Transcript Highlights:

• And there's one other piece of action we have to do, and then we'll be out of here and have a very limited

Bills: SCR12, HB221, HB509, HCR58, SB78, SB25, SB80, SB132, SB155, SB157, SB202, SB228, SB250, SB414, SB433, SB479, SB513, SCR9, SCR58, SB65, SB215, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR32, HB17, HB41, HB73, HB223, HB244, HB759, HB906, HB966, HB1006, HB1009, HB1086, HB1107, HB1112, HB1215, HB1242, SB217, SB283, SB469, HB36, HB42, HB74, HB119, HB159, HB259, HB302, HB414, HB459, HB776, HB848, HB956, HB1017, HB1028, HB1095, SB208, SB312, SB382, SB389, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB368, HB468, HB552, HB732, HB784, HB870, HB953, HB1117, HB1236

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, Mississippi River bridge, Trump Expressway, transportation, federal funding, Louisiana highways, injection wells, public hearing, geologic sequestration, environmental impact, public comment, Ascension Parish, state capitol, economic development, community partnership, celebration day

Summary: The Senate met with 29 members present, heard a prayer and national anthem presentation, and approved the journal without objection. The chamber then received multiple messages from the House on conference committee reports and concurrence actions, and took up a long calendar of Senate resolutions and House/Senate bills returned from the House with amendments. Several resolutions were adopted without objection, including commendations and requests for reports or studies, while others were left over or returned to the calendar. The Senate concurred in or adopted amendments on a series of bills covering registrar compensation (SB 25), broadband administration and reimbursement (SB 80), school safety master key boxes (SB 132), dental coverage for cancer treatment (SB 155), paid parental leave for educators (SB 157), election supervisor compensation days (SB 202), water utility service line replacement funding (SB 228), weight management services through the Office of Group Benefits (SB 250), medical debt protection (SB 414), Medicaid coverage of weight-loss medication (SB 443), and design-build authority for vertiport facilities (SB 513). It also adopted a House concurrent resolution urging backup motors for the St. Claude Avenue Bridge (HCR 32). One bill, SB 479 on removal of certain judges, had its amendments rejected and was sent to conference. The chamber then considered conference committee reports on several measures. Reports were adopted on SB 312 (labor organization dues and fees), SB 208 (veterans services and VA-related restrictions), SB 382 (workers’ compensation advisory council and reimbursement schedule timing), SB 389 (agent and athlete registration and fee review), and multiple House bills including HB 359 (party primary qualifying rules), HB 368 (New Orleans historic preservation lien procedures), HB 468 (wholesale residential real estate definitions), HB 552 (DWI-related responsive verdict language), HB 732 (motor vehicle fines/fees and hybrids), HB 870 and HB 1236 (pharmacy benefit manager and insurance provisions), and HB 1117 (prescription period issues). HB 210 on retroactivity was also adopted after debate. Several conference reports were temporarily passed over or returned to the calendar, including HB 953, and the Senate adjourned to reconvene the next morning for final work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since the 2024 start of this, as we started to gradually load dealers into the system, almost 68,000
• Since the 2024 start of this, as we started to gradually load dealers into the system, almost 68,000
• Since the 2024 start of this, as we started to gradually load dealers into the system, almost 68,000
• It shows the bulk of our drivers are within that 10 miles an hour range above the speed limit, which
• As we grow this, as of now, we've just limited this to participation with Kentucky State Police.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, more access is limited. CDFIs are really designed to take on the higher risk deals.
• So it limits access to capital even more, right? A lack of supporting policies.
• Right now, private development is very limited; most of it happens at the non-profit level.
• That's kind of a loaded question. My solution...
• So just that is loaded in itself. My mortgage will be paid off in October. Yes, and that's huge.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, cities and homeowners associations limit or completely prevent Texans from exercising
• Limiting the number of total animals and requiring a minimum distance between residential structures.
• HOA from saying that you cannot have any or you cannot have a personal garden or the raising of a limited
• He went up and, um, you know, loaded water and went and started assisting.
• Uh, we're somewhat limited by the, by the size of our agency, uh, but that's OK.

