”
• </c> requests we have from higher education. requests we have from higher education.
• The chair thanked Representative Hollins. request and that many do not support. request and that many

Bills: HF3611 , HF3659 , HF3909

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: taxation, income tax, damage awards, sexual harassment, abuse claims, immigration enforcement, taxpayers, file income tax return, Minnesota-source income, tax regulations, detention facilities, gross revenues, private prisons, Minnesota law, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have what's called a loan information request meeting.
• but at least a direction of legislative help that we need to advance our goals.
• concepts for the 2027 legislative session.
• Report due in December and the pre-session filing request deadline to submit material for Legislative
• The bill itself may present questions which require, passing such legislation.

Summary: The task force met to focus on funding systems and incentive structures for a proposed regional waste infrastructure effort, including how a future WIPA framework might support solid waste planning in the Willamette Valley. Staff and members heard presentations from DEQ on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, from Business Oregon on the Special Public Works Fund, and from Oregon State Treasury on state bonding capacity and the bond issuance process. Presenters explained how their programs are structured, how projects are scored or approved, what kinds of public entities and projects are eligible, and how interagency coordination and co-funding can work. DEQ emphasized that its revolving loan fund is driven by water-quality benefits and public-health criteria, while Business Oregon described a broader infrastructure loan program for public entities with no scoring system, and Treasury outlined the state’s debt-capacity process and the differences between general obligation and lottery bonds. Members used the presentations to discuss whether similar funding tools could support solid waste infrastructure, especially for transfer stations, regional hubs, and related facilities that may need to be built before Coffin Butte reaches the end of its lifespan. Several questions centered on whether public-private partnerships could qualify, whether equipment inside facilities could be financed, how repayment would work, and whether planning costs could be covered. DEQ and Business Oregon both said they could potentially collaborate on scoring or co-funding, but noted eligibility limits and the need for public ownership in many cases. Treasury said bond capacity is limited and competitive, especially for lottery bonds, and that project authorization generally runs on a two-year cycle, though unused authority can sometimes be reauthorized. In task force discussion, members debated whether the group should pursue a dedicated funding lane for the seven-county region rather than having local governments compete with other statewide needs. Some members stressed the importance of criteria to avoid stranded assets and to ensure funding is available when projects are ready, while others raised concerns about how cities and counties would generate revenue to repay debt during construction and early operations. The group also discussed flow control, system fees, and the need for regional collaboration among counties, cities, and haulers to create enough waste volume to support new infrastructure. Staff noted that pre-session filing materials for the legislature are due September 11, and the chair said the August meeting will focus on organizational structure and identifying partners. During public comment, Representative Kevin Mannix submitted written testimony supporting the WIPA concept and urging the task force to endorse it. Commissioner Bubba King of Yamhill County urged the task force to compare alternatives objectively and warned against adding bureaucracy before evaluating existing infrastructure and costs. Commissioners Kevin Cameron and Roger Nyquist of Marion and Linn counties described regional hub-and-spoke concepts, transfer stations, and intermodal options, emphasizing the need for planning, strategic siting, and collaboration with haulers and local governments.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> when appropriate. when appropriate.
• </c> and appropriate care. and appropriate care.
• Chair, we have uh appropriate. Uh Mr.
• </c><00:34:56.600><c> of</c> before the legislature at the request of before the legislature at the request
• </c><00:36:33.880><c> certain</c> So, at the request of certain So, at the request of certain landowners

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation is really simple.
• This legislation is really simple.
• So that is the intent of this legislation.
• So that is the intent of this legislation.
• Legislation.

