Transcript Highlights:

• the popular weight loss drugs that are out there, GLP-1s, now into how that specifically initially alcohol
• language pathology, ophthalmology, orthopedics Audiology, psych services to include developmental and IQ testing
• We have been able to utilize our QA lab that we opened the doors on to do some of that testing.
• Our QA lab is continuing to get rolling and get to the point where we are testing 100 samples per week

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it actually quantify standards for which all the straws, so that if you comply, we have certified testing
• He's a close friend, and we were going over some test results. And he said, well, where are you at?
• we had a bill just in this committee talking about PFAS and whether you want to call it perfluoro-alcohol
• It prohibits AFFF for use in non-emergency training, testing, and instruction.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, and marine-biodegradable products, with supporters arguing it creates standards and avoids patchwork local rules; it was reported favorably. SB 1066, by Senator Brodeur, proposed a phased restoration of the Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam area, including partial dam restoration, recreation and economic development planning, and a local advisory council; testimony was strongly divided between restoration supporters and local officials concerned about water supply, reservoir value, and community impacts. The committee adopted an amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also approved CS/SB 698 by Senator Martin, which would let builders proceed with home construction after applying for septic permits rather than waiting for the permit to be issued first. Testimony from builders and industry representatives focused on permitting delays, contract pricing, and the need for a glide path if DEP rules change; some senators raised concerns about the 120-day transition period, but the bill passed favorably with a technical amendment. CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, would phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam for non-emergency use, require inventory and disposal reporting, create DEP rules and a registry of alternatives, and establish grant/cost-savings support for local agencies; it was reported favorably after an amendment clarifying DEP references and penalty language. Finally, the committee approved CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body feature in the Jupiter Narrows area as the Andrew Red Harris Shoal in honor of a local environmental advocate who died rescuing a friend. The bill was amended to clarify the shoal identification and then reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested the record reflect additional affirmative votes on certain bills, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<02:40:07.439> a<02:40:07.680> real<02:40:07.920> a radon test to test our
• homes, a real a radon test to test our homes, a real a real<02:40:08.399> concern<02:40:08.640
• <02:40:34.240> whether access directly to water tests whether access directly to water tests
• to locate any issues of concern and test to locate any issues of concern and test any<03:07:36.960
• certain water fees and testing. certain water fees and testing.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Applicants must pass the compelling factor test, where the agreement must be the compelling factor in
• facilities locate, it is difficult for dispatchable energy generators to pass the compelling factor test
• is that it amends section 403 to exclude electric generation facilities from the compelling factor test
• an important technical correction to the JEDI Act, exempting generation from the compelling factor test
• last session is that it was the intent to exempt dispatchable generation from the compelling factor test

Bills: SB913, SB1086, SB1087, SB1143, SB1534, SB1553, SB1718, SB1754, SB2004, SB2322, SB2448

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy

Transcript Highlights:

• It wasn't because you were on any type of drugs or alcohol that you were intoxicated because they can't
• <00:20:26.240> or who is under the influence of alcohol or who is under the influence of alcohol
• <00:21:13.440> because alcohol because alcohol because you<00:21:15.280> can't<00:21:15.520
• <00:25:58.720> may intoxication and and the alcohol may intoxication and and the alcohol may
• <00:26:20.240> and<00:26:21.600> no the alcohol and no the alcohol and no >>

Bills: SB169, SB180, SB203, SB87, SB195, SB192, SB169, SB180, SB203, SB87, SB195, SB192, HB132, HB37, HB13, HB54, HB126, HB7, SB30, HB188, HB189, HB26, HB264, HB288, HB248, HB249, HB227, HB228

Keywords: Lieutenant Governor, vacancy, governor appointment, Alabama Constitution, state government, media monitoring, government contracts, state agencies, local agencies, media regulations, transparency, dental insurance, medical loss ratio, premium regulation, insurance commissioner, rebate, consumer protection, midwifery, licensed midwives, State Board of Midwifery

Transcript Highlights:

• The third scenario is when the person has an alcohol-related driving offense, a new DWI or something
• in any way involve the use of alcohol. in any way involve the use of alcohol.
• situation where a person has an alcohol situation where a person has an alcohol offense<00:08:39.440
• , that is a demonstration that alcohol, that is a demonstration that that<00:08:49.839> person
• <00:15:50.399> having substance offenses versus alcohol having substance offenses versus alcohol

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• surveillance officer comes and finds sherry in your kitchen because it's, you know, you can't have alcohol
• , but you're cooking with alcohol, and they're violating you and putting you back in jail for a week.
• One of those pills was tested; it had fentanyl.

