Transcript Highlights:

• We had a decision to make.
• decision to make. decision to make.
• In terms of appropriation, it is our decision to make.
• Now, there it is our decision to make.
• make the decision how It is up to us to make the decision how we<03:01:52.840> want<03:01:53.320

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 5 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation by Dr. Ryan Wade and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled routine business by dispensing with the reading of the journal and committee reports. Several guests were recognized, including Leadership Jackson County, Farm Bureau members, a doctor of the day, adult educators, and other visitors in the gallery. Senator Brumfield also announced support efforts for Senator Warren Barnett, asking members to contribute to him through Ms. Anita Jackson. The chamber then considered a series of House bills, most of them taken up with strike-all amendments and passed by use of the morning roll call. Measures included HB 1390 on personal services funding allocations, HB 1571 on ARPA funds and unexpended balances, HB 1655 on the State Aid Road Construction director’s personnel status, HB 1650 on dormant state accounts and pooled investments, HB 1651 on state agencies using other agencies’ facilities and charging 50% of fair market value, HB 1345 on administrative forfeiture of illegal cigarette and vaping products, HB 1386 on allowing sidewalks as an eligible use of municipal infrastructure funds, HB 671 on alcoholic beverage delivery responsibility ending when retailers transfer possession to delivery services, and HB 1385 on eliminating paper-original homestead exemption submissions. Members asked questions on several bills, especially about whether the fairgrounds language in HB 1651 would affect youth livestock shows and whether HB 1386 or other measures would change county revenue; sponsors generally said the bills were intended to address state-agency use, municipal reporting, or administrative efficiency rather than alter those programs. The Senate also advanced HB 898, creating a sales tax diversion study committee to review misallocated municipal sales tax revenues, assess impacts, examine technology and oversight, and recommend reforms by the 2027 session; Senator Hill questioned whether counties should be included, but the sponsor said that would be a separate policy decision. Later, the Senate reconsidered HB 1265, the Mississippi Debt Management Services Act extended repealer, adopted an amendment to remove the repealer instead of extending it, and then passed the bill. The body also took up SB 2632, the local governments disaster recovery emergency loan program, and voted not to concur and to invite conference. Finally, HB 1142 on bench warrant notices was called up; the sponsor explained a strike-all that would replace certified mail with personal service or electronic transmission and include a reverse repealer for further conference work.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I would also like to emphasize the importance of making informed decisions, and I think that's
• And I think the importance of making an informed decision, doing research into this is the most important
• c> I<00:04:18.639> think making informed decisions and I think making informed decisions and
• Seeing none, um, members, we're going straight to decision making. Okay.
• going straight to decision making. Okay. going straight to decision making. Okay.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs briefly met and adjourned after noting that GM 574, a nomination on its agenda, had been withdrawn, leaving the committee with no business to consider. A separate joint hearing of the Senate Committees on Economic Development and Hawaiian Affairs then took up HCR 192, a resolution to convene a tourism and gaming working group. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including representatives from the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Nation of Hawaii, and CARES, said the measure would allow Hawaiians to have a seat at the table, learn from Native nations with gaming experience, and make informed decisions about whether and how gaming should be approached. Some supporters emphasized that the working group was about research and self-determination, not immediate legalization, and suggested the state should focus on broader economic development options as well. Opponents, including the Honolulu prosecuting attorney and several community members and faith leaders, warned that gambling would increase addiction, crime, family breakdown, debt, and exploitation of low-income and vulnerable residents. They argued that online sports betting and other forms of gaming would be especially harmful, with some citing examples from other states and concerns about problem gambling, domestic violence, and illegal activity. Committee members questioned witnesses about the purpose of the working group and whether it could provide enough data to make an informed decision, while supporters and opponents alike acknowledged the need for Hawaiians to be involved in any future discussion. No vote or final action on HCR 192 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:15:02.320> for<01:15:02.560> the make those decisions in law for the make those
• So that's where I think it is most appropriate now for us to have this conversation and make a decision
• <01:29:20.400> Um,<01:29:20.800> I<01:29:21.040> think we make a decision on
• Um, I think we make a decision on this.
• to make that decision for our students. to make that decision for our students.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But with the funding gap, I think there is a need to make a decision on prioritization of the projects
• So that's the whole reason for that, to align the decision-making authority with the risk of not making
• To have difficulty trying to capture all that different type of data because we had to make a decision
• That all came from letting producers be involved in the decision-making. Here's a problem.
• They make their decision that they feel that they want to use this water in that way.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When a child comes into foster care, they are surrounded by adults who begin to make decisions for them
• When a child comes into foster care, they are surrounded by adults who begin to make decisions for them
• So the judge is the ultimate decision-maker in the case, so they get to make their decision.
• Right now, they still have the guidance from the attorney and from everyone else to make those decisions
• And then the judge makes that decision on that basis. Okay. All right. Thank you. All right.

