Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, I have Maidou, who's come from Orange County with the Harbor Institute of Orange County
• I manage research and policy projects at the Harbor Institute for Immigrants and Economic Justice, and
• by GKN's failing MMA cooling system, 50,000 people were forced to evacuate, and thousands of local small

Committee: House Emergency Management

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rising to ask for adoption of this bill: a very small expansion to our real estate excise tax exemption
• I understand this is a small expansion of the real estate excise tax program regarding timberland, and
• Boats. Thank you. Orwall. Orwall votes aye. Ederson. Aye. Bacheli. Robinson. Aye. Saldaña. Aye.
• My concern, not as a boat lover, but as the chair of the Transportation Committee, is our state ferry
• There's a small overall contribution to the CO2 emissions, which I think is where the underlying bill

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675 , HB2426 , SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6176 , SB6335 , SB6047 , HB2235 , HB2464 , HB2619 , HB1376 , HB1796 , HB2091 , HB2249 , HB2353 , HB2431 , SB5808 , SB5949 , HB2124 , HB2104 , HB2624 , HB2510 , HB1347 , HB1759 , HB1983 , HB2120 , HB2264 , HB2338 , HB2385 , HB2436 , HB2495 , HB2521 , HB2604 , HB2610 , HB2675

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Transcript Highlights:

• Why do we want to be the sole person that that is in this boat?
• And really important to me is what boat?
• with services small businesses rely on to meet their small businesses rely on to meet their legal<00
• We're burdens for small firms like mine.
• </c> SF2374 uh would force hundreds of small SF2374 uh would force hundreds of small practitioners<00

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will get a report that will provide for the state of the previous year: the total number of boating
• is kind of the companion to his other bill, if you'll recall, we raised the standard for stops for boating
• Small changes knock out the equilibrium, and that's what we're seeing right now from upstream issues.
• That's the real issue, you know, and so this is a very, like I said, this is a very small segment of
• Are we going to increase the fees on the boat folks? It's imposed on themselves.

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up a series of hunting, wildlife, environmental, and property measures. It reported favorably HCR 79, which urges Congress and the U.S. Forest Service to allow deer hunting with dogs in Kisatchie National Forest, after testimony emphasizing the cultural importance of dog hunting and opposition from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, which supported only the wounded-deer recovery component. The committee also reported favorably SB 419 on using pre-charged pneumatic devices during primitive firearms season, SCR 29 creating a study committee on Atchafalaya Basin water quality, and SB 111 setting black bass and crappie bag and size limits in the basin, with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries saying it would continue sampling and monitor impacts. Members then approved SB 174 transferring state property in Caddo Parish from Louisiana Tech University to the Caddo Parish School Board, SB 189 prohibiting intentional release of fuels or chemicals for temperature-affecting purposes, and SB 99 modernizing DEQ communications to allow optional electronic notices. They also reported favorably HCR 54 requesting a federal study of flooded corn and migratory waterfowl behavior, and HCR 94 requiring annual boating safety reports from Wildlife and Fisheries; witnesses supported the reporting idea and suggested adding a 10-year average for context. The committee next approved HCR 104, which asks the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to study collection and access to subsurface data, with LSU’s Greg Upton describing ongoing modernization of core samples, well logs, and 3D subsurface mapping. It also passed SB 331, which temporarily removes a section of the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act for five years to allow work on the lower Pearl River; conservation groups opposed the bill, warning about precedent, flooding, erosion, and habitat impacts, while the author said the measure was narrowly tailored to address severe silting and channel problems. Finally, the committee created a task force on illegal dumping in HCR 85 after amending its membership, adopted a substitute for HR 216 to authorize a committee hearing on the 2022 Louisiana Climate Action Plan, and reported favorably HCR 87 supporting a U.S. senator’s migratory flyway correspondence and SB 505 revising the Motor Fuels Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund grant process and related tank requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• ORIGINALLY THE COUNCIL RECOMMENDED NO VEHICLES, NO AIRCRAFT OR BOATS, THE MONEY TO BE USED FOR, HOWEVER
• I'M FROM THE PANHANDLE AND MANY JAILS ARE RELATIVELY SMALL AND MANY OF THEM ARE HAVING DESIGN CAPACITY
• PRETRIAL AND POST ADJUDICATED, POST ADJUDICATORY DEFENDANTS SOMETIMES SLEEP ON QUOTE BOATS.
• OR USING A BOAT IS THAT SUFFICIENT FOR GRANT REIMBURSEMENT? YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> I GOT IT.
• IF THEY CONSIDERED THE BOAT AND BED THAT WOULD BE APPLICABLE. >> Chair Maney: OKAY. THANK YOU.

