Transcript Highlights:

• This concurrent resolution I think is extremely important.
• This concurrent resolution I think is extremely important to go to the voters because no state has ever
• I have, so for those watching at home, HCR, House Concurrent Resolution, this would be referred to the
• I think there's 37 active resolutions, whether there's Senate or House, you know, to go on the ballot
• the governor, House Concurrent Resolution 2048, subject to voter approval, constitutionally prohibits

Bills: HB2015, HB2060, HB2062, HB2100, HB2118, HB2165, HB2258, HB2327, HB2397, HB2445, HB2460, HB2641, HB2745, HB2876, HB2917, HB4011, HB4049, HB4056, HB4087, HCR2013, HCR2016, HCR2040, HCR2044, HCR2048, HCR2056

Keywords: budget procedures, late filing penalty, accounting standards, financial reporting, state appropriations, abortion, educational institutions, health education, state aid, public schools, Buffalo Soldiers, monument, commemoration, Arizona, public funding, Wesley Bolin Plaza, military history, historical memorial, small land subdivision, land use

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from the prior meetings and then took up several measures, beginning with HCR 2013, which would proclaim June 2026 as Celebrate Life Month in Arizona. The resolution drew emotional testimony in support from Crystal Cooper and Bella Stockton, both of whom shared personal stories about living with spina bifida and argued for celebrating life and supporting people with disabilities. Senator Kennedy voted no, saying the resolution was symbolic and did not address practical supports such as paid family leave, health care, housing, and school meals. The committee ultimately gave HCR 2013 a due pass recommendation on a 4-1 vote, with two members not voting. The committee then advanced HB 2327, as amended, clarifying protections for eligible persons’ identifying information in county recorder records and explicitly excluding voter registration records from the confidentiality provisions. Representative Hendricks said the bill was intended to fix problems created by earlier language protecting elected officials and first responders. The committee also passed HB 2258, which adds La Paz County to the Tourism Advisory Council’s geographic area, with no opposition testimony. A longer debate followed on HB 2397, which expands HOA/condominium disclosure requirements for prospective buyers, including bylaws, declarations, plats, meeting minutes, and information about assessments and known defects. Representative Biasucci said the bill was about transparency for buyers, while the Arizona Association of Community Managers raised concerns about cost and the scope of the disclosure requirements; the Arizona Homeowners Coalition supported the bill but opposed an amendment that would require managers to be on site for capital projects. The committee adopted two Hoffman amendments and then gave HB 2397 a due pass as amended recommendation. The committee also passed HB 2015, which imposes penalties on state agencies that miss federal audit reporting deadlines, and HB 4049, which changes how the Attorney General represents DCS in cases alleging misconduct; both drew opposition over concerns about punitive penalties and existing conflict procedures. Later, the committee approved HB 4087, authorizing a memorial plaque for former legislator Barbara Love, and HB 2100, which allows counties to authorize certain small land subdivisions, despite objections that it could weaken water-supply protections. The committee then passed HB 2460, as amended, preempting local ordinances that penalize businesses for abandoned or stolen movable property such as shopping carts; supporters argued cities were charging victims of theft, while cities and towns said the bill would undercut local nuisance enforcement and shift costs to taxpayers. Finally, the committee began hearing HCR 2056, a proposed constitutional referral recognizing a right to refuse medical mandates, with Representative Cooper and supporters framing it as bodily autonomy and opponents warning it would weaken public health protections, especially in schools and during outbreaks.

Transcript Highlights:

• File item one, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 14 by Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez.
• Assembly Concurrent Resolution 14 by Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez, relative to Positive Parenting
• When we're putting together a resolution, an honorary resolution, a virtue-signaling resolution, let's
• support this resolution.
• The resolution is adopted.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules recommends the following resolutions ought to be adopted.
• Resolutions filed by Representative Hogan of Stow, congratulating Ken Messina on his retirement after
• And resolutions filed by Representative Marcy of Dudley, congratulating Cindy Howard, Chief Executive
• Question now is on adoption of the resolutions. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, nay.
• Resolutions are adopted.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House convened, welcomed members of the Western Council on Aging, and began with the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber then took up several routine matters from the Committee on Rules, including resolutions congratulating Ken Messina on his retirement after more than 30 years of service and Cindy Howard, CEO of the Center of Hope Foundation, on her retirement after 30 years. The House suspended the rules and adopted both resolutions. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition by Representative Carol A. Fiola for legislation establishing a sick leave bank for Esther Adjafwa, an employee of the Department of Mental Health, and referred the matter to the Committee on Public Service. No objections were raised to proceeding with the orders of the day. The main bill considered was House 4103, an act establishing a sick leave bank for Stephen Forget, an employee of the Worcester County Sheriff's Office. After third reading, the House voted to pass the bill to be engrossed. The chamber then adopted an order to adjourn and concluded by adjourning until Thursday at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Papers from the Senate.
• The following petitions come from the Senate with the endorsement that they had been referred under a
• Question comes on concurrence. All those in favor say aye. Opposed? No. The ayes have it.
• Paper from the Senate.
• Question comes on concurrence. All those in favor say aye, opposed, no. The ayes have it.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and procedural motions. The Committee on Rules recommended, and the House adopted, an extension for the Committee on Housing to report on House Document 4682. The House also concurred in Senate petitions referred under suspension of Joint Rule 12, including measures on equitable school transportation funding, BMX/motocross track safety standards, and public health and safety near aging nuclear facilities. Later, the House suspended Joint Rule 12 for additional petitions involving a board for licensed mental health counselors, constable and civil deputy sheriff training and certification, and retirement benefits for a retired state trooper. The House then acted on a slate of local and special bills scheduled by the Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee. These included bills on veteran license plate eligibility, school bus transportation professionals, Milford town meeting vacancies, Fairhaven retired police officers serving as special police officers, and amendments to the Hudson town charter. The House also passed several bills to be engrossed, including measures extending residency requirements for certain Newton police and fire personnel, allowing Williamstown to expand eligibility for a senior property tax exemption, amending Arlington’s town manager act regarding the town clerk, changing Longmeadow’s charter, and establishing a fall annual town meeting in Swampscott. The House further enacted House No. 4521, establishing a sick leave bank for Kathleen Rodriguez of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. It also concurred in a Senate petition to rescind prior Article 5 constitutional convention applications. Throughout the session, the chair welcomed visiting groups, including physical therapy advocates, Boston Age-Strong Senior Civic Academy members, and students and teachers from Nanai High School in Japan. The House adopted an order to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker. >> Happy Tuesday. >> The Senate has passed Senate Bills 72 and 110 and respectfully request
• Senate. Good afternoon, Madam Clerk. Senate. Good afternoon, Madam Clerk.
• > Senate<00:04:44.000> Bills<00:04:44.880> 72 >> The Senate has passed Senate
• concurrence of this honorable body. concurrence of this honorable body.
• resolutions. Clerk, please report. resolutions. Clerk, please report.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:26 Report of Committees 05:13 Orders of the Day/ HB 6 06:22 HB 480 14:13 HB 562 17:55 HB 136 25:53 HB 257 29:47 HB 490 35:54 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 40:30 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 52:44 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 53:49 ConC/Rules Report 57:12 Floor Amendments 58:49 Adjournment 58:59, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal from February 13, 2026. The Senate also transmitted Senate Bills 72 and 110 for concurrence. Committee reports advanced several bills, including measures on deputy coroner training, local jail booking procedures, local business tax collection, peace officers, Kentucky National Guard benefits, and first responder mental health. The chamber then considered House Bill 6 on child care. The sponsor described it as the product of extensive stakeholder collaboration aimed at improving affordability, quality, access, and data in child care, including changes to the low-income subsidy program, employee child care assistance, Kentucky All-Stars, micro-centers, and a military child care pilot program in House Committee Substitute 1. The substitute was adopted, and the bill passed 84-11 with one abstention after supportive remarks from members emphasizing workforce needs, family support, and military families. House Bill 480, relating to state contracts, was explained as requiring clearer contract terms for appropriated funds, partial payment protections, a 1% penalty for late payment, and semiannual reporting on whether cabinets are paying bills on time. A member noted a planned amendment to limit the bill to state-funded appropriations, but the bill passed 96-0. House Bill 562, relating to alternative high school diplomas, would create a Kentucky alternative diploma for certain students with disabilities and require the Education and Labor Cabinet to maintain employer information for graduates; members spoke in strong support of the bill’s workforce and dignity goals, and it passed 96-0. House Bill 136, relating to campaign finance, was amended to remove a $15,000 cap and allow campaign funds to pay for reasonable security costs for candidates; the sponsor cited rising threats to elected officials, and the bill passed 97-0. The transcript ends as the House moved on to House Bill 257.