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard three bills. AB 250 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry would extend a limited window for survivors of sexual assault to seek civil recourse against perpetrators and entities that allegedly covered up abuse. The author and supporters, including survivor Maya Alexander and Equal Rights Advocates, said many survivors need years before they can come forward and that the bill would improve accountability and public safety. One member raised concerns about the bill’s application to private employers and the exclusion of public employees, but the bill was advanced on a motion to Appropriations and later placed on call until additional votes were added. AB 373 by Assemblymember Rubio would require appointed counsel for non-minor dependents in extended foster care to represent the young adult’s expressed wishes rather than substitute the attorney’s judgment. Supporters from California Youth Connection and the Children’s Law Center said 18- to 21-year-olds in foster care are legal adults and should have their voices fully respected in court. Members discussed how the bill would work in practice and whether it applied only to appointed counsel; the bill was moved to Human Services and later cleared after additional votes were added. AB 387 by Assemblymember Alanis, as amended, would exempt probation officers from criminal jury service. The author and supporters argued probation officers are deeply involved in the criminal justice process, often get dismissed anyway, and should be focused on supervision and court-related duties rather than jury duty. The Judicial Council opposed the bill, warning that categorical exemptions shrink the jury pool and set a bad precedent. After debate over fairness, precedent, and the role of probation officers, the committee voted the bill out on a do pass motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• of a desire for more coordination, but a reluctance for anyone to actually give up any of their decision-making
• So within the urban growth area, an administrative decision or a hearings examiner option makes sense
• does present the possibility of some risk to cities for making decisions that violate laws around private
• making and has approved that plat or denied that plan. the staff decision making and has approved that
• the possibility of some risk to cities for making decisions that violate laws around private property

Summary: The committee heard a series of presentations on comprehensive plan updates, permitting reform, special purpose district coordination, and subdivision reform. Pierce County and the City of Redmond described their recent comprehensive plan updates, emphasizing housing production, transit-oriented development, middle housing, preservation of affordable housing, and the need for technical assistance and clearer state guidance. Both jurisdictions said the planning process took years and was complicated by overlapping state requirements, changing legislative mandates, and multiple review authorities. Redmond in particular said mid-course legislative changes forced supplemental environmental review and added significant cost and delay, and both local governments asked for more stability, clearer statutes, and better-aligned timelines. Presenters from the architecture, building official, and development sectors focused on permitting delays and proposed ways to speed housing delivery. Dave Boucher of AIA Washington argued for a provisional construction permit process for projects stamped by licensed professionals, along with mandatory deadlines and fewer stalled review cycles. Tim Woodard of WABO described existing tools such as pre-application meetings and phased approvals, noting they can improve certainty but also require staff time and careful coordination. Representatives from Master Builders and D.R. Horton said permit and subdivision delays add substantial cost to housing, citing studies showing months of delay and tens of thousands of dollars added per home, and urged administrative approvals, concurrent review, self-certification, and limits on repeated review cycles. The committee also reviewed a Commerce-led task force report on integrating special purpose districts into Growth Management Act planning. The task force recommended early invitation and notice to water, sewer, school, port, and other service providers during countywide planning policy and comprehensive plan updates, better coordination on grants and capital projects, updated water system coordination plans, and improved school siting and funding alignment in fast-growing areas. Speakers stressed that the recommendations were intended to be light-touch and focused on better communication rather than major statutory overhaul, while also noting that rural and slow-growing areas should not be burdened with the same requirements as rapidly growing jurisdictions. On subdivision reform, FutureWise and the City of Spokane discussed making more subdivision decisions administrative, preserving vesting, clarifying exemptions, and reducing unnecessary notice and appeal steps. Spokane described local reforms such as smaller minimum lot sizes, unit lot subdivisions, and reduced-process “minor engineering review” for simple plats, while raising concerns about new notice requirements and appeals to city councils for technical plat decisions. Across the hearing, members repeatedly returned to the theme that local governments, builders, and state agencies need clearer, more coordinated rules to reduce delay and uncertainty while still protecting safety and planning goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• Making these decisions and advising our legislators how to make the best decisions that lead to the best
• People are free to make their own decisions.
• help us make evidence-based decisions.
• help us make evidence-based decisions.
• help us make evidence-based decisions.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It would respect local control and decision-making.
• impactful making these decisions how impactful making these decisions how impactful meaningful<00
• > decisions 500 leas that could be making decisions 500 leas that could be making decisions about
• > his Avenues make different decisions on his Avenues make different decisions on his funding<
• make different decisions than say you make different decisions than maybe<01:03:51.400> uh<01:

Bills: HF957, HF877

Keywords: education, mandate relief, school funding, local control, state laws, fund transfers, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• sure that we have data behind the decision-making that we use when we're utilizing resources.
• Again, we want to put data behind every one of the decisions that we make when we're spending dollars
• We asked them to rate which one of these items was most important to you in making your decision.
• And how do you make a decision as to what you're going to advertise outside of the state?
• I'm talking about an entity that influences you in your mind when you're making a decision.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because counties are responsible for designating UGAs, we're the ones who ultimately make that decision
• Because counties are responsible for designating UGAs, we're the ones who ultimately make that decision
• So it's a really important decision for counties to make.
• UGAs were the ones who ultimately make that decision, we're also responsible for defending those decisions
• So it's a really important decision for counties to make.

