Transcript Highlights:

• assumptions and projections to make up the BRE, are in a better place. from global uncertainties, wars
• language on or remove those doing business with those entities that have declared open warfare and I
• referenced, open warfare. on making sure that the state doesn't do business with those entities that have declared

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is my top priority because I went to war with them.
• My father and my father-in-law were both veterans from World War II, so I appreciate that and ask for
• In passing this bill, we would be honoring the legacy of our greatest generation, who in World War II
• Honoring the legacy of our greatest generation, who in World War II fought in theaters as far flung as
• I'm a disabled Army retiree and a commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for California.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . citizens, dead U.S. citizens, to fentanyl originating in China than we lost in the entire Vietnam War
• <00:04:59.520> the<00:04:59.680> entire<00:05:00.160> Vietnam<00:05:00.720> War
• <00:05:01.280> on<00:05:01.520> a lost in the entire Vietnam War on a lost in the entire
• Vietnam War on a yearly<00:05:02.080> basis.
• The court also declared<04:03:41.760> in<04:03:41.920> Claremont<04:03:42.319> that<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In passing this bill, we would be honoring the legacy of our greatest generation, who in World War II
• During the Gulf War in 1990, In 1955, in response to the difficulties experienced during World War II
• During the Gulf War in 1990.
• This is a project that began generations ago during the Second World War.
• This is a project that began generations ago during the Second World War.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > weapons,<01:04:39.080> and war, those assault weapons, and war, those assault weapons
• But there is no war in the United States.
• weapons of war on our street. weapons of war on our street.
• My parents, unique experience with war.
• my grandparents fled a war-torn country. my grandparents fled a war-torn country.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House received several Senate messages returning House File 3426 on natural resources and House File 4252 on higher education with Senate amendments, and in both cases the House refused to concur and moved to conference committee. The House also acceded to the Senate’s request for a conference committee on Senate File 4612, which concerns state government and Department of Health and Human Services provisions. Speaker appointments to the conference committees were announced for all three bills. The House then concurred in Senate amendments to House File 3522, a veterans bill allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs to temporarily close state veterans homes under a CMS order. Representative Duran said the Senate had bundled several veterans-related bills into HF 3522, including measures on SGU veterans, National Guard pay, grant requirements in the MDBA process, burial eligibility in veterans and National Guard cemeteries, honor guard eligibility, and codifying a commandos task force. The bill passed 134-0 and was read to pass. On the floor calendar, Senate File 3210, a human rights bill on disability accommodations, was laid on the table by agreement for later consideration. House File 4017, a study bill on unlawful shipments of infectious or pathological waste, was presented as a worker-safety measure; an A6 technical amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 126-8. House File 4138, dealing with social media platforms and minors, was amended with A10 and A11 changes emphasizing transparency, privacy defaults, limits on data use, and a shift from “child” to “minor” in the age provisions; Representative Bonner argued for extending protections to age 18, while Representative Scott said the bill was a first step and opposed the amendment. The A11 amendment was adopted, and debate on the bill continued as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• service, with many of its sons answering the call to serve the United States armed forces during World War
• I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, demonstrating courage.
• service, with many of its sons answering the call to serve the United States armed forces during World War
• I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, demonstrating courage.
• One, Order World II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, demonstrating courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized several guests and community groups, including Central Arizona Aging and visitors tied to the Santa Rosa Barrio/Washington Park community. Members also read a proclamation honoring the Santa Rosa Barrio’s cultural and historical legacy in Phoenix, and introduced additional guests from Tempe and the East Valley. The chamber then moved through Committee of the Whole calendars. On the first calendar, it advanced HB 2050 (radiologic technologies) with an Angus floor amendment on supervision requirements, HB 2176 (health care institutions) with a Gowan floor amendment, HB 2189 (licensed health aide rules) with a Health and Human Services committee amendment, HB 2195 (nursing facility records/timelines) with committee and floor amendments, and HB 2584 (amending Section 38-651) without amendment. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted and the bills were properly assigned. On the second calendar, the Senate advanced HB 2003 (driver license destruction permits) after a question about ADOT implementation timing, HB 2006 (sample ballots and mail-in ballot dates), HB 2226 (arrest/processing and veteran status) with a Judiciary and Elections committee amendment, HB 2378 (school facilities oversight board members), HB 2693 (accountable health plans) with a Finance committee amendment and a Mesnard floor amendment making a feasibility study subject to available funds, and HCM 2007 urging renaming of State Route 16. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted. On the third calendar, the Senate advanced HB 2013 (air pollution control/air quality and wildfires) with a Carroll floor amendment adding guardrails on spending for waiver filings, retained HB 2029 on the calendar, and advanced HB 2031 (grandfather water rights), HB 2102 (domestic water improvement districts), HB 213 (water improvement program and water hauling), HB 2117 (Natural Resource Conservation Board fund), HB 2262 (Arizona Geological Survey), and HB 2278 (related statutory changes). The final Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and the Senate adjourned until Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, the United States is facing unprecedented drug war.
• And in Ukraine, China and North Korea have been actively supporting Putin's war machine.
• If you believe that this is a new kind of war, it's not a coal war, it's not a kinetic war, it's a different
• We have a drug war going on right now in the United States with fentanyl.
• Fortunately, they called off, apparently, the war plan on Taiwan.

Keywords: committee meeting, bill discussions, nomination, David Perdue, Monica Crawley, U.S.-China relations, foreign policy

Summary: The meeting of the committee was marked by significant discussions regarding various bills, including HB22 and SB5. A notable moment was the introduction of nominees Senator David Perdue and Ms. Monica Crawley, which led to discussions on the implications of their roles, particularly in relation to U.S.-China relations and foreign policy. Members exchanged views on the nominees' qualifications, emphasizing the importance of leadership in foreign diplomacy. Additionally, the committee heard testimonies from several witnesses both supporting and opposing certain bills, showcasing the diverse perspectives present.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fast forward to World War I: approximately 12,000 Native Americans served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• In World War II, the contributions of Native Americans reached even higher heights.
• The Korean War and the Vietnam War saw continued participation from American Indians who served with
• fast forward to World War I were approximately<00:14:29.279> 12,000<00:14:30.040> Native
• and the Vietnam Nation the Korean War and the Vietnam War<00:15:32.959> s<00:15:33.360> saw

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman McDonald, I was delighted to see you there and for you to declare that you too are an artist
• inflicted 50 years ago when they fled Long Cheng, Laos, to flee the communist Pathet Lao after the Vietnam War
• the communist Pathet Lao after the the communist Pathet Lao after the Vietnam<01:02:15.840> War
• Vietnam War. Their fear, safety, and security are all coming back.

Transcript Highlights:

• guerrilla unit and irregular forces veterans who fought alongside the United States during the secret war
• Uh, it says all veterans who served in the secret war in Laos. um Mr. Kelly can help me out. um Mr.
• Who served in the secret war in Laos.
• <00:07:34.160> uh uh during the Vietnam War uh uh during the Vietnam War uh era,<00:07:35.480
• Since the war was secret in Laos and Cambodia, it's often difficult to prove who was really there.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My son was killed in the Civil War, lost his life in Mosul, Iraq, in 2004.
• We couldn't join the VFW because they said it wasn't really a war.
• My grandfather and my grandmother served in World War II in the Army.
• My uncle was a World War II veteran. His name was Thomas Hecht.
• If you remember during the Vietnam War, Agent Orange was used.

Summary: The hearing focused on the long-delayed Southern California Veterans Cemetery project at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim, with opening remarks from Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, Senator Tom Umberg, and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia emphasizing the project’s importance to Orange County veterans and families. Anaheim city leaders, including the mayor pro tem and council members, voiced strong support and described the city’s role in planning, utilities, and final approvals. Quirk-Silva reviewed the project history, including prior legislation, county and state funding commitments, and the recent federal determination that the site meets VA criteria for a state veterans cemetery. The first panel, representing the veterans community, included the American Legion, American Gold Star Mothers, and Valor. They argued that Orange County—home to a large veteran population—still lacks a local veterans cemetery, forcing families to travel long distances to Riverside or elsewhere. Testimony stressed the emotional and practical burden on aging veterans and grieving families, and called for immediate action and possession of the property. Some speakers were sharply critical of CalVet and the pace of the process, saying veterans have waited too long and that the project should move forward without further delay. The second panel, from Orange County, described the county’s and cemetery district’s support and the unique opportunity to develop a shared site for a public cemetery and a separate state veterans cemetery. County officials said the county has dedicated land and funding, and that shared infrastructure—roads, utilities, grading, and access—could reduce costs substantially if the two projects are coordinated. They also said the county is ready to transfer the property to CalVet when appropriate and that the project has already cleared major local approvals and litigation. The final panel from DGS and CalVet explained the state’s feasibility study and current planning work. DGS said the 2023 study estimated the state’s portion of phase one at about $126 million, largely driven by site work and grading, though that estimate may change as assumptions are updated. CalVet said it is working with DGS and the county on a revised concept plan to lower costs and refine the timeline, and that legislative budget action will be needed to authorize spending from the Southern California Veterans Cemetery fund. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational, and the main action was continued coordination among the state, county, city, and veterans groups, with public comment at the end overwhelmingly urging faster construction.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:08:04.879> and<00:08:05.120> other the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and other the
• The Veterans of Foreign Wars is proud to be a part of this as the Commander Task Force, but not only
• Uh, the Veterans of Foreign<00:15:53.759> Wars<00:15:54.560> is<00:15:54.959> uh
• The Veterans of Foreign Wars has passed laws in different forms.
• The Veterans of Foreign Wars has been fighting for veterans for over a century.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So again, Benjamin Rush in 1781 or 1783, when the war was over, again he said that, um, "The war for
• So again, Benjamin Rush in 1781 or 1783, when the war was over, again he said that, um, "The war for
• So again, Benjamin Rush in 1781 or 1783, when the war was over, again he said that, um, "The war for
• So again, Benjamin Rush in 1781 or 1783, when the war was over, again he said that, um, "The war for
• So again, Benjamin Rush in 1781 or 1783, when the war was over, again he said that, um, "The war for

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You've got to resolve this war over fraud before you can actually do the war on fraud.
• I don't see it as a war over fraud.
• /c><00:09:25.800> to<00:09:26.200> resolve<00:09:26.600> this<00:09:26.800> war
• <00:09:27.200> over<00:09:27.600> fraud you got to resolve this war over fraud you
• > on before you can actually to the war on before you can actually to the war on fraud<00:09:32.760

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Representative Kristin Robbins, chair of the new House Fraud and State Agency Oversight Committee, said the committee’s first public hearing was canceled and used the meeting to outline its planned work. She said the committee had invited DHS Commissioner Jodi Harpstead to discuss fraud during her tenure, but Harpstead declined, and the committee instead planned to hear from Bill Glan of the Center of the American Experiment about his fraud and waste tracker. Robbins framed the committee’s mission as oversight of state government fraud, citing the Feeding Our Future case and other ongoing investigations, and said the work was not partisan. Robbins said the committee would also hold hearings on specific areas such as CCAP and medical transportation, along with other issues raised by whistleblowers. She said she had heard from at least two dozen whistleblowers in the prior week, including people from multiple state agencies and private-sector grant administrators, and described efforts to protect their confidentiality. She also said she is authoring a bill to expand whistleblower protections and that the committee is setting up a whistleblower portal. In response to questions, Robbins said she had a private meeting scheduled with Harpstead before her departure from office and said the committee could schedule another hearing if the House is able to meet with a quorum. She said she hoped for bipartisan participation, emphasized that neither party wants taxpayer money wasted, and said the committee would continue meeting and organizing hearings as soon as possible.

Transcript Highlights:

• our statute, coined it so that, you know, the special guarding unit of those who fought in the Secret War
• and during the Vietnam War as any other Americans and also they are proxy soldiers, meaning they fought
• and during the Vietnam War as any other Americans and also they are proxy soldiers, meaning they fought
• and during the Vietnam War as any other Americans and also they are proxy soldiers, meaning they fought
• During the Vietnam War as any other Americans, and also they are proxy soldiers, meaning they fought;

