Transcript Highlights:

• corrections, without objection, the Public Safety Committee minutes for February 4 are approved and distributed
• February 4 are approved and distributed electronically.
• from the State General Fund in fiscal year 2027 to the Arizona Department of Administration to distribute
• amendment in your name dated February 10, 2026 at 10:38 a.m. adds an appropriation of $125,900 for distribution
• from the state general fund in fiscal year 2027 to the Arizona Department of Administration to distribute

Bills: SB1046, SB1317, SB1376, SB1416, SB1448, SB1471, SB1493, SB1498, SB1502, SB1504, SB1538, SB1544, SB1550, SB1579, SB1581, SB1584, SB1624, SB1673

Keywords: telecommunications, broadband, internet infrastructure, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security, foreign adversary, China, Chinese equipment, supply chain security, network equipment, microchips, Arizona Corporation Commission, telecommunications provider, communications infrastructure, Huawei, ZTE, state-owned enterprise, sanctions, infrastructure security

Summary: The committee first approved its February 4 minutes and announced several bills would be held, including SB 1317, SB 1416, SB 1419, SB 1490, and SB 1493. It then heard SB 1579, which would appropriate about $4.7 million from the state general fund to expand a law enforcement data-sharing pilot through the Department of Administration, with funds for DPS, county sheriffs, university police, and city/town police departments. Testimony from the sponsor, Flagstaff’s mayor, Eloy’s police chief, and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office staff emphasized faster records access, better coordination, and officer safety; an amendment added $125,900 for the Scottsdale Police Department after it had been omitted. The committee adopted the amendment and gave SB 1579 a do pass recommendation by a 6-0 vote with one not voting. The committee next considered SB 1581, which appropriates about $1.4 million from the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund for pepperball equipment and about $1.316 million for public safety training simulators, with an amendment increasing the Nogales Police Department’s pepperball allocation and expanding simulator funding so Yavapai County could buy two simulators with a three-year warranty. Supporters from Navajo County, Phoenix, Glendale, Flagstaff, and Cochise County described pepperball as a de-escalation tool and simulators as important for crisis-response and use-of-force training. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1581 as amended on a 7-0 vote. SB 1673 was heard next and would appropriate $8.2 million from the general fund to the Law Enforcement Crime Victim Notification Fund, exempting the appropriation from lapsing. The sponsor and law enforcement witnesses said the automated notification system has improved victim communication, reduced workload, and sent millions of updates; committee members asked about funding sources and why a bill is needed for a constitutionally mandated program. The committee approved SB 1673 without amendment on a 7-0 vote. The committee also heard SB 1544, which would make adult probation records public on request, while requiring redaction or withholding of sensitive information such as victim data, minors’ information, medical or counseling records, active investigations, and confidential informants, and creating a process for written denials and court appeals. The sponsor said the bill is intended to increase transparency and data access, while witnesses raised concerns about risk-assessment language and confidential information; the sponsor said amendments would be brought later to clarify those provisions. The committee passed SB 1544 on a 4-3 vote. Finally, SB 1376, creating a civic leadership development special plate and fund for a youth mentoring nonprofit, passed unanimously, and SB 1550, a three-year Queen Creek pilot program to prevent runaway youth exploitation and improve investigations, also passed after testimony from Queen Creek officials and police; one senator voted no, citing concerns about how runaway youth are treated in other legislation. The committee then began hearing SB 1504, a pension bill modifying retirement dates and COLA timing for Tier 2 and Tier 3 public safety personnel, with supporters arguing it would improve recruitment and retention and opponents warning it would create significant unfunded liabilities, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we don't have costs distributed at the drug level.
• So we don't have costs distributed at the drug level.
• Last year, we distributed 15,834,000 pounds of food through more than 100 partner agencies.
• time period to assemble and distribute time period to assemble and distribute the<00:35:15.240><
• <00:35:59.000> large shelf-stable, and distribute large shelf-stable, and distribute large

