Transcript Highlights:

• What the ethics commission has to disclose is which violations of the ethics code are being alleged to
• <00:26:28.640> code, up to is the legislative ethics code, up to is the legislative ethics
• "But I mean it's incumbent on every legislator to learn the ethics code, to abide by the ethics code,
• code, to abide by to learn the ethics code, to abide by the<00:29:50.880> ethics<00:29:51.279
• the ethics code, to read the ethics the ethics code, to read the ethics code,<00:29:53.440> be

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The commission heard argument on a renewed motion to compel discovery and related sanctions in an ethics case. Enforcement counsel said the respondent had provided incomplete and inconsistent discovery responses, including no authenticated medical records, and asked the commission to compel full interrogatory answers, bar the respondent from relying on unsupported medical claims at hearing, allow subpoenas for medical records and an LRC report, and continue the December 2 hearing. Respondent’s counsel replied that the defense had complied with discovery, that medical records were being withheld for reasons previously discussed, and that no outstanding discovery remained. The next matter was enforcement counsel’s motion in limine, which sought to exclude a wide range of evidence as irrelevant to the three ethics charges already found to have probable cause. Counsel argued the hearing should focus only on whether the respondent intimidated Fox’s, offered a favor in exchange for a donation, and engaged in inappropriate conduct while intoxicated in his office, and not on complainants’ motives, media coverage, bullying, religious discrimination claims, LRC policies, or other legislators’ conduct. He also argued that any claim of mental or physical condition should be excluded absent supporting medical proof. Respondent’s counsel opposed the motion, saying the excluded topics went to witness credibility, bias, motive, and context, and that LRC materials and testimony from additional witnesses were important to the defense. Commission members questioned both sides about the breadth of the motion in limine and whether any topics could be agreed to as irrelevant. Counsel for the respondent maintained that some challenged topics, including Lexington media coverage and broader legislative practices, were relevant to credibility and context. Enforcement counsel responded that even if such conduct were common, it would not excuse a violation of the ethics code. No final ruling or vote was announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• First thing on our agenda Chair Garrison: is HB 139 related to adverse personal actions and ethics by
• Carrie from Florida Commission on Ethics waves in support. Thank you for being here.
• Lopez: House Bill 603 makes an update to Florida ethics laws by recognizing foster families as family
• Lopez: foster children to the definition of relative for ethics purposes.
• Stillman from the Commission on Ethics waving in support.

Bills: SB888, SB2479, SB2489, SB2519, SB2521, SB2527, SB2575, SB2591, SB2611, SB2665, SB2667, SB2695, SB2697, SB2713, SB2730, SB2751, SB2765, SB2795, SB2797, SB2806, SB2812, SB2818, SB2835, SB2849, SB2851, SB2896, SB2922, SB2970, SB2972, SB2973

Keywords: SB888, Hawaii, consumer protection, smart home security, smart household security device, home security camera, video doorbell, Ring, Nest, connected devices, internet of things, IoT, privacy, data privacy, law enforcement access, police requests, search warrant, judicial warrant, subpoena, emergency disclosure

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met in decision-making only session and took up a long list of Senate bills, mostly advancing them with either no amendments or committee amendments. Early measures included SB 888, which bars smart household security device operators from sharing user data with law enforcement without consent or a warrant, and SB 2479, which allows certain defendants to seek reduced sentences based on family violence, dating violence, or child abuse history; both were adopted, with SB 2479 amended for technical and procedural changes. The committee also adopted SB 2489 on invasive species provisions in Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity leases, SB 2519 on Law Enforcement Standards Board deadlines, SB 2521 and SB 2527 on CDL-related exemptions and training/policies for emergency personnel, and SB 2575 on firearm-related mandatory minimum penalties, which was amended to clarify scope and set a far-future effective date. Several transportation and public safety bills were also approved. SB 2591 created a Waikiki refuse-collection pilot program; SB 2611 expanded criminal trespass rules for school premises to weekends and holidays, though one member raised concerns about use of school property as a park; SB 2665 required driver-license renewal applicants with recent citations to complete