Bills: HB2043, HB2044, HB2108, HB2131, HB2132

Keywords: felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, abandonment, concealment, dead body, class 5 felony, criminal offense, unlawful flight, eluding police, fleeing law enforcement, police pursuit, vehicle pursuit, reckless endangerment, felony enhancement, class 4 felony, class 2 felony

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first conducted a sunset review of the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board. The board’s executive director described its history, membership, and recent work on civil rights issues such as human trafficking remedies, service animals, hate-based crimes, housing, disability access, and rural concerns. With no opposition and no further questions, the committee voted to recommend continuing the board for eight years. The committee then heard HB 2131, which would make weapons and explosives trafficking involving three or more items a prison-mandatory offense and remove the financial-gain requirement from the trafficking definition. Support came from the sponsor, the Attorney General’s Office, and county law enforcement, who said the bill targets criminal syndicates and would not affect lawful gun dealers or private sales. Some members raised concerns about limiting judicial discretion and the effect on plea negotiations, but the bill received a do-pass recommendation by a 7-0 vote with one present. Next, HB 2132 proposed lowering the fentanyl trafficking threshold for enhanced penalties from 200 grams to 100 grams. Law enforcement and county attorneys argued the change would better address mid-level dealers and the volume of fentanyl seen in their counties, while opponents and some members warned it could sweep in addicted users and rely too heavily on mandatory minimums instead of treatment. Testimony also highlighted county reentry and treatment programs, especially Yavapai County’s “Reach Out” model. The committee approved the bill 7-2. The committee also considered HB 2108, which increases penalties for unlawful flight when the conduct is especially dangerous, including when it causes serious injury, involves a child, or occurs during a DUI. Law enforcement supported the bill as a public-safety measure, while an opponent argued it could worsen tensions and discourage compliance with police. Members also raised concerns about unmarked vehicles and public fear. The bill received a 6-3 do-pass recommendation. Finally, HB 2044, as amended, would increase penalties for abandoning or concealing a dead human body when done to conceal a crime or when the offender caused the death. Supporters said it closes a gap in statute exposed by recent cases, while opponents warned the language could be overbroad and potentially reach unintended situations; the committee adopted an amendment and then approved the bill 6-3.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, we are still working on some language to ensure soil testing and protection of Native American
• Alcohol abuse is the fourth leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States, and two out of
• Were they able to get the drug or alcohol counseling that they needed?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• goes on and as more diagnostic... ...of the injury develops as treatment goes on, as more diagnostic testing
• She had blamed herself because she allowed this person to give her alcohol and then to engage in other
• She had blamed herself because she allowed this person to give her alcohol and then to engage in other

