Transcript Highlights:

• This permanent closure plan is essentially defined in the Mine Land Reclamation Act, which is Chapter
• This rule chapter explains what public water systems must do to make sure customers are served with safe
• Additionally, the chapter was reorganized and clarifications were made, and I'll go over in a little
• So section 21 for disadvantaged loans and affordability.
• So these are Section 21 for disadvantaged loans and affordability.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• Um adopt<01:21:32.560><c> the</c><01:21:32.719><c> language</c><01:21:33.040><c> from</c><01:21:33.280
• ><c> as</c><01:21:34.480><c> it</c><01:21:34.640><c> relates</c><01:21:34.800><c> to</c><01:21:34.960
• </c><01:21:37.920><c> expand</c><01:21:38.239><c> a</c><01:21:38.480><c> list</c><01:21:38.560><c> of
• ><c> that</c><01:21:39.280><c> would</c><01:21:39.440><c> trigger</c><01:21:39.840><c> 60-42</c><01:21
• U and we're<01:21:55.600><c> adding</c><01:21:55.840><c> that</c><01:21:56.159><c> because</c><01:21:

Bills: HB2611 , HB2102 , HB1710 , HB1868 , HB1920 , HB1812 , HB1733 , HB1715 , HB1723 , HB1724 , HB1727 , HB1711

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The committee first took up HB 2611, which would prohibit algorithmic price-setting in Hawaii’s rental market, require public education by the Attorney General, and establish fines and penalties. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, saying its language was too unclear and could expose landlords and agents to criminal and civil liability for ordinary rent-setting practices based on public information or assistance from property professionals. Members asked about antitrust standards, tacit agreement, and whether using county-published affordable-rent schedules would be unlawful; the AG said that would not be unlawful if based on public information and without collusion. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting support from the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, Hawaii Realtors with comments, 50501 Hawaii and General Strike Hawaii, Haloha Project, 13 individuals, and one opponent. The committee then heard HB 2102, which clarifies that residential projects involving ground disturbance in high-risk areas remain subject to state historic preservation review and removes an exemption for lands presumed nominally sensitive. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and the Department of Planning and Permitting supported the measure, saying it would improve clarity and ensure review focuses on projects most likely to affect historic properties or iwi kupuna, while also urging language refinements to better define sensitive sandy-soil areas and balance preservation with housing timelines. NAP Hawaii opposed the bill, arguing it would undo progress made last session and that the current process already includes protections for inadvertent discoveries and efficiency for lower-risk areas. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported HB 2102, explaining it was responding to beneficiary complaints about late-added language in last year’s law and saying the nominally sensitive-area language should be removed because it was adopted without sufficient stakeholder input and could be harmful to iwi kupuna protections. Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation and several individuals also supported the bill. Committee discussion focused on how “nominally sensitive” areas are determined, whether project proponents could self-certify areas as exempt, and how high-density residential projects should be treated; SHPD said it uses survey and monitoring data to map sensitivity, that highly sensitive areas like Kīauea are not nominally sensitive, and that some high-density projects should remain exempt if they do not involve new ground disturbance. The hearing included no final vote in the portion provided, but the chair noted 48 individuals in support and continued questioning on the bill’s definitions and implementation.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.240><c> is</c><00:21:00.559><c> just</c><00:21:00.760><c> not</c><00:21:01.000><c> the</c><00:21:
• ><c> anyone</c><00:21:05.360><c> else</c><00:21:05.559><c> wishing</c><00:21:05.799><c> to</c><00:21:
• 00:21:41.919><c> thank</c><00:21:42.039><c> you</c><00:21:42.240><c> and</c><00:21:42.320><c> we</c><
• </c><00:21:52.320><c> our</c><00:21:52.480><c> next</c><00:21:52.679><c> measure</c><00:21:52.919><c>
• Bill</c><00:21:53.520><c> 379</c><00:21:54.240><c> relating</c><00:21:54.559><c> to</c><00:21:54.720