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, so the actual dollar amount that would be distributed under the assumptions that you gave would
• Yes, so the actual dollar amount that would be distributed under the assumptions that you gave would
• <00:16:09.240> under amount that would be distributed under amount that would be distributed
• where we have evidence of distribution where we have evidence of direct<00:35:32.240> distribution
• is highly indicative of uh distribution is highly indicative of uh distribution takes<00:35:38.720><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several election-related bills first. SB 51, a comprehensive public financing bill for candidates, drew strong support in testimony but also concerns from the Campaign Spending Commission that the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund has only about $2.2 million, far short of what would be needed, and that the program could not realistically start in 2026 because of staffing and system changes; the commission asked for a start date no earlier than 2028. SB 118, which would create a full-time investigator position at the Campaign Spending Commission, was supported by the commission, which said it has lacked staff growth since 1995 and that an investigator is needed to handle investigations instead of having the commission’s attorney do that work. SB 255, a housekeeping bill on excess cash campaign contributions, was supported by the commission and several county officials and would require excess cash contributions over the limit to be returned within 30 days or turned over to the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund. SB 345, which would expand the current partial public financing program, was supported by the commission but drew questions because it would still allow private fundraising; the commission said that under its assumptions the bill would provide more total public funds than SB 51, with a maximum of a little over $20 million versus a little over $15 million for SB 51. Testimony counts were reported as 125 support/48 oppose for SB 51, 26 support/0 oppose for SB 118, 30 support/49 oppose for SB 255, and 30 support/49 oppose for SB 345. The committee then discussed SB 176 on recount thresholds. The Office of Elections said it would stand on written testimony, and the East Hawaii Republican Party was listed but not present. The Office of Elections explained in response to questions that the bill’s recount trigger would be based on the final election-day count, not the early 6 a.m. tabulation, because the initial count is not complete until later in the day and cured ballots are counted later; the office said it does not want to begin recounts before all election-day ballots are counted. The reported testimony count was 4 support, 50 oppose, and 2 comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 260, the Judiciary’s biennial budget bill. Judiciary staff requested about $6.17 million in FY 2026 and $6.25 million in FY 2027 for operations, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $11.9 million for capital improvements. The Judiciary said the request would support specialty courts such as Women’s Court, Truancy Court, and DWI Court, a new Wahiawa District Court unit, an additional district court judge in Kona, cybersecurity, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, and facility projects including South Kohala design work and a Kauai chiller replacement. Civil legal services providers, including Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, Kuikahi Mediation Center, the Domestic Violence Action Center, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and the Hawaii Access to Justice Commission, all supported the bill but asked for an additional $1 million for the civil legal services line item, saying demand is high and the funding is spread across more providers than before. The Judiciary clarified that some of its requested positions would support Wahiawa and Women’s Court, and that the civil legal services funding goes to organizations serving low-income residents on issues such as immigration, domestic violence, evictions, and foreclosures. The committee also briefly took up SB 279 on fentanyl possession thresholds, where the prosecuting attorney’s office supported the bill and said fentanyl is already driving overdose deaths and that the proposed thresholds target distribution-level quantities rather than personal use.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and if you'll look through, we've distributed the monies in accordance with the feelings of the body
• and if you'll look through,<00:06:22.240> we've<00:06:22.800> um<00:06:23.280> distributed
• <00:06:23.759> the<00:06:24.000> monies through, we've um distributed the monies through
• , we've um distributed the monies in<00:06:24.880> accordance<00:06:25.360> with<00:06:

Bills: HB166, HB487, SB130, SB181, HB166, HB487, SB130, SB181

Keywords: education policy, wireless communication devices, internet safety, social media, mental health, HB487, Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program, veterans, disabled veterans, dependents, spouse benefits, widow benefits, children of veterans, tuition assistance, education benefits, scholarship, college aid, undergraduate tuition, private school reimbursement, books and fees

Transcript Highlights:

• relates to the repealing of the affirmative defense, the prosecution, the criminal offense of sale, distribution
• certain counties or for the subcommittee on Transportation funding HP 3346 by Reynolds relating to distributed
• HB 3386 by comments relating to the political advertising distributed or broadcast as a part of Mass
• installation or construction on the property that the generator that is primarily for the production and distribution

Transcript Highlights:

• So it does not have their own distribution system. 163 are bulk users.
• And they have their own distribution system.
• That would be in the municipal bucket because it's within their own distribution system.
• And then they usually pay also to operate their own distribution system.
• evenly distributed.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Meals and rooms distribution cap. estate tax splits we call them.
• So, Treasury million rooms distribution<00:32:19.679> cap.
• But if I go up one distribution cap.
• Fund meals and rooms distribution cap.
• You can see the senate distribution.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The Legislative Budget Assistant staff presented an overview of the Senate changes to the House-passed budget, focusing on revenue estimates, appropriations, and ending balances across the general fund and education trust fund. The presentation emphasized that the Senate’s budget reflected higher revenue assumptions than the House, driven in part by updated April revenue figures, changes to business, tobacco, and real estate transfer tax splits, and different assumptions about video lottery terminal revenue. The Senate also adjusted lapse estimates upward, especially for HHS, after receiving updated information that lapses could be much larger than originally assumed. The presenter walked through the major differences in the surplus statements for fiscal years 2025 through 2027. Compared with the House, the Senate budget generally showed higher revenues, lower or different appropriations in some areas, and larger balances carried forward, including a larger education trust fund balance and a different rainy day fund transfer. The Senate’s approach also changed several policy assumptions, such as maintaining liquor revenue dedication, removing the House’s meals-and-rooms distribution cap, changing the treatment of unique revenue, and altering the process for meeting a targeted revenue amount by giving the governor more flexibility. On the appropriations side, the Senate removed or modified several House reductions and added funding or adjustments in areas including the judicial branch, corrections, HHS, the Human Rights Commission, and certain settlement costs. The presenter also highlighted Senate changes in House Bill 2 and related budget provisions, including a new arts tax credit, a nursing home bed fee, changes to Medicaid premium assumptions, and differences in how motor vehicle inspection repeal and BLT-related revenue are handled. No votes were taken in the portion shown; the discussion was informational and comparative, aimed at explaining the Senate budget changes before conference committee negotiations.

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 3704, Representative Purcell, House File 3704, Representative Purcell, sale and distribution
• So line 3.9, a person must not sell or distribute in the state or into the state any—and then you go
• Um, I mean my interpretation also on that line 3.9, it says must not sell or distribute in the state
• <00:36:39.520> in a person must not sell or distribute in a person must not sell or distribute
• <00:37:11.920> in says uh must not sell or distribute in says uh must not sell or distribute

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• year and is in progress, and that is for sustainable aviation fuel, the pathways, blending, and distribution
• year and is in progress, and that is for sustainable aviation fuel, the pathways, blending, and distribution
• started developing one for sustainable aviation fuel, including production pathways, blending, and distribution
• Sustainable aviation fuel, including production pathways, blending, and distribution.
• Again, WSU had difficulty obtaining data on Washington State bag use, distribution, and the economic

Summary: The committee held a work session on state environmental policy act (SEPA) implementation and carryout bags. Ecology staff Diane Buterak described the Clean Energy Programmatic Environmental Impact Statements (PEISs) completed for utility-scale solar, onshore wind, and green hydrogen, plus a new PEIS underway for sustainable aviation fuel. She explained that PEISs provide broad planning-level analysis to help developers and agencies avoid or mitigate impacts, but do not replace project-level review. Members asked about permitting timelines, greenhouse gas emissions from different hydrogen production methods, water use, agricultural land conversion, battery fire risk, and tribal consultation. Buterak said the PEISs identify potentially significant impacts and mitigation measures, including fire response planning, early tribal outreach, and agrovoltaics as an option for solar projects. EFSEC’s Amy Hofkimer then presented the transmission-facility programmatic EIS required by SB 5165 for 230 kV and higher transmission projects. She said the statewide review covers new lines and certain upgrades/modifications, analyzes impacts to water, cultural and tribal resources, habitat, and other areas, and uses general measures, design considerations, avoidance criteria, and sensitivity maps to guide siting and corridor planning. She said the final document would be issued in early October. Questions focused on reconductoring, tribal lands, scenic areas, and