Summary: The subcommittee heard testimony on a broad agenda of workforce, labor, and workers’ compensation bills. HB 4676 would require political subdivision workers’ compensation networks to follow the same notice, access, and complaint rules as certified TDI networks; supporters said public employees and first responders deserve equal access to care, while municipal risk pool representatives opposed added regulation and said existing 504 networks already perform well. HB 4479 would create a rural workforce development grant program at TWC to support college-and-career readiness and local workforce alignment, and HB 3844 would define “opportunity youth” in state law to improve data, coordination, and access to services for disconnected young Texans; both drew strong support from rural, education, and chamber witnesses. HB 5545 would clarify federal tax treatment for wage-replacement benefits in non-subscriber injury benefit plans, with proponents calling it a win for employers and injured workers. HB 5118 would direct TWC and DIR to study AI and automated employment decision tools in hiring, including bias and oversight concerns. HB 1667 would move existing PTSD workers’ compensation language into a broader Labor Code chapter so more first responders, including state and campus officers, could qualify for benefits; supporters called it a technical fix to extend coverage more evenly across agencies. The committee also heard several first-responder and workers’ compensation bills. HB 2369 would speed up claims handling for injured first responders by allowing a single medical evaluation, giving carriers 60 days to accept or deny a claim, and letting workers seek treatment while disputes proceed; law enforcement supporters said it would help injured officers return to work faster, while opponents warned it would revive extent-of-injury waiver problems and increase litigation. HB 4483 would reclassify certain workers’ compensation maintenance taxes as surcharges to reduce retaliatory taxes imposed by other states on Texas-domiciled carriers, and HB 875, as revised by committee substitute, would create a small-project exception to municipal workers’ compensation and bonding requirements for certain low-value construction contracts in small cities; both were presented as cost-saving measures for Texas employers and local governments. HB 4415 would extend anti-retaliation protections for workers’ compensation claimants from first responders to all public employees and expressly waive sovereign immunity for those claims, with supporters describing it as closing a loophole that leaves public workers without the same remedy available in the private sector. The committee also took testimony on HB 5400, which would expand remedies for sexual harassment victims by removing the requirement to first file an administrative charge, extending the filing deadline from 300 days to two years, clarifying retaliation, and eliminating current damages caps. Supporters, including employment lawyers and a parent of a victim, said the current deadlines and caps prevent many survivors from obtaining counsel or full relief, especially younger workers and those in small workplaces or franchises. Across the agenda, witnesses repeatedly emphasized access to care, fair treatment for injured workers, rural workforce development, and stronger protections for vulnerable employees. After each bill was laid out and testimony heard, the chair generally closed the public hearing and left the bill pending; no final votes were taken, and the subcommittee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• the benefits of screening for early identification of dementia, and increase the rates of cognitive testing
• drug-free environment with intensive levels of treatment and support to initially stop using drugs and alcohol
• three trips to prison, and a lifetime of trauma that I learned how to cope with and cover with drugs, alcohol

Bills: HF2434

Keywords: healthcare, personal care assistance, worker retention, disability services, state funding

Transcript Highlights:

• It is inspired by Utah legislation that restricted alcohol purchases for certain offenses.
• find another way to get the alcohol. find another way to get the alcohol.
• And, uh, we shouldn't make alcoholism.
• Um, I don't see provide alcohol to them.
• c> to<00:37:15.359> be or permit any alcoholic beverage to be or permit any alcoholic beverage

