Transcript Highlights:

• , you know, basically provided a system process moving forward, preserves all of DEES's original functions
• forward preserves all of DEES's moving forward preserves all of DEES's original<00:25:31.120> functions
• <00:25:31.520> and<00:25:31.760> oversight<00:25:32.880> while original functions
• and oversight while original functions and oversight while providing<00:25:33.600> applicants

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also pray for the staff that make this body be able to function, and for all the families of those
• body<00:57:26.240> be<00:57:26.400> able<00:57:26.640> to<00:57:26.799> function
• ,<00:57:27.119> and<00:57:27.280> for this body be able to function, and for this body
• be able to function, and for all<00:57:27.599> the<00:57:27.760> families<00:57:28.240

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS MOVES THE PROGRAM FOR CHAPTER 23 MISCELLANEOUS EXECUTIVE FUNCTION STATUTE AND ADDS ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS
• IF THERE IS AN OPERATIONAL FUNCTION THAT THE OFFICE OF FAITH MIGHT BE ABLE TO DO HOUSE OR HALF THAT CAN
• WE ARE CODIFYING THE OPERATIONAL FUNCTION OF WHAT ALREADY EXISTS. SENATOR POLSKY.
• ONE OF THE CORE FUNCTIONS WE WENT OUT AND DID WHEN WE LEAD TOGETHER WAS TO OF CURRENT SENATORS AND FORMER

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This approach recognizes a fundamental economic principle: markets function at their best when all participants
• Markets<00:09:03.520> function<00:09:03.839> at<00:09:03.920> their<00:09:04.080
• > best<00:09:04.480> when<00:09:04.640> all Markets function at their best when
• all Markets function at their best when all participants<00:09:05.520> have<00:09:05.760> access

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• implemented a direct carbon tax, but some, like California, have introduced cap-and-trade programs that function
• So inherently in this function, you can include the citizens in a way that they perhaps wouldn't be if
• they actually return some of... ...their tax rebates to their constituents and the way that they function
• qualify for a property tax exemption if they are primarily engaged in certain defined charitable functions

Bills: HB 103, HB 1256, HB1587, HB1632, HB2027, HB2525, HJR88, HJR138, HB103

Keywords: taxing unit, bond database, local government, transparency, civil penalty, education reform, funding allocation, school infrastructure, teacher recruitment, student achievement, tax exemption, water conservation, graywater systems, rainwater harvesting, ad valorem taxation, county commissioners, HB 1587, Texas sales tax holiday, back-to-school tax holiday, clothing tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• My request of the agencies is to be brief in your discussion of current operations in your functional
• Uh, brief, uh, in your, uh, uh, uh, your discussion of current operations in your functional lane, but
• What we have is overlap with some of the functions that we have, mostly in our fugitive apprehension.
• What we have is overlap with some of the functions that we have mostly in our fugitive apprehension .

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security held its first hearing of the 89th legislative session, established a quorum, welcomed new and returning members, and adopted the committee rules without objection. The chair said the hearing would be limited to invited state agency witnesses and was intended as a status update for new members on current border operations, especially in light of the change in federal administration. Testimony came from the Office of the Attorney General, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Texas Military Department. The Attorney General’s representative said border-related litigation is largely in a holding pattern while the new U.S. Department of Justice awaits additional leadership, and noted prior cases involving concertina wire, buoys, and the CBP One app. DPS described Operation Lone Star’s evolution from filling gaps when Border Patrol was overwhelmed to current operations focused on interdiction, criminal arrests, fentanyl and meth seizures, and national security concerns, while also noting improved morale and more voluntary deployments as border pressure has eased. The Texas Military Department reported more than 5,000 personnel on state active duty, extensive use of barriers, drones, boats, and rapid-response forces, and said Operation Lone Star has resulted in more than 531,000 apprehensions and a 90% reduction in illegal crossings. Members and witnesses discussed whether the state should maintain its current border-security footprint while federal policy settles, with the chair emphasizing preserving institutional knowledge and leaving tactical decisions to the governor. Questions also covered trooper fatigue, Border Patrol training under SB 602, and concerns about cartel-driven commercial trucking and fuel depots near the border. The committee heard that Border Patrol training with DPS has resumed, and the chair asked agencies to keep the Legislature informed as legal and operational circumstances change. No bills were heard and no votes were taken beyond adopting the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• That part of the market functions really well.
• That part of the market functions really well.
• <01:10:14.880> But<01:10:15.120> for market functions really well.
• But for market functions really well.
• have just it's it's not a functioning have just it's it's not a functioning market. market. market

