Transcript Highlights:

• Just fast-tracking Trump's racist agenda to get his approval so that we can put it back on, so he can
• Well, what economic engines? What district? What congressional member?
• The partisan piece in terms of taking economic engines out, and if it's not a partisan issue, then why
• If you approve this map, it will be one more nail in the coffin of democracy.
• I'm a biomedical engineer, newly... I graduated from UT Austin. Hook 'em!

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:22.880> engines<00:19:23.679> on by internal combustion engine engines on by
• internal combustion engine engines on any<00:19:24.240> property<00:19:24.640> within<
• internal combustion engines emit internal combustion engines emit omissions other<00:54:38.640> than
• the uh um internal combustion engines the uh um internal combustion engines and<00:56:31.359> may<
• , engineers, engineers, the<02:19:12.559> board<02:19:12.719> of<02:19:12.960> selectmen

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• independent engineer too as well. independent engineer too as well. >> Yeah.
• PUC approved. PUC approved. >> Is<00:54:19.599> that<00:54:20.240> correct?
• and coupled with then um engineering and coupled with then um engineering designs<01:45:54.719><
• This is the committee did approve.
• nationalmies of science engineering nationalmies of science engineering medicine<01:58:20.080>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard SB 2694 SD2, which would authorize the Public Utilities Commission to create automatic adjustment mechanisms for water carriers, including a water carrier inflationary cost index, and to waive certain requirements under the Hawaii Water Carrier Act. Testimony was sharply divided. The Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and several shipping, harbor, labor, and business-related supporters argued the bill would modernize regulation, reduce the need for large catch-up rate cases, and help keep rates aligned with rising costs. Young Brothers said its current rate-setting process is expensive and delayed, and that annual adjustments with guardrails such as a 5% cap and periodic full reviews would support sustainable operations and the state’s supply chain. Some supporters also said the company’s less-than-container-load service and required inter-island routes create costs that are not fully covered by current rates. Opponents, including the Consumer Advocate, the Maui Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Food Industry Association, restaurant and chamber groups, and other businesses, argued the bill would lead to higher costs for consumers and businesses and should not move forward. Several testified that shipping costs already significantly affect pricing and that automatic increases would worsen the cost of living. The Consumer Advocate said Young Brothers should focus on cost control and implementing its business plan rather than automatic rate increases. The Maui Chamber and others pointed to a recent PUC decision that imposed a two-year stay on rate increases and said the bill would undermine that protection. Some opponents urged the committee to defer to the PUC’s regulatory authority. The PUC explained that it regulates water carriers as public utilities under existing statute and said it had recently approved a temporary rate increase while imposing a two-year stayout period on further increases, with emergency relief still possible. PUC members said they were still examining whether they have authority to adopt the proposed WICI mechanism by rule and wanted legislative clarity. In response to questions, the PUC said it prefers the current two-year stayout as reflected in its order. Young Brothers also clarified that it serves less-than-container-load cargo, that some routes and services are cross-subsidized because they are not profitable, and that an independent observer is being put in place to monitor implementation of its updated business plan. The transcript ended with the committee still taking questions; no final vote or disposition on the bill was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires architecture engineer analysis when MDH permit conditions.
• It requires architecture engineer analysis when MDH permit conditions.
• requires architecture engineer analysis requires architecture engineer analysis when<00:13:36.000
• Well, if the thought is that they would need approval of the IHL board, I mean the approval of the board
• I mean the the approval of the IHL I mean the the approval<00:17:33.600> of<00:17:33.760>

Keywords: Public Property - Room 409, 29 January, 2026; 2:30 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The Public Property Committee held its organizational meeting and elected Senator Ladner as secretary. It then took up Senate Bill 2203, which would centralize leasing authority for state agencies in privately owned space under DFA and, when cheaper, move certain agencies into the capital complex area to encourage consolidation and cost savings. Senator Seymour questioned specific references in the bill, including a corporation mentioned in current law and whether the measure could affect ports, the Gulf Coast Coliseum, universities, community colleges, or local offices outside Metro Jackson. Blunt said the bill was intended only for state agencies in the Metro Jackson area and not for local county offices or other institutions, and he later identified the corporation reference as the Mississippi Home Corporation. The committee adopted a title-sufficient do-pass motion and reported the bill out. The committee next considered a bill by Senator Hobson authorizing the Soil and Water Conservation Commission to construct a levee project in Yazoo County using federal funds, at an estimated cost of more than $100 million. Hobson said the project would address significant flooding and complete a portion of levee work near Carter and Satartia. With no questions, the committee again adopted a title-sufficient do-pass motion and reported the bill out. Senator Williams then presented Senate Bill 2594, the Mississippi Antiquities Law bill, which would streamline demolition of abandoned, vacant, or blighted buildings on public university and community college campuses while preserving historic properties. He said the measure would require coordination with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, define blight, require engineering analysis in some cases, and give MDH 90 days to respond before demolition or further inspection proceeds. Several senators raised concerns that the bill’s language was too broad, especially the definitions of blight and other causes, and that it might let institutions tear down too much without sufficient oversight. Williams said the bill was meant to balance preservation with practical needs and agreed to work on a floor amendment to tighten the language. The committee then voted to report the bill out. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2340, authorizing DFA to sell, lease, or convey the former DPS property at 1900 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue in Jackson. The committee substitute would direct proceeds to the general fund rather than DPS, while preserving mineral rights, allowing repurchase under certain conditions, and requiring DFA review of proposals. Senators discussed possible redevelopment uses, including University Medical Center, and the bill’s restrictions on uses such as heavy industrial, adult entertainment, casinos, liquor stores, and solid waste facilities. No final vote on this bill was reflected in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll go to the approval of the minutes.
• Representative Pursell, if you had a chance to review the minutes, I have't—I moved their approval.
• [Ayes] Motion carries, and the minutes are approved.
• Coast Guard approved.
• <00:57:06.160> or<00:57:06.720> we approved the bill is is approved or we approved

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the engine that draws people in to different opportunities to be exposed to marketing and other
• We have streamlined approval procedures and insurance proceed utilization in place.
• We have streamlined approval procedures and insurance proceed utilization in place.
• Both the CSU Board of Trustees and the governing board of the nonprofit school must approve the pilot
• Both the CSU Board of Trustees and the governing board of the nonprofit school must approve the pilot

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 41 by Senator Wiener, which would regulate pharmacy benefit managers by increasing transparency, banning patient steering and spread pricing, and requiring full pass-through of rebates. Supporters, including independent pharmacists and health advocates, said PBM practices are driving up drug costs and closing neighborhood pharmacies. Opponents from PBM and health plan groups argued the bill overlaps with recently enacted licensing and reporting requirements, would not lower consumer prices, and may be preempted by ERISA. Members discussed confidentiality issues, consumer savings, and the relationship between SB 41 and the new budget trailer bill; the author asked for an aye vote. The committee then took up SB 378, also by Senator Wiener, aimed at online marketplaces that advertise illegal intoxicating hemp and unlicensed cannabis products. Supporters from labor, public health, and the licensed cannabis industry said online sales are undermining regulated businesses and exposing children to unsafe products. Opponents from tech and hemp industry groups warned the bill is overbroad, could sweep in general-purpose platforms and lawful hemp wellness products, and raises Dormant Commerce Clause and First Amendment concerns. The author said he would narrow the bill, remove industrial hemp references, and address strict liability and standing issues; members largely focused on how to target illegal products without capturing lawful marketplaces. SB 243 by Senator Padilla addressed AI companion chatbots, with supporters including Common Sense Media and transparency advocates warning that these systems can be addictive, manipulative, and dangerous for minors and vulnerable users, citing studies and the death of a Florida teenager. The bill would require disclosures, anti-addiction design limits, self-harm protocols, audits, reporting, and a private right of action. Tech and business groups opposed the measure as overly broad and said its definitions could sweep in general-purpose AI tools; several members supported the goal but questioned the breadth of the definitions and the private right of action. Finally, SB 522 by Senator Wahab would extend just-cause eviction protections to rental units that were previously covered by the Tenant Protection Act but were destroyed in disasters and later rebuilt. Supporters, including Los Angeles city officials and tenant advocates, said the bill would help keep displaced renters housed after wildfires and other disasters. Apartment and realtor groups opposed it, arguing it would remove a key exemption needed to finance rebuilding and could discourage post-disaster reconstruction. Members expressed support for tenant protections in disaster areas, and the author asked for an aye vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• It defines vertiport in statute and directs DOT to expeditiously approve vertiport licensing.
• So what we do know is that when this does happen, it isn't like a regular car combustible engine fire
• What we do know is that when this does happen, it isn't like a regular car combustible engine fire.
• Are EVs more expensive to insure than an internal combustion engine? And the answer is yes.
• It authorizes FDOT to require local governments... ...may not withhold land use approval for a drone

Bills: S0260, S1220, S1352, S1362, S1370

Keywords: electric vehicle, EV, battery fire, lithium-ion battery, towing, wrecker service, vehicle storage, submerged vehicle, saltwater damage, fire marshal, fire safety, tow yard, impound, storage fee, administration fee, local ordinance, county ordinance, municipal ordinance, insurance coverage, motor vehicle insurer

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard several bills, beginning with SB 1362 on advanced air mobility. Senator Harrell described the bill as a framework for vertiports and eVTOL aircraft, but an amendment removed the sales tax exemptions and narrowed the sovereign immunity provisions to vertiports co-located at airports. Supporters said the bill would help Florida lead in emerging aviation technology, while opponents and some members raised concerns about safety, local control, and extending immunity to unproven facilities. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered SB 260 on storage of damaged electric vehicles. The bill, as amended, would allow local governments to set a daily administrative fee of up to three times the normal rate for storing EVs with visible battery damage or saltwater intrusion, reflecting fire-safety spacing requirements. Testimony from insurers, towing interests, and fleet operators focused on whether the fee was justified, whether cleanup language could lead to cost shifting, and whether more data reporting should be required. The amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. Members then approved SB 1352, which creates a secure online portal for license plate seizures and related DMV functions, preserves disabled veterans’ plate designations, prohibits license plate covers that obscure plates, and routes online license and ID renewals through county tax collectors. SB 1370 was also reported favorably; it closes a loophole so drivers who never obtained a license can still face habitual traffic offender penalties after repeated offenses. Finally, the committee took up SB 1220, a broad FDOT transportation package. After amendment, it retained provisions on trails, SunTrail, seaports, airports, drone delivery, autonomous vehicle protections, and FDOT coordination on federal funding, while removing the digital driver’s license provision and the rapid rail compact language. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not going to tolerate the businesses sitting around waiting for approval.
• And the projects that have been approved...
• and it deviated from ABEST and didn't properly approve one measure.
• It'll come through our commission for approval, but it's basically just approved their rates for the
• 10th and February 28th they will meet again to consider approving more grants.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards

Summary: The committee first heard the Legislative Budget Board and Secretary of State Jane Nelson on the Secretary of State budget. LBB said the recommendation would reduce the agency’s appropriation by about $40.3 million overall, with major changes including removing federal HAVA funding and one-time business system replacement money, adjusting the agency’s base request, deleting an outdated Interstate Crosscheck rider, and directing HAVA funds to be drawn down first. Secretary Nelson and staff defended the agency’s needs, emphasizing election security, business filings, international protocol, and the Texas Register, and requested additional staff, a new website, digitization of records, IT and cybersecurity upgrades, and renovation of the Rudder Building. Senators discussed voter-roll maintenance, cross-checking data, call-center response times, and the need for online voter registration and more efficient election administration. No votes were taken. The committee then took up the Office of the Governor and trustee programs. LBB outlined a $2.4 million decrease for the office proper and a much larger decrease in trustee programs, driven by unexpended balances and the removal of one-time federal and border-security items, while noting continued funding for disaster response, victim assistance, and $2.9 billion for border security at roughly the prior level. Governor’s staff said Texas remains focused on border security, economic development, and public safety, and discussed efforts to seek federal reimbursement for prior border spending. Members asked about the National Guard’s status, possible federal assumption of border costs, the music incubator program, the Semiconductor Innovation Consortium, the Governor’s University Research Initiative, defense economic adjustment grants, and a new $5 million nonprofit security grant proposal. Staff said the semiconductor program has 12 approved projects totaling about 948 jobs and $17 billion in capital investment, and that the nonprofit security request was added late to address threats to houses of worship and other nonprofits. No formal action was taken. Finally, the committee heard the Texas Facilities Commission and lease-payment recommendations. LBB said the Facilities Commission recommendation would reduce appropriations by about $2.0 billion, mainly by removing border wall construction funding and capital complex bond funding, while adding money for higher utility costs, Rudder Building refurbishment, and additional staff. The lease-payment recommendation would decrease general revenue by $9.3 million. LBB also noted new riders related to completing the State Library and Archives building, tenant communication during disruptions, and a space-utilization report. In agency testimony, members asked about border wall maintenance responsibility, total facilities-related debt, and the status of capital complex construction. The Rudder Building renovation and related security needs were repeatedly discussed as important one-time infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• into law, the funding would be approved. into law, the funding would be approved.
• The Department of Construction has evaluated all of them and approved them.
• Those five approved them, and here's where we're at.
• <01:28:46.639> or if we're going to get the approval or if we're going to get the approval
• Um, then it is either approved by our state construction department or not, and then it is approved by

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pursuant to House Rule 3, I've examined and approved the Journal of the House of Delegates for Wednesday
• education, and as someone who has earned degrees in engineering and later served as an engineering academic
• The pre-approval and step therapy requirements are removed, so I move that we pass the bill.
• This bill codifies the MEI Commission-approved economic development project for OVO to produce solid
• And so I hope that the body will approve the Senate amendments.

Keywords: March 12, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m the state maintenance engineer for the Department of Transportation.
• to then approve it um which<01:27:09.639> just<01:27:09.840> in<01:27:10.000> its
• But part of it is that the process of getting approval to build houses has gotten to be just absurdly
• But part of it is that the process of getting approval to build houses has gotten to be just absurdly
• additionally Architects and engineers additionally Architects and engineers don't<03:08:17.840><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hernandez for any comments on items for MNERD or the State Engineer.
• Chair, I won't hit all of the individual Office of State Engineer items, but the Executive recommended
• I believe because that's been used for operating The sort of ask from the Office of the State Engineer
• And then again, following up on yesterday with the State Engineer, I said we should at least put $2.5
• You know, they're really working overtime, our State Engineer and, Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the certifier would actually go through and make “Approved.
• There’s not a big review process at the city and it being automatically deemed approved.
• The board authority to approve a sponsoring entity was also struck from the bill last week.
• Senators, this bill should not be approved today.
• There is no internationally approved licensing type of approach.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to expand the approved list of products as well.
• That has to be approved by the FDA.
• However, there is no plan and no engineering in place.
• The funding has already been approved to go to Mexico for that plant.
• Secondly, at this time, there are no USDA-approved products.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And, uh, we do go ahead and call the meeting to order and approval of minutes.
• The authority acquired Locks 1 through 4 in February of 2024 from the Army Corps of Engineers.
• So the Corps of Engineers has nothing to do with this anymore, correct?
• Um so the core of engineers very much.
• So y'all are completely separate from the Corps of Engineers.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:30 Office of the Attorney General 00:01:50 Kentucky River Authority 00:12:50, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met without a quorum at first, then heard an update on child exploitation enforcement efforts from the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Criminal Investigations. The presenters described the specialized investigation and prosecution unit funded in House Bill 6, saying the added resources allowed them to hire four staff members and expand work on cyber tips, search warrants, arrests, forensic processing, victim advocacy, and training for local law enforcement. They highlighted a recent rescue of a 5-year-old victim from a Discord-related case and said the office had also filed a civil lawsuit against Roblox, alleging the platform lacked adequate age verification and allowed predators access to children. Senators asked about the lawsuit, and the presenters said Kentucky was one of only two states to sue Roblox and that the complaint was based on evidence collected by the office. The committee then received an update from the Kentucky River Authority on lock and dam repairs funded in the 2024-2026 budget. The authority reported progress on three capital projects: upper guide repairs at Locks 2 and 3, design and repair work at Dam 7, and design work to reopen Lock 5 for navigation. Officials explained that river construction is limited by flooding and fish-spawn restrictions, and they described the engineering and safety issues involved in replacing guide walls and repairing Dam 7’s spillway. They also said the authority had demolished three obsolete lockmaster houses and filled a fifth lockmaster position, while continuing to work on pay retention for those employees. Members asked about the transfer of the lock and dam properties from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the permitting process through the Division of Water, and the timeline for reopening navigation. The authority said the Corps had transferred the properties to Kentucky, that permits for river work are handled through the Division of Water and the Army Corps, and that Locks 1 through 4 are open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through the end of October. Officials said Lock 5 would add 14 miles of navigation if reopened, but that it would still take a few more years before that project is complete.

Transcript Highlights:

• The FDA approved.
• Capillary, a senior engineer who will be speaking in support of AB 773. Go ahead.
• Part of the issue is that DPR approves copper-based anti-fouling paint to be sold in California.
• This is do you pass to the committee on approval?
• These industrially engineered foods are not. simply delicious.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that sets the approved in the fall.
• Social engineering is big.
• That's how they get their entry is usually through a social engineering attack, and they are so good
• Social engineering<00:44:06.160> is<00:44:06.360> big.
• That's how they get engineering is big.