whether the review could affect existing lines crossing tribal lands. A Grant County planning director, Jim Anderson Cook, said Ecology’s PEIS would help with cumulative impacts for clustered solar projects, but noted tight local review timelines and the need for strong pre-application coordination, especially on cultural resource studies and decommissioning plans. Yakama Nation attorney Shona Leverett argued SEPA is only an assessment tool and said tribes face barriers from short comment periods, limited confidential tribal input, weak cumulative impact analysis, and challenges in the FSEC process; she urged better upfront developer diligence and more effective tribal coordination. Puget Sound Energy’s Sarah Leverett said the utility needs efficient and predictable permitting to meet clean energy mandates while maintaining reliable service and aging infrastructure. She described the scale of needed clean energy and transmission buildout, including a 10-year process for the Energize Eastside transmission rebuild, and said more consistent SEPA and PEIS processes could help. Members asked about future generation sources, reliability, and hydropower as a firming resource; she said PSE is pursuing an “all of the above” approach and would welcome more firm, dispatchable clean energy options. The committee then shifted to carryout bags. Staff Jacob Lipson and Tracy Taylor reviewed Washington’s bag law, its preemption of local ordinances, the current 8-cent charge, the scheduled increase to 12 cents, and the 2025 change delaying the 4-mil thickness requirement until 2028 while adding a temporary 4-cent penalty for thicker bags. Ecology’s Peter Lyon said the agency emphasizes education and complaint-based enforcement, has received 872 reports, and has not yet imposed any fines. Commerce’s Kirk Esmond summarized a WSU study finding fewer plastic bags distributed but more plastic by weight, and said Commerce and Ecology support keeping the 2.25-mil standard and not allowing thinner single-use bags again. Retail industry testimony from Brandon Housekeeper said grocers comply with the law but oppose the added 4-cent penalty and thicker-bag requirement, citing higher costs and confusion in the policy changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:11.240> under<00:07:11.599> currently<00:07:12.080> developed distributed
• under currently developed distributed under currently developed and<00:07:13.240> established
• existing Frameworks for the distribution existing Frameworks for the distribution of<00:19:31.000
• The strategic distribution of these funds, these Title I funds throughout Minnesota schools, enables
• These are funds that are distributed through the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee met to hear a Minnesota Department of Education presentation on federal education funding and the potential effects of federal actions on those dollars. Chair Kunesh framed the discussion around concerns about threats to the U.S. Department of Education and noted that federal funds make up about 10% of Minnesota’s education budget, or roughly $1.4 billion. Senator Lang pushed back, emphasizing that 90% of school funding comes from state and local sources and urging the committee to focus on state mandates and how to pay for them. New member Senator Clark introduced himself and said he would teach ethics or running if he were a teacher. Department staff explained that federal education dollars are divided between entitlement/formula funds and competitive/discretionary grants. They said Minnesota receives federal money through established systems and that the department is seeking clarity about how federal changes might affect the flow of funds, oversight, and program administration. They also outlined Minnesota’s legislative review process for federal funds, which includes several pathways such as the governor’s biennial budget, supplemental budget submissions, legislative advisory committee review, and expedited review processes when needed. The presentation then focused on ESEA Title funding, especially Title I. Staff said Title I is one of the largest federal education programs in Minnesota, with about $200 million in current funding, and supports 476 local education agencies. They described how funds are allocated through Minnesota’s North Star accountability system and Compass support structure, based on measures such as poverty, graduation rates, and state assessment performance. Examples of allowable supports included professional development, attendance initiatives, reading curriculum, training, and peer coaching. Senators asked whether executive action could affect these funds and whether the money flows directly to districts or through the state; staff responded that they would avoid speculation and would continue explaining the different funding streams and oversight structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:37.519> folks to make sure we're distributing folks to make sure we're distributing
• A couple of required distributions.
• We got 686 of the revenue distributions.
• of revenue. statutory distributions, no difference statutory distributions, no difference in<03:32:04.160
• program when really we're distributing program when really we're distributing revenue<03:32:23.279