Committee: Senate Housing

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of housing measures focused on streamlining approvals, reshaping financing programs, and expanding affordability requirements. SB 27 would exempt state-financed housing developments from County Council approval; SB 38 would bar county legislative bodies from changing housing proposals in ways that increase project costs; SB 25 would let counties reduce housing capacity in one area only if they offset it elsewhere with no net loss; and SB 379 would require perpetual affordability covenants for HHFDC projects and prohibit affordable housing in special flood hazard areas. SB 378 would create an HHFDC working group to identify mixed-use Maui properties for possible acquisition, SB 414 would authorize condemnation proceedings for a new Lānaʻi access road tied to disaster recovery, and SB 13 would eliminate the state income tax mortgage interest deduction for second homes. Testimony was mixed across the bills, with state agencies and housing advocates generally supporting faster permitting and more production, while county planners, NAIOP, Catholic Charities, and others raised concerns about local control, marketability, financing feasibility, and long-term affordability enforcement. A major portion of the hearing centered on the rental housing revolving fund. SB 70 would limit eligible applicants to government agencies or organizations that reinvest all surplus into additional housing; HHFDC said most developers would not object in principle but questioned how the surplus requirement would be enforced, while NAIOP and Catholic Charities opposed it as too restrictive and difficult to monitor. SB 71 would amend the fund’s preference criteria and eligibility rules, and SB 163 would require HHFDC to prioritize projects with the shortest repayment terms and highest unit production per dollar per year. HHFDC and some advocates supported the goal of faster recycling of funds, but NAIOP and Catholic Charities warned that shorter loan terms and narrowed preferences could burden developers and disincentivize projects, especially for lower-income tenants. The chair indicated SB 163 would be deferred and its concerns folded into amendments to SB 71. In decision-making, the committee voted to pass SB 27, SB 38, SB 70, and SB 71 with amendments, and SB 25 unamended. The chair said SB 27 would be amended to include projects with a state financing commitment and a report note that such projects still undergo 21-38 review; SB 38 would receive technical changes and language preventing county bodies from imposing cost-increasing conditions; SB 70 would add language addressing enforcement of the surplus requirement and a preamble citing the need to recycle taxpayer-financed housing value; and SB 71 would be amended to incorporate concerns raised in SB 163, including a broader preamble and revised priority criteria. SB 163 was deferred, while the other measures on the agenda were heard but no final action was described in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This<00:21:22.720><c> is</c><00:21:23.120><c> February</c><00:21:24.480><c> the</c><00:21:24.720><c>
• </c><00:21:29.039><c> uh</c><00:21:29.200><c> President</c><00:21:30.000><c> and</c><00:21:30.240><c>
• c><00:21:41.360><c> to</c><00:21:41.520><c> say</c><00:21:41.919><c> to</c><00:21:42.159><c> the</c>
• ><c> an</c><00:21:48.159><c> Omega,</c><00:21:48.720><c> we</c><00:21:49.280><c> we</c><00:21:49.679>
• </c><00:21:53.200><c> and</c><00:21:53.679><c> uh</c><00:21:53.840><c> thank</c><00:21:54.000><c> you

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then adopted the previous day’s journal and excused absent senators. The chamber recognized visiting members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and adopted a Senate resolution designating February 10, 2026, as Alpha Phi Alpha Day at the Alabama State Capitol. Senators offered remarks praising the fraternity’s service, civic outreach, and historical significance, and the House later sent over a matching resolution, which the Senate adopted. The Senate also heard a Black History Month presentation highlighting Benjamin Banneker, Dr. Charles Drew, Ralph Bunche, and Carter G. Woodson. The Senate then processed a large number of House messages and confirmations. House bills and resolutions were referred to committees, including measures on juvenile offenders, administrative rules, state income tax, local legislation, ad valorem tax, multi-member boards, license plates, criminal procedure, and food banks. The Senate confirmed several appointments, including multiple Alabama Army National Guard promotions, Mike Suo to the Jacksonville State University Board of Trustees, and Christy Andrews to the Alabama Securities Commission, each by roll call with no opposition. In motions and resolutions, the Senate adopted numerous commemorative and honorary resolutions, including observances for National Blood Donor Month, Diabetes Month, Booker T. Washington Day, the Alabama Community College Football Study Commission, and recognitions for individuals and organizations such as the Baldwin County Fair, Sheriff Derek Cunningham, William Riley Hawkins Jr., and Clifford Ray Miller. Senator Barfoot’s resolution urging federal funding for the state logging efficiency grant fund was adopted after adding all senators as co-sponsors, and a resolution honoring Sheriff Derek Cunningham was read at length and adopted. The Senate also adopted the Rules Committee’s special order calendar for the next legislative day, which prioritized several bills on libraries, taxation, retired state employees, municipalities, transportation, coal-impacted communities, income tax, the Alabama Space Authority, cosmetology and barbering, security, entertainment incentives, and health. In local legislation, the Senate passed several local bills, including measures for Mobile County, class 2 municipalities, public transportation, Jefferson County, and the town of Morris.