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• During the Vietnam War, or in this case the secret war in Laos, every capable young men and boys were
• Fifty years after the secret war in Laos during the Vietnam War, our special guerrilla unit veterans
• Fifty years after the secret war in Laos during the Vietnam War, our special guerrilla unit veterans
• It was not our war. It was an American war, which became a secret war.
• The problem is is when we talk War.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, due to their service during times of war, they were unable to complete their high school education
• Barry Hendrickson, Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars Adjutant Quartermaster.
• ,<00:49:13.520> Paralyzed the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed the Veterans of Foreign
• Wars, Paralyzed Veterans<00:49:14.359> of<00:49:14.480> America,<00:49:15.000> the
• League, Jewish War Veterans, Disabled American<00:49:19.400> Veterans,<00:49:20.080> and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard an introductory presentation from Sam Daily of Believe It Canine Service Partners, a nonprofit that trains service dogs free of charge for disabled veterans. Daily described the organization’s work with veterans, including placements with MACV and a service dog at Veteran Village in Eagan, and said the group has placed 80 teams so far. Senator Howe asked whether the organization had pursued Support Our Troops grants, and Daily said it had received two SOS grants. The first bill taken up was Senate File 4172, as amended, which would expand eligibility for burial in Minnesota state veterans cemeteries to honorably discharged reservists, National Guard members, and Air National Guard members, and would allow some honor guard use for eligible people. Senator Howe said the bill corrects an inequity for Guard and reserve members who served honorably but are not currently eligible. Glenn Pence testified in support, saying the bill recognizes National Guard service and should allow those veterans to be buried with others they served alongside. MDVA’s David Swantek supported the concept but warned that expanded eligibility would increase demand, especially at Little Falls, and could shorten its projected capacity timeline from about 48 years to about 30 years. The committee adopted the A1 amendment and then laid the bill over for inclusion in the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance Omnibus Bill. The committee then heard Senate File 4026, which sets standards for MDVA competitive grants and adds accountability and residency requirements. Senator Koran said the bill would help the department review grants and ensure funds serve Minnesota veterans and families. MDVA chief of staff Dave Belfi supported the bill, saying it reflects agency feedback, aligns with existing residency rules, and does not affect CVSO, VSO, or Support Our Troops grants. The A1 amendment was adopted, and the bill was laid over for inclusion in the omnibus bill. Next, Senate File 4807 was heard, a bill to update pay for National Guard soldiers and airmen called to state active duty. MDVA and National Guard officials said the bill would simplify statute language and raise the minimum base pay for lower ranks to the E5 level, with future adjustments tied to federal pay tables. Senator Kunesh asked about funding, and staff explained the cost would come through an open general-fund emergency appropriation, estimated at about $30,000 annually but varying with activations. The committee adopted amendments to incorporate SF 4172 and SF 4026 into SF 4807, made technical corrections, and then recommended SF 4807, as amended, to pass and be referred to the full committee. Finally, the committee heard Senate File 3603, which would create a program allowing school districts to issue high school diplomas to Minnesota veterans who left school to serve during the Korean conflict or Vietnam War. Senator Rasmussen said the bill recognizes veterans who interrupted their education for service. MDVA’s John Kelly supported the bill, noting it reflects input from MDVA and the Department of Education and that similar programs exist in other states. The committee voted to recommend the bill to pass and refer it to the full committee. The meeting also began discussion of Senate File 4560, which would formalize the Commander's Task Force, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.
• II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.
• World War II, the Korean<00:41:22.800> War,<00:41:23.040> or<00:41:23.280> the<
• <00:41:24.640> We<00:41:24.880> have Korean War, or the Vietnam War.
• We have Korean War, or the Vietnam War.

Bills: HB2264, HB2336, HB2298, HB1518

Keywords: protective orders, military, law enforcement, judicial coordination, victim safety, community safety, federal military installations, disaster response, emergency services, state funding, transportation department, public safety, Hawaii, education, high school diploma, veterans, wartime practices, armed services, HB1518, Hawaii SNAP