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 774, the Cost, Fines, and Fees Reporting Act, which would require data collection and reporting on criminal and traffic-related costs, fines, fees, interest, and late fees in Kentucky. Vice Chair Decker said the bill is intended to improve transparency and accountability, not to change collection policy. A representative from Reason Foundation supported the measure, saying policymakers need reliable data on legal financial obligations. Representative Marzian asked whether the bill would help enforce collection, and Decker replied that it is only a study/data bill. During roll call, some members raised concerns about funding, but Decker said Kentucky Stats already has the staff and systems in place. The bill passed favorably with 18 yes votes, no no votes, and two pass votes. The committee then took up House Bill 542, relating to eminent domain and declared an emergency, and adopted a committee substitute before hearing testimony. The sponsor described the bill as the product of extensive revisions and said it was aimed at improving notice, communication, transparency, and fairness in condemnation proceedings. He said property owners would have to be notified by certified mail or hand delivery, with sworn proof if delivery failed, and that condemning authorities could not make false or misleading statements during negotiations. A guest, Stephanie Barnett, described problems in her own eminent domain experience, including notices going to the wrong address and learning after the fact that people had been on her property. Members generally supported the bill as a fairness measure. It passed the committee substitute unanimously, 20-0. Finally, Representatives Flannery and Whitaker presented House Bill 563, a DUI-related measure intended to reduce deaths and injuries caused by repeat drunk drivers. They said the bill would apply to a fourth DUI offense within 10 years and would place a two-year restriction on alcohol sales, marked on the person’s license or ID, with the goal of both public safety and encouraging treatment. Flannery cited the death of his mother by a repeat drunk driver and shared statistics on fatal crashes and the economic costs of drunk driving. The committee began discussion on the bill, but the transcript cuts off before any vote or final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Print 10377, Serrano, an act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.
• Senate Print 10551, Stec, an act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.
• Senate Print 10559A, Kavanagh, an act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.
• An act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. Senate Print 10637A, Stewart-Cousins.
• Calendar 1691, Assembly 11457B, Assembly Member Fall, an act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the journal, and then moved through a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills for third reading. The chamber also received and accepted a Finance Committee report on nominations for Kathleen Mosier as Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Terrence O’Leary as Commissioner of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and John Kagia as Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management. All three nominees were confirmed, with Mosier and O’Leary confirmed unanimously and Kagia confirmed 57-1, with Senator Walczyk voting no. The Senate adopted previously approved resolutions recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and mourning the death of Susan Irene Wright of Harlem. Senators Brisport and Bottcher spoke at length in support of Pride Month, emphasizing LGBTQ+ history, resilience, and ongoing threats to the trans community. On the Susan Wright resolution, Senators Cleare, Bailey, and Bottcher praised her community leadership, philanthropy, and family legacy, and Assembly Member Jordan Wright was recognized in the chamber. The body then considered and passed many bills on the calendar, including measures on insurance, environmental conservation, public health, education, business law, labor, social services, highway law, and local tax exemptions. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote, including a measure to end higher insurance premiums for widows, a bill to prohibit correctional facilities from denying visitation because of menstrual products or IUDs, and a Medicaid-related bill to expand access to blood pressure monitors for pregnant people. Most bills passed with broad support, though some had notable opposition from a small group of senators. Late in the session, the Senate took up a proposed constitutional amendment on redistricting. Senator Stewart-Cousins sponsored the measure, and Senator Walczyk questioned it extensively, arguing voters had previously approved an independent redistricting process and objecting to changes that would remove the Legislature’s two-thirds map-approval requirement and alter the commission’s role. The sponsor said the changes were needed in response to aggressive partisan redistricting in other states and would still require voter ratification in future sessions. The transcript ends during that debate, with no final vote on the amendment shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. Motion made and seconded. All in favor? Aye.
• An act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. Motion made and seconded.
• An act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. Motion made and seconded. S. 9999.
• An act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. Next is S. 168.
• An act to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee met on May 12, 2026, with Chair James Skoufis noting it could be the committee’s final meeting of the session and that the agenda included 44 bills, many involving local tax matters. Most measures were moved and reported with little discussion, including several Tax Law, Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, Public Officers Law, and local authorization bills. A number of bills were also referred onward, including S. 3649, which Skoufis recommended against because noncompliant municipalities could lose significant funding; it was defeated. Other measures were referred to Finance, Judiciary, Energy, or Codes, including S. 8221B, a bill on ticket resale and consumer protections, which Skoufis said would cap many fees, limit live music resale above face value, require disclosure of ticket holdbacks, tighten broker licensure, and close refund loopholes. Members briefly questioned the ticket-resale bill, asking what consumer benefit it would provide and which tickets would be covered. Skoufis explained that the bill was aimed at reducing price gouging, especially for concerts and some smaller events, while carving out Broadway and sports. He also said the bill would address hidden ticket allocations and refund practices that had been problematic during the pandemic. The committee then voted to report the bill to Finance. Several other bills drew negative recommendations or were defeated, including S. 8447 and S. 8619, both of which were defeated after no-vote recommendations. S. 9284 was referred to Judiciary, S. 9741A to Finance, and S. 9924 to Codes. The committee also reported a state land transfer bill for the Richardson Center Corporation and approved or reported numerous other bills, ending with S. 10188, which approved Section 2 of Chapter 316 of the Laws of 2025. Skoufis thanked the clerk, staff, and members at the close of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The test states that it is anonymous.
• /c><04:20:28.880> is<04:20:29.119> anonymous test test states that it is anonymous test
• <05:00:15.680> and 90 almost 99% in the last two tests and 90 almost 99% in the last two tests
• We use it for the Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs action plan.
• <05:23:28.718> um mental health and um drug and alcohol um mental health and um drug and alcohol

