Transcript Highlights:

• > rather<00:45:00.200> than<00:45:00.920> making<00:45:01.200> the<00:45:
• making the changes to chapter<00:45:02.200> 13,<00:45:03.480> which<00:45:03.680> is
• <00:45:03.840> where<00:45:03.960> most<00:45:04.280> of<00:45:04.359> the
• <00:45:24.280> Anderson,<00:45:24.920> or<00:45:25.320> would<00:45:25.480><
• ,<00:45:35.400> so<00:45:35.560> we<00:45:35.680> had<00:45:36.120> kept<

Bills: HF4074

Keywords: retirement, pension, public employees, MSRS, PERA, TRA, St. Paul Teachers Retirement Fund Association, police and fire, correctional employees, probation officers, telecommunicators, dispatchers, 911 operators, public safety answering point, PSAP, firefighters, volunteer firefighters, paid on-call firefighters, fire relief association, state aid

Transcript Highlights:

• Um my my point<00:45:23.200> is<00:45:23.520> that<00:45:23.839> I<00:45:24.160>
• :45:26.960> is<00:45:27.280> not<00:45:27.599> to<00:45:27.920> approve<00
• 00:45:46.640> merit<00:45:47.359> but<00:45:47.680> having<00:45:48.000> to
• > um<00:45:51.920> what<00:45:52.319> may<00:45:52.560> or<00:45:52.800>
• 45:54.160> I'll<04:45:54.400> do<04:45:54.560> my<04:45:54.718> best<04:45

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.199> tax<01:45:00.719> thank<01:45:00.880> you<01:45:01.080> very<01:
• <01:45:04.679> wishing<01:45:04.960> to<01:45:05.119> testify<01:45:05.520><
• testify on HB 1085<01:45:07.400> seeing<01:45:07.840> none<01:45:08.159> members
• > questions<01:45:13.280> seeing<01:45:13.639> none<01:45:14.440> let's<01:45:14.639
• move on final<01:45:16.040> bill<01:45:16.280> on<01:45:16.440> the final bill

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 553 on biomarker testing coverage, HB 556 on colorectal cancer screening access, and later HB 712 on 340B drug pricing. For HB 553, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, patient advocates Natalie Heyman and Susan Hirano, a surgical oncologist, and the American Lung Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that biomarker testing should be covered when ordered by a doctor and guided by current evidence. DHS and several insurers offered comments and requested amendments, with DHS saying it appreciated the intent but wanted changes. The committees then voted to pass HB 553 with amendments, including a House draft and a defective date of July 1, 3000; both the House Health and Human Services and Homelessness committees adopted the recommendation unanimously. For HB 556, testimony focused on closing gaps in colorectal cancer screening, especially for uninsured and underinsured patients who can get stool-based screening but then cannot access follow-up colonoscopies. Community Clinic of Maui, ACS CAN, and the American Cancer Society supported the bill, with ACS CAN urging a program similar to the breast and cervical cancer control program and offering amendments. DHS requested that the program and appropriation not conflict with executive budget priorities, and the committees noted technical amendments, a defective date, a blank appropriation amount, and corrections changing Medicare references to Medicaid. HB 556 was also passed with amendments by both committees. The hearing then moved to HB 712 on 340B drug pricing and contract pharmacies. The Department of Health and the Attorney General’s office expressed concern that the bill would require the state to regulate private commercial activity and said the department lacked the expertise and resources to implement it as written, suggesting it might belong in a different statutory section. In contrast, PhRMA opposed the bill, while Hawaii Pacific Health and Hawaii Island Community Health Center supported it, saying 340B savings are important for hospital services and patient access to low-cost medications, especially where manufacturers have restricted shipments to contract pharmacies. No vote on HB 712 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• > class<00:45:30.160> A<00:45:30.319> and<00:45:30.560> B<00:45:30.720>
• <00:45:35.760> And<00:45:35.920> I<00:45:36.160> can<00:45:36.240> tell
• :45:42.960> was<00:45:43.200> offered<00:45:43.599> to<00:45:43.920> meet
• <00:45:44.720> and<00:45:44.880> the<00:45:45.040> needs<00:45:45.280> of
• <00:45:54.240> And<00:45:54.480> thankfully<00:45:54.960> the<00:45:55.200><