Committee: House Resources and Conservation

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A fiscal note was requested on January 22nd, but has not yet been received, and I'm available for any
• Members of the committee present here on this long legislative day.
• I have the honor of representing the 33rd Legislative District.
• And even with that and the legislation that passed, we're still having issues.
• Please join me in supporting this life-saving legislation.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee held an evening hearing on several bills. Senate Bill 6249, sponsored by Sen. Torres, would require all people convicted of stalking to be supervised by the Department of Corrections. Staff explained current community custody rules and said the bill would make stalking convictions subject to DOC supervision; the fiscal note had been requested but not yet received. The sponsor and several survivors and advocates testified in support, saying stalking is dangerous, victims need ongoing monitoring, and supervision could help prevent future harm. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 6255, sponsored by Sen. Lovelett, which renames and updates the Legislative Executive Poverty Reduction Oversight Task Force (LuPRO) as the Legislative Executive Economic Justice and Well-Being Task Force, expands membership, and revises duties to monitor and update the state’s 10-year plan to dismantle poverty. Staff said the bill has a partial fiscal note showing a $4,000 OSPI cost for a report, with no additional cost beyond that this biennium. Testimony from DSHS and a constituent supported the bill as a way to improve coordination and accountability in poverty reduction efforts. Senate Bill 6286, sponsored by Sen. Orwall, would authorize the Department of Health to fine private detention facilities that deny inspectors entry, with escalating daily fines and a new account to support people harmed by wrongful detention or ICE-related abuse. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as a human rights and public health measure, citing complaints about food, sanitation, medical care, and mental health conditions in private detention facilities. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6224, sponsored by Chair Wilson, which would create a Children and Youth Behavioral Health Leadership Council to implement the Washington Thriving Strategic Plan and extend the existing work group. Supporters from state agencies, providers, parents, and advocates emphasized early intervention, cross-system coordination, and youth mental health needs; one witness opposed the bill, arguing it should focus more on non-psychiatric causes of distress. The hearing ended with no recorded votes or final action on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• We never had a request at this level.
• The bills in the current legislative session.
• Is there any legislation about lottery couriers that...
• And the request that the commissioners have had previously to ask for legislative direction was exactly
• May I request that you preserve. all of this documentation?

Bills: SB 28 , SB 687 , SJR 34 , SCR 9 , SB 523 , SB 62 , SB 847 , SB 706 , SB 869 , SB 890 , SB 992

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, SB 687, land surveyor, land surveying, surveying services, construction contract, anti-indemnity, indemnity, hold harmless, defense obligation, standard of care, professional negligence, civil practice and remedies code, local government code, governmental agency, public contracts

Summary: The meeting was a crucial session for discussing several important bills including SB992, which aims to establish a clear time frame for the Attorney General's approval on outside legal counsel for state agencies. Senator Nichols presented the bill, emphasizing its necessity for timely responses to ensure efficient legal processing. Another notable discussion centered around SB523, which seeks to allow parole and probation officers to use a business address on their driver's licenses for safety and security purposes. This bill passed favorably out of the committee, with public testimony supporting the need for such provisions due to the risks these officers face.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> have all already enacted legislation have all already enacted legislation they<00:10:01.440><c>
• </c><00:42:01.920><c> of</c> parking necessities and the request of parking necessities and the request
• </c> mortgages any component of legislation mortgages any component of legislation that<01:30:00.320>
• </c><01:30:20.199><c> that</c> board introduction of legislation that board introduction of legislation
• </c> disruptive in meetings by requesting disruptive in meetings by requesting excess<01:36:48.080><c

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We did that in line with the Consumer Data Protection Act to ensure that data is appropriately secured
• that funding is available to go along with the legislation.
• And unfortunately, this piece of legislation falls into that category.
• And so, just like even my own legislation, I had to table that legislation, all of our pieces of legislation
• Senator Salim, did you want to say anything about the legislation? Yep. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee: House Communications, Technology and Innovation