Transcript Highlights:

• They were pulling up boats earlier than ever because of the drought.
• We don't have, you know, a dock, boats, all of that.
• The state has a small piece of it.
• </c> was informed we do because that small was informed we do because that small sliver<02:23:38.479>
• So that's why we a small piece of it.

Committee: House Resources, Recreation and Development

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We recognize the argument of patient safety and also recognize that we have a safe harbor law passed
• public policy is that this bill, as currently written, will not have a negative impact on the Safe Harbor
• And if anything, this bill will only serve to strengthen Safe Harbor for nurses. Thank you.
• I would like to get some input on this because I wasn't here when we passed Safe Harbor, for instance
• And so you don't do safe harbor, right?

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• My district includes LGBTQ residents, families, small business owners. They're my constituents.
• And the reason this matters is because there's a small political industry that benefits from turning
• I represent Haines Harbor Group Inc.
• Making Election Day a state holiday helps small business owners as well as hourly employees who work
• It benefits military families, small business owners, and senior citizens.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are no lawyers available to do adoptions, to handle divorces, to help small businesses, to help
• with To help small businesses, to help with wills and trusts, et cetera.
• And before I came to WAPA three years ago, I was the chief criminal deputy of Grays Harbor County for
• So this is obviously a small piece of the bucket of what needs to be done.
• But because someone who works and lives in Okinawana County or Walla Walla County or Grace Harbor or

Summary: The work session began with a discussion of expanding opportunities in the legal profession, especially in response to shortages of lawyers in rural Washington and in public service roles. Washington State Bar Executive Director Tara Nevitt described a slowly growing but aging attorney population, noted that younger attorneys have declined, and outlined efforts such as supervised practice pathways to bar admission, reduced admission-by-motion experience requirements, expanded law clerk capacity, rural job fairs and grants, and a pilot program allowing innovative legal service delivery models. Members asked about bar passage score changes, loan repayment assistance, and the former Limited License Legal Technician program; Nevitt said the bar is monitoring other states and remains in dialogue with the court about paraprofessional licensing. Law school representatives from UW, Seattle University, and Gonzaga emphasized public service pipelines, financial barriers, and rural legal deserts, citing LRAPs, scholarships, stipends, clinics, and hybrid or regional programs designed to recruit and retain students in Washington. Seattle U highlighted its FlexJD and hybrid hub partnerships in underserved areas, while Gonzaga and UW reported substantial shares of graduates entering public service, though most still cluster in urban regions. The committee also heard from the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Office of Public Defense, both of which described severe recruitment and retention problems in rural counties, with vacancies, low applicant pools, and the need for higher salaries, housing help, internships, and loan support. The Office of Public Defense said its internship and fellowship program, created by SB 5780, has already placed interns in rural counties and produced some commitments to return after graduation. The Washington State Bar’s law clerk program was also presented as a pathway that helps people train locally and remain in their communities, including by supporting succession for aging solo practitioners. The committee then shifted to family law and guardianship issues. On Title 26 guardian ad litem practice, presenters from Northwest Justice Project and private family law practice said GALs can play an important role but that training, oversight, and consistency remain major concerns, especially in domestic violence cases. They described problems such as inadequate training, bias, inconsistent recommendations, high fees, and lack of accountability, and suggested stronger, standardized training, more use of mental health professionals for custody evaluations, and better oversight mechanisms. Members asked about county practices, including rotation systems for GAL appointments and whether King County’s family court assessors provide a useful model. The discussion then moved to minor guardianships under the Uniform Guardianship Act. A Superior Court judge said the 2021 changes increased the need for court visitors and appointed counsel, but courts are struggling to find qualified attorneys and visitors, especially in rural areas. A former commissioner said most of the bill under discussion was technical cleanup to align prior amendments, though it would add some fiscal burdens. Administrative Office of the Courts staff reported that the statewide reimbursement program for UGA implementation has repeatedly run out of money earlier each year, with minor guardianship costs making up most of the expense. The Office of Public Guardianship then described rapid growth in demand for adult guardianship and less restrictive alternatives, noting that referrals and caseloads have risen sharply, but that the office is constrained by a shortage of certified professional guardians and low compensation levels. Finally, the committee began an update on Blake implementation from the Office of Civil Legal Aid, which funds civil legal services related to the decision, before the transcript cut off.

