Transcript Highlights:

• That agency would play a similar role to the Federal Communications Commission so that this important
• So we’ll start with panel one, the California Public Utilities Commission. I’m going, panel one.
• that there are limitations when these interactions include parties to Commission proceedings.
• I know that was something now in my second year serving on this commission.
• I know something that we really wanted to see more of was attendance here from the commission.

Summary: The Communications and Conveyance Committee held an oversight hearing on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), focused on telecommunications, broadband deployment, resiliency, and the California Teleconnect Fund. Chair Tasha Boerner said the hearing was intended to examine structural issues at the CPUC, including whether telecommunications oversight should remain within the commission, while also reviewing major programs such as Last Mile, BEAD, carrier of last resort, and emergency preparedness. CPUC President John Reynolds and Deputy Executive Director Anna Maria Johnson described the commission’s work on public safety, universal service, broadband grants, Lifeline modernization, and network resiliency, including the 72-hour backup power requirement and merger review. Members questioned CPUC officials about the pace and metrics for Last Mile and BEAD projects, the relationship between middle-mile and last-mile buildout, and how the commission balances carrier obligations with the risk of driving providers out of high-cost areas. They also pressed the CPUC on the California Lifeline home broadband pilot, asking when enrollment would be available, which providers were participating, how much of the state would be covered, and what the surcharge impact would be. CPUC said 15 providers had been approved, one was already serving customers, and the rest were still onboarding, and it committed to provide follow-up information on timelines, coverage, and costs. A major portion of the hearing centered on the California Teleconnect Fund and proposed changes to how schools would access the program. Superintendent Tony Thurmond argued strongly against shifting administration from county offices of education and districts to individual schools, saying it would add burden, worsen inequities, and risk underuse of a valuable broadband subsidy. Committee members echoed concerns that smaller schools and districts may lack the staff to manage direct applications and reporting. In public comment, the Los Angeles County Office of Education supported the CDE’s position and urged changes that would align the program more closely with E-Rate and reduce administrative burdens. No formal vote was taken, and Chair Boerner closed by saying she remained committed to pursuing reforms to the CPUC and referenced her bills AB 2289 and ACA 9.

Transcript Highlights:

• OMES may make recommendations to the Long Range Capital Planning Commission for the sale of state-owned
• However, OMES was limited to proposing this criteria to the Long Range Capital Planning Commission as
• Statute also gives the Long Range Capital Planning Commission a mandate to work toward eliminating the
• However, OMES was limited to proposing this criteria to the Long Range Capital Planning Commission as
• And in fact, when... ...for instance, the Tax Commission relocated to Strata Tower from the M.C.

Summary: The LOFT Oversight Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior minutes, and then received LOFT’s report on state office space utilization in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. LOFT presented three main findings: OMES is not fully exercising its statutory authority over state property and relies on flawed self-reported data; state office space is being used inefficiently and often below policy benchmarks; and better use of state-owned space could save tens of millions in private lease costs. LOFT also described errors in the state’s real property inventory, low utilization rates across OMES-owned, agency-owned, and privately leased space, and recommended stronger data verification, clearer space standards, and more active oversight of underused property. OMES responded that it believes it is meeting its statutory obligations and said it tries to balance oversight with being a partner to agencies, placing them in space that best fits their mission and service needs. OMES officials said they rely on agency-reported data, do not have enough staff to independently verify all inventory information, and do not “police” daily occupancy. Members questioned the distinction between meeting statutory duties and exercising full authority, the use of “shall” versus “recommend,” the lack of enforcement for agencies that decline space recommendations, and whether OMES should more aggressively consolidate or divest underused buildings. LOFT and OMES also discussed the methodology behind utilization calculations, including badge-swipe data, space standards, and common-area adjustments. In the final finding, LOFT estimated that relocating agencies from private leases into existing state-owned space could save roughly $16 million to $28.8 million annually, depending on the scenario used. LOFT cited other states and federal reforms as models and recommended that OMES more actively assess underutilized properties, verify data, and use actual utilization analysis to reduce private leasing. OMES said it would review the comments and work to improve. The committee then unanimously approved a rapid-response evaluation request for LOFT to examine DHS child care subsidy verification and reimbursement processes, citing concerns about possible improprieties and the need to confirm whether fraud or waste is occurring.