Bills: HB294

Keywords: energy efficiency, tax exemption, residential properties, sustainability, real estate

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we will limit it to those issues.
• So, we're going to do a limited public comment.
• Overall, this is a very limited.
• About not being able to limit debate.
• I believe the fiscal impacts of this bill are limited.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no statute of limitations for There is no statute of limitations for murder.<00:42:44.800>
• He came out of the house with a loaded gun. He had a hoodie on.
• with a loaded gun. He had a hoodie on. with a loaded gun. He had a hoodie on.
• He wanted to he was load ready to shoot.
• <03:01:14.399> to correct me if I'm wrong, off limits to correct me if I'm wrong, off limits

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:30.080> The load boxes and direct traffic. The load boxes and direct traffic.
• Fairview program we only have a limited Fairview program we only have a limited amount<01:00:01.520
• fall into the time limit before we exit them.'
• the time limits the time limits fall<01:18:55.920> into<01:18:56.040> the<01:18:56.120
• > exit fall into the time limit before we exit fall into the time limit before we exit them

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think, in part, that was part of the problem. was we had a lot of public comment and it limited debate
• So, that's part of the reason why our workload tends to be front-loaded.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in this committee is 2-minute time limit in this committee is 2-minute time limit per<00:01:13.560
• <00:32:01.600> it, about how we might be able to limit it, about how we might be able to limit
• loaded in our testimony. loaded in our testimony.
• know about the geographical limitations know about the geographical limitations that<01:28:22.040
• . limitations. limitations.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several Senate bills. SB 2149 would exempt paternity proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse from mediation and clarify the domestic abuse mediation exemption in divorce cases. The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the measure but recommended technical and conforming changes, including updating references from HRS Chapter 584 to 584A and aligning the language more closely with the Uniform Mediation Act. Members discussed whether the bill’s wording could limit who may bring a support person to mediation, and the chair suggested the intent was to preserve survivor choice while avoiding ambiguity. No vote was taken in the portion heard. SB 2203 would create an offense for law enforcement officers using masks or personal disguises. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaii, Legal Clinic, and many other supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, while still allowing safety exceptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, raised concerns about operational needs, undercover and auxiliary units, body cameras, and possible supremacy clause issues if the bill is aimed at federal officers. The chair noted the bill appeared likely to move forward and asked agencies and advocates to work on possible amendments; testimony count was reported as 114 in support, 3 opposed, and 2 comments. SB 2251 would appropriate funds for the victim witness assistance program in the City and County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying it would replace shortfalls from declining federal funding and help maintain victim services and rights information. A former program director also testified in support. When asked, the office said it would not object to a simple reporting requirement. The committee then moved on to SB 2311, which would address claims against the state and add reporting and timing requirements; the Department of the Attorney General testified with concerns and recommendations, and members began questioning current practices for handling claims and settlements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lines 1.5 through 1.8, uh, strike the requirement for applicants for a limited license to pay a fee of
• $1,500 if they are seeking a limited license only for the purposes of obtaining a dual training grant
• Uh, so do you have a is there a limit<00:22:36.240> in<00:22:36.480> the<00:22:36.640><
• If they get the full load financial aid.
• If they get the full load of<01:06:15.359> financial<01:06:15.680> aid,<01:06:16.079>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a series of “same and similar” provisions between the House and Senate higher education bills and adopted them one by one, with brief explanations from members and staff. The items included a cybersecurity addition for a doctoral degree program, Northstar Promise definitions and eligibility limits, self-loan provisions on institution eligibility and data disclosure, and dual training language requiring certificates, diplomas, or degrees to come from accredited postsecondary institutions. The committee also adopted an amendment to the private career school provisions that clarified exempt institutions remain within the act, and removed certain limited-license and renewal fees for institutions participating in dual training grants or the eligible training provider list. Each of these motions prevailed by voice vote. The committee then moved into policy differences between the House and Senate bills, beginning with emergency grants and hunger-free campus grants. Members discussed shifting funding from OHE-administered competitive grants to direct appropriations for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State, while the Senate retained competitive grant access for private and tribal colleges and added reporting requirements. OHE Commissioner Dennis Olson said the added reporting would be an extra administrative task but raised no significant concerns. Testifiers from the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State, and the private college sector supported faster, more direct funding and described the grants as important for emergency housing, transportation, food insecurity, and other student basic needs. A LeadMN representative also supported the changes, saying campus staff and students wanted funds delivered more quickly. The committee also discussed direct admissions on R31. The Senate proposal would require public and charter high schools to participate in the direct admissions program by the 2029-2030 school year. Assistant Commissioner Wendy Robinson said OHE supports statewide expansion and that the program has improved FAFSA completion, college enrollment, and student retention in Minnesota. Members noted the bill had bipartisan support and heard from advocates such as Ed Allies and Students United. No votes were taken on the policy-difference items during this portion of the meeting, and the chair said further discussion of state grant and sexual misconduct policy differences would be held at a later hearing with additional OHE staff present.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:30:22.039> case 97 um 97 individuals on their case 97 um 97 individuals on their case load
• :25.200> which<00:30:25.360> is<00:30:26.120> there's<00:30:26.320> no load
• which is which is there's no load which is which is there's no National<00:30:27.039> Standard
• would really be limited to people who<00:42:02.760> may<00:42:02.960> be<00:42:03.119>
• and the trending of that of case loads and the trending of that that<01:25:49.080> would<01:25