Transcript Highlights:

• This has a small fiscal note.
• But fundamentally, what we're talking about here is small modular reactors.
• We don't even know the small modular technology.
• We don't even know the small modular technology.
• We don't even know the small modular technology.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by a 104-0 vote. Members then spent a large portion of the session offering personal remarks and introducing guests, including the family of Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, school groups, a Boy Scout troop, a Highway Patrol commander, and community figures such as Corey Johnson and boxer Devin Alexander. There was also a moment of silence for a member’s mentor and a personal privilege statement recognizing Autism Month and the work of teachers and therapists serving autistic children. The main floor debate centered on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2481, which would tighten Missouri rules for SNAP and related public benefits by requiring proof of citizenship or lawful presence, using the federal SAVE system throughout eligibility checks, and directing the Department of Social Services to seek a waiver to steer SNAP purchases toward healthier foods. Supporters framed the bill as a matter of accountability, taxpayer stewardship, fraud prevention, and improved nutrition, while opponents argued it was unnecessary because federal law already limits eligibility, could add administrative costs, and could harm children, families in food deserts, and pregnant women who rely on programs such as Show Me Healthy Babies. An amendment offered by the gentleman from Johnson to extend the bill to MoHealthNet was adopted, and after extended debate the House invoked the previous question 91-46, then adopted and perfected the bill as amended. The House also advanced House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1869, which creates a process and fund to repair damaged veterans’ headstones in public and private cemeteries, with support from members who emphasized honoring veterans and preserving gravesites; the bill was adopted and perfected without opposition. House Bill 2927 was also moved forward; it would require settlement demands tied to extra-contractual or bad-faith insurance claims to be written, held open for 90 days, and reference the relevant statute. Supporters said it gives insurers reasonable time to evaluate large claims, while opponents said it could delay compensation for injured Missourians; it too was adopted and perfected. The House then began consideration of additional bills, including House Bills 2387 and 2480, as the session continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:00.200><c> trees</c> removing dead trees and small trees removing dead trees and small trees
• Captain Graham has been keeping records of tuna depredation impacting his small marina of about 25 boats
• Captain Graham has been keeping records of tuna depredation impacting his small marina of about 25 boats
• 35:27.680><c> estimate</c> Marina of about 25 boats by his estimate Marina of about 25 boats by his estimate
• and large uh this is a I think a small and large uh this is a I think a small<03:02:53.800><c> step<

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, as we approach Small Business Saturday and the holiday season, I encourage everyone to shop small
• So, as we approach Small Business Saturday and the holiday season, I encourage everyone to shop small
• So, as we approach Small Business Saturday and the holiday season, I encourage everyone to shop small
• So, as we approach Small Business Saturday and the holiday season, I encourage everyone to shop small
• </c> help generate revenue for local small help generate revenue for local small businesses,<00:59:57.200