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then in the subsequent paragraphs, you will see how that is distributed among the State Construction
• It would require essentially a one-line... distribution statewide by the liquor distribution statewide
• of funds like do a normal distribution of funds like this<01:20:41.280> that<01:20:41.600>
• <01:53:53.760> I those funds are to be distributed. I those funds are to be distributed.
• This impacts the distribution of Wyoming stable token funds.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to achieve legally permitted discounts, with the stipulation that the alcohol beverage must be distributed
• to achieve legally permitted discounts, with the stipulation that the alcohol beverage must be distributed
• It would either be self-distributed, in some cases, which is allowed depending on the license that the
• It would either be self-distributed, in some cases, which is allowed, depending on the light, either
• be self-distributed in some cases which is allowed depending on the license that the person holds or

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on alcohol licensing, sales, and consumption issues affecting bars, restaurants, package stores, and local communities. The chair outlined hybrid hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits and instructions for written testimony. The committee heard a local bill for Milford, H. 4169, authorizing an additional off-premises all-alcohol license for Charlie’s Mini Mart, with the understanding that the existing wine and malt license would be surrendered if the new license is granted. A major topic was the long-running debate over happy hour. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association opposed bills such as S. 217, H. 349, and H. 443, arguing that discounted alcohol would intensify competition, create pressure on restaurants to participate, and potentially raise liquor liability and insurance costs. In contrast, Senator Julian Cyr testified in support of repealing the happy hour ban through a local-option framework, saying the bill includes safeguards such as no discounts after 10 p.m., fixed pricing during promotions, and advance posting requirements, and that it could help downtowns and seasonal businesses without creating a public health risk. The Massachusetts Package Stores Association testified on a broad package of bills, opposing measures to reinstate happy hour, allow supplier control over retail shelf space (H. 350), impose a transfer fee on licenses (H. 351), authorize alcohol coupons or discounts (H. 381 and S. 219), and permit Thanksgiving alcohol sales (H. 428). It supported bills requiring beverage alcohol training for off-premise licensees (H. 344), restricting self-checkout for alcohol (H. 366), changing Section 15 grocery-store license rules (S. 213), and several other regulatory changes. The Distilled Spirits Council supported H. 350 on private label spirits, while acknowledging concerns about disclosure and preferential treatment; package store witnesses defended private labels as lawful products they create with manufacturers, and the council argued the bill should address consumer confusion and unfair competitive advantages. The hearing concluded with Chair Chan announcing committee poll results on other bills, including a number of favorable reports and study orders, and the committee then voted to close the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a substitute that was actually distributed sometime before 5 o'clock yesterday, and so I know
• I wanted everyone to know that there has been a committee substitute that has been distributed, and that
• I wanted everyone to know that there has been a committee substitute that has been distributed, and that
• as was mentioned at the beginning of the public hearing, we do have a substitute that has been distributed
• It has been distributed, as I already mentioned, and at this time I move for its adoption.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of other faiths, and he goes to Mormon churches as people are leaving and distributes gospel tracts.
• Then he can distribute tracts per that per the decision. Senator Devis, you are recognized.
• bill establishes the same penalty for trapping people in a church building and for peacefully distributing
• people in a church building, like what happened in Minneapolis at City's Church, and for peacefully distributing
• So, with that being the case, why should our laws treat someone who peacefully distributes tracts 99

Bills: SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923

Keywords: municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI

Transcript Highlights:

• It has been distributed, and I will move for its adoption. We'll start some discussion on that.
• If someone chooses to sell or distribute the most dangerous drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, meth, etc
• If someone chooses to sell or distribute the most dangerous drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, meth, etc
• So if you weren't distributing illegal drugs, the person wouldn't have died, regardless of whether you
• So just stating if they deliver or distribute a controlled substance, it doesn't need to specify that

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and Opportunity Act for adult Education, family literacy with approximately 34 million dollars distributed
• funding streams strengthen the system, including work Florida student success incentive funds are distributed
• Are colleges also received Perkins federal funding which are distributed based on workforce enrollment
• career clusters being health science with 27 27% of total funded certifications, transportation distribution
• The department prorated the awards to ensure equitable distribution across all districts in preparation

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if that has been distributed. Okay, we might have to circle back to the A19 amendment.
• I don't know if that has been distributed. Okay, we might have to circle back to the A19 amendment.
• I don't know has that been um distributed.<00:07:58.720> Okay. distributed.
• Okay. distributed. Okay.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• currently in HB 500, we recommend providing additional guidance or guardrails on how TEA is to distribute
• At a minimum, we suggest specifying that TEA... with HHSC in developing its plan for the distribution
• Just in regard to the question that she proposed, do we know how these funds are going to be distributed
• not a rounded number, so hopefully there's some accountability as to how… How this is going to be distributed
• These funds are to be distributed to school districts.

Bills: SB1, HB500, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• hygiene items to local community shelters that provide services to women and veterans, collects and distributes
• hygiene items to local community shelters that provide services to women and veterans, collects and distributes
• and to women and Veterans<00:05:17.360> collects<00:05:17.720> and<00:05:17.919> distributes
• <00:05:18.440> school Veterans collects and distributes school Veterans collects and distributes

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee began with procedural reminders that the meeting would be short, that bill changes should generally be provided with 24-hour notice, that testimony would be limited at the chair’s discretion, and that no signs were permitted in the room. After roll call established a quorum, members led the pledge and prayer. The chair also recognized Marsha Robinson of Fort Knox for her service to veterans and military families and for receiving the Association of Defense Communities’ National Military Spouse Leadership Award. The sole bill considered was Senate Bill 61, relating to swimming pools. The sponsor, Senator Craig Richardson, said the bill was intended to protect private property rights by clarifying that homeowners who rent out their private swimming pools through platforms such as Swimly.com would still be treated as operating private pools rather than public recreation pools subject to additional regulation. Senators asked about parking impacts in residential neighborhoods and about liability and insurance coverage. The sponsor said the bill did not address parking or homeowners association issues, and a representative from Swimly.com testified that homeowners insurance and platform-backed insurance products can provide coverage for rentals. The committee voted to advance SB 61. The roll call showed unanimous support from members present, with Senator Wilson briefly explaining his yes vote and joking that the sponsor should ask for it in the future. The chair congratulated the sponsor on getting his first bill through committee and said it would be heard again on the floor. The meeting ended with an announcement about Military Kids Day on Tuesday, February 25, and an invitation for families to contact the Senate clerk for details.