a road-safety course, later narrowed to moving violations only; SB 2667 restricted towing vehicles from far-left lanes; SB 2695 clarified crosswalk duties; SB 2697 prohibited driving on shoulders except in limited cases; and SB 2812 required driver testing on dangers posed by larger vehicles, with court-ordered timing for re-examination. Most of these measures passed unanimously or with one or more members recording no votes or reservations, but they were still adopted. The committee also advanced SB 2713 on restricting certain pesticide use near elderly care facilities, SB 2730 on warrantless arrest and detention factors for petty misdemeanors and violations, SB 2765 on condominium foreclosure rental income, SB 2795 on flag display rights in housing associations with health and safety carve-outs, SB 2797 on gift card fraud, SB 2806 on real estate listing restrictions, SB 2818 on boating and ocean recreation penalties, SB 2835 on liquor licensing and education funding, SB 2849 on public meeting notice requirements, SB 2851 on a deafness designation for vehicle registration, SB 2896 lowering the commercial driving age to 18, SB 2922 on cooperative association definitions, SB 2970 on state contracting conflicts involving relatives, SB 2972 on temporary Oahu spearing restrictions for certain fish, and SB 2973 on banning jug-line fishing. A few bills drew objections over breadth or penalties, especially the boating and fishing measures, but the committee still adopted the recommendations. SB 2751 on workers’ compensation prescription drug rules was deferred indefinitely, and the meeting ended with the chair noting upcoming joint and committee meetings for the next day.

Bills: SB309, HB192, SB178, SB179, SB237, HB10, HB107, HB189, HB37, HB226, SB309, HB192, SB178, SB179, SB237, HB10, HB107, HB189, HB37, HB226

Keywords: automated driving systems, oversized vehicles, transportation, regulations, permits, HB192, international wire transfer, wire transfer fee, remittance fee, money transmission business, Alabama Securities Commission, Department of Revenue, Education Trust Fund, ELL instructors, English Language Learner, ESL teachers, income tax credit, remittances, international money transfer, migrant families

Transcript Highlights:

• Public I deeply respect strong ethics.
• <00:05:14.639> The ethics law. It clarifies it. The ethics law. It clarifies it.
• It is ethical. It is preventative. It is ethical.
• ethics laws or creating loopholes. ethics laws or creating loopholes.
• MPPA supports strong ethical standards. MPPA supports strong ethical standards.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That is exactly the sort of ethical use of artificial intelligence within the workforce that I had hoped
• That is exactly the sort of ethical<00:04:58.720> use<00:04:58.960> of<00:04:59.199>
• artificial<00:04:59.759> intelligence ethical use of artificial intelligence ethical use
• So not doing anything is not going to create a better, more equitable, more ethical position.
• It will actually ethical uh uh position. It will actually be<00:12:15.279> worse.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational discussion on three proposed bills authored by Representative Gottfried addressing artificial intelligence in the workplace. Gottfried said the bills are intended to create labor protections around AI use, focusing on mitigating harms to workers while preserving innovation. House File 4369 would require notice before implementing technology that could displace jobs and provide a transition period for retraining, reskilling, or upskilling. The other two bills would regulate electronic monitoring systems and automated decision systems by requiring pre- and post-use notice when used for substantive employment decisions, giving workers access to data and a right to appeal decisions based on inaccurate or erroneous data, and setting prohibited and permitted uses. Melissa Heising of the Minnesota AFL-CIO supported the overall approach and said the bills are an important step toward common-sense workplace AI regulation. She praised the notice, appeal, and anti-discrimination protections, but urged stronger provisions, including mandatory impact assessments, independent third-party review, regular updates, a cease-use requirement if discriminatory outcomes are found, and anti-retaliation protections for workers who raise concerns or refuse to follow harmful automated outputs. Committee members from both parties generally agreed that AI policy should balance worker protections, business competitiveness, and innovation, and several said the issue is urgent because the technology is advancing quickly. No vote was taken. Chair and members emphasized that the hearing was informational and that the bills were not formally before the committee for action. Several members expressed interest in continued discussion, and Representative Schultz said he had an interest in working with Representative Gottfried on the issue.