Transcript Highlights:

• 21:09.200><c> we</c><00:21:09.360><c> have</c><00:21:09.679><c> Al</c><00:21:10.080><c> an</c> thank
• 21:15.000><c> ba</c><00:21:15.400><c> mlin</c><00:21:15.919><c> talk</c><00:21:16.159><c> in</c><00:21
• stinet in<00:21:20.760><c> support</c><00:21:21.200><c> Brandon</c><00:21:21.760><c> young</c><00:21
• <00:21:25.240><c> Katie</c><00:21:25.640><c> K</c><00:21:26.000><c> in</c><00:21:26.279><c> support</
• <c> Luen</c><00:21:27.880><c> Dr</c><00:21:28.120><c> Luen</c><00:21:28.600><c> come</c><00:21:28.720

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The joint Housing and Health and Human Services hearing began with Senate Bill 878, which would extend the sunset date for the state rent supplement program for kupuna to June 30, 2028. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and others. Catholic Charities described a waitlist of seniors at imminent risk of homelessness and said the program helps seniors retain housing or secure units with landlord support. Members asked whether the bill would expand the number of households served; staff said the contract allows up to 127 households and that additional pending households could be funded, but applicants must still go through the program process. Both committees voted to pass SB 878 unamended. The committees then heard Senate Bill 1610 on Ohana Zones. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions supported the measure so long as it did not supplant existing funding, and described the funding as supporting homelessness services and wraparound supports. The Department of Human Services and Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments, with DHS suggesting a definition of “kali” be added for clarity. The committee chair said the bill would receive technical amendments for clarity and consistency and accepted proposed amendments related to including “tales” in the program; the measure was advanced with amendments, with members voting in favor in both committees. In the joint Health and Human Services and Labor and Technology hearing, Senate Bill 1496 on civil rights and website accessibility drew support from disability advocates and organizations, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the National Federation of the Blind, the Deaf and Blind Task Force, and the Disability and Communication Access Board. Testimony emphasized the need for stronger state protections amid concerns about federal enforcement, while one testifier raised concerns about jurisdiction, minimum contacts, the use of WCAG 2.1 standards, and the bill’s immediate effective date. The committees decided to pass SB 1496 with technical amendments, including adding a defective date to allow further work before conference, and the recommendation was adopted in both committees. Later, the joint Health, Human Services, and Commerce and Consumer Protection hearing took up Senate Bill 404 on service animals. The Attorney General’s office raised a possible constitutional issue and the lack of an enforcement mechanism, while DHS deferred to other agencies. DCAB supported the bill but recommended amendments to identify an enforcement agency and require notices from professionals and sellers of service-animal or emotional-support-animal paraphernalia. Several advocacy and real estate-related groups testified in support. After discussion, the chair recommended deferring SB 404 for further work because of the Attorney General’s concerns, and the hearing adjourned without a vote on the measure. The final joint Transportation, Culture and the Arts, and Health and Human Services agenda heard SB 1526 on a drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory and SB 1492 on mobility management; both measures were advanced with amendments or as-is, with SB 1526 sent forward with technical amendments and SB 1492 moved ahead after members noted blank dollar amounts and requested the Department of Transportation provide figures.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas the Alabama chapters of the Links Incorporated will celebrate 21 years of gathering at the
• </c><00:21:08.559><c> I</c><00:21:08.799><c> can't</c><00:21:08.960><c> read</c><00:21:09.120><c> all
• So, let's<00:21:13.440><c> give</c><00:21:13.520><c> them</c><00:21:13.679><c> a</c><00:21:13.760><c>
• </c><00:21:48.720><c> Speaker,</c><00:21:48.960><c> I</c><00:21:49.120><c> have</c><00:21:49.200><c>
• :21:21.679><c> to</c><01:21:22.640><c> and</c><01:21:23.120><c> I</c><01:21:23.360><c> was</c><01:21:

Transcript Highlights:

• :21:10.800><c> a</c><01:21:11.120><c> good</c><01:21:11.280><c> benefit</c><01:21:11.760><c> if</c> That's
• So they<01:21:33.679><c> they're</c><01:21:34.000><c> finding</c><01:21:34.719><c> you</c><01:21:34.880
• ><02:21:02.800><c> overpresented</c><02:21:03.439><c> in</c><02:21:03.600><c> young</c><02:21:03.840>
• in athletes<02:21:09.280><c> while</c><02:21:09.600><c> absent</c><02:21:10.000><c> after</c><02:21:
• ><c> SARS</c><02:21:43.280><c> KB2</c><02:21:43.840><c> mRNA</c><02:21:44.399><c> or</c><02:21:44.560