Bills: HB1769

Keywords: criminal justice reform, rehabilitation, private prisons, racial equity, Native Hawaiians, community well-being, mass incarceration, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1769, which would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to incrementally reduce the number of people incarcerated in private out-of-state correctional institutions. The DCR director opposed the bill, saying the department does not control overall prison population levels because courts determine admissions, and arguing that Hawaiʻi’s in-state facilities are already over capacity, especially Halawa, which he said is 165% over design capacity. He said only a small portion of the population is under departmental control through furlough programs and argued that bringing people home would require building a new medium-security prison. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Public Defender’s office, and several individuals, argued the bill creates a phased, accountable path to reduce reliance on mainland prisons and bring people home. Supporters emphasized the harms of separating incarcerated people from ʻohana and culture, the disproportionate impact on Native Hawaiians, and the need for diversion, treatment, re-entry support, and fair sentencing. Several testifiers also said the department has more control than it claimed, pointing to underused furlough options, reclassification, and empty beds at some in-state facilities, while others urged clearer statutory language and guardrails. Members questioned the director about whether people could be reclassified or moved to available beds at facilities such as Kulani and Waiawa, and about whether the department could do more through staffing and contract changes. The director said some proposals had been sent to the Department of Human Resource Development, but that major facility changes would be costly and that minimum-security facilities would need substantial upgrades to house medium-security inmates. After discussion, the chair said the committee would defer HB 1769 to Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. for decision-making and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• facilities and<00:45:04.160> are<00:45:04.240> you<00:45:04.359> worried<00:45:
• ><00:45:06.240> leave<00:45:06.480> you<00:45:06.640> in<00:45:06.760> the
• future when<00:45:07.800> uh<00:45:08.000> policies<00:45:08.559> change<00:45:
• 00:45:11.160> we<00:45:11.440> not<00:45:12.440> not<00:45:12.760> not<00
• <00:45:45.280> volume<00:45:46.000> very<00:45:46.200> large<00:45:46.440>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 180, which concerns critical incident stress management teams. Representative Mark PR, the bill sponsor, proposed an amendment to add a definition of “team leader” and to clarify that teams may or may not be affiliated with a municipality. He argued that a certification test offered by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation is unnecessary and too expensive at $400, since team members are volunteers who already receive training and continuing education. Committee members asked about the training structure and certification language, and the sponsor explained that the teams are self-certified and that the amendment was intended to clean up the bill’s language. The committee then voted on HB 180 in executive session. Amendment 0261H was adopted 11-0, and the bill was then moved as amended and passed 11-0. The committee placed the bill on consent. Later, the committee heard House Bill 438, sponsored by Representative Timothy Horan, dealing with immigration detention and related state policy. Horan described the bill as an update to earlier legislation and said it would codify best practices, prohibit state cooperation with mass deportation efforts, bar for-profit operation of immigration detention facilities, and require Executive Council approval before the governor could deploy the National Guard for immigration deportation activities. Committee members questioned whether the bill could be read as authorizing detention facilities and discussed the relationship between the state and Strafford County Jail. An amendment presented on behalf of Representative Patrick Long was described as a technical rewrite that removed several sections and changed language, but the hearing ended before any vote was taken on HB 438.

Transcript Highlights:

• :45:03.279> their<03:45:03.600> children<03:45:03.920> or<03:45:04.160> their
• > one<03:45:05.040> such<03:45:05.279> as<03:45:05.520> I<03:45:05.760>
• <03:45:06.880> We<03:45:07.199> owe<03:45:07.279> it<03:45:07.439> to
• help<03:45:16.239> will<03:45:16.479> be<03:45:16.640> there<03:45:17.279
• :45:30.160> speak<03:45:30.479> out<03:45:31.840> about<03:45:32.720> the

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, January 12, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it says is on<00:45:23.520> line<00:45:23.839> 8,<00:45:24.319> every<00:45:24.800
• > the<00:45:31.760> 4-year<00:45:32.319> moving<00:45:32.720> average<00:45:
• :34.560> up<00:45:34.800> to<00:45:35.040> 2<00:45:35.359> and<00:45:35.599
• c><01:45:09.520> application<01:45:10.159> with<01:45:10.480> their<01:45:10.800
• :11.520> clerk<01:45:12.400> and<01:45:12.880> um<01:45:13.199> for<01:45