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1199 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1199 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1011 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1011 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1194 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1194 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1299 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1299 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1128 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1128 is a suspense file candidate.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations met to consider a large suspense-file agenda, noting that 122 measures met suspense criteria and that several bills listed in the daily file were postponed to the following week. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the bills. After establishing a quorum, the committee proceeded through the agenda, with most authors waiving presentation and public testimony limited to fiscal issues. Most measures were moved to the suspense file without objection after brief or no testimony. A number of bills drew support or opposition from outside groups on fiscal grounds, including SB 951, SB 947, SB 954, SB 1031, SB 1291, and SB 1368. Testimony highlighted concerns such as ongoing state or departmental costs, General Fund impacts, broadband and compliance burdens for small mutual water companies, and implementation costs for education, health, and transportation-related proposals. Supporters of some bills argued they would save money over time, such as SB 1067 on early math remediation and SB 1089 on obesity treatment and CalRx partnerships. The committee also heard an author presentation on SB 1089 by Senator Richardson, who said the bill would reduce CalPERS and broader health costs by expanding access to GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for eligible public employees and directing CalRx to pursue production or acquisition of a GLP-1 medication. No committee questions were raised on that measure, and it too was sent to suspense. The hearing concluded with all items heard being moved to the suspense file and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1130 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1194 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1194 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1299 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1299 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1128 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1128 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1392 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1392 is a suspense file candidate.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations met with a quorum and heard a large suspense-file agenda, noting that several bills were not heard and would be rescheduled for the following week. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the measures. The chair reminded witnesses to keep testimony focused on fiscal impacts. Most bills were taken up with waived presentation and no public testimony or member questions, and were moved to the suspense file without objection. A few measures drew substantive testimony. SB 951 and SB 947 received opposition from the Society for Human Resource Management, the California Restaurant Association, and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, with concerns about policy impacts and ongoing costs to departments and the General Fund. SB 1067 received support from EdVoice, which argued early math intervention would reduce later remediation costs. SB 1291 drew strong opposition from mutual water company representatives, who said it would impose significant ongoing costs, duplicate existing state efforts, and create compliance burdens for small systems and communities with limited broadband access. SB 1368 was supported by hearing health care providers, who requested technical amendments related to FDA hearing-aid definitions and education-provider recognition. The committee also heard author presentation on SB 1089 from Senator Richardson, who said the bill would reduce CalPERS health costs by expanding access to weight-loss drugs for eligible state employees and by directing CalRx to partner on GLP-1 production or acquisition. After brief testimony and no committee questions, SB 1089 was moved to the suspense file without objection. The meeting concluded after all agenda items were processed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• May their leadership be guided by the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability
• c><00:01:46.320> by<00:01:46.479> the<00:01:46.720> highest<00:01:47.119> ethical
• be guided by the highest ethical be guided by the highest ethical standards,<00:01:48.720> ensuring
• Uh, the Ethics Committee will be meeting at 2 p.m. today. >> 2 p.m. for ethics. >> Yes.