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Division of Long-Term Supports and Services presented its budget and program overview as part of the Department of Health and Human Services operating budget review. Leadership described the division’s three bureaus—Aging and Adult Services, Developmental Services, and Family-Centered Services—and explained that the division provides guidance, technical assistance, quality monitoring, and contracted provider oversight across the lifespan. Members also discussed staffing, with reported vacancy rates of 4% in Aging and Adult Services, 15% in Developmental Services, and 6% in Family-Centered Services; the division said the higher BDS vacancy rate is partly due to the small number of authorized positions. The governor’s budget had left eight positions unfunded in the division, including three in Aging and Adult Services and five in BDS. A major topic was the division’s roadmap initiatives, especially building a system of care for healthy aging and strengthening developmental disabilities systems through a new reimbursement rate structure. The division said it contracted with an actuary to study DD service costs and found rates had not been reviewed since 2017 and were significantly below actual costs and other states’ rates, contributing to provider shortages even when services are authorized. Members asked about the impact on service delivery and whether rates would need to rise overall; the division said its strategy is to focus on lower-cost services that help people remain in the community. The division also reported waiver enrollment figures, including about 4,161 people on the Choices for Independence waiver, 3,688 average nursing facility residents, 5,061 people on the DD waiver, 228 on the acquired brain disorder waiver, and 488 children on the in-home support waiver, while noting there is no funding waitlist but provider availability remains a constraint. The division highlighted IT modernization as a major accomplishment, especially moving Adult Protective Services and Developmental Services into the New Heights system. Officials said these changes improve case-note access, data retrieval, service authorization tracking, and transparency for providers, and they asked for future oversight discussion focused on IT leverage. Members noted that New Heights maintenance is budgeted in the Office of the Commissioner under class 27 and suggested better transparency on system costs and benefits. The division also reported that it closed out a long-running CMS corrective action plan for BDS on July 1, 2023, and said it is now focused on strengthening the system rather than compliance alone. Other discussion covered the Aging and Adult Services bureau’s name change from Elderly and Adult Services to Adult and Aging Services, intended to avoid negative connotations and better reflect preventative services. The bureau described Adult Protective Services trends involving scams, financial exploitation, self-neglect, and isolation, and explained that it administers the CFI waiver, determines medical eligibility for nursing facility level of care, and braids funding from Medicaid, state funds, Older Americans Act money, Social Service Block Grants, and other grants. Members asked about waiver growth targets and federal consequences if enrollment remains below projections; the division said it would explain the shortfall in a future waiver amendment and did not anticipate a federal penalty. The meeting ended without any votes or formal actions taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• order to ensure that everybody who's taken time out of their day has the opportunity to be heard, we limit
• since you're from the Building Code Review Board, we'll be a little softer with that three-minute limit
• And we have a three-minute limit.
• <01:29:43.120> to and confusion is not limited to and confusion is not limited to lawmakers
• And trying to limit all these changes at the local level to have consistency.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee hearing has a 90-minute time slot, so there will be a 1-minute time limit for all testifiers
• The committee hearing has a 90-minute time slot, so there will be a 1-minute time limit for all testifiers
• c><00:13:26.440> and<00:13:26.639> importantly<00:13:27.320> indigenous Basel load
• and importantly indigenous Basel load and importantly indigenous energy<00:13:28.440> source<
• power has never deployed a Basel load power generation<00:14:58.360> plan<00:14:58.680> to