Transcript Highlights:

• Leader Madam President, would you please recognize Senator Ice to explain Senate Concurrent Resolution
• I asked for unanimous consent that Senate Concurrent Resolution 22 be brought directly to the calendar
• Senator Ice, thank you, Madam President. I asked the resolution be read.
• Senate Resolution 41 will be brought directly to the calendar.
• Senator Peterson, you are recognized to explain the provisions of your resolution.

Bills: HB3834, HB3940, HB4346, HB2947, HB3257, HB3264, HB4326, HB4421, HB3944, HB3979, HB4118, SCR22, SB169, HB1047, HB2123, HB2650, HB3260, HB3403, SR41, HB3649, HB3742, HB3831, HB3996, HB4321, HB4339

Keywords: HB3834, Oklahoma Breakthrough Therapy Act, ibogaine, ibogaine-based therapeutics, ibogaine analogs, clinical trials, FDA approval, breakthrough therapy designation, opioid use disorder, substance use disorder, traumatic brain injury, mental health, neurological disorders, drug development, public-private partnership, State Department of Health, intellectual property, revolving fund, research funding, medical licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Concurrent Resolution 9, Senator Meredith, a concurrent resolution directing the Legislative Research
• And Senate Joint Resolution 23, Representative or rather Senator Fromire, a joint resolution declaring
• Senate<00:06:32.720> Concurrent<00:06:33.199> Resolution<00:06:33.759> 9,<00:06:
• 34.639> Senator Senate Concurrent Resolution 9, Senator Senate Concurrent Resolution 9, Senator
• , a concurrent resolution Meredith, a concurrent resolution directing<00:06:37.280> the<00:06:

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, excused absent members, suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications, and approved the journal from February 26, 2026. The clerk then reported several bills on second reading, including measures on state personnel, domestic violence, fish and wildlife resources, open records, workforce investment, data centers, guardians ad litem and domestic relations, along with Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 on a Medicaid pilot feasibility study and Senate Joint Resolution 23 declaring Kentucky a “food is medicine” state. The main floor business was House Bill 2, the Medicaid reform and appropriation bill. The sponsor described it as a response to rising Medicaid costs and federal changes, saying it would improve transparency, oversight, fraud prevention, and program operations. He said the bill would apply mainly to the Medicaid expansion population and include community engagement, cost-sharing, eligibility safeguards, stronger managed care oversight, transportation and dental delivery changes, waiver program prioritization, greater legislative access to CHFS data, a transparency dashboard, periodic auditor review, and limits on certain weight-management drug coverage. A House committee substitute was adopted, and a floor amendment on phasing in a marginal medical loss ratio requirement over four years was offered as a friendly amendment and adopted. The House then debated House Floor Amendment 1, which would have removed state-mandated co-payments and limited cost sharing to the federal minimum, while also prohibiting reporting medical debt to credit agencies. Supporters argued the amendment would protect low-income Kentuckians from barriers to care and prevent medical debt from worsening poverty. Opponents said the bill’s co-pays were intended to encourage appropriate use of care, especially to reduce non-emergency emergency room visits, and noted that providers and MCOs could waive or work around some charges. After a roll call vote, the amendment failed 20-39. After the amendment vote, the House continued discussion of the bill, with the sponsor defending the co-payment structure as a way to promote personal responsibility and sustainability while preserving access to primary care. The transcript ends during further debate on House Bill 2, and no final passage vote is shown in the provided excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Messages from the Senate, there are none.
• I move to order Senate Concurrent Resolution 1, McGuire, to the third reading file.
• third reading file item 37 Senate bill 26 by Assemblymember Kalra the clerk will read the Senate bill
• We are also going to announce immediate transmittal to the Senate of file item 37 SB 26 by Senator Umberg
• Assembly concurrent resolution six by Assemblymember Ta and others relative to Black April Memorial Month

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Enrolled Joint Resolution 4, being Original Senate Joint Resolution 9, Keeping Public Lands Protected
• I'm about to sign Senate Enrolled Joint Resolution 4, being Original Senate Joint Resolution 9.
• Senate situated. Senate concurrence<02:27:01.520> request.
• Thank you, Senator Boner. Discussion on the concurrence request on Senate File 84.
• Discussion on concurrence on Senate File 99. Senate File 99. Any discussion?