Transcript Highlights:

• increased revenue goes into the Hawaiian Home General Loan Fund established under the Hawaiian Homes Commission
• Fund established under the Hawaiian Fund established under the Hawaiian homes<00:16:10.720><c> commission
• acts of 1920 as amended homes commission acts of 1920 as amended um<00:16:14.959><c> so</c><00:16:15.279
• um acknowledging I think that Commission um acknowledging I think that that<00:20:49.440><c> is</c><
• We know that there is an FTC, Federal Trade Commission, ruling, but the question is whether, with the

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism, Housing, and Economic Development and Technology began with House Bill 604, which would raise the transient accommodations tax by 1 percentage point starting January 1, 2026 and direct the revenue to the Hawaiian Homes General Loan Fund. The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the bill as a source of consistent funding, while the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed it, warning that Hawaii already has very high tourism taxes and that further increases could hurt visitors, workers, and the broader economy. The committees later voted to pass HB 604 with amendments as an HD1 and to defer the date; the vote was adopted, with one member noted as having reservations in the housing committee vote and one no vote in that committee. The committees then heard House Bill 973, which would require transient accommodations brokers and others to display all resort fees, taxes, and government-imposed charges upfront in advertised prices and would establish penalties. The Office of Consumer Protection expressed concerns about the bill’s intent requirement and noted a forthcoming federal FTC rule on junk fees; the Hawaii Hotel Alliance strongly supported the measure as promoting transparency and uniformity, and a public witness also supported price transparency while questioning the size of the penalties. After questions about federal rescission of the FTC rule and enforcement authority, the committees voted to pass HB 973 with amendments as an HD1, including removal of the intent requirement and technical changes, and the recommendation was adopted unanimously. House Bill 594, relating to hotel service disruptions, would require hotel keepers to give notice of disruptions to guests and third-party vendors and allow damages. The Attorney General’s office recommended amendments to add a purpose section and savings clause to address First Amendment and contract clause issues, and Unite Here Local 5 supported the bill, saying guests are not always notified of disruptions and that the measure would improve transparency; the union agreed with the legal amendments. The committees voted to pass HB 594 with amendments as an HD1 and to defer the date, adopting the recommendation. The final measures were House Bill 448 and House Bill 449, both related to technology enablement and economic development for small businesses, including tourism-related businesses. HTDC strongly supported both bills but emphasized that technology should be targeted to the actual problem and coordinated with sister agencies rather than applied broadly; the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Chamber of Commerce also supported HB 448, and HB 449 received support from HTDC and HFIA. The committees adopted amendments to HB 448, including moving a $250,000 appropriation to the committee report, and to HB 449, including deleting duplicative language tied to HB 448 and moving a $500,000 appropriation to the committee report; both bills were passed as HD1s with deferred dates, and the hearing adjourned after the votes were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• But as I look at option A, which is an or, it says if the Federal Communications Commission permits a
• If the Federal Communications Commission permits a telephone corporation to discontinue service under
• And that puts us in full reliance on the Federal Communications Commission and their processes.
• In other words, I think it removes, you know, the PUC, Idaho's Public Utilities Commission.
• This is for the gubernatorial appointment, Skip Smeiser, the Idaho Lottery Commission.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• would play a similar role to the Federal Communications Commission so that this important but niche
• So we'll start with panel one, the California Public Utilities Commission. I'm going, panel one.
• that there are limitations when these interactions include parties to Commission proceedings.
• really wanted to see more of was attendance here from the commission.
• I know something that we really wanted to see more of was attendance here from the commission.

Committee: House Communications and Conveyance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for redistricting congressional districts. from the legislature to the commission.
• The commission would comprise two members chosen by House Democrats, two by House Republicans, two by
• The Commission would meet on the first business day in February following the census and could vote to
• Senator Jeff Wentworth, a Republican from San Antonio, first filed a redistricting commission bill in
• Being separate, the redistricting commission is always a very, very interesting discussion.

Bills: SB 2 , SB 5 , SB 9 , SB 7 , SB 17 , SB 4 , HB4 , HB1 , HB3 , HB20 , HB22 , SB9 , SB7 , SB17 , SB4 , HB4 , SB2 , SB5

Keywords: disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, school assessment, public education, accountability, transparency, education standards, STAAR, Texas Education Agency, TEA, public school accountability, school ratings, A-F ratings, assessment reform, student testing, benchmark tests, interim assessments

Transcript Highlights:

• Three of us sit on an advisory committee to the Texas Commission on Mental Health, and we have looked
• at this and we have... ...have supported that the Texas Commission on Mental Health has pushed this
• The Texas Historical Commission has identified approximately 14,000 cemeteries across the state, and
• You have to demonstrate to the preservation commission, or I think it is the commission, the historical
• Created by the Supreme Court of Texas in 2001, the Texas Access to Justice Commission has worked for