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:04.359> up<00:45:04.520> in<00:45:04.680> this<00:45:04.800> world
• world and live<00:45:05.359> and<00:45:05.480> Thrive<00:45:05.800> like<00:45:
• c> down<00:45:07.800> on<00:45:07.960> the<00:45:08.079> most<00:45:08.319><
• <00:45:11.559> I<00:45:11.680> would<00:45:11.839> ask<00:45:12.000> my
• > you<00:45:31.280> are<00:45:31.559> posing<00:45:31.920> a<00:45:32.119>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , chapter 269.
• commission discretion and that's<00:45:21.839> a<00:45:22.079> good<00:45:22.240> thing
• ,<00:45:22.560> then<00:45:23.680> why<00:45:24.000> not<00:45:24.240> leave
• > additional<00:45:25.680> discretion,<00:45:26.480> the<00:45:26.880> greater
• [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] >> Sorry,<00:45:32.160> that's<00:45:32.319> a<00:45:32.480

Bills: SB2033, SB2487, SB2497, SB2471, SB2829

Keywords: renewable energy, grid-ready homes, interconnection process, electric utility, energy independence, surcharge, customer access, energy storage, smart inverters, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, electric utility rates, ratemaking, performance-based regulation, performance-based incentives, performance incentive mechanisms, revenue adjustment mechanisms, cost control mechanisms, reward and penalty mechanisms, alternative ratemaking

Summary: The committee first reconvened on SB 2471 and SB 2829, both relating to the powers of artificial persons. After discussion with the Attorney General’s office and a prior Q&A period, the chair said the committee would defer decision-making again, with the intent to return with amended versions of both bills that could gain support from the administration and its lawyers. The measures were deferred to Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Conference Room 229 at 9:30 a.m. The committee then took up SB 2180, relating to deposits of public funds. Members noted late testimony from the prior day’s joint hearing with the Housing Committee and moved to pass the bill out with amendments, including a defective effective date. The motion carried unanimously among those voting: the chair, vice chair, Senator Lamosao, and Senator Awa voted aye; Senator McKelvey was excused. The measure was adopted. A joint hearing followed on SB 2033, relating to renewable energy and a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process. The PUC supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the time, resources, and stakeholder input needed to establish the proposed process, and asked for clarification of terms such as “grid-ready homes” and the role of HERA. Hawaiian Electric said it supported the intent but opposed the proposed process and HERA funding use. The Hawaii Solar Energy Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that faster interconnection is needed to meet rooftop solar goals and lower costs over time. Testimony totaled 27 in support, two in opposition, and four with comments. Members questioned costs, consumer protections, and whether the bill would burden low- and moderate-income households; the bill’s supporters said amendments could clarify the definition of grid-ready homes and add guardrails, while acknowledging that upfront costs and interconnection costs would still need to be addressed.

Transcript Highlights:

• We voted 45 ayes, 11 nays, four not voting.
• House Bill 2594, amending Title 16, Chapter 14, Article 3, and Title 11, Chapter 1, Arizona Revised Statutes
• House Bill 2594, amending Title 16, Chapter 14, Article 3, and Title 11, Chapter 1, Arizona Revised Statutes
• House Bill 2756, amending Title 30, A.R.S., by adding Chapter 2 and repealing Title 30, Chapter 20, Article
• The clerk will record the vote. 45 ayes, 9 nays, 6 not voting.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> cured<00:45:02.440> against<00:45:02.720> one's<00:45:03.079> will<00:45:
• <00:45:05.000> which<00:45:05.160> we<00:45:05.240> may<00:45:05.400> not
• :21.920> Bill<00:45:22.400> like<00:45:22.640> it<00:45:23.359> we<00:45:
• citizens<00:45:25.559> of<00:45:25.800> Hawaii<00:45:26.200> a<00:45:26.319>
• <00:45:41.200> people<00:45:42.040> is<00:45:42.160> a<00:45:42.319> good