Keywords: House Committee Room C, General Assembly Building, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're holding this hearing today during an important point in the legislative process.
• The legislative process.
• I have to go to Appropriations really quickly, and I'll be back. And just thank you, Al.
• I have to go to appropriations really quickly, and I'll be back and just thank you, Al.
• This bill and that legislation did not anticipate these types of liabilities.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Accountability and Transparency held a hearing focused on three issues: federal funding cuts and delays, possible state revenue impacts from reduced IRS enforcement, and the fiscal effects of AB 218 on local governments. The Franchise Tax Board described how state and federal tax systems are closely linked, how most returns are filed electronically through software, and how FTB relies on IRS information sharing for compliance, fraud prevention, offsets, and nonfiler work. Members raised concerns that federal staffing cuts at the IRS could weaken audits of large corporations and reduce California revenue, and asked about VITA and ITIN filers; FTB said it was not aware of VITA reductions, noted ITIN returns are processed the same as other returns, and said ITIN filing appeared slightly down this year. The Department of Finance said it is monitoring federal developments, summarized the continuing resolution and reconciliation process, and noted that California lost nearly $940 million in earmarked federal projects under the CR, while major federal budget decisions remain uncertain until the President’s budget and later congressional action. The University of California reported substantial federal pressure on research, student aid, and health care. UC said hundreds of millions of dollars in federal awards have already been canceled, with additional threats to NIH and DOE facilities-and-administration rates, graduate fellowships, student loan repayment plans, international student visas, Pell Grants, and Medicaid/Medi-Cal funding. Committee members pressed UC on the effects of DEIA-related federal restrictions, the loss of clinical trials and research staff, and the impact on low-income students and patients. UC said it is pursuing litigation with the Attorney General and other institutions, but emphasized that court action is only a temporary solution and that sustained state and private support may be needed. The second panel addressed the fiscal consequences of AB 218, which extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims against public agencies. FCMAT presented a report with 22 recommendations, including better statewide data collection, financing mechanisms, a possible victims compensation fund, and prevention measures. Los Angeles County described a tentative $4 billion settlement tied to AB 218 claims, saying it will require reserves, borrowing, and long-term annual payments through 2050, while also forcing curtailments and cuts to vacant positions to preserve services. Members discussed insurance pools, retroactive premiums, unidentified future claims, and the need for a compensation fund or other financing tools. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with public comment, including testimony from local health officials about nearly $400 million in terminated federal public health grants and the resulting layoffs and service impacts.

Transcript Highlights:

• They passed the money through to the appropriate weed and pest districts.
• </c> appropriate weed and pest districts. appropriate weed and pest districts.
• It would be appropriate, at least in the near term, to do something like that.
• </c><00:53:08.079><c> committee</c> members of the appropriations committee members of the appropriations
• ,</c> go back and look at the legislation, go back and look at the legislation, golly,<00:53:32.640><

Committee: Joint Select Natural Resource Funding Committee

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• piece of legislation.
• piece of legislation.
• and data centers, although the committee might well decide that there are some appropriate piece of legislation
• legislation.
• introduced legislation.

Committee: Joint Artificial Intelligence and Data Center Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chamber of Commerce, which respectfully opposes this legislation.
• If we do not have appropriate staffing, that does not occur.
• Washington was the most recent state to have passed staffing legislation.
• So right now, we do not have appropriate access to drug-resistant epilepsy treatment.
• And we need to do something about it, and we stand in strong support of this legislation.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Um there is a $100,000 appropriation uh Um there is a $100,000 appropriation uh for<00:34:27.000><c>
• </c> uh request for a report. uh request for a report.
• . appropriately. appropriately.
• </c> in the initial appropriation. in the initial appropriation.
• </c> legislator in in just one term. legislator in in just one term.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a legislative process that can take time.
• And I wouldn’t even say that a slap on the wrist is appropriate.
• And I wouldn't even say that slap on the wrist is appropriate.
• Um, we will push for, you know, the appropriate penalty there.
• And in some ways, it's the same with animal legislation.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight

Summary: The joint Audit Committee hearing focused on implementation of Ollie’s Law, including MDAR’s progress on regulations for commercial boarding and training kennels and the new municipal reporting requirements. MDAR Director Mike Cahill said the department formed the required advisory committee, held two Zoom trainings for municipal officials, created a public information webpage, and completed draft regulations that are now under secretariat review. He reported that 269 of 351 municipalities had submitted kennel data, leaving 82 out of compliance, and said the department has been posting compliant and noncompliant municipalities online to increase transparency. Committee members pressed MDAR on the lack of a clear enforcement mechanism for municipalities that fail to report and on the delay in finalizing regulations. The chair urged the department to consider stronger sanctions and asked for a central reporting system for injury data, noting that injury reports currently go only to municipalities. Cahill said the statute does not give MDAR explicit authority to fine municipalities, though he supported a House bill that would grant that power. He also said the department could not easily add municipal penalties through regulation alone. Representatives from the Animal Rescue League of Boston and the MSPCA, including the advisory committee chair Jenny Mather, said the advisory process was thorough and aimed to balance animal safety, consumer transparency, and fairness to compliant businesses. They supported better municipal accountability, more standardized training and resources for animal control officers, and clearer reporting of injuries and kennel information to MDAR. They also raised concerns about third-party advertising platforms that may list unlicensed home-based kennels and argued that public education and enforcement should focus on bad actors rather than penalizing well-run facilities. The hearing ended without a vote or formal action, but with support expressed for the pending bill and for continued regulatory revisions.