Summary: The committee held a work session on local government issues, beginning with an update from the State Building Code Council on four legislatively mandated code amendments now in CR-102 rulemaking: temporary emergency shelters, reduced minimum dwelling unit size, multiplex housing up to three stories and six units, and single-exit apartment buildings up to six stories. Council staff also described a separate embodied-carbon appendix proposal that remains under public review, with testimony both supporting and opposing it. Members asked about the rationale for some of the code limits, including the restriction on connecting multiplex buildings. The committee then heard a panel on annexations from MRSC, Pierce County, and the Association of Washington Cities. Witnesses reviewed annexation methods, including petition, election, and interlocal agreement approaches, and said larger annexations are increasingly using interlocal agreements because they can address infrastructure, revenue sharing, and public process concerns. They described barriers such as inconsistent local standards, the cost of infrastructure, referendum risk, census requirements, and the difficulty of persuading residents and local officials to support annexation. Members asked about the five-year restriction on residential zoning changes in one annexation method and whether a hearing examiner could reduce political pressure on local decision-makers. A second panel discussed subdivision reform. The Master Builders Association urged raising the short-plat threshold within urban growth areas to 30 lots as a simpler first step, citing permitting delays and added housing costs. The City of Spokane described implementation problems with recent housing laws, including uncertainty about how to review plats under HB 1110, lot-splitting administration, and added notice requirements for unit lot subdivisions. AWC said there was broad agreement that subdivision decisions should be more administrative, but public hearings remained a point of disagreement. The committee also heard from FutureWise, the Washington State Association of Counties, and Lewis County on county development regulation and enforcement, with witnesses emphasizing underfunded code enforcement, inconsistent standards between counties and cities, and the need for better coordination, incentives, and possibly stronger enforcement tools. No votes were taken; the chair said the committee would continue working on possible solutions in future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, maybe they don't make the right decision, but they make the decision that they want to make about
• yeah, maybe they don't make the right decision,<00:47:06.720> but<00:47:06.880> they<00
• :47:07.040> make<00:47:07.119> the<00:47:07.280> decision decision, but they make
• the decision decision, but they make the decision that<00:47:08.000> they<00:47:08.319> want
• We make critical decisions to reduce costs to customers in other proceedings, such as the decision in

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• think that preempting the local decision-making process when there is a lot of research in this area
• So I just think that local decision-making is handling this now and should continue to do so.
• think communities should be able to make that decision.
• You don't get to make the decision. So that is not consent.
• You don't get to make the decision. So that is not consent.

Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections, and local government bills. Early measures included HB 743 on social media use by minors, which would require platforms to provide access to parents and law enforcement with a warrant; PCS for HB 1049 on protection of court officials; PCS for HB 491 restricting warrantless government use of AI cameras to detect concealed firearms; and HB 1053, an FDLE agency bill that removed obsolete provisions, renamed a program, combined reports, expanded security-related definitions, and added support for retired police dogs. All of those bills were reported favorably, with HB 1053 adopted as amended after some questions about eliminating the Victim and Witness Protection Review Committee and related reporting changes. The committee also approved HB 4075, a Leon County local bill capping reimbursement for inmate medical transport and care at Medicare-based rates, and HB 1095, a Hillsborough County pilot program for probationers with substance-abuse conditions that uses frequent testing and short jail sanctions for violations; both were reported favorably as amended. Several bills focused on law enforcement and public safety. HB 1129 clarified that victims’ identifying information, including names, is protected from public release under Marsy’s Law, and its amendment added a 72-hour confidentiality period for law enforcement officers involved in critical incidents, with possible extension if safety concerns remain; the bill passed favorably as amended. PCS for HB 1371 addressed a range of protections and tools for law enforcement and first responders, including limits on vehicle kill switches, funding for critical infrastructure mapping, a 25-year minimum for attempted first-degree murder of specified justice personnel, and procedures after exposure to bodily fluids; it was reported favorably. HB 857 increased penalties for assault or battery on utility workers and was also approved. HB 317 required written, sworn complaints against law enforcement and correctional officers, imposed penalties for false complaints, and limited the use of unsubstantiated investigations in personnel files; it passed despite opposition from some law enforcement groups and support from others. The committee spent substantial time on HB 903, a corrections bill that would tighten inmate complaint procedures, authorize tracking of inmate movement, adjust execution-related provisions, streamline mental health and competency processes, and change contracting authority for prison services. Members raised concerns about costs, civil rights, and the statute of limitations, but the bill was reported favorably as amended by a 14-3 vote. HB 181 on objective parole guidelines, which would require the Commission on Offender Review to incorporate vocational, educational, and self-betterment programming and provide its statistical analysis to legislative leaders, drew strong support from criminal justice reform advocates and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved HB 1455 on repeat sexual offenders, which creates mandatory minimum sentences for subsequent specified sexual offenses and bars gain time or discretionary early release; an amendment increased one mandatory minimum from 10 to 20 years for selling or buying minors for sexually explicit conduct. Throughout the meeting, several bills drew testimony from law enforcement, industry, advocacy groups, and members of the public, with votes generally favoring the measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• decisions, but what if the doctor is there and can help them make the decisions?
• Kids lack the capacity or maturity to make the decisions.
• Medical records and the ability to make decisions.
• You need to make that decision.
• And if we're going to let 14-year-olds make medical decisions, that doesn't make sense.