Summary: The committee met as a special House committee on COVID response efficacy, noted absences, and restated its mission to review New Hampshire’s pandemic response, including federal guidance, federal funds, emergency use authorization vaccination efforts, long COVID treatment, patient bill of rights implementation, and vaccination policies. The main business was discussion of a proposed letter or report language concerning current COVID vaccine recommendations for young children, especially those under age two, and how to support any conclusions with cited scientific and state sources. Representative Polozov argued that the committee should ask the governor or agencies to reconsider current recommendations, saying the committee should focus on whether vaccination is needed for that age group, whether it is effective, and whether the risks outweigh the benefits. He said he had distributed articles and wanted the committee to pair its conclusions with scientific and statistical data. Other members asked him to identify the specific New Hampshire DHHS and American Academy of Pediatrics sources for the recommendation, clarify the age range being discussed, and separate any evidence about adverse effects in other age groups from the infant/toddler demographic so the letter would be transparent and not misleading. Members generally agreed the letter should be carefully sourced and refined, with citations for each claim. The chair said the committee would treat the request as urgent and try to finalize a version by the next meeting, noting that some members would be traveling. The committee also discussed scheduling additional testimony in September and October, possibly with extra meetings, to continue gathering evidence and to hear from witnesses. The chair then began reviewing supporting articles, including studies he said were new since the 2024 report, and introduced a 2025 South Korea cohort study and another 2025 Italian cohort study as examples of the evidence he wanted to incorporate into an updated 2026 report.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> in</c><00:21:04.880><c> the</c><00:21:05.520><c> Mediterranean</c><00:21:06.520><c> to</c><00:21
• ><c> can't</c><00:21:08.280><c> be</c><00:21:08.480><c> at</c><00:21:08.600><c> a</c><00:21:08.720><c
• c> choice</c><00:21:12.840><c> it's</c><00:21:13.039><c> not</c><00:21:14.000><c> by</c><00:21:14.200
• 21:18.600><c> be</c><00:21:18.799><c> there</c><00:21:19.039><c> who</c><00:21:19.200><c> has</c><00:
• <00:21:28.279><c> right</c><00:21:28.640><c> that</c><00:21:28.840><c> important</c><00:21:29.240><c>

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection met on February 20, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. HB 850, relating to condominiums, drew support from the Community Associations Institute and the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, who said it would improve owner participation, clarify voting rules, and preserve the use of proxies as a personal choice. A Zoom testifier supported the bill’s intent but warned that special meetings can be abused and suggested further amendments to address board president authority. Members asked about proxies versus electronic voting and whether the bill would reduce proxy use; no vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 48 on coffee labeling, with the Department of Agriculture in support, and HB 1370 on taxation, where a local brewery representative supported equal tax treatment for beer served from 5-gallon kegs and larger kegs when dispensed from a faucet, arguing the bill would clarify draft beer treatment and encourage sustainability. HB 1422 on motor carriers received comments from the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of State Parks, while representatives from a community-based shuttle initiative supported the bill and said nonprofit, community-led transportation solutions should not be regulated like traditional carriers. HB 874, relating to child performers, received support from SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and individual performers, who emphasized protecting minors’ earnings, safety, and schooling. Testimony also discussed whether to include social media influencers and whether to add annual income limits or trust-account protections; the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said the issue was outside its wheelhouse. Later, HB 799 on healthcare drew support from health plans and HMSA, with the Department of Health requesting amendments such as a sunset date, a Maui-only pilot, and a report back before changing its position. HB 1379 on health received support from Hawaii Pacific Health, but the Hawaii Medical Board raised concerns about vague language and public-safety implications for internationally trained physicians, asking for more time to study national licensing recommendations. Finally, HB 439 on education was heard, with the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board opposing the bill as drafted and warning about licensing standards and predatory third-party loans affecting J-1 teachers; the transcript ends before any action or vote on these measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Madam<00:21:32.800><c> Speaker,</c><00:21:33.520><c> last</c><00:21:33.880><c> Friday</c><00:21:
• Harvey.<00:21:39.680><c> Ken</c><00:21:40.040><c> was</c><00:21:40.200><c> a</c><00:21:40.280><c> friend
• </c><00:21:42.800><c> May</c><00:21:43.080><c> I</c><00:21:43.200><c> read</c><00:21:43.480><c> a</c>
• Ken<00:21:47.520><c> Harvey</c><00:21:47.920><c> grew</c><00:21:48.160><c> up</c><00:21:48.360><c> in
• If<01:21:21.320><c> the</c><01:21:21.400><c> creditor</c><01:21:21.920><c> rejects</c><01:21:22.400><