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 13, 2025, and took up several firearms and fireworks measures. On SB 227, which would create an illegal fireworks enforcement division in the Department of Law Enforcement and appropriate funds, DLE supported the bill, saying fireworks enforcement has become a full-time job requiring dedicated staff rather than a collateral-duty task force. Members discussed whether the bill and the related task force bill were both needed; DLE said yes, explaining that the new division would provide full-time state employees while the task force funding covers interagency costs such as transportation, storage, overtime, and personnel. Testimony on SB 227 was reported as 12 in support and 6 in opposition. On SB 222, which would fund the illegal fireworks task force and extend its sunset to June 30, 2030, DLE and the Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, emphasizing continued enforcement pressure and interagency coordination. An opponent from the Libertarian Party of Hawaii argued the bill was a waste of time, criticized fireworks prohibition as cultural overreach, and performed a song in opposition. Representative Shimizu asked about results from the extra enforcement effort, and DLE said enforcement has driven up street prices and made investors think twice, which they described as a goal of pricing people out of the market. The chair reported 13 testimonies in support and 6 in opposition. The committee then heard SB 1324, a more comprehensive fireworks bill that would revise definitions and penalties, create first- and second-degree fireworks offenses, add infractions, and increase penalties for serious injury or death. DLE and the Attorney General strongly supported it, saying the bill would improve enforcement, address black-market activity, and help prosecutors when fireworks have already exploded and evidence is destroyed. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing existing laws already punish these offenses and that the real issue is enforcement; the office also raised constitutional concerns about the bill’s concurrent civil infraction and criminal trial process. Honolulu Police supported the bill, while the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office said the alternative definitions would help in cases involving exploded versus seized fireworks. The chair noted 17 testimonies in support, 7 in opposition, and 3 comments, and members discussed whether the bill could be amended to address the public defender’s concerns. The committee also began hearing SB 308, which would expand the state’s magazine-capacity restrictions to firearms with detachable magazines over 30 rounds, with a grandfathering provision for certain magazines obtained before January 1, 2026. DLE supported the bill as a fair balance that would grandfather existing magazines while preventing new high-capacity acquisitions. Opposition testimony from Jerry Yuan of the Pool, Oil, Rifle, and Pistol Club argued the proposal was another shifting restriction and opposed magazine bans generally. The hearing continued with additional testimony not fully captured in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• 19.280> titles<00:45:19.520> in<00:45:19.760> 95<00:45:20.079> and<00:45:
• I'd like to commend<00:45:28.000> each<00:45:28.240> of<00:45:28.400> the<00:45:
• You've<00:45:45.200> made<00:45:45.359> your<00:45:45.520> school<00:45:45.760><
• <02:45:19.359> And<02:45:19.520> we<02:45:19.760> are<02:45:20.000> one
• standards.<02:45:28.399> That's<02:45:28.720> not<02:45:28.880> an<02:45:29.120

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > could<00:45:39.880> do<00:45:40.000> is<00:45:40.120> not<00:45:40.320>
• Yeah,<00:45:41.640> you<00:45:41.880> you<00:45:42.200> it<00:45:42.320> took
• <00:45:42.520> money<00:45:42.720> out<00:45:42.840> of<00:45:42.920> your
• > account<00:45:43.720> or<00:45:43.800> your<00:45:44.080> account<00:45
• you<00:45:50.760> look<00:45:50.960> at<00:45:51.040> the<00:45:51.160>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.440> uh<00:45:01.520> but<00:45:01.839> not<00:45:02.079> the<00:45:02.319
• :45:06.480> also<00:45:07.119> are<00:45:07.359> required<00:45:07.920> to
• > because<00:45:09.440> that<00:45:09.839> is<00:45:10.000> a<00:45:10.240
• is a very careful slow<00:45:12.720> intentionally<00:45:13.440> slow<00:45:14.240>
• > it's<00:45:14.800> supposed<00:45:15.040> to<00:45:15.920> uh [Clears throat

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard SB 2627, which would exempt Hawaii Tourism Authority contracts and agreements for sports projects, events, and related marketing from the state procurement code and other competitive bidding requirements. HTA, DBEDT, and the State Procurement Office testified in support or with comments, while one individual offered general support for sports tourism. Senators focused on narrowing the bill so the exemption would apply more specifically to sports-related projects and marketing, rather than broad marketing activities, and discussed whether the bill should require notice to the State Procurement Office or approval by the chief procurement officer. Procurement officials said a reporting requirement would be the most expeditious option, while still allowing post-event monitoring and public posting of exemptions. Members also discussed whether the exemption should be limited to situations involving sole-source sports entities, such as major leagues or international sports organizations, to better justify bypassing procurement rules. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, but members and testifiers agreed to continue working on the language. The hearing then moved to SB 2074 relating to state facilities and naming rights for the Aloha Stadium and Hawaii Convention Center. The Stadium Authority, HTA, and DBEDT testified in support, while the Outdoor Circle and other organizations opposed the measure. Opponents argued the bill could create fiscal and legal risk, echoing concerns raised in prior legislation and by the attorney general, and warned it would mark a major shift by treating public facilities as commercial branding opportunities. Supporters said naming rights could generate significant revenue to help fund the stadium project and reduce the burden on the state and developers. Senators questioned how signage would be handled, especially whether it would be exterior-facing or limited to inward-facing signage, and the Stadium Authority said it was willing to work with the Outdoor Circle on language that would preserve community aesthetics while allowing revenue generation. A senator cited a prior study estimating naming rights could bring in about $1.5 million per year over 20 years, and asked what that revenue would buy for the public; the Stadium Authority responded that it would help advance the project toward a larger, improved stadium. No final action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :11.599> cover<00:45:11.920> up<00:45:12.160> and<00:45:12.400> to<00:45:
• She<00:45:16.800> would<00:45:16.960> have<00:45:17.040> loved<00:45:17.280>
• > wearing<00:45:18.880> white<00:45:19.200> today<00:45:19.520> to<00:45:
• <00:45:22.319> that<00:45:22.560> we<00:45:22.720> are<00:45:22.880> not<
• <00:45:34.240> and<00:45:34.400> her<00:45:34.640> time<00:45:35.200> to<