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first noted that House Bill 398, concerning Holocaust and genocide studies, and House Bill 131 had already been handled previously and were off the schedule. It then took up House Bill 740, which would require the Department of Education to maintain permanent records for closed charter schools. After brief discussion about overlap with another charter-school bill that already addressed closure and records, Representative Freeman moved to table the bill. The committee voted 16-0 to table/ITL the bill, and it was placed on the consent calendar. The main discussion centered on House Bill 557, which would require additional information on school budget ballots, including average cost per pupil, enrollment history, and teacher-to-administrator ratios. Members raised concerns that the bill was duplicative of existing law, overly detailed, costly to towns, and potentially electioneering or cumbersome on ballots. Supporters argued it would improve transparency and help voters who do not attend deliberative sessions or use online resources. The committee did not vote on the bill during the discussion; instead, members moved into caucus and later indicated they would hold the bill until Monday for further review. Later, the committee turned to House Bill 699 on special education definitions and considered Amendment 0606H. The sponsor explained the amendment was developed with the Department of Education after hearing testimony and was intended to align state definitions with federal law and incorporate recommendations from a prior audit, including changing “functionally blind pupils” to “students with visual impairments.” Some members supported the changes as responsive to the hearing and audit, while others objected that the amendment was still confusing, had not fully addressed stakeholder concerns, and should wait for a more comprehensive special education audit. The discussion also referenced House Bill 754 and another amendment, but the transcript ends before final action on HB 699 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• candidate successfully retake the candidate physical<01:29:47.840> ability<01:29:48.320> test
• ,<01:29:48.800> ensuring physical ability test, ensuring physical ability test, ensuring continued
• House Bill 733, Representative Cook, an act relating to alcoholic beverages.
• <01:55:26.159> House<01:55:26.400> Bill<01:55:26.719> 734, alcoholic beverages
• House Bill 734, alcoholic beverages.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 96 members present. The chamber excused absent members, suspended rules to allow bill and resolution co-sponsorship and vote modifications, approved the previous day’s journal, and received Senate messages announcing passage of Senate Bills 101, 129, 162, and 170. The clerk then reported second-reading bills and favorable committee reports, which were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar. The House then took up several bills on third reading. House Bill 521, relating to stalking, was presented as a modernization of Kentucky’s stalking laws and passed 95-0 after debate; a motion to reconsider was tabled. House Bill 220, relating to pension spiking in the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority systems, was amended by House floor amendment 1 to move the effective date back to July 1, 2021 to capture additional employees, then passed 95-0 and the clincher was applied. House Bill 510, relating to organ donation safety, passed 97-0 after explanation that it would require a pause and restart if anyone in the process believed there were indications of life. House Bill 467, relating to real property, passed 96-0 after adoption of a committee substitute; it creates a process for local governments to identify abandoned or underutilized state-owned property and sets procedures for review, notice, and disposal. House Bill 190, relating to licensed child care centers, passed 96-0 after a committee substitute that adjusts square-footage calculations for certain school-aged child care areas and excludes infants and toddlers. House Bill 141, relating to type 1 diabetes, passed 96-0 after a committee substitute removed an annual distribution requirement and instead made informational materials available in school offices; members spoke in support, including one describing a family experience with the disease. House Bill 518, relating to collection of local business taxes and fees, passed 91-3 after a committee substitute that allows electronic filing while preserving local control, creates an advisory committee, and phases in implementation through July 2029. House Bill 497, relating to post-secondary tuition waivers, was explained as addressing waiver costs to universities and was amended with House floor amendment 3 to expand and clarify eligibility, including up to 128 hours for eligible students and additional provisions for certain groups; discussion was underway when the transcript ended. The meeting also included committee reports on bills covering wildlife depredation, light pollution, limited commercial driver’s licenses, prison educational programs, civil rights, respiratory care, dietitians, temporary structures, controlled substances prescribing authority, the Athletic Trainer Compact, children of military families, local boards of education, youth health services, and class sizes for exceptional children and youth.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a provision talking about a food truck being able to serve alcohol at private events.
• <00:03:20.319> at being able to um um serve alcohol at being able to um um serve alcohol at
• <00:03:36.159> So<00:03:36.319> it's and distribution of alcohol.
• So it's and distribution of alcohol.
• Number two, in Minnesota law, in order for someone to serve alcohol or sell alcohol, they have to go

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, I speak on the dangers of drugs and alcohol to the minors in the community.
• Currently, I speak on the dangers of drugs and alcohol to the minors in the community.
• Currently, I speak on the dangers of drugs and alcohol to the minors in the community.
• Currently, I speak on the dangers of drugs and alcohol to the minors in the community.
• Currently, I speak on the dangers of drugs and alcohol to the minors in the community.