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They were able to tour the House, the Senate.
• I move when the Committee of the Whole rises to report it recommends that House Concurrent Resolution
• I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 2003 to make a comment. Proceed.
• Chairman, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 2003. Thank you, sir.
• The clerk is instructed to record the action of the House and convey the bill to the Senate.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day and various guests in the gallery. Members also adopted a proclamation recognizing February 17, 2026, as Kosovo’s Independence Day in Arizona, with remarks highlighting the Kosovo American community’s contributions to the state. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider measures on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, HB 2307 received committee amendments and a due pass recommendation. HB 2758, relating to groundwater transportation and La Paz County, drew substantial debate and multiple amendments; supporters described it as a water policy measure with added protections, while opponents warned it would weaken basin protections and benefit private water investors. After a division and recorded vote, HB 2758 failed to receive a due pass recommendation. The committee also gave due pass recommendations to HCR 2003, HCR 2047, and HCR 2002 after debate on issues including transgender participation in sports and the historical/biblical naming of Judea and Samaria. On third reading, the House passed HB 251, HB 262, HB 272, HB 296, and HB 2459, with brief explanations of vote on several measures. HB 262 was described as honoring the Buffalo Soldiers, HB 272 as a public health-related measure tied to provider credentialing, HB 296 as a water infrastructure and finance bill, and HB 2459 as a bipartisan mobile home park tenant protection bill. The House then received the Committee of the Whole report, referred the passed measures to engrossing, and noted that HB 2758 failed to pass. The session concluded with announcements about committee meetings, a Game and Fish Department legislative day, and other personal remarks before adjournment until February 18, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 2. under Senate Bill 2.
• And in front of you is House Concurrent Resolution 66.
• House Concurrent Resolution 66 passes with favorable expression and should do the same on the floor.
• House Concurrent Chairman votes yes.
• House Concurrent Resolution<00:37:53.440> 66<00:37:54.040> passes<00:37:54.400> with

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Concurrent Resolution 65 by Assembly Member Ward relative to California Tourism Month.
• Assembly Concurrent Resolution 62 by Assembly Member Hart relative to California Nonprofits Day.
• The resolution has it; the resolution is adopted. All those opposed, no.
• The resolution has it; the resolution is adopted.
• Assembly Concurrent Resolution 78 by Assembly Member Patel relative to Maternal Mental Health Awareness

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long Daily File with several guest introductions and floor speeches. Members recognized visiting student leaders, championship football teams from Tuolumne County, Alpha Kappa Alpha members at their Capitol day, and later a descendant of Wong Kim Ark. The chamber also adopted a procedural motion allowing certain members to host guests in the rear of the chamber. Among the major policy items, AB 578 on food delivery platform refund practices passed 47-2, AB 344 on successor beer manufacturer definitions passed 61-0, AB 454 to make California’s migratory bird protections permanent passed 55-12 on the urgency clause, AB 482 updating the Table Grape Commission passed 64-1, AB 1237 to support transit access for 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket holders passed 56-15 on the urgency clause, AB 738 on wildfire rebuild solar exemptions passed 42-2, AB 1460 on 340B pharmacy access for clinics passed 41-5, AB 750 on homeless shelter oversight passed 49-1, AB 1061 on housing in historic districts passed 41-13, AB 1523 on expanding mandatory mediation thresholds passed 65-0, and AB 316 on AI-related civil liability passed 56-0. AB 761 authorizing the Monterey-Salinas Transit District to seek a sales tax ballot measure passed 47-12. The chamber also adopted several resolutions. AJR 3 urging protection of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid passed 53-2 after extensive debate that included criticism of federal cuts and counterarguments focused on state Medi-Cal policy and budget decisions. ACR 65 proclaiming California Tourism Month was adopted by voice vote after coauthors were added, and ACR 62 recognizing California Nonprofits Day was also adopted by voice vote with 65 coauthors. AJR 5 affirming birthright citizenship and opposing efforts to end it passed 58-1 after a lengthy, highly partisan debate centered on the 14th Amendment and the Wong Kim Ark precedent. The session also included passage of AB 571, a CEQA exemption for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery at Gypsum Canyon, which was presented as a long-running bipartisan effort to create a final resting place for Orange County veterans.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 85 by Huffman, suspending limitations on conference committee jurisdiction.
• The chair recognizes Senator Huffman to explain the resolution.
• Senate, take up and consider Senate Resolution 85.
• I'm going to begin with the following resolution by Senator Donna Campbell.
• Secretary, read the resolution. Senate Resolution 87 by Senator... Good to see you. I'm sorry.