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry, let's move on. aquaculture<01:45:44.800> well<01:45:45.199> uh<01:45:45.360>
• of Agriculture<01:45:46.760> in<01:45:47.000> support<01:45:47.440> I'm<01:45:47.560
• :48.080> not<01:45:48.960> here<01:45:49.480> still<01:45:50.119> okay<01
• :45:51.119> uh<01:45:51.239> Agro there's not here still okay uh Agro there's not here
• still okay uh Agro Business<01:45:51.760> Development<01:45:52.199> Corporation<01:45:53.239

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 48 SD2 HD1 relating to combat sports. The Attorney General offered a technical comment on the bill’s effective date, and several testifiers from the combat sports community strongly supported the measure with amendments. They argued that boxing and MMA should be treated separately, that the current regulatory structure has made events too costly and reduced opportunities, and that more local oversight would help revive the sport and give youth a constructive outlet. Committee members questioned whether the bill’s medical staffing requirements would apply to boxing, MMA, or both, and whether the added requirements would increase costs and reduce access. The witness from the combat sports community said amateur boxing is already regulated through USA Boxing, that the DCCA should focus on professional boxing, and that for safety he would support two physicians and one ambulance for boxing and MMA events. The committee then took up SB 117 SD2 HD1 relating to transportation. The Department of Transportation and the Ulon Initiative testified in support, and the bicycling community was listed as supporting as well. Members focused on the bill’s rebate program for electric transportation devices, asking how successful it had been and whether removing the rebate would affect use. DOT said the program began in February 2023 and had issued about 500 rebates totaling roughly $166,000, aimed at helping people without vehicles access transportation options. The department explained that the bill would broaden access and increase the rebate amount, including additional assistance for low-income applicants. Finally, the committee heard SB 897 SD3 HD1 relating to energy and wildfire liability. The Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Public Utilities Commission, the Attorney General, Clearway Energy Group, Ulon Initiative, Kawai K, IBEW Local 1260, and Hawaiian Electric all testified in support, while the Hawaii Association for Justice was listed as opposed but not present. Supporters said the bill would help finance wildfire mitigation and infrastructure improvements through securitization, reduce wildfire risk, and address utility cost and credit concerns. Hawaiian Electric emphasized that the bill is forward-looking, would help protect customers from future wildfire-related cost increases, and requested amendments including a study on a future wildfire recovery fund. In questioning, members pressed Hawaiian Electric on the liability cap, asking whether it would have applied to the Maui wildfires and whether it would cover personal injury or wrongful death; the witness and company counsel clarified that the aggregate cap applies only to qualifying property damage, not personal injury or wrongful death, and said they would follow up on how the cap would calculate in a Maui-type event. Hawaiian Electric also said it would seek financing under the bill if enacted and updated members on settlement funding efforts, including raising the first $550 million in equity and divesting assets to help meet its obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• particular example<00:45:06.160> that<00:45:06.319> that<00:45:06.720> I<00:45:
• :45:13.520> in<00:45:13.680> a<00:45:13.839> way<00:45:14.000> that<00:45
• :14.400> that<00:45:14.800> you<00:45:14.960> you<00:45:15.440> can<00:45
• c><00:45:21.760> I<00:45:22.000> think<00:45:22.079> there<00:45:22.319> is
• 44.640> when<00:45:44.880> we<00:45:45.040> had<00:45:45.280> folks<00:45

Bills: HF4210, HF4212, HF4549, HF4464, HF4546, HF4447

Keywords: senior nutrition, older adults, aging services, home-delivered meals, congregate dining, meal delivery, grocery delivery, food insecurity, nutrition support, area agencies on aging, Minnesota Board on Aging, human services, special revenue fund, nonprofit grants, SNAP outreach, medically tailored meals, rural nutrition, food access, transportation services, elderly