• >> 2 p.m. for ethics. 2 p.m. for ethics. Uh >> 2 p.m. for ethics. 2 p.m. for ethics.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, January 15, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened on January 15 with a prayer offered by Reverend Sheridan Almond of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Kensington, introduced as a guest of the senator from the 18th district. Her remarks were journalized without objection. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including Carter Pry, a recent Crofton High School graduate interested in cybersecurity and AI, interns Isabelle War and Daniel Mora, and the Catonsville Middle School Student Council and adviser Katie Tucci. Members also recognized the day’s pages and thanked them for their service. The only bill read at the desk was Senate Bill 232, by Senator Salling, concerning state procurement preferences for historically underutilized business zone businesses; it was referred to the appropriate standing committee. Committee announcements followed, with Finance, Education, Energy, and the Environment, Judicial Proceedings, and Ethics all scheduling organizational meetings and related briefings later that day. Additional announcements noted Baltimore City and Baltimore County delegation meetings, a Fire EMS Coalition meeting, and Cecil Day events in Annapolis. A senator from Montgomery County highlighted an art exhibit, Art in Full Spectrum, on the fourth floor of the House office building, featuring artists with disabilities from many districts and a future reception. The Senate then confirmed a quorum of 45 members and, on motion of the majority leader, adjourned pro forma until Friday, January 16 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1016 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1016 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1259 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1259 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 877 is a suspense file candidate. SB 877 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 878 is a suspense file candidate. SB 878 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 957 is a suspense file candidate. SB 957 is a suspense file candidate.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard a large suspense-file agenda and, after waiving presentation on most measures and taking no public testimony or committee questions on the vast majority, moved nearly all items to the suspense file without objection. The hearing began with a quorum call and a reminder that testimony should focus on fiscal impacts. SB 994 was removed from the agenda and sent directly to the Senate floor. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the bills. Several bills drew limited testimony on fiscal concerns. SB 1092 and SB 1093 prompted opposition testimony from Chris Weisakku of WMA, who cited potential litigation costs, impacts on state and local tax revenues, and increased Department of Housing and Community Development workload. SB 1147 drew opposition from NextGen Financial and Junior Achievement, which argued it would undermine a recently negotiated statewide financial literacy framework and could create inequities in instruction. SB 1041 drew opposition from the California Bankers Association and county treasurers/tax collectors over concerns about PACE liens, refinancing costs, and possible harm to senior citizens. SB 1153 was supported by the Association of California Water Agencies, which said wildfire response planning requirements for urban retail water suppliers would use existing structures and not add state costs. One measure, SB 1238 by Senator Wahab, was taken up for a due-pass vote after testimony from the author and the California Association of Realtors. The bill would add HOA-related disclosures and clarify fiduciary and reserve-use requirements, with an estimated one-time Department of Real Estate cost of $50,000. The committee approved SB 1238 on a 5-1 vote, with Senators Cervantes, Cabaldon, Dahle, Grayson, Richardson, and Wahab voting aye and Senator Seyarto voting no. All other measures heard during the session were moved to the suspense file without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is a suspense file candidate.
• AB 1838 is a suspense file candidate, Assembly Member Burma AB 1838 is a suspense file candidate.
• AB 1567 is a suspense file candidate, Assembly AB 1567 is a suspense file candidate.
• AB 1980 is a suspense file candidate. AB 1980 is a suspense file candidate.
• AB 2440 is a suspense file candidate. AB 2440 is a suspense file candidate.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Like many of us over the years, Laura responded to countless candidate surveys.
• 47.679> responded<00:23:48.159> to<00:23:48.320> countless<00:23:48.799> candidate
• Laura responded to countless candidate Laura responded to countless candidate surveys.<00:23:50.080
• c><00:56:22.640> AMA<00:56:23.200> Journal<00:56:23.520> of<00:56:23.680> Ethics