Keywords: Meeting Start - 00:00 Roll Call – 00:34 KY Chamber of Commerce KY Business Perspectives – 01:50 COT Update on SB4 – 27:16 Adjournment – 48:18, 958, all

Summary: The 2025 Artificial Intelligence Task Force met for its first meeting of the year and heard updates on federal AI policy, state implementation of Senate Bill 4, and the business community’s perspective on AI regulation. Co-chairs noted that federal legislation could affect the task force’s work later in the year, but said Kentucky still has significant issues to study, including energy, land use, education, social media, and children’s engagement with AI. The task force had quorum and no votes were taken. Kate Shanks of the Kentucky Chamber said the business community supports continued discussion but favors a federal approach over a patchwork of state laws. She described the Trump administration’s new AI executive order as emphasizing innovation over regulation, noted the pending federal AI action plan, and discussed congressional action including the Take It Down Act and industry-specific changes to existing laws. She warned that state-by-state AI rules could increase costs and burden businesses, and said the Chamber would prefer incremental, flexible policy that avoids conflict with existing law and limits private rights of action. Members asked about uniform model legislation, education uses of AI, and civil liability; Shanks said a model approach could help avoid fragmentation and that liability should generally be handled through consumer-protection-style enforcement rather than broad litigation. The Commonwealth Office of Technology then reported on implementation of SB 4, saying it has worked with industry, agencies, other states, and vendors to build an AI policy framework now in final review. Officials said an AI Governance Committee has been established and will meet in July, and a draft RFP is being prepared to meet the bill’s tracking and documentation requirements. They said no major implementation challenges have been identified so far, but the impact of pending federal rules remains uncertain. Members also discussed the need to educate students and teachers about AI, with one member emphasizing that schools should teach both how to use AI and how to think critically about information online.

Transcript Highlights:

• approved. Senator Crum, chairman. approved. Senator Crum, chairman.
• So if you need a loan, you know where to go. economic engine go and and really hum economic engine go
• approve of that message. approve of that message.
• Engineer Surface and Groundwater Study. Engineer Surface and Groundwater Study.
• <01:28:54.960> Groundwater State Engineer Surface and Groundwater State Engineer Surface and

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just attending to get approved. Thank you very much for making yourself available.
• I'm just attending to get approved. Hello, Chair and members of the committee.
• As an engineer, you know, sometimes him.
• ,<00:52:49.560> auditors, research analysts, engineers, auditors, research analysts, engineers
• And because of that approval, a lot of investors put a ton of money in Kukonua.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard and considered a long list of Governor’s messages for appointments to state boards and commissions, including the Board of Dentistry, Barbering and Cosmetology, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, Elevator Mechanics Licensing Board, Real Estate Commission, Board of Naturopathic Medicine, State Boxing Commission, Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects, Hawaii Medical Board, Board of Physical Therapy, Board of Pharmacy, and the Public Utilities Commission. Most nominees and supporting agencies testified in support, and many nominees simply stood on their written testimony. Several nominees also answered questions about their experience and the issues facing their boards, including dental insurance and Medicaid concerns, condo and real estate disputes, pharmacy regulation and telepharmacy, boxing and MMA rule updates, and medical board service in rural areas. The committee discussed some contested or notable nominations in more detail. Richard Emery’s nomination to the Real Estate Commission drew opposition testimony tied to a condo management dispute, and he responded by emphasizing the need for factual evidence, mediation and complaint data, and better consumer education. Trinette Kahui and Andrea Ushijima were also nominated to the Real Estate Commission, with broad support. For the Boxing Commission, Robin Jumawan described ongoing statutory updates, MMA-related work, and delegation of amateur boxing rules. For the Hawaii Medical Board, Elizabeth Ignacio was strongly endorsed by state and industry witnesses as highly qualified and familiar with rural health issues, while Rebecca Sawai also received support from the board and Kaiser Permanente. In the decision-making portion, the committee moved to advise and consent to nearly all nominees on the agenda. Senator McKelvey stated reservations about Richard Emery due to opposition and possible conflicts, and also about nominees who were not present at the hearing, specifically Corrine Muldrow Soto and Stacie Kealoha Inouye; Senator Lamasao also noted reservations on those absent nominees. The chair disclosed personal acquaintance with Dr. Sawai and Andrea Ushijima. The committee then voted to adopt the recommendations, with the noted reservations and one no vote on GM 697 reflected in the record, and later reconvened to take up Governor’s Message 514/515 for John Etemura as chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission, where additional support testimony was heard from the Governor’s office, DCCA, and former consumer advocacy staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:34:12.240> and came in um as the engineers and came in um as the engineers and contractors
• Ke stepping in as engineer, the board that we put together, the resolve that we had.
• The permit delays, wastewater, water approvals, it could be Department of Health, right?
• <01:16:09.679> from because we all got to get approvals from because we all got to get approvals
• better job of getting permits approved better job of getting permits approved and<01:29:34.400><

Keywords: 910, house, all