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures on agriculture, energy, stadium governance, and hotel consumer protections. On SB 448 relating to agriculture, Agra Business Development Corporation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in support of a proposed conservation easement acquisition in Central Oahu; the chair asked follow-up questions about the exact location, cost, and agricultural potential of the land, and the witness said the parcel had good soil and water and was former pineapple land, with cost still to be provided. On SB 827 relating to meat processing, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said the state needs more meat-processing capacity and that any grant program should complement, not compete with, existing efforts; the Attorney General’s office warned the bill lacked legally sufficient standards for grants of public money under the state constitution and offered draft standards. Several industry and chamber witnesses supported the measure, while discussion focused on the need for brick-and-mortar or modular facilities, infrastructure costs, federal inspection needs, and access for hunters and neighbor islands. The committee then took up SB 1269 relating to geothermal resources, which drew broad support from county officials, energy consultants, utility representatives, and community advocates, with one witness opposing it. Supporters described geothermal as a viable, indigenous, firm baseload energy source that could help reduce Hawaii’s high electricity costs and support clean energy goals; one witness emphasized prior work in New Zealand and another urged the state to move forward with exploration. A DBEDT representative explained that the department is coordinating geothermal-related work with the Hawaii Technology Development Corp., the University of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Energy Office, noting a prior $3 million appropriation, phase-one community engagement work, and plans to seek a contractor for geoscience and exploration in phase two. Members pressed DBEDT to explain how this bill fits with other geothermal measures moving through different committees, and the chair asked the department to review SB 993 and better coordinate the package of geothermal bills. On SB 1337 relating to the Stadium Authority, the stadium manager testified in support of clarifying quorum rules, explaining that the authority currently has eight seated voting members out of nine possible voting seats and that the bill would help ensure voting members are counted for quorum; he said meetings have not been delayed. Finally, on SB 883 relating to hotels, the Attorney General’s office raised First Amendment and contract-law concerns and recommended adding a purpose statement and a non-impairment savings clause. Unite Here Local 5 and other supporters said guests should be notified of hotel service disruptions such as construction, closures, or labor disputes, while opponents questioned who would enforce the law, what penalties would apply, and whether the measure could require hotels to pay damages even without a complaint. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will not limit testimony to the three minutes, but...
• to be. that we're limiting that liability.
• We're happy to meet and suggest maybe some limiting of that broad language.
• Do they not have immunity or limited immunity for...?
• Well, the bill limits... If the processor, the mediator that's...

Bills: HB48, HB49, HB 1169, HB1971, HB2584, HB2663, HB2890, HB48, HB49

Keywords: HB 48, oilfield theft, organized theft, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, DPS, Department of Public Safety, Texas, Railroad Commission, criminal justice, energy resources, theft prevention, organized crime, border region, El Paso, law enforcement task force, asset recovery, pipeline theft, drilling equipment, equipment theft

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:46:56.160> what<00:46:56.319> the<00:46:56.640> case<00:46:56.880> load
• we really don't know what the case load we really don't know what the case load is<00:46:58.079>
• , the community mental health center "Oh, the community mental health center case<00:47:11.839> loads
• <00:47:12.240> are<00:47:12.480> not case loads are not case loads are not correct,
• ,<00:47:24.040> but unduplicated Medicaid case loads, but unduplicated Medicaid case loads

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 47.599> affordable<00:03:48.120> reliable<00:03:48.599> base<00:03:48.879> load
• providing affordable reliable base load providing affordable reliable base load electricity<00:03
• myo grid North Dakota's<00:04:09.680> traditional<00:04:10.120> base<00:04:10.400> load
• Dakota's traditional base load Dakota's traditional base load generation<00:04:11.159> has
• receive affordable reliable base load receive affordable reliable base load power<00:31:46.960><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll proceed down to the north loading zone, I think, record.
• The House Sergeant's office will proceed down to the north loading zone.
• With that said, let's begin making our way to the loading zone. We're in recess for transportation.

Summary: The Justice Committee, Subcommittee, and Justice Budget Subcommittee convened and established a quorum through roll call, with several members present and others excused. The chair welcomed members to the session and explained that the meeting would be different from usual because it would include a site visit and tour of a Department of Corrections correctional institution to observe daily operations. Members were given logistical instructions for transportation by House Sergeant staff, including where to meet for the vans and the expected noon return time. The chair also noted that phones and Apple Watches could not be taken into the facility and would need to remain in the vans. No bills were heard and no votes were taken. The committee recessed for transportation to the correctional facility, with adjournment to occur on site after the tour.

Transcript Highlights:

• limit on locally controlled roads. limit on locally controlled roads.
• speed limits. speed limits.
• limits for all road users. limits for all road users.
• a 15 mph speed limit? a 15 mph speed limit?
• <01:09:52.040> Um set speed limits. Um set speed limits.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is due to two main reasons: poor-fitting regulations and limited delegated authority.
• Most of them use electricity, and so that is a parasitic load that is used in the process.
• It ranges based on the CO2 concentration, not only the cost, but the parasitic load, somewhere between
• Moderate risk waste is defined as solid waste limited to conditionally exempt small quantity generator
• We know these barriers limit participation overall, but may especially impact underserved groups.