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, there's no comparable authority for boating accidents, which creates an enforcement gap and
• This bill simply brings boating enforcement in line with vehicle law by allowing trained peace officers
• to issue citations following boating accidents when violations are identified.
• Finally, AB 2055 aligns boating under the influence, also known as BUI, enforcement with existing DUI
• The costs are low because this bill mostly asks state agencies to make small updates to systems they

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee met on May 13, 2026, and began by taking up a large consent calendar, moving a first group of bills to the floor consent calendar and a second group by due pass. The committee then heard and advanced a series of measures covering housing, public safety, health care, education, and local government issues. Among the bills discussed were AB 2641 on a sales tax exemption for pawnbroker redemptions, AB 2525 on a narrow Surplus Lands Act exemption for Mission Bay Park, AB 1732 and AB 2433 on student housing and the Affordable Homes Bonus Law, AB 2055 on boating safety and enforcement, AB 1579 on children’s crisis residential services, AB 2139 on a Surplus Lands Act amendment for an Inland Empire soccer project, AB 2041 on EMS reporting, AB 1973 on reproductive health scope for advanced practice clinicians, AB 1929 on health plan investment disclosures, AB 2700 on utility rates and wildfire victim compensation, AB 1809 on school job order contracting, SB 73 on election security, AB 2418 on commercial building permit timelines, AB 1970 on step therapy limits for serious mental illness and substance use treatment, AB 2361 on peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing liability, AB 1976 on bike and pedestrian project approvals, AB 2110 on tax increment financing for workforce housing, and AB 2146 on supportive housing documentation and vacancy rules. Testimony was generally supportive for the measures heard. Authors and sponsors emphasized consumer fairness, housing production, public safety, access to care, and administrative streamlining. Supporters included local governments, housing advocates, school districts, law enforcement groups, health care organizations, and affected individuals. AB 2700 drew especially extensive public testimony from wildfire survivors and local officials who urged stronger compensation for victims of PG&E-caused fires and relief from high utility costs. AB 2034 and AB 1790 were raised during public comment on bills not heard in committee, with several industry groups opposing AB 2034 and both supporters and opponents speaking on AB 1790’s Waters Edge issue. Most bills were reported out of committee on due pass motions, with several noted as amended or with members not voting on particular roll calls. The committee also read and approved a lengthy suspense calendar, then opened public comment on bills not presented that day before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 285, Senate File 1163, cruelty to animals, there is a small budget impact.
• On line 285, Senate File 1163, cruelty to animals, there is a small budget impact.
• On line 285, Senate File 1163, cruelty to animals, there is a small budget impact.
• This is a provision that requires safe harbor reports on exploited youth to go to the legislature, and
• </c><01:03:33.920><c> evaluation</c> 2210 requiring a safe harbor evaluation 2210 requiring a safe harbor

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the executive director of Kids Harbor Child Advocacy Center and Kids Harbor 2 Child Advocacy Center
• Last year, Kids Harbor served over 1,300 children and their safe caregivers.
• Kids Harbor served over 1,300 children and their safe caregivers.
• Hi, I'm Kara Gertelman, Executive Director of Kids Harbor Child Advocacy Center and Kids Harbor 2 Child
• Kids Harbor also has a child sexual abuse prevention education program that includes going into 20 school