Transcript Highlights:

• will also<00:21:03.159><c> add</c><00:21:03.559><c> expansion</c><00:21:04.360><c> to</c><00:21:04.640
• with<00:21:11.520><c> knowledge</c><00:21:11.880><c> of</c><00:21:12.080><c> assisted</c><00:21:12.520
• ><c> we'll</c><00:21:22.279><c> be</c><00:21:22.400><c> able</c><00:21:22.679><c> to</c><00:21:22.880
• <00:21:27.159><c> transitioning</c><00:21:27.760><c> into</c><00:21:28.000><c> adult</c><00:21:28.240
• :00.880><c> in</c><01:21:01.000><c> order</c><01:21:01.239><c> to</c><01:21:01.400><c> keep</c><01:21

Committee: Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:16.400><c> spoken</c><00:21:16.720><c> on</c><00:21:16.880><c> this,</c><00:21:17.120><c>
• </c><00:21:44.080><c> On</c><00:21:44.320><c> SB</c><00:21:44.880><c> 2080,</c><00:21:45.679><c> I</c
• </c><00:21:48.080><c> Next</c><00:21:48.320><c> up,</c><00:21:48.720><c> SB</c><00:21:49.360><c> 2276
• ><c> to</c><01:21:41.760><c> do</c><01:21:41.920><c> this</c><01:21:42.239><c> taxation</c><01:21:42.960
• &gt;&gt; I<01:21:53.440><c> I</c><01:21:53.679><c> have</c><01:21:53.760><c> a</c><01:21:54.320><c>

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related measures, with most of the discussion focused on bills addressing tobacco/vape enforcement, psychology licensure, hospital price transparency, prior authorization, and medical cannabis. The chair opened by explaining the one-minute testimony limit and that written testimony had been reviewed. For SB 2175 on disposable electronic smoking devices, the Department of Health said the bill’s placement in litter-control law was not a good fit because disposable e-cigarettes contain hazardous materials like lithium and nicotine, but it supported the intent and pointed to a related measure. Public health and tobacco-control advocates strongly supported the bill, citing youth use, toxic waste, battery fires, and the need to tighten definitions and remove exemptions; a long list of organizations and individuals were noted in support, with no opposition mentioned. For SB 2410, which would create a state directory and enforcement tools for authorized e-cigarette products, the Attorney General’s office strongly supported the measure and said it would help enforce the FDA-authorized list of products through certification, inspections, and civil penalties. The Department of Health said thousands of illegal products remain on the market and cited youth usage rates, while public health groups also supported the bill. One tobacco industry-related witness was noted in opposition. SB 2080, the psychology interjurisdictional compact, drew support from the Department of Corrections, which said it had severe staffing shortages and that the compact would help fill gaps, especially for forensic psychology and neighbor island facilities. Some committee members raised concerns about whether the compact would loosen licensure standards and reduce licensing revenue, and the Board of Psychology was said to be meeting and had not taken a formal position; testimony also noted the need for resources if the compact were adopted. The committee also heard SB 2276 on surgical assistance, with DCCA in opposition and a supporter from the field, but little discussion followed. SB 2277 on hospital price transparency drew support from consumer and patient advocates, who argued that clearer pricing would reduce medical debt and help patients shop for care; DCCA and the Department of Health offered comments, with the department suggesting an alternative enforcement model using outside review entities and noting that implementation would require significant staffing and funding. The Healthcare Association of Hawaii opposed the bill, saying federal transparency rules already cover the issue and state law could create duplication. SB 2282 on prior authorization received comments from insurers and providers; HMSA asked that the bill be set aside pending the report of the prior authorization working group created by Act 151, while the Hawaii Medical Association said prior authorization is a major burden but deferred to regulators on resources. Finally, SB 2413 on medical cannabis was supported by the Office of Medical Cannabis and others, who said the bill would close a patient-access gap by allowing viable seed sales; one witness suggested clarifying jurisdictional language and allowing dispensaries to sell seeds to each other. The committee then began SB 2425 on health insurance, where an addiction treatment provider testified that insurers’ refusal to honor assignment-of-benefits payments can delay reimbursement and create relapse risk for patients, but the transcript cuts off before further action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:21:02.159><c> Lewis</c><00:21:02.559><c> lived</c><00:21:02.880><c> much</c><00:21:03.200><c> of
• Along<00:21:09.440><c> with</c><00:21:09.600><c> Elaine</c><00:21:10.080><c> Wilson,</c><00:21:10.640
• 21:17.200><c> have</c><00:21:17.360><c> the</c><00:21:17.600><c> right</c><00:21:17.840><c> to</c><00
• I want<00:21:43.039><c> to</c><00:21:43.200><c> note</c><00:21:43.520><c> you</c><00:21:43.760><c> can
• </c><00:21:43.840><c> see</c><00:21:44.000><c> a</c><00:21:44.159><c> piece</c><00:21:44.400><c> of</