Bills: HB 1239 , HB1990 , HB1748 , HB1749 , HB2578 , HB2986 , HB1970 , HB3163 , HB2733 , HB1922 , HB 113 , HB 1088 , HB1938 , HB3004 , HB2637 , HB2960 , HB113

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: public health, access to healthcare, insurance reforms, medical expenses, healthcare providers, mental health, protective custody, preliminary examination, detention period, emergency circumstances, emergency detention, legal framework, detention, healthcare, liability, landowners, nonagricultural land, trespassing, public safety, interpreters

Transcript Highlights:

• And in 2024, we passed legislation requiring the Public Service Commission to prepare a study on the
• That among other things require the commission to study and evaluate the technical and economic feasibility
• reactor down there, if you're considering commissioning them to do an in-depth study, you know, the
• The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is the regulatory body that oversees the commercial nuclear fleet in
• The Public Service Commission completed that report earlier this year.

Transcript Highlights:

• , which was a concern that was commission, which was a concern that was raised.<00:23:53.039><c> Yeah
• </c><00:23:58.159><c> to</c><00:23:58.400><c> the</c><00:23:59.039><c> site</c> conservation commission
• to the site conservation commission to the site solid<00:24:00.159><c> waste</c><00:24:00.400><c> site
• </c><00:27:25.440><c> Um,</c><00:27:26.400><c> and</c> conservation commission member.
• Um, and conservation commission member.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have with us today, first, Game Warden Destiny Woods from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
• with Anything that the commission or the chairman or whatever Carlton's title is, whatever they saw
• It could be used at the discretion of the commission for any purposes, including Arkansas programming
• Yes, that would be the decision of the commission.
• Yes, that would be the decision of the commission.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests in the galleries, including state officers, medical personnel, student groups, and former first ladies. Members adopted consent-calendar resolutions, and House Resolution 1052 concerning Arkansas Girl State was withdrawn after Rep. DeAnn Vaught explained that 150 girls had missed a registration deadline and that the House would instead host an alternative Girls State experience this summer. The chamber then took up several fiscal-session appropriation bills. Senate Bills 3, 4, 7, 15, 21, and 31, covering appropriations for Shared Services, Health licensing and regulation, Commerce/Insurance, Parks and Tourism, Human Services adult-aging-behavioral health, and administrative courts, all passed with large bipartisan margins. Senate Bill 75, an economic development appropriation for West Memphis, also passed after brief discussion. Senate Bill 77, an unfunded appropriation related to Arkansas Television Network/PBS matching funds, drew extended debate over whether it should support PBS programming, infrastructure, or private-donation matching; it failed on the first vote, was brought back for reconsideration because some members had not voted, and then failed again 73-24. After the fiscal work concluded, Rep. Meeks moved to adjourn sine die, ending the House’s fiscal session. The House then convened as a caucus to elect the Speaker-designate for the 96th General Assembly. The body suspended the formal election process and unanimously elected Speaker Brian S. Evans as Speaker-designate. Evans thanked members, reflected on the prior session, and pledged continued leadership and accountability before the House adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The commission is one of the proud sponsors of AB 2017.
• At the commission, we have learned that understanding each other's cultures strengthens our community
• I just lastly really want to thank the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, CARE
• Resources such as the racial equity framework and the racial equity commission are a great start, but
• we must do more to achieve equity on a systemic Commission are a great start, but we must do more to

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have Executive Director of Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission Ed Noll and her many,
• </c> State Public Charter School Commission State Public Charter School Commission Ed<00:12:39.160><c
• </c> and commissions. and commissions. &gt;&gt; Filed. &gt;&gt; Filed. &gt;&gt; Filed.
• </c><00:15:44.120><c> Governor's</c><00:15:44.520><c> Message</c> and commissions.
• Governor's Message and commissions.

Bills: HB1166 , HB389 , HB644 , HB1509 , HB1692 , HB1842 , HB1878 , HB1926 , HB1949 , HB2116 , HB2581

Keywords: HB1166, automated speed enforcement, speed cameras, traffic enforcement, road safety, traffic safety, Department of Transportation, state highway fund, special fund, appropriation, fiscal year 2026-2027, camera enforcement, speeding citations, automated traffic enforcement, highway safety, HB389, uncrewed aircraft, drone, drones, UAS

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll move on to the Federal Commission Report and Lori Hine. Mission Report, Hannah Lory Hine.
• So the commission will be announcing those winners in June, and students who are selected as first The
• And then lastly, the commission is very proud to announce that it's America 250, The Commission will
• And then lastly, the Commission is very proud to announce that it's America 250, And then, lastly, the
• So, again, a lot of movement happening with the Federal Commission.

