Transcript Highlights:

• . appropriate. appropriate.
• Um, and I think no one was here from the judiciary. Is anyone here yet?
• Is anyone here here from the judiciary. Is anyone here yet?
• </c><01:24:48.560><c> testimony,</c> mentioned in the judiciary testimony, mentioned in the judiciary
• </c> add an additional blank appropriation add an additional blank appropriation from<01:27:33.120><c

Bills: HB1924 , HB2121 , HB1928 , HB1979 , HB1650 , HB1543 , HB1981 , HB1982

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: mattress recycling, waste management, producer responsibility, environmental health, steafardship program, electronic cigarettes, disposable devices, environmental protection, plastic pollution, lithium batteries, pollution control, public health, deposit beverage container, bottle bill, container deposit law, container redemption, recycling refund, extended producer responsibility, EPR, deposit return system

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to waste, recycling, and environmental review. On HB 1924, which would establish a mattress stewardship program, the Department of Health said it stood on written testimony and offered comments, while Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and one individual supported the bill and the International Sleep Products Association opposed it. No questions were raised and the committee moved on. A large portion of the hearing focused on HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale of disposable vapes in Hawaii. The Department of Health supported the measure but suggested the bill may be better placed in a different part of state law because the cited waste-management section regulates products after consumption, while still praising the effort to remove disposable vapes from the market and environment. Testimony in strong support came from the Coalition for Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii COPD Coalition, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, the City and County of Honolulu, and many individuals; supporters emphasized youth vaping, toxic waste, lithium battery fire risks, and environmental harm. There was at least one opposing individual and the International Sleep Products Association was listed in opposition. The committee noted there were many written testimonies and no immediate vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 1928 on the deposit beverage container recycling program. The Department of Health stood on written testimony. The Solid Waste Task Force of Hawaii Environmental Change Agents and Upstream supported the bill but urged amendments to better integrate reuse and reusables, strengthen enforcement, clarify definitions, and protect existing redemption centers. The Hawaii Food Industry Association supported the concept of a backdrop program but preferred strengthening the existing program and raised concerns about undefined fees, existing infrastructure, and future audit costs. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii supported the bill, and the chair said the measure needs work and that decision-making would occur in a few days. Finally, the committee took up HB 979 on environmental review and HB 1650 on environmental assessments. For HB 979, OPSD offered amendments, HCDA supported the bill but suggested clarifying the affordable-housing definition, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative supported it, and Earthjustice was asked about the court process for environmental challenges; the chair asked about shortening the challenge period and the relationship between environmental court, the intermediate court of appeals, and the Supreme Court. For HB 1650, OPSD and the State Historic Preservation Division stood on written testimony, OHA asked to retain historic sites, and several groups and individuals testified in support or opposition. Opponents argued that removing Wiki special district and historic sites from Chapter 343 trigger language would weaken environmental review and risk impacts to iwi kūpuna and historic resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:04:05.839><c> prepayment</c> to establish appropriate prepayment to establish appropriate prepayment
• Some data um be looked at in judiciary.
• I know we have some things uh judiciary.
• It will not be heading to Judiciary, and we will not see any progress.
• It will not be heading to Judiciary, and we will not see any progress.

Bills: SF856 , HF3168 , HF3528 , HF389

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: Inspector General, fraud prevention, state audit, public funds, misuse, transparency, government accountability, ethnic councils, diversity, governance, state participation, community representation, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, Minnesota Historical Society

Transcript Highlights:

• directed to inform the Senate that the House has concurred in the Senate amendments to House Appropriations
• am directed to inform the Senate that the House has concurred in the Senate amendments to House Judiciary
• President, your Judiciary Committee, to whom has been referred House Bill 120 as amended, has had it
• President, your Judiciary Committee, to whom has been referred Senate Bill 64, as amended, has had it
• President, your Judiciary Committee, to whom has been referred House Bill 120 as amended, has had it

Bills: SB241

Keywords: child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level

Summary: The Senate began by outlining the day’s agenda, then received several House messages, including the House’s request for concurrence on Senate Bill 151 and notice that the House had concurred in Senate amendments to House Bills 2, 3, and 70. The Senate also received enrolled bills SB 64 and SB 101, and later adopted committee reports on House Bill 120 and SB 64. The chamber then took up concurrence on SB 151, a tax package that the House amended to remove the gross receipts tax provision for medical supplies, add a 1% salary increase for state employees, higher education, and public schools, extend a high-wage job tax credit, and add sunsets. Senator Hamblen supported concurrence as a friendly amendment, while Senator Cervantes argued the House changes transformed the bill into an unconstitutional appropriations measure and urged a conference committee. The Senate nevertheless concurred, 22-14. On third reading, the Senate passed House Bill 61, which increases the penalty for aggravated battery on a peace officer from a third-degree to a second-degree felony to align with other sentencing provisions. Supporters, including Senator Cervantes, cited consistency in the criminal code and noted the Sentencing Commission’s endorsement; the bill passed 37-0. The Senate also passed House Joint Memorial 3, directing the Environment Department to convene stakeholders and report on implementation of the PFAS Protection Act, despite a brief exchange over whether the memorial could be read as expanding authority under the existing PFAS law; it passed 22-13. The chamber then passed several memorials: Senate Memorial 20, amended to include youth and family voices and legislative appointees in a statewide youth violence summit, passed 35-0; Senate Memorial 21, calling for a study of a statewide overdose prevention program, passed 35-0; Senate Memorial 22, which asks the Legislative Finance Committee to convene a working group on domestic violence funding and CYFD-related funding flows, passed; and Senate Memorial 27, urging expansion of the Radiation Exposure Act to compensate New Mexicans affected by atomic testing and uranium mining, passed 34-0. At the end of the session, the Senate received a governor’s message authorizing consideration of SB 74 on cockfighting penalties, followed by a playful Senate response message. The body also agreed to move House Joint Memorial 2 from Rules to the President’s table and then recessed until 8:30 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, welcome everyone to the Judiciary Committee hearing this Tuesday morning at 10:00 in a different
• So, I would strongly the judiciary.
• </c> and members of the Senate Judiciary and members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.<00:07:57.320>
• I think I have the best job in the judiciary.'
• Welcome back to the Judiciary Committee.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Messages 796 and 797, both judicial confirmation nominations, but announced at the outset that no votes would be taken that day. The committee said it would hold the vote the next day in Room 225. For GM 796, Annalisa M. Bernard Lee was nominated to serve as circuit court judge for the Second Circuit (Maui) for a 10-year term. Supporters included former Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, former judges, attorneys, and the Hawaii State Bar Association, all describing her as fair, hardworking, experienced on both criminal and civil matters, and active in the legal community. Judge Lee testified about her background as a Maui native, former public defender and prosecutor, and current district court judge, and said her experience on all sides of the courtroom shaped her commitment to fairness and access to justice. Senators asked about diversion, sentencing repeat offenders, and the role of a circuit court judge; Lee said she would consider cases individually, support diversion and pretrial collaboration where appropriate, and use judicial power to address underlying problems when possible. For GM 797, Michael K. Soong was nominated to the Fifth Circuit Court for Kauai and Niihau. Former Chief Justice Recktenwald and other supporters praised his long legal career, including service as a prosecutor, district court judge, and acting chief judge during a period when Kauai lacked a full-time circuit judge. They emphasized his courtroom control, common sense, community ties, and willingness to take on extra judicial committee work. Soong testified that he had served as a district court judge since 2017 and had recently been handling circuit court duties, including civil, criminal, and jury trial matters. He described the differences between district and circuit court, his experience presiding over complex trials, and his support for specialty courts such as drug court, veterans court, and mental health calendars. The Hawaii State Bar Association said it found him qualified after its review. No votes were taken on either nomination during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:14.080><c> of</c> uh, one-time appropriation of uh, one-time appropriation of $2,700,000.
• Line 28, Education Appropriations.
• On line 5.7 is a one-time appropriation. Those changes will make this an ongoing appropriation.
• </c> about is simply an appropriation about is simply an appropriation of<00:48:48.079><c> the</c><00
• </c> appropriated. Sarah Wickwin. appropriated. Sarah Wickwin. U<00:48:58.880><c> Mr.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and IA will be called to order.
• But we'll use our discretion on the appropriate jurisdiction.
• And as I just said, the Threats against the judiciary are increasing.
• If the legislature appropriates a third of the 5.5 million, that would be 1.8 million.
• We pay our staff based upon the appropriations you allocate.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He served as ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee while in the state Senate.
• Senate Bill 1001, an act appropriating monies to the Department of Economic Security.
• The Appropriations, Transportation and Technology amendment as amended be adopted.
• Senate Bill 1523, an act appropriating monies to the Department of Administration.
• We'll have other items going on on the lawn, appropriately on the lawn, right? It's golf.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, this if uh if appropriate. Mr.
• </c> Committee on Appropriations and Revenue. Committee on Appropriations and Revenue.
• <01:09:29.440><c> and</c> &gt;&gt; Members of the Appropriations and &gt;&gt; Members of the Appropriations
• :15:23.320><c> Bills</c> Appropriations and Revenue, House Bills Appropriations and Revenue, House Bills
• To the Judiciary, Senate Bill 170 811.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> appropriate committees. appropriate committees.
• Report of the Committee on Judiciary. It is report number 26.
• Committee announcements: Appropriations will not meet, Madam Speaker.
• Judiciary. Thank you, Madam session. Judiciary.
• Judiciary will not be meeting. Speaker. Judiciary will not be meeting.

Keywords: House streaming session for Saturday, March 21, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do the investigation, alert us when it's appropriate whether this individual is a sitting legislator,
• Alert us when it's appropriate whether this individual is a sitting legislator, and do it in writing.
• I do agree with the judiciary chair that the AG is fully equipped to do a criminal investigation.
• Are statutes of limitation appropriate for complex corruption cases?
• complex</c> limitation appropriate for complex limitation appropriate for complex corruption<01:05:36.079

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Judiciary and elections. SB 2680, workers' compensation, notice fraud compensation. Finance.
• Judiciary and elections. SB 2992, pilot program, sexual abuse prevention.
• Appropriations, transportation technology. Placed under second reading of bills.
• House Bill 2673 is withdrawn from the Committee on Appropriations and Transportation Technology.
• House Bill 2673 is withdrawn from the Committee on Appropriations and Transportation Technology.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then completed an electronic roll call showing 24 members present and six excused. The journal for March 23, 2026, was dispensed with and approved. Senator Dunn introduced a guest intern from the University of Arizona, and Senator Gabaldón presented a legislative proclamation recognizing April 26 to May 2, 2026, as Arizona Water Professionals Week, highlighting the importance of the state’s water resources and the work of water professionals across sectors. Several guests from Arizona water organizations were welcomed, and remarks emphasized the value of water policy and the upcoming water conference. The chamber then handled routine floor business, including entering House messages and first readings of several bills. Measures introduced included HB 2344 on the local government investment pool, HB 2375 on housing and historic neighborhood zoning, SB 2671 on juvenile chronic penalty charges, SB 2680 on workers’ compensation notice fraud compensation, SB 2750 on the Arizona State Trade Commission, SB 2976 on justice court administration and due process, and SB 2992 on a pilot program for sexual abuse prevention. HB 2673 was withdrawn from the Committee on Appropriations and Transportation Technology. Committee announcements were made for the next day’s meetings, including Government, Health and Human Services, Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency, Education, Judiciary and Elections, and Public Safety. No substantive floor votes on legislation were taken, and the Senate adjourned by motion until Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I move the Appropriations, Transportation, and Technology amendment be adopted.
• Let's read the Judiciary and Elections Committee amendment. Mr.
• Chairman, I move the Appropriations, Transportation, and Technology amendment be adopted.
• Senate Bill 1826, an act appropriating monies to the Office of Advanced Air Mobility.
• There is an Appropriations, Transportation and Technology Committee amendment.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On SB 788, the motion is do pass to the Committee on Appropriations. Berman? Aye. Flora? Aaron's?
• File item 4, SB 387, Rubio, the motion is do pass to the Committee on Appropriations.
• File item 5, SB 517, Nilo, the motion is do pass to the Committee on Judiciary.
• File item 5, SB 517, Nilo, the motion is do pass to the Committee on Judiciary.
• File item 6, SB 602, Cortese, the motion is do pass to the Committee on Appropriations.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several bills, including SB 788 by Senator Niello, which clarified that CPAs and CPA firms, including employees and out-of-state CPAs authorized to practice in California, are regulated by the California Board of Accountancy rather than subject to Tax Preparation Act registration requirements. Supporters said the bill would reduce duplicative regulation and confusion; there was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 351 by Senator Cabaldon, aimed at strengthening enforcement of California’s corporate practice of medicine rules as they relate to private equity and hedge fund involvement in medical and dental practices. The author and physician supporters argued that private equity can interfere with clinical decisions and patient care, while opposition from the American Investment Council said the bill could sweep in legitimate business practices and requested a narrow amendment. The bill passed to Judiciary. SB 312 by Senator Umberg was heard next and would require health certificates for imported dogs sold in California to be submitted to CDFA and made publicly available, with supporters describing it as a transparency and consumer protection measure to combat puppy mills and misleading online sales. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Agriculture. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing SB 291, SB 387, SB 517, SB 602, and SB 773, all moving to their respective committees. The meeting ended after additional roll calls and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• withdrawn from the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection and re-referred to the Committee on Judiciary
• ><c> Public</c><00:10:05.560><c> Safety</c><00:10:05.880><c> this</c><00:10:06.000><c> is</c> on Judiciary
• and Public Safety this is on Judiciary and Public Safety this is my<00:10:06.240><c> bill</c><00:10:
• want to take this opportunity to thank Kevin Dunlevy, who testified in favor of this bill in the Judiciary
• want to take this opportunity to thank Kevin Dunlevy, who testified in favor of this bill in the Judiciary

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't have to wait until the end of the year, November or December, or whatever the appropriate
• And you made a decision to reduce the judges in whatever division it appeared to be appropriate.
• So looking at the overall judiciary and how best to maximize resources for the judiciary.
• So looking at the overall judiciary and how best to provide and maximize resources for the judiciary.
• The Judicial Commission, I'm sorry, the Judiciary Commission. Yes.

Bills: SCR59 , SCR70 , HR275 , HR279 , HR282 , HR289 , HR307 , HCR112 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR64 , SB121 , HR310 , HR314 , HR316 , HR317 , HR321 , HCR117 , SCR5 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR37 , SCR63 , SCR30 , SCR40 , SCR65 , HCR3 , HCR49 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HB54 , HB137 , HB321 , HB368 , HB386 , HB414 , HB431 , HB552 , HB555 , HB578 , HB590 , HB593 , HB618 , HB638 , HB670 , HB692 , HB707 , HB708 , HB715 , HB718 , HB732 , HB741 , HB748 , HB776 , HB796 , HB807 , HB822 , HB848 , HB856 , HB887 , HB888 , HB917 , HB921 , HB1082 , HB1243 , HB1246 , HB1 , HB2 , HB42 , HB45 , HB71 , HB79 , HB126 , HB133 , HB159 , HB213 , HB218 , HB222 , HB289 , HB291 , HB312 , HB313 , HB324 , HB352 , HB383 , HB398 , HB403 , HB429 , HB457 , HB459 , HB549 , HB571 , HB579 , HB591 , HB608 , HB616 , HB624 , HB766 , HB769 , HB783 , HB804 , HB864 , HB874 , HB909 , HB951 , HB971 , HB983 , HB1005 , HB1017 , HB1051 , HB1056 , HB1126 , HB1186 , HB1193 , HB1223 , HB1224 , HB1235 , HB1249 , SB259 , SB295 , SB312 , SB348 , SB444 , SB485 , SB441 , SB149 , HB359 , SB29 , SB43 , SB78 , HB463 , HB998 , SB197 , SB268 , SB123 , SB276 , SB326 , SB80 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , SB97 , SB479 , HB74 , HB119 , HB134 , HB210 , HB258 , HB468 , HB784 , HB870 , HB953 , HB956 , HB1117 , HB1236 , SB42 , SB208 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB341 , SB379 , SB382 , SB387 , SB401 , SB449 , SB487

Keywords: Major Richard Star Act, veterans, military retirement, disability compensation, VA benefits, combat-wounded, medically retired, military retirees, service members, veterans benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, concurrent receipt, retirement offset, combat-related disability, bipartisan support, memorial resolution, Congressional memorial, Louisiana delegation, Richard Star

Summary: The House convened with a quorum and opened with prayer by Archbishop Checchio, the pledge, and the national anthem. Members also used personal privilege to recognize visiting officials, university leaders, grocers, Governor’s Fellows, and several special guests and honorees, including Grambling State University for its 125th anniversary, Tiger Athletics, and the Tiger Marching Band, as well as CASA volunteers and advocates. The chamber adopted a number of ceremonial resolutions and made several conference committee appointments and committee discharge motions. The floor then took up a series of Senate and House resolutions, many of which were adopted without objection or after brief debate. These included resolutions creating or studying task forces on topics such as homeowner catastrophe claims and insurance-related litigation, the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, informed consent laws, fiscal note procedures, K-12 student success pathways, and military funding alignment. Members also adopted resolutions on domestic violence protective-order access, flood risk mapping, seismic activity in North Louisiana, illegal dumping enforcement, toll signage and customer service, and other local or commemorative matters. Several Senate resolutions were temporarily returned to the calendar, while others were adopted by recorded vote, including SCR 29, SCR 33, SCR 37, SCR 63, SCR 30, SCR 65, and SCR 40. The House then considered Senate Bill 259, which authorizes an online application process for civil protection orders and restraining orders for domestic violence victims; it passed 93-0. Senate Bill 312, dealing with public-sector labor organizations and dues/withdrawal procedures, prompted extended debate focused on whether the bill unfairly singled out teachers’ unions and whether teachers already have the ability to opt out; the bill ultimately passed 60-38. Senate Bill 348, allowing the City of St. George to contract for administrative assistance in motor-vehicle crash response, passed 84-9 after questions about citations, reports, and the role of third parties. Senate Bill 485, concerning St. George’s municipal fiscal authority and insurance premium taxes, passed 91-0 after an amendment removed new public facility charge authority. The House also debated Senate Bill 197, which would reduce the number of judges on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal from 12 to 10 based on a workload and population study by the National Center for State Courts. Supporters cited the circuit’s smaller population and lower per-judge workload, while questions focused on the study’s publication and whether it actually recommended a reduction. The transcript ends during that debate, before final disposition is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Appropriations?
• Appropriations?
• Due to timing, these technically will be taken in Senate Judiciary, where this bill goes next.
• The motion is due pass to Appropriations, as amended. Senators Arreguin, aye. Seyarto, aye.
• The motion is due passed to appropriations. As amended. Senator Zerrigan. Aye. Errigine, aye.

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Welcome everyone to the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee hearing today.
• First, we have the Judiciary.
• Um the current statute appropriately Um the current statute appropriately addresses<00:27:35.400><c>
• Reconvening the House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.
• So currently things are not appropriate?

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee began with resolutions HCR 93 and HR 85, which ask the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, in collaboration with the Department of the Attorney General, to form a working group and report on ways to strengthen protections for survivors of image-based sexual abuse. The Attorney General’s office said it could support the effort as legal counsel to the commission but preferred not to be an active working-group member, and suggested the Legislative Reference Bureau could instead conduct a nationwide study for stakeholders. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the resolutions but urged broader scope to include prevention and intervention, expanded stakeholder membership, keeping the Attorney General involved, and adjusting the report deadline. Testimony in support also came from the Emoa Alliance, which emphasized the prevalence and harms of image-based abuse and the need for stronger protections. Members asked questions about current criminal and civil remedies, reporting barriers, and whether the commission could administer the effort without the Attorney General; no votes were taken on the resolutions during the excerpted discussion. The committee then heard HCR 113 and HR 106, supporting the Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group’s request for more resources and a timeline extension to fiscal year 2026-2027. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs testified in support, saying Native Hawaiian culture, traditional knowledge, and cultural expressions are increasingly being commercialized and exploited without adequate protection, and that the working group needs more time, resources, and community consultation to complete its work. The committee noted six supporters and no opposition or comments. The hearing also covered HCR 193 and HR 183, which would establish a court security and Department of Law Enforcement capacity working group to address staffing shortages and the use of private security at state courts. The Judiciary supported the intent, asked that the working group supplement rather than replace its budget request, and proposed allowing the chair to add members with relevant experience. In response to questions, Judiciary said it has requested $3.25 million for armed private security, which it said would cover about 18 contracted individuals, though with significant company overhead. The committee then moved through several bills: SB 2667, which restricts certain commercial vehicles and trailers from the far-left lane on multi-lane roads, received support from the Department of Transportation; SB 2851, which allows deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation for law enforcement access, drew testimony in support; SB 2521, which updates emergency vehicle rules and exempts EMS personnel from CDL requirements, received testimony from Honolulu Emergency Services; and SB 2466, which would make the Chief Elections Officer terminable only for cause, drew support from the League of Women Voters and opposition from Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, who argued the change could reduce accountability and create election disruptions if litigation over termination occurs.

Transcript Highlights:

• :08:21.840><c> Senate</c><00:08:22.160><c> Bill</c> the judiciary has reported Senate Bill the judiciary
• </c><00:40:59.200><c> at</c> additional appropriation requested at additional appropriation requested
• I do have the appropriate paperwork. >> Thank you, sir.
• I do have the appropriate paperwork. >> Thank you, sir.
• I do have the appropriate paperwork. >> Thank you, sir.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. During second reading, several bills and a joint resolution were reported to the Rules Committee, including measures on trauma center provider coverage, cremation, public library trustees, local occupational license fees and taxes, and a food-is-medicine resolution. The House also communicated passage of House Bills 176, 178, and 280 and requested concurrence. Committee reports advanced Senate Bill 39, Senate Bill 181 with a committee substitute, Senate Bill 17 with a committee substitute and title amendment, and Senate Bill 34. The chamber then took up and passed Senate Bill 13, which would allow military installations to have ex officio representation on nearby planning and zoning bodies to improve communication about land use near bases. It passed 37-0. Senate Bill 46, concerning school transportation, was amended by committee substitute to require background checks and drug testing for drivers of school vans and to extend van use to 10-passenger vehicles; it passed 37-0 after a brief clarification about the amendment’s display in the system. Senate Bill 22, expanding the dual credit scholarship program to support a teacher apprenticeship pathway, was amended to require a 2.75 GPA and then passed 36-1 after questions about employment status and liability; the sponsor explained it would help address teacher shortages and reduce student debt. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 90, which extends the behavioral health conditional dismissal pilot program from 2027 to 2031 to continue offering treatment-based alternatives to incarceration for eligible low-level offenders; it passed 37-0. Senate Bill 51, a proposed constitutional change to freeze property tax assessment increases for homeowners age 65 and older on their primary residence, also passed 37-0. Senate Bill 30 was passed over but retained its place in the orders of the day. The rules committee later posted Senate Bills 27, 40, and 76 for the next day, and the Committee on Committees referred Senate Bill 109 to Licensing and Occupations, Senate Bill 68 to State and Local Government, and Senate Resolutions 45 and 46 to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• January 30, 2006, the Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that the Senate Journal for the proceedings
• Senate Resolution 113 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing.
• The Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that Senate Joint Memorial 108, Senate Concurrent Resolutions
• Senate Bills 1244, 1245, 1246, and 1247 will all be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for
• In the Senate, Senate Bill 1226 by the Judiciary and Rules Committee.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the prior day’s journal as corrected. Leadership announced that gubernatorial appointments would be taken up Monday and that only one bill would be considered in the 13th order that day. In the fifth order, Senate Resolution 113 was introduced by the State Affairs Committee; it condemns political violence and honors victims, and was referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing. Committee reports and bill introductions followed. The Judiciary and Rules Committee reported several measures correctly printed and referred them to the appropriate committees, and the Commerce and Human Resources Committee reported Senate Bill 1221 do pass. In first reading, the Senate received Senate Bills 1244 through 1247, covering regional library systems, education funding and related school policy, law enforcement officers and facial coverings, and E-Verify requirements for employers; these were referred to Judiciary and Rules for printing. Second-reading bills 1227, 1226, and 1225 as amended were advanced to third reading. The Senate then considered Senate Bill 1222, which revises domestic well provisions and clarifies the definition of “subdivision” for purposes of the domestic well exemption. Senator Anthony said the bill was intended to correct how last year’s changes were being applied, especially to already-developed subdivisions, and to make the law apply prospectively. After brief debate, the bill passed the Senate by a vote of 29 in favor with six absent, and was transmitted to the House. During miscellaneous business, senators introduced guests and announced a 10:30 farewell ceremony for the Liberty Bell on the Capitol steps, including a final ceremonial ringing before refurbishment. The Senate also adjourned by motion until 11 a.m. Monday, February 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is absolutely appropriate.
• Referred to the Judiciary Committee.
• Referred to the Judiciary Committee.
• Referred to the Judiciary Committee.
• Referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Keywords: 977, all