Summary: The committee held an interim work session focused first on carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS), then on hazardous waste and extended producer responsibility (EPR). On the CCUS topic, industry and nonprofit presenters described point-source capture, direct air capture, mineralization, and geologic sequestration, emphasizing Washington’s basalt formations and state trust lands as strong candidates for storage. They argued that CCUS can help hard-to-abate industrial sectors, support jobs and investment, and provide a pathway for compliance, while also noting the need for clearer permitting, subsurface rights, pipeline authority, and storage infrastructure. Ecology and Commerce staff explained current state policy touchpoints, including Cap-and-Invest offsets and exemptions for permanently stored CO2, the public comment process underway to define “thousand-year” permanence, and how CCUS might fit within the Clean Energy Transformation Act without counting emitting generation as non-emitting. Some presenters supported more state action and primacy over federal permitting, while others warned about costs, energy use, uncertain capture performance, and the need to ensure real net greenhouse gas reductions and long-term liability protections. Members asked about public meetings, whether mineralized carbon would qualify as exempt under the Climate Commitment Act, the timeline for Ecology guidance, aquifer and water-quality concerns, energy intensity of capture systems, and liability if storage later proves problematic. Responses said Ecology’s guidance process is already underway, public meetings will be virtual, mineralized carbon would likely qualify if it meets the permanence standard, and EPA rules require storage in deep saline formations below drinking water aquifers. Industry speakers said capture energy use varies by source and concentration, and one presenter noted that some states use trust funds funded by injectors to address long-term liability. The second half of the session shifted to hazardous waste and EPR. Ecology staff reviewed existing product stewardship programs for electronics, paint, batteries, and mercury lights, and described moderate risk waste and household hazardous waste management in Washington. They highlighted that E-Cycle and PaintCare are producer-funded, that the battery stewardship program will begin in 2027, and that the mercury lamp program is in transition after its prior stewardship organization exited, prompting enforcement notices and a pending replacement plan. Ecology recommended best practices for future EPR programs, including clear producer and product definitions, full producer funding, convenience standards, annual reporting, and strong agency enforcement and plan approval authority. Local government speakers from King County and Douglas County described rising collection costs, equity and access barriers, rural travel distances, and the need for stable funding and flexible local implementation. King County said it collected over 3 million pounds of hazardous products in 2025 and supports EPR as a way to shift costs from ratepayers to producers, while Douglas County emphasized that rural residents will participate when services are accessible and that future systems should account for geography and local infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill simply adds the words, limited access facility, which is basically a freeway and the freeway
• Debate will be limited to 40 minutes per side and 10-minute increments.
• Debate will be limited to 40 minutes per side and 10-minute increments.
• The age limit of 21 was put into place after one of the deadliest shootings in American history that
• And those limits in this state have worked. What has changed?

Summary: The House convened for opening-day business, with prayer, a moment of silence for Captain Bill Guston, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum established. The Speaker outlined a budget message emphasizing reduced spending and a proposed permanent 0.75% sales tax cut, and the chamber then received the Governor’s veto message on portions of HB 5001. Members moved to reinstate several vetoed appropriations, including the Florida Senior Veterans and Crisis Fund, Rockledge Advanced Water Treatment Phase 1, the Department of Corrections automated staffing/time management system, and Baldwin sewer and water main work; each reinstatement passed unanimously. The House also adopted a special order calendar and special amendment procedures for the General Appropriations Act and related bills. On the special order calendar, several bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously, including Lucy’s Law on boating safety (CS/CS/CS/HB 289), HB 735 on water access facilities, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates, CS/CS/HB 85 on hazardous walking conditions, and CS/HB 157 on service of process. These measures focused on boating safety, water infrastructure, utility-rate fairness, school walking safety, and procedural civil-law updates. A major floor debate centered on HB 6017, which would repeal Florida’s “Free Kill Law” limiting wrongful-death damages in medical negligence cases. Supporters described the bill as a long-awaited justice measure for families who lost adult children or unmarried relatives to medical malpractice, while opponents were not recorded in the final vote tally; the bill passed 104-6 after extensive emotional testimony from sponsors and affected families. The chamber also heard a lengthy, highly divided debate on HB 759, which would lower the firearm purchase age from 21 to 18. Supporters argued the current law is inconsistent with adult rights and responsibilities and cited constitutional precedent, while opponents emphasized Parkland, youth gun violence, and public-safety concerns; the transcript ends during continued debate on that bill, with no final vote shown.