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:21:03.200><c> work</c><00:21:03.520><c> will</c><00:21:03.799><c> result</c><00:21:04.159><c> in
• at</c><00:21:23.919><c> almost</c><00:21:24.240><c> no</c><00:21:24.480><c> cost</c><00:21:24.760><c
• > student</c><00:21:29.760><c> in</c><00:21:30.039><c> every</c><00:21:30.279><c> School</c><00:21:30.880
• :31.559><c> seem</c><00:21:31.799><c> lofty</c><00:21:32.679><c> and</c><00:21:33.080><c> it</c><00:21
• /c><00:21:35.279><c> it</c><00:21:36.279><c> and</c><00:21:36.400><c> similar</c><00:21:36.760><c> to

Bills: HF1966 , HF54 , HF2043 , HF1171 , HF2741

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: HF1966, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, STARS program, alternative education, alternative programs, education finance, general fund appropriation, student support services, career readiness, employment skills, academic skills, social skills, student conferences, training grants, Minnesota Department of Education, specialized education, at-risk students, nontraditional education, HF54, Silver Lake

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as the chapters of the Laws of
• &gt;&gt; THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT ON THE SAME DATE AND IN THE SAME MANNER AS THE CHAPTERS OF THE Laws
• Rec., this act shall take effect in the same manner as the chapters of the Laws of 2025. >> Call the
• REC THIS ACT SHALL TAKEEFFECT ON THE SAME MANNER AS THE CHAPTERS OF THE LAWS OF 2025.
• &gt;&gt; THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT ON THE SAME DATE AND IN THE SAME MANNER AS THE CHAPTERS OF THE LAWS

Summary: The Senate met on January 20, 2026, approved the Journal, and adopted the resolution calendar. It then took up Senate Resolution 1324, sponsored by Senator Stec, which memorializes the Governor to proclaim January 25-31, 2026, as Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week. Senator Stec described the work of medicolegal death investigators and recognized guests from several districts; the resolution was opened for co-sponsorship. The Senate then considered a series of bills on the calendar, including measures amending the Insurance, Labor, Workers’ Compensation, Public Health, State Finance, State Technology, Environmental Conservation, Criminal Procedure, Executive, and Veteran Services laws. Most bills passed with broad support, though several drew negative votes from individual senators or small groups, including Calendar 34 (Insurance Law), Calendar 47 (Environmental Conservation Law), Calendar 61 (Public Health Law), and Calendar 74 (Veteran Services Law). Senator Murray briefly explained his support for Calendar 62, a Criminal Procedure Law bill, suggesting additional confirmation for victim notifications if email notice is expanded. The Senate also discharged Assembly Bill 9436 from Rules and substituted identical Senate Bill 8773. After completing the calendar, the Majority Conference committee assignments were filed in the Journal. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, January 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:02.400><c> back</c><00:21:02.720><c> to</c><00:21:02.880><c> the</c><00:21:03.120><c> judge,</
• The<00:21:12.480><c> bill</c><00:21:13.120><c> um</c><00:21:13.520><c> has</c><00:21:13.760><c> been<
• /c><00:21:13.919><c> a</c><00:21:14.080><c> couple</c><00:21:14.240><c> years</c><00:21:14.480><c> in
• c> making</c><00:21:15.039><c> and</c><00:21:15.200><c> I</c><00:21:15.360><c> want</c><00:21:15.440>
• /c><00:21:23.120><c> and</c><00:21:23.360><c> if</c><00:21:23.520><c> none</c><00:21:24.159><c> I</c>

Transcript Highlights:

• As 1 Timothy chapter 1 states, the goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart, a good
• Eladio Pereira, Legislative District 21.
• 1540, Motor Vehicle. 1544, Unclear priority. 1444, Unclear fiduciary. 15461, Health. 15661, Health. 21
• House Bill 2960, amending Title 12, Chapter 1, Article 1, Section 12-119.06 and Title 41, Chapter 11,
• Members, by our votes of 31 ayes, 21 nays, 27 not voting, one vacant, you have passed...