• An AMA Journal of Ethics weighed in.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 888 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1186 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1401 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1401 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1414 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1414 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1322 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1322 is a suspense file candidate.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard a large suspense-file agenda and established a quorum at the start. SB 1167 was announced as not being heard and will be rescheduled. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the bills before the committee. Most measures on the agenda were taken up briefly with public testimony, then moved to suspense without objection. Two bills received fuller presentations. SB 872 by Senator McNerney would create a fund to support repairs to Delta levees and State Water Project canals, with testimony from Restore the Delta, State Water Contractors, and numerous water agencies and coalitions emphasizing flood protection, water reliability for 27 million Californians, protection of state assets, and long-term infrastructure costs. Committee members noted the importance of the investment and the likelihood it would be considered in the final suspense decision; SB 872 was moved to suspense. SB 962 by Senator Archuleta would authorize CDCR to use blue emergency lights on parole vehicles, with supporters from the California Correctional Peace Officers Association citing the line-of-duty death of a parole agent and the need for a low-cost, discretionary safety tool. The bill was also moved to suspense. SB 950, dealing with coverage for FDA-approved medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, was discussed as having a minimal near-term fiscal impact, though members noted costs could rise if new treatments emerge. The committee asked the author to consider a sunset amendment, but the bill received a do pass motion and was approved on a 7-0 vote, then placed on call for additional members. The remaining bills taken up, including SB 870, SB 1120, SB 888, SB 904, SB 986, SB 1029, SB 1186, SB 895, SB 1004, SB 1123, SB 909, SB 945, SB 1037, SB 953, SB 1001, SB 1188, SB 1407, SB 967, SB 1135, SB 1136, SB 988, SB 1069, SB 1000, SB 1024, SB 1179, SB 1025, SB 1040, SB 1081, SB 1091, SB 1131, SB 1138, SB 1146, SB 1279, SB 1158, SB 1401, SB 1162, SB 1293, SB 1334, SB 1382, SB 1397, SB 1178, SB 1414, SB 1214, SB 1218, SB 1257, SB 1265, SB 1286, SB 1322, SB 1337, SB 1340, SB 1276, SB 1358, and SB 1412, were moved to the suspense file without objection, with a few witnesses registering support or opposition on selected measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does part of the workforce training for the interns incorporate an ethics component of ethics training
• Does part of the workforce training for the interns incorporate an ethics component of ethics training
• Does part of the workforce training for the interns incorporate an ethics component of ethics training
• Does part of the workforce training for the interns incorporate an ethics component of ethics training
• We have an on-demand ethics training from the Ethics Commission.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 2271 HD2, making emergency appropriations for public employment cost items, drew support from state agencies and other entities, including HPHA, the University of Hawaiʻi, DLNR, OYS, DAGS, DOH, DOA/Biosecurity, and the Behavioral Health Administration; no opposition was noted. HB 2324 HD2, relating to the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Law, was supported by DLIR, which said the bill removes a duplicative Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board requirement and aligns whistleblower investigation timelines with federal standards. HB 2387 HD1, relating to workers’ compensation medical benefits, also received support from DLIR and the State Fire Council, with the chair noting 40 supporters and no opposition or comments. HB 2116 HD2, relating to grants, was presented as a response to federal SNAP-related eligibility changes. Supporters included the Office of Community Services, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and several other organizations. Testimony said the bill would help nonprofits provide volunteer opportunities that could count toward an 80-hour monthly work requirement and help vulnerable residents avoid losing benefits; witnesses cited potential impacts on older adults and households with dependent children. HB 1682 HD1, relating to the disclosure of intimate images, drew strong support from advocates, the Uniform Law Commission, the Commission to Promote Uniform Laws, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and others. Testifiers emphasized the harms of non-consensual image sharing, the need for civil remedies, confidentiality protections, and the bill’s alignment with a uniform act already enacted in other states. HB 2468 HD1, relating to internship programs, received support from the University of Hawaiʻi, DLIR, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and others. Testimony focused on the Hālau Mua internship program, workforce development, and the need to clarify sponsor contracts, background checks, and onboarding; committee members asked about a former intern now working in an 89-day hire position and how to streamline hiring into civil service roles. HB 2091 HD2, relating to petitions to restrain and enjoin harassment of DOE employees, was supported by DOE, the Attorney General’s office, UPW, and others; the AG’s office requested a data-driven appropriation amount, and members discussed a $300,000 figure for the full two-year pilot. The chair also asked for confirmation of prior cost figures for HB 2116 before moving toward decision-making.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1186 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1081 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1401 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1401 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1414 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1414 is a suspense file candidate.