Summary: The America 250 Advisory Council met with a quorum and approved the prior meeting minutes. Staff gave a financial update showing about $344,310.88 in total expenditures to date, with roughly $64,987.14 remaining in the bottom line and an estimated $9,147 returning to the commemorative fund after two outstanding grants are resolved. Members thanked staff for getting grant money out to cities and counties and for tracking the celebration fund carefully. The council then received legal guidance from the Attorney General’s Office on how to handle contracts. Counsel Yvonne Dunbar explained that the full committee, not subcommittees alone, must decide how America 250 funds are spent and should clearly designate who is authorized to sign contracts and carry out delegated tasks. The committee voted to authorize the co-chairs to sign agreements approved by the council and to send signed agreements to the Legislative Services Office and Treasurer’s Office for recordkeeping and payment processing, with questions routed back to the co-chairs. Members also discussed a specific $20,000 celebration fund contract, but were advised no new motion was needed because the expenditure had already been approved; the contract would simply be returned for signature once finalized. An ambassador program update highlighted strong public participation, including nearly 2,000 ambassadors, 170 cities, 44 counties, 47 businesses, and 29 schools using customized logos. The council also heard about the Capitol quilt display, which grew from an expected 12 quilts to 62 and has drawn significant public attention, along with progress on the Liberty Bell carriage and a fountain project. The governor’s task force report covered upcoming America 250 initiatives such as the July 8 “Sharing the Spirit of America” reading event, the youth art project “My America, From Ground Zero to Common Ground,” America’s Potluck, and the updated Idaho and federal event websites. The federal report summarized national America 250 activities, including Idaho’s submission to the America’s Time Capsule project, the Flag Sojourn, America’s Field Trip, America Innovates, the growing congressional America 250 caucus, and the planned Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. Finally, the council approved disbursement of grant awards requested by Power County, the City of Nampa, the City of Heyburn, and Jerome County. Members discussed scheduling the next meeting for April 20 and adjourned after brief closing remarks thanking staff and partners for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll move on to the Federal Commission Report and Lori Hine. Mission Report, Hannah Lory Hine.
• The commission will be announcing those winners in June, and students who are selected as first...
• The commission will be announcing those winners in June, and students who are selected as first-place
• And then lastly, the commission is very proud to announce that it's America 250, The Commission will
• So, again, a lot of movement happening with the Federal Commission.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The America 250 Advisory Council met with a quorum and first approved the prior minutes. Staff then provided a financial update showing most of the $250,000 celebration fund had been allocated, with about $9,147.70 expected to return to the commemorative fund after two outstanding grants are finalized, and total expenditures reported at $344,310.88 across related accounts. Members thanked staff for keeping the grants and payments moving so local events could be planned. The council then received legal guidance from the Attorney General’s Office on contracts and spending authority. Counsel explained that the committee as a whole controls the commemorative funds, may delegate contract work to subcommittees or individuals, and should clearly identify who is authorized to sign each contract. The council voted to require that any legally binding agreements approved by the committee be sent to the co-chairs for signature, and that signed agreements be shared with Legislative Services and the Treasurer’s Office for recordkeeping and payment processing, with questions routed back to the co-chairs. Members also discussed a specific $20,000 celebration contract for organizers, noting it had already been funded and was still being finalized for signature. Updates followed on the ambassador program, including nearly 2,000 ambassadors, extensive city/county/business/school logo participation, a large quilt display at the Capitol, service challenge progress, and plans for the Liberty Bell carriage and fountain projects. The governor’s task force report highlighted upcoming America 250 initiatives such as the July 8 “Sharing the Spirit of America” reading event, the youth art campaign “My America, From Ground Zero to Common Ground,” America’s Potluck, and website updates. The federal report covered the National Archives’ “America’s Time Capsule,” “America’s Block Party,” Flag Sojourn, America’s Field Trip, America Innovates, the expanded congressional caucus, and the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. Finally, the council approved grant disbursements for Power County, the City of Nampa, the City of Heyburn, and Jerome County, and scheduled the next meeting for April 20.