Committee: House Children and Families

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families met with a quorum and first took up several bills in executive session. It voted House Bill 1792, the Murphy Media Literacy Program, and House Bill 1770, dealing with time limits on abuse cases, both do pass by unanimous roll call votes. The committee then considered House Bill 2426, Representative Keebley’s parental rights bill. An amendment was adopted to align the bill with a Senate floor substitute, clarify judicial review and compelling government interest standards, update parent/child definitions, add transparency provisions, and revise medical consent language. After extensive discussion about parental consent, minors’ access to STI and substance use treatment, foster parent authority, and potential impacts on abuse situations, the committee voted the House Committee Substitute do pass by a vote of 11 yes, 3 no, and 1 present. The committee then heard House Bill 2418, which would create the Missouri Crime Victims Fund within the Department of Social Services as a framework for future appropriations if federal VOCA funding continues to decline. The sponsor and numerous witnesses from domestic violence shelters, child advocacy centers, CASA programs, and prosecutors described major reductions in VOCA support, staffing losses, service cuts, and the risk of leaving victims without shelter, advocacy, counseling, and court support. No one testified in opposition, and the hearing concluded without a vote. Finally, Representative Schmidt presented House Bill 3077, which would require social media and internet safety curriculum for grades 6 through 12 and provide parent resources. Supporters said the bill would help students recognize grooming, sextortion, misinformation, and other online risks, while some committee members and witnesses raised concerns about adding burdens on schools and suggested the material should be embedded into existing instruction and possibly start earlier. The committee also heard House Bill 1819, “Conrad’s Law,” which would require safe-sleep training and rules for licensed child care facilities for children age one and older, set limits on weighted blankets, and require documented care plans and training for children with special needs. The sponsor and family members said the bill responds to a child’s death and is intended to improve child care safety without adding extra training hours. Both bills were heard in public testimony, and the committee adjourned after the House Bill 1819 hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• In a city this small to be split that way...
• The communications when we deploy Zodiac boat teams are crucial.
• That includes hoist operations and swift water rescue boats.
• Yeah, obviously we're a part of a small part of a much larger organization.
• And there's a lot of small communities.

Committee: House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On Wednesday, July 2nd, our team added two boat squads...
• Is it too small to do the job of protecting Texans along that river?
• Yeah, obviously, we're a small part of a much larger organization, so yes.
• In terms of our business, it's a very small part of the business now.
• Is LCRA in a position to help small communities that have...

Keywords: flooding, emergency response, communication systems, first responders, disaster management, Texas Water Development Board, regional planning, public safety

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fort is proud to be the fishing and boating capital of the world.
• Florida is proud to be the fishing and boating capital of the world.
• opportunities for public boat ramps, parking, and marina programs.
• As you know, small businesses form the backbone of our local economy.
• The small businesses within those areas are losing revenue.

Summary: The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• With crawfish, you have very small lots.
• But it's a small amount of money in the overall scheme of things.
• There's a small amount of money in the overall scheme of things.
• And, you know, at a small profit.
• That they need to be successful entrepreneurs beyond the boat.

Committee: House Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture & Rural Development