Bills: HF1439, HF1004, HF498, HF1326

Keywords: HF1439, Minnesota Grocers Association Foundation, Carts to Careers, workforce development fund, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, grocery industry, food industry, food retail, retail workforce, job training, career pathways, scholarships, certifications, workforce pipeline, one-time appropriation, industry training, labor shortage, youth employment, apprenticeship

Transcript Highlights:

• to report the that poisoning testing to report the that poisoning testing result<00:39:08.520>
• result data uh the lab poisoning testing result data uh the<00:39:27.119> data<00:39:27.440><
• He also noted that the department receives lab poisoning test results under the statute and that lead
• I'm a member of the Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs.
• > uh you test test awesome greetings uh you test test awesome greetings uh members<04:54:20.000

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The city has since conceded that the excess pumping during the pump test most likely caused our well
• most likely caused our well test most likely caused our well problems.<00:29:52.480> Groundwater<
• They're the local makers and distributors of non-alcoholic beverages, and they are...
• Everywhere we test for microplastics, we find them.
• Everywhere we test for microplastics, we find them.

Bills: HF3793, HF3699, HF793, HF3322, HF3426

Keywords: groundwater, water use permit, data centers, public health, environmental regulations, municipalities, state park license plate, specialty license plate, Minnesota DNR, Department of Natural Resources, license plate design contest, North Shore, Lake Superior Agate, AI-generated art, artificial intelligence, Minnesota resident, state parks, specialty plates, vehicle registration, contest requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:01.760> in limit of blood alcohol in limit of blood alcohol in uh<00:11:03.519>
• We'll ask the group to examine Hawaii data on alcohol-related fatalities, injuries, and risk.
• <00:16:59.839> And<00:17:00.000> then alcohol uh related fatalities.
• And then alcohol uh related fatalities.
• Also, take a look at how alcohol and food revenues are affected in other places that have adopted or

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Education committees heard STR 1117 and SR 98, which urge the Department of Education, Department of Transportation, and Hawaii County to inventory bus stops used by children on Hawaii Island and develop safety improvements. DOE testified that routes are based on student locations, families must register riders, and access is complicated by county roads and privately owned or HOA-managed roads; members noted the need to focus on the most affected areas and on safety rather than just counting stops. The committees recommended both resolutions be passed with amendments, including adding the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee and technical changes, and both measures were adopted by vote. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then heard several resolutions on international relationships and transportation safety. STR 196/SR 76 supporting broader ties with Norway, STR 197/SR 77 supporting broader ties with Sweden, and STR 195/SR 175 supporting broader ties with Sweden all moved forward; testimony generally favored learning from those countries, and the committee adopted amendments to add collaboration language and, in the Norway measure, a reference to prisons and criminal justice. The committee also heard STR 181/SR 51 on lowering the blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05; the Hawaii Alcohol Policy Alliance supported the measure and suggested adding flexibility for the DOT director to appoint additional working group members. The committee amended the resolution to broaden the working group and direct it to examine data, impacts, and implementation issues, then adopted it. On later agendas, the committee approved CR 12/SR 8 recognizing International Dark Sky Week with amendments to create a task force on light pollution and dark skies. It also passed CR 180/SR 150, which would have DOT report on commercial tour operator safety and performance, after amending it to clarify the purpose, require online public information, involve the NTSB, and create a transparency/scoring framework. STR 150 on subsidizing waterborne cargo transport was also passed with technical amendments. Finally, STR 222/SR 197 on towing companies having on-site ATMs was amended into a task force proposal led by the Office of Consumer Protection, and the committee adopted that recommendation. In each case, the chair’s recommendation was to pass with amendments or, for one Sweden measure, pass unamended, and the votes were unanimous with no recorded opposition.