Bills: SB 8, SB 1, SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, HB27, HB7, HB17, HB1, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB20, HB18, HB7, HB17, HB1, HB20, HB18, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, SR85, SR87, SB8, SB5, SB2, SB10, HB27

Keywords: sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam

Transcript Highlights:

• In the 86th legislature, legislatures, Senator Springer passed HB 3163.
• In response to this, in the 88th in 2023, Senator Springer filed SB 904, but was asked to add a floor
• In a previous session, Senator Hinojosa and Representative Munoz designated a small section called Dauphin
• Um, back, um, many years ago when Todd Staples was a senator, he included the word private in a section
• Remember the Dallas County schools scandal that former Senator Don Huffines uncovered?

Bills: HB 767, HB 1242, HB 1373, HB 1404, HB 1708, HB 1936, HB 2041, HB 2198, HB 2270, HB 2315, HB 2415, HB 2427, HB 2455, HB 2457, HB 2522, HB 2523, HB 2686, HB 2763, HB 2775, HB 2944, HB 3034, HB 1683, HB 1695

Keywords: highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, HB 1242, Texas Transportation Code, U.S. Highway 281, Brooks County, Ernesto Soliz Cantu, memorial highway, road naming, TxDOT, road signage, commemorative resolution, memorial markers, county road 304, Huppergate Road, Los Robles Trail, Farm-to-Market Road

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, we've got these... with people linking them together, and instead, they're bypassing TCEQ by
• In the 86th legislature, Senator Springer passed HB 3163, which strengthened accessible parking standards
• In response to this, in the 88th, in 2023, Senator Springer filed SB 904 but was asked to add a floor
• In a previous session, Senator Hinojosa and designated a small section called Dolphing Road, West Dauphine
• Remember the Dallas County schools scandal that former Senator Don Huffines uncovered?

Bills: HB767, HB 1242, HB1373, HB1404, HB1708, HB1936, HB2041, HB2198, HB2270, HB2315, HB2415, HB2427, HB2455, HB2457, HB2522, HB2523, HB2686, HB2763, HB2775, HB2944, HB3034, HB1683, HB1695

Keywords: highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, HB 1242, Texas Transportation Code, U.S. Highway 281, Brooks County, Ernesto Soliz Cantu, memorial highway, road naming, TxDOT, road signage, commemorative resolution, memorial markers, county road 304, Huppergate Road, Los Robles Trail, Farm-to-Market Road

Transcript Highlights:

• If there are any questions for Senator Brayman, I'll give you the right to close. Thank you.
• So what we'll do is we'll fix it in the Senate if we want to add more than two, right? Abby? What?
• He volunteered to join the Joint Casualty Resolution Center.
• testify for, against, or on the resolution. Okay, the committee substitute is withdrawn.