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum, adopted the prior meeting minutes, and heard a series of agriculture-related bills, most of them sponsored by Representative Domain or Chairwoman Butler. The first major bill, HB 121, would expand the Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s authority over imported seafood by allowing its inspectors, in addition to the Department of Health, to seize and destroy adulterated seafood already under stop order. Representative Domain and Commissioner Strain framed the bill as a seafood-safety and anti-fraud measure aimed at protecting Louisiana shrimpers from tainted imports and bad actors. Members asked about cost, testing rates, countries of origin, and whether the bill would affect imported shrimp prices; the commissioner said it would not raise consumer prices and that Louisiana’s testing is focused at retail rather than ports. HB 121 was reported favorably with no objections. The committee then considered HB 725, which requires restaurants/retailers to retain invoices from imported seafood vendors for six months. After a technical amendment changing the bill’s one-liner from “restaurants” to “retailers,” the bill was explained as a recordkeeping tool to help auditors verify country-of-origin and labeling compliance without costly product testing. It was reported favorably with amendments. The committee also heard a bill reducing the required number of annual meetings for the Agriculture Finance Authority from four to two; Commissioner Strain said the change would streamline operations when there is no business to conduct, and it was reported favorably. Next, the committee took up HB 344 and HB 370 dealing with the Grain and Cotton Indemnity Fund. HB 344 raises the fund’s balance thresholds for suspending and restarting assessments, while HB 370 increases the assessment rate on agricultural commodities to replenish the fund more quickly. Commissioner Strain described recent large losses from grain broker bankruptcies, including Hansen-Mueller, and explained that the fund has been paying farmers but needs a larger balance to handle future defaults. Members discussed the risks posed by brokers, the adequacy of bonding, and the need to protect farmers and rural communities; both bills were reported favorably. The committee also advanced HB 367, aligning Structural Pest Control Commission hearing notices with the Administrative Procedure Act, and HB 847, which modernizes Soil and Water Conservation district supervisor elections by shifting administration to the Secretary of State and updating petition and ballot procedures after a crowded, ballot-short election. Finally, HB 505 streamlined certification and renewal rules for commercial applicators, pesticide salespersons, and agricultural consultants, including a technical amendment to keep unexpended pesticide-fund money in the fund; it too was reported favorably with amendments. After the bills, Commissioner Strain gave a lengthy update on the state of agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture. He highlighted continued pressure on shrimp from low-cost imports, currency shifts, and inadequate domestic marketing and cold storage, as well as ongoing seafood labeling enforcement and testing. He also discussed feral swine damage, drought and wildfire concerns, fertilizer and diesel cost increases, crop acreage trends, and export efforts for rice and timber, including Louisiana wood pellets used in the United Kingdom. LSU Ag Center Dean Matt Lee followed with a presentation on the center’s research and extension work, emphasizing its statewide network, high research ranking, and the economic return from agricultural science, especially in sugarcane variety development. He said LSU Ag Center research has helped Louisiana maintain strong sugar production and supports producers across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• Harbor and I see that we have um five Harbor and I see that we have um five testimonies<01:04:37.559>
• is it um a connection to Pearl Harbor is it um well<01:06:12.200><c> is</c><01:06:12.359><c> it</c><
• We have Kahoʻolawe, Pearl Harbor, Makua, Poʻakā? It goes on and on.
• um so it's again to pass the Harbor um so it's again to pass the HCR<02:00:57.840><c> and</c><02:00:
• </c><02:10:06.280><c> and</c> Pearl Harbor and Pearl Harbor and hr28<02:10:08.679><c> um</c><02:10:09.000

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on March 21, 2025, and heard several resolutions related to corrections, emergency preparedness, and wildfire risk. Early items included HCR 62/HR 57 on flying the National League of Families POW/MIA flag year-round at the state Capitol, for which no one testified, and HCR 154/HR 49, which would request a comprehensive forensic audit of DCR and DAGS spending tied to planning and building a new jail to replace the Ahu Community Correctional Center. The ACLU strongly supported the audit, arguing that the state has spent millions on jail planning over many years without clear accounting, that a new jail is unnecessary and fiscally irresponsible, and that public-private partnership arrangements could reduce transparency. Committee members questioned the use of the term “forensic,” the age of some cited allegations, and whether the auditor could instead conduct another type of audit; the ACLU said it was open to other audit language and offered to help compile background materials. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard HCR 63, asking DCR to provide separate clinical counseling services for correctional staff, with one supporter, and HCR 23, which asks DCR to include circuit and district court facilities in planning the new Ahu Community Correctional Center and to establish a release procedure that avoids releasing detainees into residential communities or public spaces. DCR Director Johnson said the department supported the intent of HCR 23 and had discussed it with the Chief Justice and court administrator, adding that one multi-purpose courtroom could handle both district and circuit proceedings. The chair then moved on without further discussion. A major portion of the meeting focused on HCR 37, which asks HEMA to work with other agencies on outreach and preparedness for kūpuna. Testifiers from the Pearl City Neighborhood Board, AARP Hawaii, and the Hawaii Council of Community Associations supported the measure, citing the vulnerability of older adults and people with disabilities during disasters, lessons from the Lahaina fires, and the need for clear evacuation plans, siren reliability, and better coordination with care homes and condominium associations. Several speakers described local preparedness efforts and concerns about gaps in communication and implementation. The committee also discussed HCR 69/HR 62 on creating a vegetation management working group to reduce wildfire risk; the Division of Consumer Advocacy supported it, with testimony describing dangerous incidents involving vines and bamboo contacting electrical lines and causing sparking and a utility pole fire. The meeting ended with testimony and questions continuing on that topic, and no final committee action was shown in the excerpt.