Transcript Highlights:

• HCR 168 is a House concurrent resolution congratulating the members of Troop 60336 of Milton on earning
• Please listen to the reading of the resolution. house resolution to read, HCR 160. house resolution to
• <00:19:06.360> resolution 168 is a house concurrent resolution 168 is a house concurrent resolution
• reading of the resolution. reading of the resolution.
• 0. 6-5-0. 6-5-0.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reflection on Nowruz, the Persian New Year, emphasizing renewal, spring, and the challenges facing Iranian families amid conflict. The speaker connected the holiday’s themes of hope and responsibility to Vermont and democracy, then the chamber moved to routine business, including first readings and referrals of five House bills: H.945 on hemp products, H.946 on utility advertising and costs in rental agreements, H.947 on a residential universal design building code, H.948 on membership of the Retired Employees Committee on Insurance, and H.949 on homestead and non-homestead property tax yields and technical education finance changes. Three Senate bills were also read and referred: S.189 on hospital service reductions, S.203 on penalties for repeat DUI offenses, and S.313 on transforming Vermont’s career technical education system. The House also recognized several guests and announcements, including family members of members, airport employees, a UVM student intern, and visitors from Brazil. A House concurrent resolution, HCR 168, was read and congratulated Girl Scout Troop 60336 of Milton on earning the Bronze Award for a community garden project that improved accessibility through rain barrels and raised beds. The resolution highlighted the troop’s leadership and the role of its co-leaders, and the chamber applauded the guests in attendance. The main floor action centered on House Bill 642, relating to youthful offender proceedings, where Representative Booton of Barre City offered an amendment to stop the scheduled expansion of Raise the Age to 20-year-olds. Supporters argued the change would preserve current treatment of 18-year-olds while preventing an automatic expansion they said could strain the system and raise public safety concerns; opponents, including the Judiciary Committee, urged waiting for required Department for Children and Families reports due in 2026 before making changes. After debate, a roll call vote was taken on the amendment, with members calling the roll as the vote proceeded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:27:46.400> Alchiller. Senator Alchiller. Senator Alchiller.
• Senator Alchilla.
• Senator Alchilla.
• Senator Sullivan. No, taking questions. Senator Sullivan.
• Senator Abbas.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will come to order.
• transmitted by the Clerk of the Senate, and signed by our Senate President Karen Spilka, our Senate
• Senator from Middlesex and Norfolk, Ms. Spilka has presented a resolution which Clerk Reed...
• The Senate will be in a brief recess. The senator from the... Oh, report of a committee.
• Senator Tarr moves that the Senate now adjourn. All those in favor say aye; opposed, no.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and several ceremonial recognitions, including a tribute to the Oliver Ames boys cross country team and girls volleyball team for winning state championships, and a resolution honoring the 175th anniversary of the YMCA in Massachusetts. The chamber also observed a memorial adjournment for Sherry S. Mattel of Brookline, with remarks highlighting her long record of public service, including work with the League of Women Voters, Brookline Town Meeting, and local school and civic organizations. On legislative business, the Senate gave final passage to several local measures, including bills waiving maximum age requirements for two Boston police officer applicants, setting an annual stipend for Bridgewater town council members, addressing temporary absence and appointment powers for the Bridgewater town manager, and establishing the Cambridge Employment and Job Training Trust. The Senate also passed to be enacted a bill on maintenance of private roads in Gloucester, a bill expanding financial eligibility for Williamstown’s senior property tax exemption, and a bill allowing Rochester to continue employing Fire Chief Scott Weigel. The chamber also took up a petition to designate the Marion-Started Riverwalk in Groton, suspending Senate Rule 36 and Joint Rule 12 before referring the matter to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. Additional House petitions were referred to committees under suspension of Joint Rule 12. The Senate adopted an order to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in formal session with the calendar, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you have approval to go forward in the Senate already? Is that my understanding? Yes, sir.
• Who in the Senate has approved the go-ahead for the project? Chair, you're recognizing...
• Was it a staff member in the Senate, or was it an elected, was it a presiding officer?
• the House, the Senate, and the administration side.
• The first is some changes in the time standards for the resolution of cases.