Summary: The committee opened by announcing that it would hear testimony but would not take decisions on the day’s bills, with action deferred to a later decision-making agenda. The first measure, HB 2264, would require notification to military security forces when a protective order is issued involving a military-affiliated person. Support came from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii National Guard, and DBEDT’s Military Affairs office, all emphasizing better coordination and faster notice to help protect victims and support command oversight. Family Court Judge Jesse Hall supported the intent but asked for deferral, explaining that a prior fax-and-email notification system had broken down and that the military had not re-engaged with the court. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the bill but recommended narrowing it so it applies only when the respondent is actually marked as military-connected and delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027 to allow implementation. In questions, members discussed the current breakdown in communication, the number of military-marked TROs statewide, and whether the bill would be necessary if the old system were restored; the military witness said she would try to reestablish contact with the court. The committee then took up HB 2336, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense for services at federal military installations and charge an administrative fee. DOT and the Military Affairs office supported the measure, describing it as a way to speed projects, combine state and federal resources, and strengthen infrastructure that also supports disaster response and the economy. Members questioned why the bill was needed if similar arrangements had existed before, and whether Title 23 federal highway funds could be used; DOT responded that the bill would help expedite projects and supplement, not supplant, federal funding, while each project would still require review of the appropriate funding source. The committee also heard HB 2298, which would allow the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii Office of Veterans Affairs, and DOE supported the bill, and DOE said implementation would have only a minimal printing cost. Finally, the committee heard HB 1518, which would require DHS, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to create a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release by January 1, 2028. DHS said it was already working on a pilot and stood on its testimony; the County of Hawaii, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the measure, arguing it would improve reentry outcomes and would not cost the state additional money. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• , a war that would not only threaten all our allies in Israel, but also our allies in the region. the
• It was just three months before the Yom Kippur War. I was 17 years old, right out of high school.
• That war still continues.
• All I can do is tell you that... ...this is generally considered an illegitimate strategy of war.
• He did all of this despite the pearl-clutching in Washington without a single war.

Keywords: Israel, Hamas, Panama Canal, U.S. foreign policy, terrorism, diplomacy, Chinese influence

Summary: The committee meeting was focused on various key issues, including the implications of recent violence in the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy in relation to Israel and Panama. Members discussed the need for diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Israeli officials following the recent attack by Hamas. Governor Huckabee emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and reiterated the need for accountability for terrorist organizations involved in violent acts against civilians. Senators shared their concerns regarding the ramifications of U.S. actions in Panama and the presence of Chinese influence, highlighting the significance of the Panama Canal in terms of trade and security.

Transcript Highlights:

• Remember, Madam Speaker, we were at war. Soldiers were badly needed, especially smart ones.
• Remember, Madam Speaker, we were at war. Soldiers were badly needed, especially smart ones.
• And, Madam Speaker, the Revolutionary War lasted eight years.
• And, Madam Speaker, the Revolutionary War lasted eight years.
• And, Madam Speaker, the Revolutionary War lasted eight years.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reading, then proceeded to first readings and committee referrals for six bills: H.841 on miscellaneous animal welfare procedures, H.842 creating a commission on public school employee health benefits, H.843 on monitoring municipal wastewater discharges, H.844 on sales tax and a surcharge related to short-term rental and second-home properties, H.845 on an income tax deduction for snow tires, and H.846 on artificial intelligence and elections. H.611, a bill with an appropriation affecting the Department of Vermont Health Access, was also referred to Appropriations under House Rule 35A. The chamber also read HCR 175, a concurrent resolution honoring the life of J. Stannard Baker of Shelburne, highlighting his role in Baker v. State, his work in mental health and the Episcopal Church, and his death in June 2025. During announcements, members welcomed guests including Baker’s husband and sister, representatives of the Vermont Access Network, a devotional speaker, Human Rights Commission participants, and students from rural community schools visiting for Rural Schools Day. The House also heard remarks about the Human Rights Commission’s upcoming press conference and a caucus meeting on state permit reform. Later, the member from Georgia gave a lengthy historical reflection on Henry Knox and the Fort Ticonderoga cannon expedition, followed by a correction from the member from Stow noting that teams of oxen pulled most of the cannon. On the floor, the House considered H.648, the Department of Financial Regulation’s annual housekeeping bill on banking, insurance, and securities. Representative Olsen offered an amendment clarifying section 48 on federally exempt securities and state notice filings; the amendment was adopted by voice vote, and the bill then passed. The House then took up H.790, the fiscal year 2026 budget adjustment bill. Representative Shai offered an amendment reallocating $45,000 in HIV/AIDS funding among Vermont CARES, the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont, and the HIV/HCV Resource Center; that amendment was also adopted. The bill passed on a roll call vote, 133-0, and the House suspended rules to message its action to the Senate forthwith. The session ended with a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., which was put to the body.