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Then subdivision 6D is core functions, which you'll hear about later, but core functions basically covers
• then subdivision 6D is core functions then subdivision 6D is core functions which<00:14:27.199><
• is um it basically covers the functions is um it basically covers the expenses<00:14:32.839> that
• And remember I mentioned the core functions—this is, you know, bring it back to that in just a second
• <00:17:35.080> appropriation<00:17:36.080> on<00:17:36.640> uh core function

Bills: HF1250

Keywords: outdoor heritage, land acquisition, wildlife management, conservation easements, environmental restoration, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Zoom chat function will allow you to chat with the technical staff only and to be used for technical
• and if you're disconnected while presenting, you may be allowed to continue if time permits. chat function
• will allow you to chat chat function will allow you to chat with<00:13:15.000> the<00:13:15.120

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Tourism met on March 31, 2026, to hear several resolutions related to tourism management, sustainable tourism, and visitor safety. HCR 188/HR 178 would ask the Hawaii Tourism Authority to create an agriculture tourism working group to review laws and ordinances and recommend ways to grow agritourism. HCR 51/HR 47 would direct HTA to require 30% of signature event funds be used to market events to out-of-state audiences. HCR 50/HR 46 would request a destination management task force, and HCR 49 focused on sustainable tourism and preserving cultural and natural resources. HCR 48 urged the governor to assure visitors they will be treated safely, legally, and ethically by state law enforcement. Testimony was limited and mostly supportive or informational. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and HTA offered written support/comments on the agritourism measure. HTA also testified on the signature event and destination management measures, and members asked questions about making destination management more statewide rather than county-by-county. HTA explained its DMAP process, including island advisory groups, community meetings, and identification of “hot spots” that could face overcrowding or resource impacts. For HCR 49, HTA submitted amendments, and the committee later narrowed the resolution to one specific recommendation: obtaining certified sustainable destination designation from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. HCR 48 had no registered testimony. In decision-making, the committee adopted HCR 188 and HR 178, and HCR 51 and HR 47, as introduced. HCR 50 and HR 46 were deferred. HCR 49 was passed with amendments reflecting only the sustainable destination designation recommendation. ACR 48 was also passed with amendments to extend the visitor-safety effort to all counties. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a core function of our state government that we adequately fund these entities.
• I think public safety is job one, and then I think justice is job two, because those are core functions
• And again, an $11 billion budget for government functions here.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• branch facilities program, not as exciting, but also important, we seek to design and construct functional
• partnership concerning oversight of the State Bar, with the court managing licensing and disciplinary functions
• With the court managing licensing and disciplinary functions and the legislature setting the attorney

Summary: The California Legislature met in joint convention for the annual State of the Judiciary address, with judges and justices from across the state in attendance along with Governor Newsom and other statewide officials. The opening included prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the formal introduction of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and the California Supreme Court justices. Speakers emphasized the importance of judicial independence, the courts’ role in protecting rights and democracy, and the value of collaboration between the legislative and judicial branches. Chief Justice Guerrero focused on the state of the judicial branch, beginning with budget pressures from prior cuts and noting partial restoration in the governor’s proposed budget, while urging continued stable funding for courts, court-appointed counsel, and judgeships in high-need counties. She highlighted the expansion and benefits of remote proceedings, ongoing judicial vacancies, workload growth, and efforts to improve data collection and case-weighting. She also discussed implementation of the CARE Act, the court interpreter workforce pilot, CASA and kin-first child welfare efforts, courthouse security and facilities projects, and the judiciary’s work on generative AI guardrails. A major portion of the address addressed the recent problems with the California bar exam and broader State Bar oversight. Guerrero said the court would pursue remedies for examinees harmed by the failures and would strengthen admissions oversight, including the role of the Committee of Bar Examiners. She also reiterated support for pro bono legal services and discussed immigration-related courthouse access, citing state laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in courthouses. The convention concluded after remarks thanking the judiciary and Legislature, and the joint session adjourned without any recorded votes or formal legislative action.