Bills: HB767, HB 1242, HB1373, HB1404, HB1708, HB1936, HB2041, HB2198, HB2270, HB2315, HB2415, HB2427, HB2455, HB2457, HB2522, HB2523, HB2686, HB2763, HB2775, HB2944, HB3034, HB1683, HB1695

Keywords: highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, HB 1242, Texas Transportation Code, U.S. Highway 281, Brooks County, Ernesto Soliz Cantu, memorial highway, road naming, TxDOT, road signage, commemorative resolution, memorial markers, county road 304, Huppergate Road, Los Robles Trail, Farm-to-Market Road

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Morgan and Chairman and members, I just want to clarify that the $9,000 figure is the cost to

Bills: HB139, HB1818, HB1942, HB1959, HB2221, HB2254, HB2563, HB2067, HB2275, HB3211, HB139

Keywords: HB 1818, Texas Insurance Code, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, health maintenance organization, HMO, insurer, utilization review, preauthorization, prior authorization, medical necessity review, health care services, medical care, insurance regulation, insurance examination, regulatory oversight, confidential records, public information exception, Chapter 843, Chapter 1301

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm working with Senator Milton and stakeholders to advise on language that I think puts this bill in
• Whatever dispute resolution process that they have in arbitration, whether it's through the AAA or they
• Requiring arbitration to be held in Texas does not solve... everything in the dispute resolution world
• Senator, let me say a couple of things about the question you've asked a couple of times.
• There's also something to look at: the Senate State Affairs Committee did an interim study on the very

Bills: HB139, HB1818, HB1942, HB1959, HB2221, HB2254, HB2563, HB2067, HB2275, HB3211, HB139

Keywords: HB 1818, Texas Insurance Code, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, health maintenance organization, HMO, insurer, utilization review, preauthorization, prior authorization, medical necessity review, health care services, medical care, insurance regulation, insurance examination, regulatory oversight, confidential records, public information exception, Chapter 843, Chapter 1301

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Speaker, I hereby announce the adoption by the Senate of the following Senate Concurrent Resolution
• herewith transmitted: Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, relating to adjournment for more than three
• Nisca moves that the rules be so far suspended so that Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7 be now adopted
• This is the concurrent resolution that we have to pass in order for us to be able to take a longer break
• Motion prevails. >> Nisca [clears throat] moves that Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7 be now adopted

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Melia is excused. Senator Richards votes I. Senator Awa is also excused.
• later in the be pursuing uh a resolution later in the uh<00:01:29.520> concurrent<00:01:29.920
• concurrent curent resolution later in uh concurrent curent resolution later in the The next measure
• Senator Melby reservations. Senator Richards...
• Senator melie reservations Senator votze Senator melie reservations Senator Richards<00:38:40.079>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held decision-making and hearing sessions on February 4, 2025, covering a range of bills on public funds, cremation contracts, condominium insurance, insurance protections, veterinarians, landlord-tenant issues, agriculture, sex offender licensing restrictions, and service animals. In decision-making, SB 69 on deposits of public funds was passed with a defective effective date, SB 525 on cremation service contracts was deferred for later work on a concurrent resolution, SB 805 on condominium insurance was passed with amendments incorporating Attorney General recommendations, and SB 1141 on insurance protections was passed with amendments expanding the bill to catastrophic disasters and adding insurer response and loss-run reporting requirements. All of those measures were adopted by committee votes, with some members excused. During the hearing portion, SB 493 on veterinarians drew mixed testimony: state agencies and animal welfare groups supported efforts to create a workforce development fund and scholarship/loan repayment program, while the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association opposed the bill as written, arguing the board lacked capacity to administer the program, suggesting more WICHE funding instead, and objecting to new licensing fees. SB 606 on online business registration received comments from DCCA, SB 822 on landlord-tenant injunctions drew opposition from HPD and comments from the Judiciary, and SB 825 on eviction mediation received broad support from mediation advocates, the Judiciary, and others. Other measures heard included SB 276 on false labeling of Hawaii-grown roasted coffee, SB 1293 on tenant recovery in disaster areas, SB 1369 on solvency reporting for insurers and mutual benefit societies, and SB 1373 on automatic license actions against registered sex offenders, which received support from DCCA and several licensing boards. The committee also heard SB 1493 on emotional support animals, where the Attorney General raised constitutional and enforcement concerns, while disability advocates and others supported the bill and suggested clearer enforcement and disclosure language. SB 1662 on landlord application fees was also heard with comments from Hawaii Realtors and support testimony from individuals. In the later decision-making session, SB 493 was passed with amendments removing the proposed licensing fees and blanking appropriations, while SB 606 was deferred. SB 822 was passed with amendments adopting Judiciary recommendations, adding a Judiciary-facilitated working group to review the landlord-tenant code, and setting a defective effective date of July 1, 2050.