Transcript Highlights:

• bill.
• explain the bill.
• The duties of our lawmakers are to draft bills that address the issues of all of our constituents, not
• I pay my bills.
• We are neutral on the bill, but we have significant concerns about the bill, the way it is drafted.

Bills: HB15, HB171, HB204

Keywords: flood risk, campground, safety regulations, civil penalty, guest safety, Harris County, flood control, governance, expansion, public health, local governance, environmental management

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to just let our bill authors wrap up the bill and final comments.
• I'm going to just let our bill authors wrap up the bill and final comments.
• I'm going to just let our bill authors wrap up the bill and final comments.
• I'm going to just let our bill authors wrap up the bill and final comments.
• to uh just let our our bill authors wrap up<00:23:14.400> the<00:23:14.559> bill<00:23:

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 107, a proposal by Representatives Norris and Witty to provide a $5 million grant through Explore Minnesota to help cover costs of hosting the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship in St. Paul and Minneapolis. The authors and supporters described Minnesota’s hockey culture, the tournament’s international profile, and expected benefits, including about 250,000 spectators, a projected $75 million economic impact, and broader tourism and exposure for communities across the state. Testimony in support came from hockey legend Lou Nanne, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, and Wendy Blackshaw of Minnesota Sports and Events. Nanne called the tournament a major opportunity to showcase Minnesota and said it should be viewed as an income generator. Carter emphasized the event’s prestige and the chance to boost St. Paul’s economy and reputation as a hockey destination. Blackshaw said the funding would cover actual event expenses such as public safety, operations, venue costs, and transportation, and explained that without the grant, Minnesota Sports and Events would have to slow or pause bidding on future events such as gymnastics trials, NCAA wrestling, men’s basketball, the NFL draft, FIFA Women’s World Cup, and WWE events. Members asked questions about how much of the economic benefit would come from out-of-state visitors, how the $5 million figure was chosen, and what would happen if the grant were not approved. Blackshaw said the organization uses University of Minnesota economic studies and ticket-sales analysis to estimate visitor spending, and said the $5 million would pay for World Juniors expenses while ticket revenue would support future events. The chair noted the bill would be held over for further consideration, and no vote was taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of these bills are bills that we've seen previously in the General Laws Housing Subcommittee, which
• Senate Bill 349, studying rent fees in Virginia.
• This is draft language.
• So we did not include that in our bill.
• Senator Bennett Parker's bill did a lot of that.

Keywords: Virginia Housing Commission - Fees in Residential Rental Agreements Workgroup, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have several bills and a couple of House bills and House resolutions scheduled for consideration today
• The first bill to be considered this morning is House Bill 732-FN, and I'll recognize the prime sponsor
• That is the intent of this bill.
• of fact I had intended to bring a bill of fact I had intended to bring a bill uh<02:22:08.720>
• like me to but I know why it's drafted like me to but I know why it's drafted this<03:44:18.279>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask the future bill hearings of both modernization project and We Vision be given evening hearings
• The language in the draft materials.
• from the draft.
• draft three, the most important part of standards are removed.
• qualifications are no longer in draft. qualifications are no longer in draft.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The presentation focused on Think Small’s recommendations for Minnesota child care licensing modernization, including a proposed three-tier system for early care and education: unregulated “trusted caregivers,” state-licensed health and safety programs, and “recognized” early care and education programs that would pursue board-approved quality pathways. Dr. Nicole Smarillo said the recommendations came from an extensive engagement process with providers and field experts, and emphasized that the goal is not deregulation but a right-sized system with clearer funding aligned to state expectations, a reduced and more health-and-safety-focused licensing framework, and a profession-led quality system with multiple pathways rather than a single rating model. A major recommendation was creating a Minnesota Board of Early Care and Education with real decision-making power, made up of providers, families, and experts. The board would set quality expectations, approve multiple recognition pathways, address professional qualifications, advise on funding and supports, and monitor policy impacts on child outcomes, supply, and workforce stability. Presenters said the current Parent Aware system would be replaced in this future model, and that programs would have a roadmap from health-and-safety licensing to a time-limited candidate status and then to recognized program status. Several providers testified in support of the framework. Shauna Maranovich said the process welcomed field voices and produced recommendations grounded in proximity expertise. Cindy Cunningham, a licensed family child care provider, said the proposal reflected provider feedback, supported a Minnesota-specific model, and would separate health and safety licensing from quality improvement while reducing fear-based enforcement. Maria Harms, a child care center operator, said current licensing is overly burdensome and that the board and multiple pathways would better reflect day-to-day practice and reduce silos across program types. Candace Yates of Child Care Aware of Minnesota supported aligning supports with quality pathways and said the system needs a shared floor for quality and more continuous, less fragmented support. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• is a good bill.
• Essentially, the bill only ends up adding B and C, basically.
• We're removing A from the bill, and then we're also removing from the bill lines 11 through 16, but that
• removing it from the bill. removing it from the bill.
• We're removing from the bill >> Correct.