Transcript Highlights:

• ONE ISSUE WAS POORLY FUNCTIONING CANALS AND CULVERTS THAT WERE UNABLE TO DRAIN WATER AS INTENDED.
• Burgess: MADAM CHAIR, CORRECT, MY ARGUMENT WOULD BE THIS IS A BASIC FUNCTION OF GOVERNMENT THAT IF IT'S
• NARROWING THE SCOPE TO CONSIDER THOSE AREAS MOST POTENTIALLY AT RISK AND MAYBE BASED ON WHAT THEIR FUNCTIONALITY

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have out-of-district programs that are functioning as in-district programs that we contract with,
• We have out-of-district programs that are functioning as in-district programs that we contract with,
• We have out-of-district programs that are functioning as in-district programs that we contract with,
• How do we teach kids how to do those basic functions?
• kids how to do those basic functions? kids how to do those basic functions?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its second meeting on House Bill 742, which would require catastrophic special education aid to be drawn from the education trust fund, and discussed whether to also examine differentiated aid within the adequacy formula. The chair said the committee had previously heard from HHS/Medicaid officials and now wanted to hear from local special education directors about how the aid system works in practice, including billing, training, data collection, and whether districts handle claims consistently. Members also referenced Arkansas as a possible comparison state and said they hoped to develop ideas by November to address the current funding process. Committee members focused on the current special education aid thresholds and the impact of proration. The chair described the existing formula as requiring districts to absorb costs up to 3.5 times the state average per student, with the state paying 80% from 3.5 times through 10 times and paying above that, and said FY25 appropriated about $34 million while actual claims were about $50.1 million, leaving roughly a $16 million shortfall that caused proration. Members also raised the possibility of lowering the threshold to 2.5 times and asked how that would affect the number of eligible students and costs. Another member asked about how districts decide whether services are education-related or medical-related and how Medicaid or private insurance reimbursement affects later state aid claims. District representatives from Boothby Therapy Services, Bedford, and Guilford introduced themselves and described their roles. Guilford’s director said the district tracks students with paraprofessional support, nurses, transportation, or specialized programming, uses a data system to log every service touchpoint, and tries to maximize both Medicaid and special education aid; she said a lower threshold would likely capture all students with paras or nurses and that rising staffing and service costs would increase the number of students over the cap. Bedford’s assistant director said the district uses a different system, tracks roughly 60 to 80 students a year, and pursues Medicaid and special education aid simultaneously but does not pursue private insurance if it would affect FAPE; she said reducing the threshold to 2.5 times would likely double the number of qualifying students. Members asked follow-up questions about software, data entry, and how districts decide whether to bill Medicaid or seek state catastrophic aid, and the directors explained that their systems log services by staff type and student, with some districts using the same data for both Medicaid and state reimbursement claims.

Transcript Highlights:

• One other new function I wanted to point out to you in recent years.
• One other<01:02:56.400> new<01:02:56.640> function<01:02:56.960> I<01:02:57.200>
• <01:03:41.200> So,<01:03:41.440> things administrative functions.
• So, things administrative functions.
• we cover the cost so you can function we cover the cost so you can function properly.<01:20:14.640

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I attend those cultural functions, whether that be weddings or funerals.
• I attend those cultural functions, whether that be weddings or funerals.
• I attend those cultural functions, whether that be weddings or funerals.
• I attend those cultural functions, whether that be weddings or funerals.
• I attend those cultural functions, whether that be weddings or funerals.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate convened for opening day of the 94th legislative session, with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and remarks honoring the late Senator Carrie Dike, whose seat was left empty. Leaders from both parties described her as a unifying, hardworking public servant and noted the chamber’s grief at her death. A quorum was established by roll call of members from all districts. The Senate then elected Bobby Joe Champion and Jeremy Miller as co-presiding officers by a vote of 65 ayes and 1 pass, and they were sworn in. In their remarks, both emphasized cooperation, open dialogue, and working forward together despite a projected budget deficit and other difficult issues ahead. The chamber also elected Thomas Bodin as Secretary of the Senate by 66 votes, and then approved a slate of other officers—including assistant secretaries, engrossing secretary, sergeant at arms, assistant sergeant at arms, and chaplain—by one roll call with 66 votes. Senate Resolution No. 1, which set the temporary organization of the Senate and memorialized the organizing agreement between the two caucuses, was adopted by a vote of 66 ayes and 0 nays. The resolution covered temporary leadership structure, staff and appointments, committee memberships and schedules, adoption of temporary rules from the prior session with updated committee names, and procedures for resolving future issues. After adoption, the Senate set aside time for members to speak in tribute to Senator Dike, with several senators offering personal remembrances and condolences to her family and staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:36:06.880> and still performing their function and still performing their function and
• as a state tax and function constitutionally.
• clear on how the commissions function clear on how the commissions function some<04:09:24.720>
• <04:26:33.760> that and other oversight functions that and other oversight functions that
• function properly in their positions. function properly in their positions. removal<04:45:27.520

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CDC federal funds are able to be used to bring those functionalities into the system.
• those functionalities into the system. those functionalities into the system.
• we otherwise would not functionalities we otherwise would not have<00:37:25.280> had.
• So, I can't predict those kinds of things, but with regard to this additional functionality, we don't
• with the rural health functions with the rural health transformation<00:43:27.119> program.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the April 13 minutes and then turned to a large agenda of contracts. Chairman Douglas said there were 52 contracts totaling about $369.3 million, and noted that most vendors were registered with the Secretary of State except for item 118 on the routine personal services green list and item 19 involving Morehead State University and Kentucky State University. The committee voted to defer item 118 to the June 26 meeting and later also deferred the Kentucky State University contract on the deferred list to the June 26 meeting. The main discussion centered on a deferred personal services contract for the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, involving outside legal counsel. Senator Meredith raised concerns about KRS 320 and whether the board had authority to hire outside counsel when the statute says the Attorney General shall provide legal services to the board. Dr. Mary Beth Morris, the board president, and Christopher Thacker of the Attorney General’s office testified after being sworn in. Thacker explained that the statute and related law allow both Attorney General assistance and independent counsel, and argued that outside counsel is appropriate for day-to-day legal work because it avoids conflicts, especially on open records issues, regulatory advice, and disciplinary hearings. Senator Meredith said he agreed with approving the contract but questioned how the board had reached this point and whether the current statutes reflect modern practice. He raised concerns about transparency and accountability, referencing a prior advisory opinion involving the board’s handling of exam requirements during COVID and saying the board should have consulted the Attorney General before acting. Thacker responded that the Attorney General’s office serves the Commonwealth as a whole, not as counsel to one board, and that the board’s use of outside counsel is a reasonable and economical arrangement. The exchange ended with Meredith suggesting that broader legislative action may be needed to clarify reporting relationships and oversight for the board.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you have technical issues on Zoom, you can use the chat function to chat with our excellent technical
• <00:08:35.479> to function to function to to<00:08:36.560> chat<00:08:36.840> with
• a new governmental function in Hawaii. a new governmental function in Hawaii.
• is restored to to the functionality is restored to to the system. system. system.
• of detecting fraud and functions of detecting fraud and investigating<01:25:59.600> fraud.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 83, which would require hotel keepers to give adequate notice of service disruptions to guests and third-party vendors. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill but asked for amendments to restore remedies and add a nonwaiver provision, arguing that without penalties the measure would lack consequences and that consumers should not be able to waive the notice rights. Supporters, including Unite Here Local 5 and individual testifiers, said guests deserve transparency and meaningful recourse when disruptions occur, especially for labor disputes, construction, or other service interruptions that affect the experience they paid for. Hotel industry representatives, including the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the Hawaii Hotel Alliance, and hotel workers/testifiers, opposed the bill in its current form while offering amendments. They said the measure was too broad, difficult to implement, and could interfere with collective bargaining, third-party booking systems, and existing contracts. They also argued that some disruptions are not easily known in advance and that the bill unfairly singles out hotels compared with other industries. One testifier emphasized that notice should be required only for actual, known disruptions rather than potential events, and another raised concerns about applying the bill to properties not directly involved in a labor dispute. After the SB 83 testimony, the committee moved on to SB 2798, which would make permanent and expand statewide the agricultural enforcement pilot program created in 2025 and rename it the agricultural enforcement program. The chair introduced the measure and called on the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity as the first testifier, but the transcript excerpt ends before testimony or any vote on SB 2798.