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a memorial adoption of HCR 2064 honoring former legislator Barbara Leff, which was unanimously adopted and sent to the Senate. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Eladio Pereira, and numerous student and constituent guests in the gallery. After routine desk business and bill referrals, the House moved into Committee of the Whole to consider a long calendar of measures. Several bills were amended and advanced with do pass recommendations. HB 2170 was narrowed to restrict state purchases of certain electronic and information technology from China/Chinese-controlled entities and to address third-party resellers. HB 2375 dealt with middle housing in historic districts, with amendments limiting demolition of historic structures unless necessary for health and safety and preserving local discretion. HB 2380 focused on school district transparency and meeting location rules, requiring governing board materials online and keeping meetings within district boundaries, with debate over local control and comparisons to legislative caucus retreats. HB 2617, HB 2621, and HB 2671 also moved forward after amendments; HB 2621’s discussion centered on certificates of educational convenience and ensuring special education access for children in unorganized territory and DCS placements. The committee also advanced HB 2720 on anti-human trafficking and prostitution-related reforms, including sealed records for sex trafficking survivors and an anti-human trafficking grant fund; HB 2772, allowing a DNR designation on driver’s licenses, prompted extended questions about emergency care and liability; HB 2784, dealing with school district excess cash refunds, was amended to phase in implementation; HB 2902, affirming support for the Electoral College, drew the most ideological debate, with supporters citing constitutional structure and opponents arguing for a national popular vote; and HB 2950, concerning a tourism/hospitality district, saw a failed attempt to make participation voluntary. The House also considered HB 4025, a study bill on the feasibility of building an oil refinery in Arizona, which sparked extensive debate over fuel prices, refinery capacity, environmental impacts, and whether a study was necessary, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:21:01.640><c> people</c><00:21:01.960><c> who</c><00:21:02.159><c> couldn't</c><00:21:02.600><c>
• ><c> bail</c><00:21:06.280><c> I</c><00:21:06.320><c> mean</c><00:21:06.600><c> they</c><00:21:06.799
• </c><00:21:09.200><c> and</c><00:21:09.440><c> I</c><00:21:09.600><c> looked</c><00:21:09.880><c> at<
• the latest<00:21:11.880><c> um</c><00:21:12.760><c> issuance</c><00:21:13.320><c> of</c><00:21:13.600
• :21:16.000><c> like</c><00:21:16.320><c> 909</c><00:21:17.320><c> people</c><00:21:17.640><c> who</c>

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 114, which would create a presidential preference primary for the 2028 election. The Office of Elections said the bill would cost about $4.1 million. Supporters, including the Hawaii Democratic Party and the League of Women Voters, favored moving the process to a state-run primary, while several opponents, including the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women and multiple individual testifiers, argued it would be too expensive, would shift control away from the parties, and would replace volunteer-run caucuses with a mail-in system. Committee members questioned the chief election officer about election timing, certification, and how a primary might be scheduled with other elections. Testimony was recorded as 11 in support, 41 opposed, and 3 comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up SB 725, which would require judges to make findings about a defendant’s ability to afford bail. Judiciary and Attorney General witnesses asked that the bill be deferred or amended, saying the Judicial Council is already reviewing pretrial bail reform and that the bill’s language could create practical problems for police, sheriffs, and courts. Supporters, including the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the public defender, the Community Alliance on Prisons, the ACLU of Hawaii, and disability rights advocates, said cash bail disproportionately harms low-income defendants, increases pretrial detention costs, and should require clearer findings and records. Opponents included the Hawaii County prosecuting attorney. Members questioned how bail is initially set, what records exist, and whether the bill would change current practice; Judiciary witnesses said initial bail decisions are often made by police or judges and later reviewed on the record, while supporters argued the bill would strengthen front-end due process. The ACLU said it supported the bill with amendments, including clearer standards for ability to pay and written findings. The committee also began hearing SB 733, a proposed constitutional amendment to establish a continuous legislative session. Early testimony was strongly supportive, with advocates arguing that the current 60-day session limits public participation, makes it hard for working people to testify, and prevents lawmakers from collaborating effectively. Supporters said a year-round model could improve transparency, reduce duplicate bills, and better accommodate neighbor island legislators. The excerpt ends during the opening testimony on SB 733, before any committee action or vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:01.760><c> to</c><00:21:01.919><c> thank</c><00:21:02.080><c> you</c><00:21:02.200><c> for
• <00:21:03.960><c> uh</c><00:21:04.159><c> prior</c><00:21:04.480><c> to</c><00:21:04.760><c> the</c><
• :21:24.320><c> that</c><00:21:24.559><c> chapter</c><00:21:24.919><c> is</c><00:21:25.120><c> opos</c
• > about the title of that chapter is opos about the title of that chapter is opos of<00:21:25.760><c>
• :21:46.480><c> is</c><00:21:46.600><c> a</c><00:21:46.840><c> Class</c><00:21:47.159><c> D</c><00:21:

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 669, sponsored by Representative Smith, which was presented as a response to a September shooting incident in his district that led to school closures and missed instructional days. Smith said the bill was intended to help school districts recover lost days caused by extraordinary emergencies and not to set a broad precedent. Members asked whether districts had adjusted calendars to make up time, and Smith said many had already extended days or moved calendars into June. The committee then voted to pass House Bill 669, with all members present voting yes. The committee next heard House Bill 621, as amended by a committee substitute that removed a homeschooling-related section and left only the school-threat provisions. The bill would allow courts to impose a fine on parents when a child is adjudicated for terroristic threatening if law enforcement incurred excessive costs, and it would require a mental health assessment for the child. Representative Duvall and Officer Steve Chappelle supported the measure, arguing that online school threats spread fear, disrupt attendance, pull law-enforcement resources from other schools, and should create more parental accountability. Representative Riley also supported the accountability goal, citing lost instructional time and a recent student suicide tied to online issues. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s scope and due process. Representative Josh Callaway questioned why this offense should be the starting point for parental fines and warned about a slippery slope in holding parents liable for children’s crimes. Representative Willner said the bill seemed more like a judiciary issue, questioned whether punishment can make parents better parents, and asked about diversion programs and the meaning of the detention language. Representative Tipton pointed to existing statutes on mental health assessments and terroristic threatening penalties, and said the committee substitute would alleviate many concerns. Scott West, speaking for Kentucky Policy and the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, argued that the mandatory detention language would remove judicial discretion and that the parental fine provision could conflict with existing due process protections requiring notice, a hearing, and a finding that lack of supervision was a substantial factor in the child’s delinquency. The transcript does not show a final vote on House Bill 621 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• THESE AGREEMENTS INCLUDE BOTH STATE TERM CONTRACTS AND ALTERNATE CONTRACT THEY ARE DEFINED IN CHAPTER
• ROUGHLY 21 PERCENT OF ALL PURCHASE ORDERS SPENT IS SPENT ON IT SERVICES MEANING ONE IN $5 IS SPENT IN
• CHAPTER 282 OF FLORIDA STATUTE REQUIRES COORDINATION BETWEEN AGENCIES AND THE FLORIDA DIGITAL THE FORM
• CHAPTER 287 REQUIRES MINIMUM NUMBER OF QUOTES FOR ALL STATE TERM CONTRACTS.
• PURCHASING HAS OFFERED FOR CUSTOMERS OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS AND HAS GROWN OVER 627 AND FISCAL YEAR 21

Transcript Highlights:

• :41.120><c> it</c><00:21:41.280><c> talks</c><00:21:41.520><c> about</c><00:21:41.760><c> at</c><00:21
• So<00:21:44.400><c> these</c><00:21:44.640><c> are</c><00:21:44.799><c> these</c><00:21:45.039><c> are
• Oh,<00:21:47.520><c> and</c><00:21:47.600><c> then</c><00:21:47.760><c> it</c><00:21:47.840><c> says<
• ><c> it</c><00:21:49.360><c> says</c><00:21:49.679><c> shall</c><00:21:49.919><c> be</c><00:21:50.080
• <00:21:55.679><c> So</c><00:21:56.159><c> right</c><00:21:56.320><c> now</c><00:21:56.640><c> the</c>

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration