Transcript Highlights:

• officials,<00:21:23.600> but<00:21:23.919> there<00:21:24.080> are<00:21:24.559> al
• <00:21:25.120> election officials, but there are al election officials, but there are al election

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So instead of preparing for junior prom, I'm here today for change, for Al, for California's kids.
• Item number three, AB 358 by Assembly Member Al-Farez.
• See item number eight, AB 1331 by Assembly Member Al-Hawari. McKinnor? Aye. McKinnor, aye.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 56, which would require social media platforms to display a warning label about potential mental health harms from prolonged use, with amendments shortening the initial warning and allowing immediate access to the platform. The author and supporters, including a parent who lost a daughter to suicide and a therapist, argued that social media contributes to teen anxiety, self-harm, and other harms and that families need clearer public health information. Opponents from tech and civil liberties groups argued the bill would be ineffective, burdensome, and likely unconstitutional, saying it would create warning fatigue and should be replaced by more targeted tools and digital literacy measures. Several members discussed emergency access concerns, language access, and whether the warning should be more actionable; the bill was moved on a 9-0 vote to the Judiciary Committee. The committee then took up AB 358, which would amend CalECPA to allow law enforcement, with the victim’s consent, to inspect certain abandoned tracking or surveillance devices found in a victim’s home, vehicle, or personal property without first obtaining a warrant. The author and a San Diego prosecutor said the bill is narrowly tailored to devices used solely for spying and is intended to help stalking and domestic violence survivors act quickly before evidence is lost. Opponents from EFF and the ACLU warned the bill would weaken warrant protections, create a loophole around CalECPA, and reduce transparency and accountability. Members debated Fourth Amendment issues, abandonment, and the practical need for rapid access; the bill passed the committee on a 9-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1137, which builds on last year’s CSAM reporting law by allowing any user to report child sexual abuse material, requiring clearer reporting mechanisms, adding human review in some cases, and mandating third-party audits and public reporting. Supporters, including survivor advocates and a parent of a child victim, said the bill would reduce the burden on survivors and improve removal of abusive content. Tech industry opponents said they support the goal but objected to the human-review mandate, public audit disclosures, and enforcement provisions, arguing they could create security risks and compliance burdens. Members generally supported the bill’s intent but raised questions about audit frequency and human review; the bill was moved on call with seven votes at the time of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• 48.240> quarter are told to wait for uh the next quarter are told to wait for uh the next quarter Al
• > quarterly<00:04:49.919> allocation<00:04:50.919> but<00:04:51.039> if Al
• the next quarterly allocation but if Al the next quarterly allocation but if you're<00:04:51.360>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 42:39.080> a the case you're like oh well it's not a the case you're like oh well it's not a Al
• 01:42:40.520> and<01:42:40.679> flat<01:42:40.960> and<01:42:41.239> the Al
• land where it's nice and flat and the Al land where it's nice and flat and the river<01:42:41.840>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you<00:53:15.119> know<00:53:15.440> education<00:53:16.000> we<00:53:16.160> als
• 00:53:16.480> we<00:53:16.720> always<00:53:16.960> want you know education we als
• we always want you know education we als we always want to<00:53:17.839> say<00:53:18.160>

Bills: HF630, HF1435, HF1607

Keywords: short-call substitute, substitute teacher, substitute teaching license, pilot program, teacher shortage, education workforce, school district, charter school, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, background check, paraprofessional, education support personnel, temporary license, substitute training, retaliation, teacher pay, daily substitute pay, Minnesota education law, education innovation

Transcript Highlights:

• you don't know what it is think of it as you don't know what it is think of it as an<01:02:38.640> Al
• 40.240> road<01:02:40.640> map<01:02:41.039> assistant<01:02:41.720> for an Al
• ultimate road map assistant for an Al ultimate road map assistant for aging<01:02:42.799> instead

Bills: HF1380, HF1166, HF487, HF1553, HF1472, HF258, HF1911

Keywords: psychiatric treatment, human services, mental health funding, per diem rate, Clay County, disability services, assistive technology, remote support, advocacy, training programs, HF487, Wellness in the Woods, Minnesota human services, grant funding, general fund appropriation, peer support, substance use recovery, addiction recovery, reentry services, reentry after incarceration

Transcript Highlights:

• c> okay doe nobody here from doe oh okay doe nobody here from doe oh okay Lena<01:09:26.279> al
• for<01:09:27.839> Hawaiian<01:09:28.239> Affairs<01:09:29.120> office Lena al
• la for Hawaiian Affairs office Lena al la for Hawaiian Affairs office of<01:09:29.440> Hawaiian

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism and Higher Education heard HB 1494, relating to sports facilities. Testimony was largely in opposition to the bill as drafted from the Stadium Authority, the Department of Accounting and General Services, and the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, with several other written comments also opposing; each asked that if the measure advances, Senate language from related stadium bills be incorporated instead. The University of Hawaiʻi testified in support of the Nāʻid project and said it wants the project delivered at Halawa so the university can have a football facility, though members pressed the university on whether it was effectively supporting both the project and the bill’s current approach. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on the stadium project’s financing, schedule, and oversight. DAGS and Public Works discussed a consultant contract that had grown to about $28 million and an audit that recovered $441,000 after improper travel and expense reimbursements, including first-class airfare and other personal expenses; officials said the audit exposed weak internal controls and led to revised reimbursement policies. Members questioned whether the problems would have been found without media reporting and whether stronger oversight should have been in place earlier. The committee also discussed the current Ching Field setup for UH football, with witnesses describing it as less than ideal and temporary until the new stadium is built. Stadium Authority representatives said the current preferred offeror is Aloha Halawa Development Partners, negotiations have recently accelerated, and the goal remains a contract this summer and a fall 2028 opening. They said the state is committed to $350 million in general obligation bonds, with the overall project expected to cost more, and that the developer is exploring other financing sources such as TIF or CFD while the state and city work to expedite permits and demolition. No vote or final action on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• primary<00:47:25.280> care<00:47:26.280> and<00:47:26.559> also<00:47:26.920> Al
• <00:47:27.559> um<00:47:27.839> coming and primary care and also Al um coming and primary
• care and also Al um coming coming<00:47:28.680> soon<00:47:29.200> a<00:47:29.480>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• 38.160> entry in that they receive the preschool entry in that they receive the preschool entry Al
• > rate<01:04:39.920> which<01:04:40.039> is<01:04:40.279> approximately Al
• alternate rate which is approximately Al alternate rate which is approximately half<01:04:41.400>

Bills: HF1346, HF1169, HF1276

Keywords: mandatory reporting, training requirements, child maltreatment, abuse detection, local welfare agency, child protection, child welfare, paperwork reduction, social services information system, SSIS, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, foster care, children in placement, county social services, Tribal governments, private child placing agencies, case management, administrative burden, information technology, human services

Transcript Highlights:

• 44.839> interesting<00:57:45.839> um<00:57:46.760> communication<00:57:47.520> Al
• been an interesting um communication Al been an interesting um communication Al I<00:57:47.920><

Bills: HF656, HF655, HF633

Keywords: child care, childcare, day care, daycare, licensing, variance, licensed capacity, capacity limit, staff qualifications, staffing, child care center, family child care, provider flexibility, Minnesota career lattice, Department of Children Youth and Families, DCYF, licensing rules, enrollment, indoor space, professional development

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:16:24.040> Sunday<00:16:24.600> in<00:16:24.800> Selma<00:16:25.399> Al
• anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma Al anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma Al Alabama<00:16:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Elections Committee met on February 6, 2025, and first considered the reappointment of Steven Swanson to the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board. Swanson described his background in legal aid, lobbying, judging, and international rule-of-law work, and said he wanted to continue serving the public. Committee members praised his experience and discussed the importance of campaign finance oversight, including preventing corporate participation in Minnesota elections. Senator Wosinski moved to recommend Swanson’s confirmation, and the motion was adopted. The committee then heard Senate File 529, a proposed constitutional amendment to state that elections shall be free, fair, and equal, and that no civil or military power may interfere with the free exercise of the right to vote. Senator Dibble presented the bill as a way to strengthen voting rights and provide a constitutional basis to challenge voter suppression, gerrymandering, and unfair campaign practices. Testimony in support came from David Fischer of Clean Elections Minnesota and Jean Massie of Fair Vote Minnesota, both of whom argued the amendment would protect access to voting, increase confidence in elections, and align Minnesota with other states that have similar language. Members discussed whether the amendment’s broad language could invite judicial interpretation or affect future election laws. Senator Koran questioned how the proposal would improve Minnesota’s already high turnout, while Senator Grant raised concerns that the terms “free, fair, and equal” were undefined and could shift power to the courts. Senator Lucero proposed an oral amendment to add “ensuring one eligible citizen, one vote” after the word “equal,” saying it would address concerns about future voter ID laws. The amendment was restated by counsel and discussed, with Senator Dibble saying it did not significantly harm the bill but suggesting it might imply a requirement he did not intend. The transcript ends during discussion of that oral amendment, and no final vote on the bill itself is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• be of of 7<00:46:26.079> um<00:46:26.520> I<00:46:26.680> also<00:46:26.920> Al
• where<00:46:27.680> there<00:46:27.880> might<00:46:28.040> be 7 um I also Al
• get where there might be 7 um I also Al get where there might be some some some ambiguity<00:46:30.720

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on the fiscal note process, prompted by concerns raised in a prior hearing about the fiscal note for the Paid Family and Medical Leave law. Chair Marty, Senator Pratt, and Senator Wiklund said the goal was not to revisit the bill itself but to strengthen understanding of fiscal note standards, the role of the Legislative Budget Office (LBO), and communication with agencies. They emphasized bipartisan concern that fiscal notes must be respected and that the process should be clearer going forward. Christian Larison of the LBO explained that the 2024 fiscal note issues stemmed from three main problems: choosing the proper baseline for a program that had not yet started, interpreting the seven-day qualifying event/waiting period, and determining whether DEED could adjust the first-year premium rate. He said the LBO, DEED, MMB, and House fiscal staff ultimately used the October 2023 actuarial analysis as the baseline because it was the most recent and likely most accurate estimate, but that choice meant the fiscal note did not show the difference from the 2023 enacted budget. He also described how DEED later interpreted the seven-day provision as a waiting period and how the premium-rate assumptions affected the fiscal impact. Larison outlined possible responses, including more assertive early communication from the LBO, providing more detailed analysis in unusual cases, and possibly creating a working group through the LBO Oversight Commission to consider new standards for substantial assumption changes, complex new programs, and third-party actuarial work. He also noted the LBO has authority to issue unapproved fiscal notes if standards are not met, though it has not used that authority. In questions, Senator Murphy asked about protecting the credibility of fiscal notes, and Larison said maintaining independence, objectivity, and consistent standards is central to the LBO’s role. No votes or formal actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• supremacy<01:22:10.639> clause<01:22:11.120> is<01:22:11.960> is<01:22:12.159> Al
• <01:22:12.760> that if if the supremacy clause is is Al that if if the supremacy clause is
• is Al that issue<01:22:13.159> is<01:22:13.320> alleviated<01:22:13.960> with<01

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be<01:34:52.880> all<01:34:53.320> we<01:34:53.440> hear<01:34:54.040> Al
• <01:34:55.199> and<01:34:56.199> committee will be all we hear Al and committee will
• be all we hear Al and committee comments<01:34:58.040> concerns<01:34:59.520> questions

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><01:05:38.559> on<01:05:38.799> this<01:05:39.000> measure<01:05:39.440> Al
• to provide comments on this measure Al to provide comments on this measure Al thank<01:05:40.200

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Agriculture and Environment hearing on January 27, 2025, took up multiple measures, beginning with a proposed constitutional amendment, HB 559, to recognize a right to clean water and air, a healthful environment, climate, native ecosystems, and beaches. The Attorney General’s Office testified with concerns that the amendment’s broad language could create challenges for future legislatures and environmental enforcement, while the Climate Commission and DLNR supported it. Environmental and advocacy groups, including Climate Protectors Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others, strongly supported the measure, arguing it would strengthen decision-making and protect Hawaii’s natural resources. Committee members raised questions about how the amendment would interact with existing constitutional protections and recent litigation, and the AG’s office said the proposal could lead to broad judicial interpretation and possible liability issues. The hearing then moved on without a recorded vote on this bill. The committee next heard SB 552, which would establish a healthy soils program in the Department of Agriculture and require annual reporting and funding. The Climate Change Commission supported the bill, and the Department of Agriculture said it stood on its submitted testimony but noted existing commissions and the greenhouse gas sequestration task force already address similar objectives, suggesting SB 552 may duplicate current efforts. Agricultural and environmental advocates, including the Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others, supported the concept of a consolidated healthy soils program, saying it would better organize existing efforts, improve access for producers, and support conservation practices. The Agribusiness Development Corporation said it would support either DOA or ADC administering the program, and committee discussion focused on implementation, program overlap, and whether the bill should better integrate existing compost reimbursement and related efforts. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was SB 678, which would create an Agricultural Development Food Security Special Fund, dedicate a portion of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to it, and appropriate funds equal to 3% of the state budget for agriculture. The Department of Agriculture strongly supported the bill, saying the funding would align with its goals and help support farmers and ranchers. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Department of Budget and Finance raised concerns that the proposed special fund may not meet statutory criteria. Farm and industry groups generally supported the measure but suggested changes, including adding uses related to local food sourcing, distribution, and biosecurity. Committee members questioned the scale of the appropriation, noting it could amount to roughly $250 million and a major increase in DOA’s budget, and discussed whether the department could realistically implement such a large program. The hearing ended with testimony counts noted for the measures heard, and the chair indicated the committee would reconvene later for any unfinished business.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:05.320> today who's in the audience with us today who's in the audience with us today Al
• 09.399> continue<00:02:10.399> great<00:02:11.080> um<00:02:11.280> well Al
• yeah please continue great um well Al yeah please continue great um well thank<00:02:11.680> you<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > recently good to work with for us and we recently good to work with for us and we recently ALS
• 27.559> combined<00:50:27.960> effort<00:50:28.400> using<00:50:28.680> our ALS
• so in a combined effort using our ALS so in a combined effort using our city<00:50:29.240> lands<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :04.680> not there's a one andit two and they're not there's a one andit two and they're not Al
• 05.520> well<01:00:05.680> the<01:00:05.839> Constitution<01:00:06.520> does Al
• together well the Constitution does Al together well the Constitution does not<01:00:06.880> allow

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met for an organizational opening session in which the chair, Ken Weyler, called the committee to order and members introduced themselves. The introductions established the committee’s leadership and membership, including Vice Chair Dan McGuire, ranking member Mary Jane Wallner, deputy ranking member Karen Eil, clerk Jerry Griffin, and other members from both parties. Many members briefly described prior legislative service and professional backgrounds, with several noting prior experience on Finance or related budget committees. Chair Weyler then outlined committee procedures and expectations. He emphasized that Finance handles spending bills and fiscal notes, that bills will generally be heard by the full committee and then referred to the appropriate division, and that executive sessions may be used to save time when positions are clear. He reviewed rules on attendance, dress, phones, paperwork handling, committee replacements, conflict of interest and recusal, and the process for testimony, including that members should listen without debating witnesses and that sponsors of bills must recuse themselves from questioning witnesses on their own bills. He also described the committee’s structure and workload, noting three divisions and the role of legislative budget staff. Weyler said the committee would likely see bills from many policy committees that have fiscal impacts, and he encouraged policy committees to find offsets within their own areas rather than assume new spending will be added. No bills were heard and no votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Al Holland. This is my second term.
• I'm Al Holland. This is my second term.
• I came over from municipal county government with Al, where I think both of us were very much focused

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• stop<00:18:14.120> the<00:18:14.240> likes<00:18:14.520> of<00:18:14.840> al-Qaeda
• <00:18:15.840> our try to stop the likes of al-Qaeda our try to stop the likes of al-Qaeda

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 1012, house, all