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand if there functionally?
• So, this has, it's not like that, you know, that this would go through the same functions as any other
• <01:54:41.640> as<01:54:41.760> they collection unit to function as they collection
• It really functionally is a challenge for it to work.
• > challenge<02:03:21.040> for really functionally is a challenge for really functionally

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened with a quorum present and then proceeded through committee reports, largely adopting favorable reports and amendments without objection. Early measures included SB 530, which funds grants for multigenerational social connection programs for older adults; SB 731, clarifying the legal status of the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council; SB 809, directing a feasibility study on a caregiver infrastructure program; SB 860, creating an Aging Resilience Fund with reporting and budget protections; SB 910, requiring insurance reimbursement for services provided by graduate-level clinical interns under supervision; and SB 972, making several Baltimore City alcoholic beverages licensing changes. Each of these bills was advanced to third reading after committee amendments were adopted. The Finance Committee also advanced SB 555, establishing a Dementia Services and Brain Health Program and a provider resource toolkit for dementia care; SB 757, creating a Maryland Local Sourcing Portal to connect businesses with local sources for tariff-impacted goods; SB 772, creating an employment training and opportunity database to help people qualify for or maintain Medicaid and SNAP; SB 792, requiring hospitals to adopt and train staff on immigration-enforcement policies consistent with Attorney General guidance; SB 869, establishing a workforce training pilot program through Commerce and community colleges; SB 905, creating an advanced manufacturing grant program through TEDCO; and SB 974, changing who may serve as inspector for the Caroline County Board of License Commissioners. Most of these bills were reported favorably with technical or narrowing amendments and then ordered printed for third reading. Budget and Taxation advanced SB 28, which would create binding arbitration for state employee collective bargaining impasses and include a proposed constitutional amendment requiring funding in the Governor’s budget; SB 466, expanding a physician preceptor tax credit and adjusting training-hour requirements; and later SB 704, concerning estate tax treatment for qualified agricultural property transferred to an LLC. SB 557, a gaming-related bill, was laid over until the end of the evening at the majority leader’s request. In the Education, Energy, and the Environment report, the committee advanced SB 35 on a state natural science museum designation, SB 166 on shellfish aquaculture permit sanctions, SB 189 on municipal drainage inlet safety requirements prompted by a child’s death, SB 242 on civil relief for service members and spouses, SB 266 on local regulation of invasive trees and tree-of-heaven, and SB 267 on a corporate rental-property registry and local housing application review process. SB 267 drew a brief question from the minority leader, who asked whether prior opposition remained and how the amended bill differed; the sponsor said the opposition had gone away and described the bill as now focused on a responsible-owner registry and an administrative review process.

Transcript Highlights:

• or DOS-based do a functioning Cobalt or DOS-based system?"
• Functioning government is not partisan. And right now, both are at risk.
• Functioning government is not partisan. And right now, both are at risk.
• Functioning government is not partisan. And right now, both are at risk.
• Functioning government is not partisan. And right now, both are at risk.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all