• SB 1322 is a suspense file candidate. SB 1322 is a suspense file candidate.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard a large suspense-file agenda and established a quorum at the start of the meeting. SB 1167 was announced as not being heard and rescheduled for the following week. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the bills before the committee. Most measures were taken up with waived presentations, brief public testimony, and no committee questions, and were moved to the suspense file without objection. Several bills received author presentations and public support. SB 872 by Senator McNerney proposed creating a fund to support repairs to State Water Project canals and Delta levees, with testimony from water agencies, environmental groups, and local governments emphasizing flood risk, water reliability, and the need to protect state assets; the bill was moved to suspense. SB 962 by Senator Archuleta would authorize CDCR to install blue emergency lights on parole vehicles, with supporters citing officer safety and the death of parole agent Joshua Bird; it also moved to suspense. SB 950, presented on behalf of Senator Weber-Pierson, would require coverage for FDA-approved medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, with committee discussion noting the bill’s relatively small near-term fiscal impact and a possible future sunset amendment; the committee voted do pass, with the item held open for additional votes. The committee also heard support or opposition testimony on a few other measures, including SB 1123, which drew opposition from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, and SB 1069 and SB 1138, which received support from industry and clean-energy groups. After processing the full agenda, the committee moved the remaining suspense-file candidates to suspense and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, they're the Ethics Commission.
• want to step down from the Ethics want to step down from the Ethics Commission Commission Commission
• you've done in the Ethics Commission. you've done in the Ethics Commission.
• not very ethical, either. not very ethical, either.
• >> um just to make clear on the ethical >> um just to make clear on the ethical issues

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several gubernatorial nominations for confirmation, beginning with GM 788 for Karen Knudsen to the Hawaii Sister State and International Partnerships Commission. DBEDT strongly supported her nomination, describing her decades of Asia-Pacific and East-West Center experience. Senators asked about the new commission structure, confirming that the old committee was abolished and replaced by a five-voting-member commission with two governor appointees before the Senate, other ex officio and legislative appointees, and one OHA vacancy still pending. Knudsen said the commission would help review new sister-state and international partnership proposals, while existing relationships would remain in place. Members also discussed the commission’s lack of a separate budget and its use of DBEDT international relations funding. The committee then moved to GM 789 for Wesley Fong to the same commission; DBEDT supported him based on his military, legal, and international trade background. A concern was raised that he also served on the State Ethics Commission, and Fong stated he had resigned from that post effective the 20th of the month to avoid a conflict. Senators questioned his reasons for leaving ethics, and he explained that his term was ending and he wanted to continue public service in a role aligned with his background in international agreements, education, and Indo-Pacific relations. No votes were taken in the portion provided. The committee next considered GM 769 for Patrick Branco to the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts. The foundation and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both testified in strong support. Branco appeared by Zoom and said he was currently on temporary military orders on the East Coast, but had prior experience in public diplomacy as cultural attaché in Caracas and had worked on Fulbright and cultural exchange efforts. The committee then took up GM 770 for Makanani Salā to the same board. The State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported her nomination, and Noe Wong-Wilson testified in person, citing Salā’s work at Windward Community College and her role in organizing the Best Fest festival, saying she would bring Hawaiian cultural perspective to the foundation. Salā said her county experience included arts, culture, and sister-city work, and that she would emphasize public-private partnerships and helping other agencies use the foundation’s expertise. Members briefly discussed FESTPAC and its rotating international location. Finally, the committee heard GM 767 for Miles Miyatso to the Land Use Commission. The Land Use Commission and the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters both supported the nomination, and Avalon Development Company was listed but did not appear on Zoom. The discussion in the provided transcript ended during this item, with no vote or final action shown for the nominations covered.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 685 is a suspense file candidate without objection.
• AB 946 is a suspense file candidate.
• AB 1668 is a suspense file candidate. AB 1668 is a suspense file candidate.
• AB 2178 is a suspense file candidate. AB 2178 is a suspense file candidate.
• AB 2519 is a suspense file candidate. Assembly member, 19 is a suspense file candidate.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But there is an ethics that we need to be looking at.
• It's very loose ethics, as you had asked about, the ethics around it.
• That's what ethical gestational surrogacy looks like in my life.
• There are also already ethics codes that exist.
• And I think that's what ethical surrogacy really looks like.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• River Authority, Lower Nettius Valley Authority, Trinity River Authority of Texas, and the Texas Ethics
• We will also Trinity River Authority of Texas and the Texas Ethics Commission.
• The next agency we are voting on is the Texas Ethics Commission.
• Allow me to present this modification to staff recommendation 1.2 for the Texas Ethics Commission.