Bills: SF0121

Keywords: pharmacy, collaborative care, healthcare, prescriptions, patient safety, Wyoming Pharmacy Act, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• testimony with comments on this bill. testimony with comments on this bill.
• So this bill would change all that. So this bill would change all that.
• Bill 608. Members, uh this is a bill Bill 608.
• bill? bill?
• . bill. bill.

Bills: SB3240

Keywords: defense, workforce development, local business, manufacturing, federal funding, economic resilience, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety-related measures and indicated at the outset that, because of short notice, the bills would likely be deferred to the later decision-making agenda. On SB 2645 relating to fire prevention, the bill would restructure the process for selecting the State Fire Marshal and make related changes to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The Governor’s office, the State Fire Marshal’s office, the Hawaii State Fire Council, DLNR, Maui Fire Department, AIA Hawaii State Council, and others testified, with DLNR supporting most of the bill but opposing the provision changing the marshal’s nomination process to a governor appointee. In questions, members reviewed the relationship between the State Fire Council, the commission, and the marshal, and the Governor’s office clarified that it supported the overall intent but wanted the commission to remain the sole appointing entity. The bill was not voted on in the hearing. The committee then heard SB 3083 relating to protective orders, with support from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the judiciary, the Hawaii National Guard, the Military and Community Relations Office, DBED, and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Members focused on whether the draft reflected language worked out with the judiciary and whether the bill addressed a previously identified gap in implementation. The Military and Community Relations Office said it had worked with the judiciary on amendments and wanted to ensure the statute created a collaborative process with installation partners and law enforcement. The witness also said the draft appeared to reflect the agreed language, though he noted there were multiple bills moving and that technical amendments might still be needed. No action was taken during the hearing. SB 608 relating to veterans’ rights and benefits drew both support and opposition. Support came from the Hawaii Office of Veterans Services, Veterans Benefits Guide, Aloha Independent Living Hawaii, and individual veterans and service members, who argued the bill would improve access to claims assistance and provide choice and faster help for veterans. Opposition came from the VFW Department of Hawaii and the Veterans Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, which argued the bill should be amended to align with federal law, especially on accreditation and fee caps. Testimony and questioning centered on whether third-party claims assistance should be regulated, whether fee caps are preempted by federal law, and whether there was evidence of fraud tied to non-accredited representatives. Supporters said the bill would help veterans navigate a slow system, while opponents said accredited representatives are accountable and that the bill should be narrowed. The committee also heard SB 2054 relating to public safety, which would prohibit the Hawaii National Guard from deploying to assist federal troops, federal law enforcement, or other states’ National Guard units in Hawaii when the governor objects. The Hawaii National Guard opposed the bill, while the ACLU of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and numerous other organizations and individuals supported it, arguing it would protect civil liberties and prevent federal overreach. The hearing ended without a vote or final action on these measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is in the bill.
• the bill provisions, Mr. Chair. the bill provisions, Mr. Chair.
• I understand that if this bill<00:36:15.000> proceeds, bill proceeds, bill proceeds, it<00:36:
• bill would take that away. bill would take that away.
• I think this bill forward this bill.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We go get legislative counsel to write us a bill. We pass it through.
• On the Senate floor to weaken this bill.
• And I believe in this House Bill 5.
• , to my experience, he did not have at all on this bill.
• bill through.

Transcript Highlights:

• or we ask for a bill to be dropped during the session.
• or we ask for a before we drop a bill or we ask for a drop<00:52:59.119> a<00:52:59.280> bill
• Um, and what the bill or act, all that kind of what the bill or act, all that kind of stuff<01:03:30.079
• It was it was in that climate um uh bill It was it was in that climate um uh bill about<01:05:10.880
• that, you know, we passed the um bill that, you know, we passed the um bill this<01:47:50.800>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s work under the Navah settlement, which was described as a first-of-its-kind climate agreement tied to the state’s constitutional public trust and clean-environment obligations. Speakers said the settlement was intended to accelerate progress toward Hawaii’s 2030 and 2045 clean energy goals, especially by addressing transportation, the state’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. They emphasized that the agreement formalizes milestones, reduces dependence on changing administrations, and includes a role for the legislature alongside the courts and executive branch. DOT and Earthjustice representatives outlined the main settlement deliverables: creation of a new Office of Energy Security and Community Outreach, formation of a youth council, and development of an emissions reduction plan that will be updated over time. They also highlighted a new project-level greenhouse gas/VMT scoring tool, described as the first of its kind in the nation for DOT-wide use, to evaluate the climate impact of transportation projects. The presentation tied these efforts to prior legislative actions, including the state’s climate emergency declaration, net-zero/net-negative targets, and Act 131’s requirements for multimodal network planning and emissions reporting. A substantial portion of the briefing was devoted to the youth council, which reported 20 members selected from 83 applicants, representation from across the islands, and work on bylaws, committees, and outreach. Youth members described feedback they gave on the energy security plan, a student leadership summit presentation, and future plans to meet with legislators and participate in the Climate Future Forum. DOT also said the settlement’s transportation strategies include clean fuels, electrification, aviation sustainable aviation fuel, marine shore power, and carbon sequestration, including expanded native tree planting and fire mitigation work. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the briefing. Members discussed implementation challenges, including cost and supply constraints for aviation and marine decarbonization, but DOT said industry stakeholders were not rejecting the goals, only raising affordability and timing concerns. Officials also noted that a GIS map for network gaps was in development and that the settlement’s pedestrian, bike, and transit connectivity requirement would compress roughly 15 years of work into five years, with an estimated annual commitment of $40 million to $50 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh the bill was presentation today.
• <00:19:24.960> that's best practices with a bill that's best practices with a bill that's
• beginning in drafting a bill that will eliminate roadblocks to compassionate release and stop Hawaii
• <00:25:46.320> eliminate drafting a bill that will eliminate drafting a bill that will eliminate
• process and their support of this bill. process and their support of this bill.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing on best practices for medical or compassionate release programs used by correctional systems nationwide and how Hawaii’s current approach compares. Kristen Johnson of the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission introduced Molly Crane of Families for Justice Reform, noting that the commission, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Hawaii Paroling Authority have all been involved in developing proposed legislation, though the bill itself was written by community advocate Bob Merse. Crane described FAM’s work on justice reform and said the group has studied compassionate release programs across the country, including federal reforms, to help Hawaii align with best practices. Crane argued that compassionate release is intended for people who are too ill or cognitively impaired to pose a public-safety risk and who are often the most expensive and resource-intensive people to incarcerate. She said Hawaii is the only state without a compassionate release statute and currently relies on an agency policy, which she described as complex and slow. She cited examples of severe medical cases in custody, including people with advanced dementia, multiple sclerosis, kidney failure, and hospice needs, and said the burden on correctional medical staff, overtime, off-site transport, and specialized care can consume a disproportionate share of staff time and state resources. She also said the recidivism rate for this population is under 1 percent, citing Vera Institute research. Members asked about the source of the recidivism figure, how a statute would streamline the process, and why the issue had not advanced in the past. Crane said the proposed bill would reduce layers in the process by moving cases from the medical director to the director and then to the Hawaii Paroling Authority, with a target timeline of about 30 business days from petition to hearing. Johnson said prior efforts failed in part because the agencies most affected were not included early in drafting and revision, and she said one attempt was vetoed, another was removed in conference committee, and another passed one chamber but did not advance. Johnson also explained that incarcerated people’s medical care is paid entirely by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, with no private insurance or Medicaid/Medicare coverage while incarcerated, making severe cases a direct burden on state funds. No votes or formal actions were taken because the briefing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, first up, the only item on the agenda is HC 144, House Draft 2.
• HC 144, House Draft 2, asks the Department of Agriculture to collaborate with state and county agencies
• recommendation of this committee is, given the testimony, we want to keep this resolution going the way it is drafted
• , so the recommendation will be for HCR 144, House Draft 2, to go ahead and go as is.
• So, recommendation HCR 144, House Draft 2, is as is. Questions, comments?

Bills: HCR144

Keywords: food security, Hawaii, agriculture, community organizations, nutritional access, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Government Operations and Agriculture and Environment hearing on April 16, 2020 considered only HCR 144, House Draft 2, which asks the Department of Agriculture to work with state and county agencies and community-based organizations to develop a comprehensive statewide food strategy. Testimony was generally supportive: the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity supported the measure, as did Kanaloani Ohana Farm, the Farm Bureau, Ag Stewardship Hawaii, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. DBEDT submitted comments that were described as sounding more like opposition, citing existing efforts. No members of the public appeared to testify, and there were no questions from members. The Government Operations committee recommended the resolution pass as drafted, and members present voted aye. Because the Agriculture and Environment committee lacked quorum, its decision-making was rolled over to the next day, Friday, April 17, 2020 at 3:10 p.m. in CR 224. The chair noted that the measure had been adopted on the GVO side and, with the noticed time certain for the remaining committee action, the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The 2026 Governor's Budget proposes two bills, two trailer bill language proposals, to consolidate the
• And I think that that was struck through in the trailer bill.
• the climate credit in the four typically high-bill months.
• And just looking at 2020... ...helps customers who have an issue with their bill. They mis-billed.
• Well, I was talking earlier about Senate Bill 350 and Senate Bill 100, shifting the way we did our resource

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard a budget item on demand-side grid support and emergency load flexibility funding. The Department of Finance proposed redirecting General Fund money for summer 2026 to the CEC’s Demand-Side Grid Support program and using accumulated CalCHAP interest to support a successor ratepayer-funded demand response program for summers 2027 and 2028. The CEC and CPUC said they are working on a transition from DSGS to ELRP or an equivalent program, while the LAO said the proposal mainly presents a choice between keeping the money in General Fund savings or using it for DSGS. Members pressed the administration on why DSGS should be sunset when it has higher enrollment and lower administrative costs than ELRP, and on whether the state should continue funding demand response at all. The CPUC argued ELRP and DSGS are not directly comparable, said it is pursuing a broader demand flexibility rulemaking, and noted a decision on a successor program is expected in Q3 2026. No vote was taken in the excerpt, but members signaled interest in keeping DSGS funding at the CEC. The second item concerned trailer bill language for the transmission accelerator program under SB 254 and Proposition 4. GoBiz and IBank described a new financing structure for major transmission projects selected through CAISO’s competitive planning process, with about $26 million in administrative resources over five years. The LAO raised no specific concerns but emphasized that this is the Legislature’s first appropriation for a new program and that the final language should clearly reflect legislative intent. Members asked about state liability, ownership, and how the financing would lower ratepayer costs; staff explained that state financing would cover only a portion of large projects and could reduce the amount included in utility rate base, with estimated lifetime savings varying widely. Members also discussed offshore wind transmission needs and asked for an update on related Proposition 4 funding. The final item covered CEC and DPMO budget requests related to petroleum market oversight and supply stabilization. The CEC requested funding for additional positions to implement AB X2-1 and related fuel market monitoring work, while DPMO sought to make a data specialist position permanent. The LAO said it found the staffing requests justified. Members questioned why the work is funded through the Energy Resources Programs Account, whether staff from paused price-gouging work could be reassigned, and what evidence had been found of price gouging or market manipulation. CEC and DPMO said their work on reporting, analysis, and supply stabilization continues, that some staff are still working on related analyses, and that they are preparing further workshops and recommendations. The discussion also touched on refinery closures, gasoline imports, and the state’s changing fuel supply conditions, but no formal action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2587 is the bill. You're recognized to lay out your bill when you are prepared.
• You've got an important bill. The bill is Senate Bill 2401, and you're recognized on your bill.
• We're testifying on the bill. Our concerns with the bill are quite simple.
• 2858 and it turns the draft into a Legislative Council draft.
• Senate Bill.

Bills: SB324, SB1978, SB2139, SB2401, SB2587, SB2610, SB2858, SB3016

Keywords: E-verify, employment verification, state contracts, immigration, labor compliance, ERCOT, Texas electric grid, interconnection, Public Utility Commission, PUC, Public convenience and necessity, electric cooperative, municipally owned utility, electric utility, transmission, generation facilities, grid reliability, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, SERC

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any appearance forms for the bill? Is there debate on the bill as amended?
• That is the bill. Are there questions of the bill?
• I'm not sure or I don't recall exactly how the House bill as drafted were very different.
• And my question is the way that your bill is drafted, if a referendum was up for renewal on these tourist
• bill does.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, the consultation bill, House Bill 367 and Senate Bill 353, would have strengthened the process
• Let’s go to our third bill, the in-state tuition bill.
• The next bill we have is the Department of Energy Management Bill, House Bill 349, and Senate Bill 481
• His bill, Senate Bill 41, and McLaughlin had it in the House, House Bill 349.
• And that was my bill. And that was my bill. So I'm trying to remember what happened to that bill.

Keywords: Commission on Updating Virginia Law to Reflect Federal Recognition of Virginia Tribes, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, Senate Bill 53, which I have drafted and have before you today, informs this department that
• Uh let me get to Senate Bill 53. Okay. Uh let me get to Senate Bill 53.
• > we Senate Bill to House Bill 443 that we Senate Bill to House Bill 443 that we passed<00:02:
• bill.
• If there are bill.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:06 Attendance Roll Call: 00:11 SB 53 Discussion: 01:54 SB 53 Vote: 09:09 SB 192 Discussion: 10:15 SB 192 Vote: 13:42 HB 290 Discussion: 15:02 HB 290 Vote: 16:08 HB 314 Discussion: 16:45 HB 314 Vote: 19:38 Adjournment: 21:32, 958, all

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met with a quorum and considered three bills. Senate Bill 53, sponsored by Senator Thomas, addressed Fayette County planning and zoning procedures after a 2024 law was interpreted to limit public comment at certain hearings. Thomas, along with witnesses Walt Gaffield and Zachary Davis, argued the bill would clarify that residents have a right to speak for or against planning matters affecting their homes and neighborhoods. The committee voted favorably on SB 53, with all members present voting yes. The committee then took up Senate Bill 192, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would allow smaller cities to use agreed-upon procedures instead of full audits under certain conditions, with standards set by professional accounting rules and oversight by the Auditor of Public Accounts and the Department of Local Government. Supporters said the bill would help small and midsize cities facing audit costs and a shortage of auditors without reducing accountability. The committee adopted a substitute and passed SB 192 unanimously, with several members explaining their support. House Bill 290, sponsored by Representative Wilson, would change how county law library funds can be used, allowing bar associations to spend money on online legal research tools rather than only books. The sponsor said some local associations have unused funds and need more practical options. The committee passed HB 290 unanimously. Finally, House Bill 314, sponsored by Representative Lockett and Senator Williams, would reorganize oversight of the Kentucky Wired network by consolidating authority and personnel into the Commonwealth Office of Technology amid concerns about KCNA’s management. The bill drew criticism from Senator McDaniel, who called Kentucky Wired a boondoggle and questioned its costs, but the committee still passed HB 314 with favorable expression 9-2 and sent it to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our goal is to stay with about seven minutes on this bill, and our intent is to lay this bill over for
• This bill was originally... ...drafted from the moratorium, and there is a result of the moratorium that
• Go ahead, introduce your bill.
• Good bill, though. Good bill. Representative Liebling. Thank you, Mr.
• This bill would close that gap.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like bill, but the bill as it is.
• in the bill, the the rest of the bill in the bill, the the rest of the bill language<00:10:02.000
• this bill through? Would we stop it? this bill through? Would we stop it?
• acres does this bill purchase? acres does this bill purchase?
• bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I will move a do not pass on Senate Bill 264 and a do pass a do not pass on Senate Bill 264 and a
• And I see it all over this bill.
• The reason that other sub was available was because it was an emergency bill or a dummy bill.
• The reason that other sub was available was because it was an emergency bill or a dummy bill.
• one bill and 25 on the other.

Bills: SB264, SB261

Keywords: election integrity, voter coercion, public safety, emergency procedures, polling place security, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, 996, all