Transcript Highlights:

• , chapters and 25 undergraduate chapters, chapters and 25 undergraduate chapters, each<00:27:18.280
• That was<00:45:03.720> the<00:45:03.800> only<00:45:04.000> one<00:45:04.280>
• :08.360> But,<00:45:08.760> we<00:45:08.960> have<00:45:09.160> had<00:45
• <00:45:11.360> This<00:45:11.640> is<00:45:11.840> one<00:45:12.080> of
• This<00:45:12.760> is<00:45:12.920> the<00:45:13.120> only<00:45:13.440> one<

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A bill for an act to create and enact a new section to Chapter 54-60 of the North Dakota Century Code
• A bill for an act to create and enact a new section to Chapter 54-60 of the North Dakota Century Code
• A bill for an act to create and enact a new section to Chapter 15.1-21.
• we do in Chapter 15.
• None of them go into actual curriculum within a specific course within Chapter 15.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum call showing 46 members present. It then took up multiple House messages and amendments, appointing conference committees on several measures, including SB 2007, SCR 4007, SB 2374, SB 233, and House bills 1029, 1218, and 1022. The chamber also considered a series of House bills on the sixth and 14th orders, often adopting committee amendments before final passage or, in some cases, rejecting the bill outright. Among the major policy items, the Senate passed HB 1524 on regional planning council grants, HB 1143 increasing a food bank appropriation to $10 million, HB 1126 modernizing cosmetology licensing and inspections, HB 1542 making student applications for admission exempt records, HB 1613 regulating law enforcement use of robots, HB 1582 directing a study on false reports and accusations, HB 1214 revising school transportation funding, HB 1448 creating a study on advanced technologies, HB 1280 on drainage project voting rules, HB 1499 protecting records related to federal judges, and several Senate bills returned from the House, including SB 2221, SB 2117, SB 2198, SB 2120, and SB 2214. The Senate also adopted amendments to HB 1541 on septic systems before rejecting it on final passage. Several high-profile bills failed after debate. HB 1566, dealing with kratom regulation, saw an amendment to convert it to a study fail on a 21-25 vote, after which the chamber laid the bill over for one legislative day rather than take final action. HB 1283, which would have eliminated cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams in the state employee plan, was defeated 22-24 after extensive debate over cost, precedent, and insurance impacts. HB 1527, requiring Holocaust education in statute, also failed 22-24, with supporters emphasizing the importance of the subject and opponents arguing curriculum belongs in standards rather than statute. The Senate adjourned after announcements, scheduling its next meeting for Monday, April 14, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• I<01:45:03.440> recognize<01:45:03.760> the<01:45:04.000> maker<01:45:04.239>
• We have<01:45:10.719> been<01:45:10.960> working<01:45:11.119> on<01:45:11.360><
• I<01:45:24.639> urge<01:45:25.119> I<01:45:25.440> urge<01:45:25.520> you
• <01:45:25.679> so<01:45:25.840> I<01:45:26.000> urge<01:45:26.080> a<01:45
• You<01:45:26.800> can<01:45:26.880> get<01:45:26.960> up<01:45:27.040> and

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House first adopted non-controversial motions, then approved an urgency motion to suspend the rules so Senate File 4476, the human services program integrity package, could move quickly to conference committee before the end of session. The House then adopted a DE amendment to insert House language into the bill, and proceeded to debate several amendments focused on program integrity, fraud prevention, and reporting requirements in human services programs. Representative Schultz offered Amendment A5 to remove a sunset on the periodic data matching report requirement, arguing the report helps ensure only eligible people receive medical assistance and welfare benefits and should continue to be delivered annually. Supporters said the report had been inconsistently delivered, cited past findings of ineligible recipients, and framed the amendment as a low-cost accountability measure. Opponents, including Representative Nor, said the report had been sent to the chairs, that the issue should be handled through broader HR1-related changes and negotiations with the Senate, and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After roll call, A5 failed on a 63-67 vote. Schultz then offered Amendment A6, which would require reporting on homelessness programs, including how many people are served, total costs, outcomes, and possible recoupment of funds if reporting is inadequate. Schultz said the state spends tens of millions on homelessness programs without clear results and that better data would help the legislature make decisions and protect taxpayers. Several members supported the idea of more accountability, while others said the state already receives reports, that homelessness work is being done in partnership with stakeholders, and that the amendment was not the best approach. The discussion continued with further comments on homelessness data and program oversight, but no final vote on A6 is shown in the transcript excerpt.