• This modification for the Texas Ethics Commission. Excuse me.

Summary: The Sunset Advisory Commission met for its final meeting of the biennium, established a quorum, approved the December 11, 2024 minutes, and then voted on recommendations for several agencies reviewed earlier in the cycle. It adopted all recommendations for the Angelina and Nettus River Authority, the Lower Nettus Valley Authority, and the Trinity River Authority of Texas, with no modifications offered for those agencies. The Commission then considered the Texas Ethics Commission. Members adopted staff recommendations with modifications, including changes to lobby compensation thresholds and rounding of inflation adjustments. The Commission also adopted a series of new recommendations addressing TEC customer service staffing, late-filing penalties, post-election reporting penalties, waiver of penalties when notice cannot be shown, review of the “substantial compliance” standard, review of the “principal purpose” definition, more prominent public posting of delinquent penalties, and clearer training and guidance on filing and lobby-registration requirements. The Commission also adopted two previously omitted Texas Department of Criminal Justice recommendations, 6.5 and 6.6. By recorded vote, the Commission unanimously forwarded all recommendations adopted during the biennium to the 89th Legislature, with nine ayes. Sunset staff then reported on implementation of 2023 Sunset recommendations, saying the State Auditor found 89% of selected management actions fully implemented and Sunset staff found 68% of statutory and related changes fully implemented, with the remainder mostly in progress. The Commission also noted receipt of a January 6 evaluation of the Texas Lottery Commission, including a study of potential regulation of lottery ticket courier companies, but no further action was taken on that item. The meeting concluded with closing remarks and a motion to recess subject to the call of the Chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• not to nominate candidates.
• of that candidate.
• or no candidate at all.
• or no candidate at all.
• candidates.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-12, H.503, a proposal to implement all-party state primaries for Massachusetts state and federal elections. The committee opened with procedural remarks explaining Article 48 requirements and then heard first from two subject-matter experts. Professor Costas Panagopoulos of Northeastern University testified that top-two primary systems in other states have produced mixed results: they may modestly increase primary turnout in some cases, but the research does not show a reliable reduction in polarization, and such systems can weaken party gatekeeping, increase strategic behavior, raise campaign spending, and reduce general-election choice for voters whose preferred party is not on the ballot. Katie King of the National Conference of State Legislatures outlined the different primary models used nationwide, explained that Massachusetts currently uses an open-to-unaffiliated primary, and reviewed legal distinctions between blanket primaries and top-two systems; she noted that blanket primaries were struck down by the Supreme Court, while Washington’s top-two system was upheld because it narrows the field rather than nominating party candidates. She also said voter education and administrative preparation would be important if the system changed. The proponents’ panel, led by Danielle Allen of the Coalition for Healthy Democracy, argued that Massachusetts has chronically uncompetitive elections, low turnout, and too many uncontested races, and that all-party primaries would give every voter a meaningful choice in the first round and force candidates to appeal to a broader electorate. Allen said the proposal is designed specifically for Massachusetts and differs from other states by allowing party endorsements to appear on the ballot, which supporters said would preserve useful information while shifting control of the preliminary election from party insiders to voters. Jim Henderson, the coalition’s counsel, said the bill is narrowly tailored to state-level primaries and would amend Chapter 53 to put all voters on equal footing. Other supporters, including Kevin Johnson, Kate Kavanaugh, and Spencer Reynolds, emphasized that the reform could increase competition, reduce polarization, improve participation by independents and underrepresented voters, and create more accountability to the full electorate. Committee members pressed the witnesses on turnout, the practical effect of endorsements, whether the proposal would simply shift party influence to an earlier stage, and whether it could disadvantage minority-party or independent candidates. Senator Fattman repeatedly asked about evidence that turnout would materially increase, while Representative Peisch and others questioned whether requiring or seeking endorsements would create new barriers or pressure candidates to clear the field. Supporters responded that the system would modestly increase primary participation, that the general election would remain the decisive contest, and that endorsements would be optional and handled through party rules. No vote was taken at the hearing; the committee heard testimony and questions only.