Summary: The committee first heard an update from the Florida Department of Corrections on the proposed Lake Correctional Institution mental health project in Clermont. Tim Fitzgerald explained the project’s history, including the 2016 Disability Rights Florida litigation, the 2018 consent decree, and the original plan for a 550-bed inpatient mental health facility. He said inflation and design changes pushed the project above the bond amount, leading the department to shift to a “continuum of care” alternative with 572 beds total: 92 inpatient beds and 480 residential treatment beds in three special housing units. Fitzgerald said the project is currently paused pending House concurrence, while the Senate has already agreed to the alternate plan, and noted the bond balance, prior expenditures, and the need to spend down the tax-exempt bond by August 2026. Members questioned how the new plan differs from the original facility, whether it satisfies the consent decree, and what caused the cost increases. Fitzgerald said the department believes it has already met the consent decree through systemwide improvements to housing, staffing, programming, and out-of-cell time, though he said he would confirm the court documentation. He also said the original scope grew from 275,000 to 350,000 square feet as treatment, nursing, security, and programming needs were refined, and that inflation, fees, permitting, and contingencies contributed to the higher cost. Several members asked for follow-up information on Senate approval, consent decree documentation, and the project’s impact on crisis-stabilization capacity. The committee then received a joint court-system presentation from State Courts Administrator Eric McClure and Clerks Corporation Executive Director Jason Welty on caseload trends, case tracking, and staffing. McClure described statewide filing trends, the use of weighted caseload studies to certify judicial need, and recent Supreme Court rule changes aimed at active civil case management, including differentiated case tracks, stricter deadlines, and proportional discovery. He said the latest workload study led the Supreme Court to certify a need for 23 circuit judges and 25 county judges. Welty reviewed clerk workload trends, the statewide case maintenance and CCIS systems, and declining clerk FTE despite rising case volumes, and said clerks are seeking additional funding for injunctions, Baker Act/Marchman Act/sexually violent predator work, and juror management. In questions, members pressed both presenters on data quality, case-weight calculations, filing fees, and whether current resources are enough to reduce delays. McClure clarified that the workload weights are based on judge time studies and that a capital murder case averaged 3,177 minutes, while other examples such as auto negligence and dissolution cases were much lower. Welty said the Legislature could help by increasing funding or potentially revisiting filing fees, and noted that many clerk services are unfunded or underfunded, especially indigent and protective filings. The chair and members also raised concerns about backlog, inconsistent case reporting across circuits, and enforcement of judicial time standards; McClure said there is no direct sanction in the rules, and compliance is largely managed through chief judges and the Supreme Court. The meeting ended with no votes taken and adjournment by motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will read the resolution. House Concurrent Resolution No. 22.
• I move that House Concurrent Resolution No. 22 be adopted.
• The gentleman from Green County has moved for the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution No. 22.
• up and adopted Senate Resolution 527, respectfully, Christina Martin, Secretary of the Senate.
• Senate Resolution No. 527, be it resolved by the Senate, the Secretary of the Senate informs the House

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next on our agenda is Senate Concurrent Resolution 89, a concurrent resolution directing the establishment
• <00:26:32.240> concurrent our agenda is Senate concurrent our agenda is Senate concurrent
• > resolution resolution 89 a concurrent resolution resolution 89 a concurrent resolution directing
• Chair Storm said he had filed a Senate Concurrent Resolution just yesterday to establish an expungement
• Senate Concurrent Resolution 89 is reported favorably with the expression of opinion.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:06 SB 75: 00:01:05 Discussion in Opposition to SB 75: 00:11:00 SCR 89: 00:26:30 HB 38: 00:34:51 HB 201: 00:50:16, 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 75, sponsored by Senator Reed, which would lower Kentucky’s concealed carry age from 21 to 18. The bill’s supporters, including Taylor McKe of the NRA, argued that 18- to 20-year-olds are legal adults who should have equal Second Amendment rights, noting they can vote, serve in the military, and otherwise be treated as adults. Supporters also cited court decisions and historical arguments, while opponents, including Kathy Hobart and Chuck Eddie, warned that the bill would increase gun violence and put more guns in the hands of young people without adequate training. Senator Carol said he opposed the bill because the brain is not fully mature until about age 25 and called the measure irresponsible; Senator Denine said he would pass the bill but wanted training requirements added; Senator Thomas also opposed it on public safety grounds; and Senator Wheeler supported it as a parity and self-defense measure for law-abiding young adults. After debate, the committee voted on SB 75 and reported it favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass. The roll call reflected a mix of support and opposition, with several members explaining their votes. Supporters emphasized self-defense, constitutional rights, and consistency with adult responsibilities, while opponents focused on youth violence, public safety, and the lack of a training requirement. The committee then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 89, sponsored by Senator Jimmy Higdon, which would direct the establishment of a Kentucky Restoration of Voting Rights Task Force. Higdon described it as a typical interim work group and said it would include five House and five Senate members. Discussion broadened to expungement and restoration issues, including marijuana-related convictions and other records that members said should be reviewed in light of changing laws. Chair Storm noted he had filed a separate expungement task force resolution and suggested the measures could be coordinated. The resolution was moved, seconded, and the roll was called, with Senator Thomas later explaining support for treating older marijuana convictions more equitably in light of current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Semi-concurrent resolution 41. One by Assemblymember Patterson relative to Down Syndrome Awareness.
• Assembly concurrent resolution 48 by Assemblymember DeMayo relative to women and STEM day.
• Assembly Concurrent Resolution 2 by Assemblymember Jackson. Relative to racial discrimination.
• Assembly Concurrent Resolution 32 by Assembly Member Carrillo relative to March.
• And Senate Concurrent Resolution 30. Ayes 63, noes 0. Members, I need to ask for a decorum.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have one measure on this agenda: House Concurrent Resolution 2206 HD1 regarding the Hawaii State Energy
• House Concurrent Resolution 2206 HD1 regarding the Hawaii State Energy Office and data centers.
• Is there anyone else wishing to testify on House Concurrent Resolution 206?
• Is there anyone else wishing to testify on House Concurrent Resolution 206?
• We just heard testimony and read testimony on House Concurrent Resolution 206 HD1.

Bills: HCR206

Keywords: data centers, electric utilities, Hawaii State Energy Office, renewable energy, environmental impact, regulatory safeguards, ratepayers, grid reliability, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees met on several concurrent resolutions focused on energy, agriculture, water, and food security. Testimony on HCR 206 HD1 concerned the Hawaii State Energy Office and data centers, with comments submitted by the PUC, the Energy Office, and others; the measure was recommended for passage without amendment, though one committee deferred formal action until a later meeting because of quorum issues. HCR 31, recognizing 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists in Hawaii, received strong support from the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, which emphasized managed grazing, groundwater infiltration, and food production; it was recommended and adopted as passed unamended. HCR 33, on the Pua Kōloa sewage project, was amended to add UH Hilo as a stakeholder and resource for research, monitoring, and technical assistance, then recommended for passage with amendments. The committees also heard and advanced a series of resolutions on environmental and land-use issues. HCR 36 establishing a sister-state relationship with Okayama, HCR 19 designating March as March for Water Month, HCR 162 creating an arts and data mapping task force, HCR 61 on reforestation investment, HCR 106 endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, and HCR 178 urging a Maui water set-aside were all recommended for passage as is and adopted. HCR 14, authorizing a perpetual non-exclusive easement for drainage purposes, was recommended for passage with technical, non-substantive amendments. HCR 179, addressing the Aha Moku Advisory Committee, was amended to create a working group with legislative, Aha Moku, DLNR, and OHA representation to report back for the 2027 session, and was recommended for passage with amendments. In the agriculture and environment hearing, HCR 117 on statewide food security drew testimony from a high school student and others stressing Hawaii’s vulnerability to supply disruptions and the need for local food resilience; it was passed as is. HCR 103, supporting expanded tree canopy and shade trees to reduce urban heat islands, also passed as is after a member noted storm damage concerns and suggested careful plant selection. HCR 180, urging the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to explore co-locating renewable energy projects with agricultural reservoirs and irrigation infrastructure, received strong support from Molokai Clean Energy Hui and others describing the Kalaupapa Reservoir floating solar project and its community planning process; it was passed as is. HCR 144 HD2, calling for a comprehensive statewide food security strategy, was also recommended and adopted without amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So today, with Senate Resolution 646, we...
• Senate Bill 108 with one amendment and requests the concurrence of the Senate.
• requests the concurrence of the Senate.
• requests the concurrence of the Senate.
• request the concurrence of the Senate.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and a remembrance of former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron. The chamber then moved to special order bills. CS/HB 687 on transportation offenses involving death was substituted for SB 138, amended to add warnings and penalties for refusal of breath or urine tests, and passed 37-0. CS/SB 306 on Medicaid providers, requiring broader after-hours access and network availability for Medicaid enrollees, also passed 37-0. The Senate then took up CS/CS/HB 913 on condominium associations, a major post-Surfside reform bill. Senator Bradley explained that the measure was intended to provide financial relief and flexibility while preserving safety and accountability. The bill was substituted for SB 1742, amended several times to limit milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies to buildings three habitable stories or more, and then passed 37-0 after extensive debate. Senators from both parties praised Bradley, Pizzo, Garcia, and staff for years of work on condo safety and affordability, with several members describing the bill as a balance between protecting residents and avoiding financial hardship. The final major item was CS/HB 1205, the bill on amendments to the state constitution and citizen petition drives. Sponsors Gates and Grohl argued the bill was needed to combat fraud, identity theft, and misuse in the petition process, citing a lengthy Office of Election Crimes and Security report. The House bill was substituted for SB 7016, and the chamber considered a long series of amendments and substitute amendments addressing petition circulator registration, volunteer participation, submission deadlines, invalid-signature thresholds, voter notification, and fiscal impact statements. Several amendments were adopted, while others were debated over whether they would protect access to the citizen initiative process or strengthen election integrity. The transcript ends during debate on the main substitute amendment, before final disposition on the bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• You are recognized to explain this incredible resolution.
• Joint Resolution.
• Joint Resolution.
• But do remember this is a House Joint Resolution.
• Show that House joint resolution passes favorably.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard a lengthy agenda of bills, with the chair limiting public testimony to about one minute per speaker. Early action included passage of HB 203, which allows certain counties to opt back into transportation concurrency, as amended to narrow the bill to small counties. The committee also favorably reported CS/HB 43, allowing renters to reuse tenant screening reports for 30 days, and HB 897, a timeshare-related strike-all that clarified timeshare governance provisions and annual board meeting requirements. The committee then approved HJR 1,215, proposing a constitutional amendment to eliminate tangible personal property tax for farmers and agricultural businesses, with support from agriculture and business groups. A major portion of the meeting focused on the committee’s hemp package. Members discussed the committee bill PCB for HAT-25-01, which would create a regulatory framework for hemp-derived intoxicating products, including licensing, packaging and labeling restrictions, testing, and sales limitations. Testimony was mixed: industry representatives and distributors generally supported regulation but urged changes on branding, packaging, milligram limits, and sales locations; convenience store and petroleum marketers opposed restrictions that would exclude gas stations; and consumer-safety and addiction advocates supported tighter controls, including bans on synthetics, online sales, and child-appealing packaging. The committee also heard and approved PCB for HAT-25-02, a companion tax bill imposing excise taxes on hemp consumables and beverages, despite concerns raised about possible triple taxation and higher compliance costs. The committee next passed HB 211, expanding the definition of farm products to include edible and non-edible plants and clarifying agricultural preemption on bona fide farm operations. It also favorably reported PCS for HB 561, creating a chief manufacturing officer role within the Department of Commerce, a workforce development grant program, a voluntary manufacturing promotion campaign, and required reporting, along with PCS for HB 563, which adds an annual fee of up to $100 for participants in the promotional campaign. Both manufacturing bills drew broad support from industry and economic development groups. Finally, the committee took up HJR 1257 and its conforming bill HB 1259, which would create property tax benefits for long-term rental properties owned by Floridians with a separate homestead. Supporters argued the measure would encourage long-term rentals and investment in Florida, while opponents from counties and cities warned it would shift tax burdens and reduce local revenue. After debate, the joint resolution passed 9-4 and the implementing bill also passed 9-4, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• It could be because there were tons of resolutions and propositions on the ballot that year.
• Total in captivity and in the wild, we have 5 or 600 right now. I understand.
• This concurrent memorial is urging reforms that weaken our Endangered Species Act.
• Let's see, with your votes of five eyes, three nays, you have given a concurrent, House Concurrent Memorial
• , House Concurrent Memorial, 2,006, they do pass recommendation.

Bills: HB2023, HB2100, HB2147, HB2158, HB2159, HB2162, HB2197, HB2497, HB2787, HCM2006

Keywords: land division, property disclosure, real estate, affidavit, Arizona Revised Statutes, small land subdivision, land use, real estate regulation, county ordinance, water supply requirements, property access, civil penalties, wildlife management, deer permits, private land, landowner rights, human-wildlife conflict, predatory animals, hunting regulations, game and fish

Summary: The House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee heard a series of wildlife- and agriculture-related bills, with most of the discussion focused on conflicts between ranching, public hunting, and wildlife management. HB 2197 would revise the unlawful camping statute near watering sites; after a Griffin amendment and verbal amendment, the committee heard support from the sponsor, Arizona Game and Fish Commission, and a rancher, while one member raised concerns about expanded criminal penalties. The bill received a do pass recommendation on a 6-1 vote. HB 2497, which would recognize a statutory right to lawfully hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife and limit unreasonable restrictions, drew strong support from hunting groups and opposition from animal welfare and conservation advocates who argued it would undermine Game and Fish authority and repeat a measure voters rejected in 2010. After debate over whether hunting is a right or a privilege, the committee recommended the bill do pass by a 5-3 vote. HB 2147 would require landowner deer permits on private lands under certain conditions, with a cap tied to lottery-issued deer tags. The sponsor said it was meant to address deer damage to crops in St. David and planned an amendment to make the permit nontransferable; Game and Fish said population management hunts were already addressing the problem, while opponents warned against privatizing wildlife. The committee approved the bill 5-3. HB 2158 would expand the definition of predatory animals to include bears, cougars, mountain lions, and wolves; Game and Fish testified that big game status preserves data collection and science-based management, while supporters said ranchers need more flexibility to protect livestock and property. Opponents argued the bill would weaken protections and conflict with endangered species rules. It passed 5-3. HB 2159 would allow landowner permits for taking Mexican gray wolves on private and leased grazing lands and create a voluntary compensated trapping program. Opponents said it would violate the Endangered Species Act and privatize wildlife, while the sponsor and supporters argued it was needed to protect ranchers and challenge federal control; Game and Fish said the bill would be unlawful until the wolf is delisted, though they acknowledged ongoing recovery and stakeholder meetings. The committee still recommended it do pass by a 5-3 vote. HB 2162, which would require at least one Game and Fish Commission member to be a cattleman or rancher, was introduced as a way to ensure agricultural experience on the commission; Game and Fish opposed it, saying the current appointment process already includes ranching input and the commission is meant to represent all Arizonans. The discussion ended with the commission explaining its current membership and appointment structure, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote on HB 2162 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And House Concurrent Resolution 44 should pass, a concurrent resolution urging Congress to create an
• House Joint Resolution 64, Representative Derek Lewis, a joint resolution designating the PFC Denver
• House Concurrent Resolution 66, Representative Freeland, a concurrent resolution reestablishing the Disaster
• House floor amendment 1 to Senate Bill 39, Senator Boswell.
• The Senate floor amendment to Senate Bill 39 was an error. Thank you, Mr. Clerk.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:29 Report of Committees 05:19 Orders of the Day/HB 470 06:54 HB 49 13:46 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 16:47 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 28:04 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 29:37 ConC/Rules Report 33:49 Floor Amendments 35:16 Adjournment 37:07, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received favorable committee reports on several bills, including measures on background checks, proactive post-secondary admission, public post-secondary employment, tuition waivers, vehicle wheels, choking prevention in schools, state parks, veterans’ benefits, and a resolution on a VA accreditation pathway for private veterans’ benefits assistance companies. The chamber then considered and passed House Bill 470, relating to peer support specialists and declared an emergency. Members adopted a committee substitute and a floor amendment that extended the registration deadline for alcohol and drug peer support specialists to January 1, 2028, clarified employer and work group provisions, removed the temporary peer designation, and created a work group to modernize oversight of peer support specialists. The bill passed 97-0. House Bill 49, creating a scholarship program for professional engineering and land surveying students funded by board fees and fines in exchange for post-graduation service in Kentucky, also passed 97-0. During announcements, members recognized visiting groups, upcoming committee meetings, and events, including a Kentucky Justice Association reception, a magistrates and commissioners breakfast, Jewish Advocacy Day, and a Lewis Ridge pump storage project meeting. The House also adopted a citation honoring the Hopkins County Central High School High Voltage Dance Team for winning two national titles. New bills and resolutions were introduced, the Committee on Committees and Rules referred bills to committees and posted several measures for the next day’s calendar, and the House adjourned until 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Awa, Mr. President, I move for the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 1.
• Senate Resolution No. 1 has been adopted.
• Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1, requesting the Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court to address
• Senator Awa, Mr. President, I move for the adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1.
• Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1 has been adopted. Are we not at referrals, Madam Clerk?

Keywords: Order of the Day: PENDING, 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uh Senate Bill 388 was Senator Pearl's uh Senate Bill 388 and<01:23:30.880> then<01:23:31.280
• Thank you, Senator Thomas.
• Representative McGee, do you know if there are any concurrences coming over from the Senate for our bills
• Uh, there are some concurrences coming over from the Senate.
• House Resolution 35. House Resolution 35.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in receipt of communications returning the noted House Concurrent Resolution, having been adopted
• Senate concurrent resolution.
• the Senate has adopted the noted Senate the Senate has adopted the noted Senate concurrent<00:30
• <00:30:41.200> Finally,<00:30:41.520> we're<00:30:41.760> in concurrent resolution
• Finally, we're in concurrent resolution.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Resolutions are to be adopted.
• Question now is on adoption of the resolutions. All those in favor say aye.
• The ayes have it; the resolutions are adopted.
• The question comes on concurrence, pending which Mr.
• The question is on concurrence with the Senate, as amended. All those in favor say aye.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two congratulatory resolutions: one honoring Douglas Fire Chief John J. Furno on his retirement and another recognizing the Appalachian Mountain Club’s 150th anniversary and its conservation and outdoor recreation work. The chamber also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several petitions to be referred, including a creditable service petition for Thomas Brooks, a retirement-related petition for Springfield Empowerment Zone teachers, and a bridge designation petition for a bridge in Gardner. The House then took up several bills on the calendar. It ordered to a third reading bills authorizing Berkeley to increase its Board of Selectmen, banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs in pet shops, and relating to land interests in West Brookfield. It later passed to be engrossed bills authorizing South Hadley to grant additional all-alcohol licenses and Westford to grant an additional off-premises all-alcohol license. After a recess and a moment of silence honoring Constance “Connie” Ellen Kruger of Amherst, the House returned to consider House Bill 5478, a bill creating a temporary summer 2026 pilot allowing municipalities to opt in to extended liquor-license hours and public consumption in designated districts. The House adopted a further amendment, concurred with the Senate as amended, adopted the emergency preamble, and then passed the bill to be enacted. The House also adopted an order to adjourn and recessed until the next formal session on Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• One, that the Senate received from its amendment 3026882, that the Senate and House of Representatives
• Senator Snotter: Good news.
• By Senator Broger, Senate Bill 2506E.
• By Senator Broger, Senate Bill 2506E, a bill to be entitled an act relating to fuel taxes.
• By Senator Brodeur, Senate Bill 2508E, a bill to be entitled an act relating to the state agency law

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Senator Donnell C. Childers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Antonio Richardson as law enforcement officer of the day. A quorum was announced, the journal was approved, and the Speaker said the chamber would take up 11 budget conference reports, with debate and final votes on each report. The first report considered was HB 7031E, the tax package, followed by HB 501E, the state budget appropriations bill. On HB 7031E, Chair Duggan explained that the conference report included a range of tax reductions and tax-related changes, including sales tax holidays, property tax and homestead-related provisions, reductions in certain taxes and fees, and new exemptions or administrative clarifications. He said the package also added items such as sales tax relief for certain university construction projects, a tennis admissions exemption, and changes to agricultural property tax treatment, and that the amendment reduced state and local tax revenues by $272.2 million. Members questioned the bill about the child care tax credit reduction from three years to one, the homestead exemption provision for certain diplomats and foreign service personnel, the absence of gas tax relief and combined reporting, and the inclusion of firearm accessories and tennis tickets in sales tax holidays. After structured debate, the House adopted the conference report and passed HB 7031E by a vote of 88-11. The House then began the conference report on HB 501E, the $114.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, which was described as below the prior year’s spending level and leaving more than $14 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined major allocations across education, higher education, IT, health care, transportation and economic development, justice, state administration, and agriculture/natural resources. Highlights included increased FEFP funding and veteran teacher raises, full funding for Bright Futures, major IT modernization projects, Medicaid and behavioral health funding, transportation and local infrastructure spending, correctional and law enforcement investments, fire station and emergency response funding, and large environmental and water-quality appropriations. Members asked detailed questions about school voucher fraud oversight, scholarship funding, teacher raises, preeminence funding, ADAP changes, SNAP data tools and error rates, Medicaid rate changes, prison wastewater monitoring, and other budget items, but the transcript ends during the budget questions before final action on HB 501E is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:34:19.359> Resolution ask the clerk to call Senate Resolution ask the clerk to call Senate
• <00:35:08.469> [clears throat] Senate resolution. [clears throat] Senate resolution.