Transcript Highlights:

• On Zoom, Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women. Okay. Good morning. >> Please proceed.
• Yasmin Chaney for the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women.
• 50.520><c> Zoom,</c> Uh on Zoom, Uh on Zoom, Hawaii<00:12:52.360><c> State</c><00:12:52.680><c> Commission
• on the Status of Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women.
• </c> Chaney for the Hawaii State Commission Chaney for the Hawaii State Commission on<00:13:05.560><c

Bills: SCR7 , SCR59 , SCR182

Committee: House Health

Keywords: emergency care, reproductive health, abortion services, EMTALA, patient safety, hospital regulations, medical treatment, health care professionals, emergency response, licensure, disaster response, telehealth, SCR182, S.C.R. 182, Hawaii Trauma System, trauma care, trauma center, Tripler Army Medical Center, military-civilian partnership, civilian trauma patients

Summary: The Committee on Health heard testimony on three concurrent resolutions. SCR-7 would affirm that hospitals must provide life-saving emergency care to pregnant people; supporters included the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, AAUW Hawaii, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and Hawaii Women’s Lawyers, with two individuals in opposition. A member raised a wording concern about “pregnant people” versus “pregnant women,” and the chair agreed to note the comment in the committee report. The committee then recommended passage, and the measure was adopted by vote, with Representatives Alcos voting no and Garcia not voting. SCR-59 SD1 would ask the governor to establish procedures allowing certain health care professionals to practice in Hawaii without a Hawaii-issued license during a state of emergency. The Hawaii Organization of Nurse Leaders strongly supported the resolution, citing emergency response problems during Kona low storms and the Lahaina wildfires when out-of-state licensed providers were available but could not serve. The committee recommended passage as is, and the recommendation was adopted, with Representative Garcia voting with reservations. SCR-182 would request that the governor and Department of Health work with the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal military partners to explore a military-civilian trauma partnership to strengthen Hawaii’s trauma system. The Department of Health supported the measure, and a member suggested the title should reflect “Department of War,” while another member noted the federal department name has not changed; the chair said the comments would be noted in the report. The committee recommended passage, and the resolution was adopted without objection, with Representatives Martin and Olds excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, does the County Commission Association have a position on this bill?
• joining this because during the time that I was on the old fast as our president of the County Commission
• ><c> have</c><00:02:44.920><c> a</c> County Commission Association have a County Commission Association
• <00:04:03.080><c> Association,</c><00:04:03.680><c> the</c><00:04:03.760><c> counties</c> Commission
• Association, the counties Commission Association, the counties were<00:04:04.320><c> all</c><00:04:04.600

Committee: House County and Municipal Government

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it's Act 209, uh, will then be able to stay on and then it will carry over and transition with the commission
• </c><00:03:51.760><c> taking,</c> transition with the commission taking, transition with the commission
• </c><00:04:13.439><c> selection</c> state fire marshall selection state fire marshall selection commission
• .<00:04:15.519><c> Uh</c> commission.
• Uh commission.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• File Governor's Message Nos. 686 to 690 transmit nominations to various boards and commissions.
• </c><00:02:40.440><c> file</c><00:02:41.440><c> Governor's</c> boards and commissions file Governor's
• boards and commissions file Governor's message<00:02:42.200><c> numbers</c><00:02:42.680><c> 686</c>
• <00:02:48.280><c> Governor's</c><00:02:48.760><c> message</c><00:02:49.200><c> numbers</c> commissions
• Governor's message numbers commissions Governor's message numbers 686<00:02:50.560><c> to</c><00:02:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• result of the executive session we just had relating to personnel matters, it is the will of the commission
• proceed forward with the hiring of Katie Comstock as the new director of the Legislative Research Commission
• With that, is there a motion for the commission to approve the minutes of the October 1, 2025, meeting
• With that, is there a motion for the commission to approve the minutes of the October 1, 2025, meeting
• Is there any other business to come before the commission?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The commission met following an executive session on personnel matters and announced its intent to move forward with hiring Katie Comstock as the new director of the Legislative Research Commission. Members then approved, by roll call vote, a motion to adopt the October 1, 2025 minutes with specified exceptions, approve items under new business, accept and refer communications items 1 through 151 as indicated, and approve the report of the director selection committee. The motion carried with multiple aye/yes votes and no recorded opposition from those present. In other business, President Stivers thanked Speaker Pro Tem Meade and staff for their work preparing for the Southern Legislative Conference in Lexington, noting the event’s size and expected exposure for the area. Meade credited LRC staff, Jay Hartz, and partisan staff for the work, saying his role had mainly involved phone calls and meetings. Several members then offered extended remarks recognizing Jay Hartz for his leadership, professionalism, responsiveness, and long service to the commission and the building. Speakers said his work had set a standard for staff and legislators alike and wished him well in his next chapter. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would allow the California Energy Commission to apply appliance efficiency standards.
• It would allow the California Energy Commission to apply appliance efficiency standards to appliances
• And so I checked with the Energy Commission, and I just want to read to you their specific response if
• My name is Francis Barraza, Vice President of Policy for the San Diego Housing Commission.
• The San Diego Housing Commission develops, finances, and oversees affordable housing across San Diego

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Keywords: 987, senate, all