• Senate Concurrent Resolution 110, a concurrent resolution establishing the mental health alternative
• Senate Concurrent Resolution 110, a concurrent resolution establishing the mental health alternative
• Senate Concurrent Resolution 110, a concurrent resolution establishing the mental health alternative

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, excused absent senators, and approved the journal from February 17, 2026. The House communicated passage of several bills and requested concurrence, and committee reports were received, including favorable reports on Senate Bills 70, 74, 80, 127, and 154. Senate Bill 191 was also reported and then recommitted to the Appropriations and Revenue Committee. Senate Bill 104 was passed over and retained its place on the calendar. The chamber then took up and passed Senate Bill 47, which provides line-of-duty death benefits for search and rescue volunteers, with supporters emphasizing the dangerous emergency work these teams perform and the need to treat them like other first responders. Senate Bill 159, concerning missing and unidentified persons and aligning Kentucky with federal “Billy’s Law” database requirements, also passed unanimously after testimony about its value in helping families and law enforcement. Senate Bill 85, allowing state retirement beneficiaries to establish special needs trusts, passed unanimously as well, with members describing it as a way to provide long-term security for dependents with special needs. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 78 honoring the CSX Santa Train and Senate Resolution 76 honoring Frank Ryard and the Ryard’s Scoreboard for its long-standing role in Kentucky high school athletics. Members spoke about the scoreboard’s importance to athletes, families, and sports coverage statewide. Later, new bills and a concurrent resolution were introduced, including measures on state government, duty-related disability benefits, arrest-related deaths, detainee fatality review, carbon dioxide sequestration, and a mental health alternative response task force. The Senate received notice that Senate Bill 172 had been delivered to the Governor, then recessed for committee meetings and adjourned until February 19, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• He will tell you no, we have to do it by concurrent resolution.
• resolution and we done by um concurrent resolution and we intend<02:18:48.399> to<02:18:48.559
• no we we we have to do it by concurrent no we we we have to do it by concurrent resolution.<02:19
• And I will assure you I will pass at least a Senate concurrent resolution if it's a House concurrent
• you I will pass a at least a Senate you I will pass a at least a Senate concurrent<02:19:36.719>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And first up on this agenda is Senate Concurrent Resolution 158, which started out as requesting the
• And first up on this agenda is Senate Concurrent Resolution 158, which started out as requesting the
• Concurrent Resolution 154.
• Concurrent Resolution 154.
• Concurrent Resolution 154.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 158, which had been amended from an automatic voter registration-related request to a resolution urging the administration to follow the law and comply with federal court orders. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, including from the League of Women Voters of Hawaii, the Democratic Party of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Hawaii women lawyers, and others. One witness spoke against automatic voter registration, warning it could be exploited by bad actors, though the chair clarified that the amended resolution was focused on court orders rather than AVR. Members asked questions about whether states or Congress can enforce compliance with court orders and whether there were historical examples of presidents refusing to follow them. The response emphasized separation of powers, checks and balances, and the importance of state support for the rule of law. The committee then voted to accept the proposed SD1 for SCR 158; the measure passed with one no vote recorded from Senator Awa. The committee also took up SCR 154, a resolution supporting implementation of applicable United Nations Human Rights Council universal periodic review recommendations. No testimony was received on that measure, and it was deferred. In a later decision-making agenda item, the committee considered a measure directing the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to include circuit and district court facilities in planning new correctional centers and to establish a release procedure away from residential communities and public spaces; the committee recommended passage as amended, and the measure passed without objection.