Summary: The committee first heard HB 245, which would replace references in Florida law to “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material.” The sponsor said the change was overdue and more accurately reflects the criminal nature of the material. There was brief supportive public testimony, no debate, and the bill was reported favorably on a unanimous vote. The committee then took up HB 237 on the use of professional nursing titles. The sponsor said advanced practice registered nurses should be able to use earned academic titles such as DNP or PhD. Supporters testified in favor, there was no opposition or debate, and the bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The longest discussion centered on HB 173, which would expand parental consent and access requirements for minors’ medical care, medical records, certain school surveys, and biomedical devices. Supporters argued it restores parental rights and keeps parents involved in children’s health decisions, while opponents—many from medical, mental health, LGBTQ, and youth advocacy groups—warned it could block access to STI treatment, mental health care, crisis hotlines, and confidential services for vulnerable youth, including those in abusive homes. After extensive testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably on a 19-7 vote. Finally, the committee began HB 327 on uterine fibroid research. The sponsor explained the bill would require health care providers to submit identified data so the Department of Health can build a usable de-identified research database, after prior implementation problems with duplicate or unverified data. A supportive local official testified, and members indicated support as the meeting moved toward a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• you're trying to I just want to make you're trying to I just want to make sure<00:22:10.799>
• He said he wanted to make sure the bill succeeds, did not want to goof it up, and did not want to make
• He said he just wanted to make sure the bill succeeds and did not want to goof it up or make something
• make sure you got your green light on. make sure you got your green light on.
• Make sure you introduce the seats.

Bills: HB0015, HB0017, HB0019

Keywords: right to repair, digital electronics, consumer protection, embedded software, manufacturers, repair providers, tools and documentation, anti-theft measures, blockchain, financial technology, digital innovation, economic development, select committee, trespass, hunting, land use, public access, wildlife, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• transparent, efficient, foster economic growth, and ensure that all voices are heard during the decision-making
• transparent, efficient, foster economic growth, and ensure that all voices are heard during the decision-making
• process so uh the npca decision-making process so uh the npca believes<00:49:06.760> any<00:49
• > one local decision making first section one local decision making first section one of<01:30
• <01:31:19.840> making extensions under Wetland decision making extensions under Wetland decision

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, let's move to decision making.
• Supported decision-making is extremely important.
• decision- making is here supportive decision- making is extremely<00:48:14.720> important<00:
• you<00:48:25.200> very their decision making so thank you very their decision making so thank
• <02:26:20.319> decisions group can play God and make decisions group can play God and make

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1462 on crisis services. Testimony from the Department of Law Enforcement, the Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Department of Health supported expanding behavioral health crisis services as an alternative to arrest or incarceration. Witnesses said additional crisis sites would help divert people in mental health crisis to appropriate care, and the Department of Health described its current crisis center in Ewa, including the need for renovations such as a padded room and the time required to get the facility operational. In response to questions, the department estimated the Ewa center’s budgeted cost at about $4.3 million, not including rent or startup repairs, and said a second site’s cost would depend on whether it was freestanding or attached to an existing facility. The committee then heard House Bill 700 on cognitive assessments. The Executive Office on Aging supported the bill’s intent but asked that it be amended to make assessments optional rather than mandated, to pilot the program first, and to allow flexibility in handling HIPAA-protected data. SHPDA also supported the measure but said it should not be mandatory and suggested that payers reimburse for assessments when requested by patients, families, or physicians. The Alzheimer’s Association and caregivers strongly supported standardizing cognitive assessments to improve early detection and access to newer treatments, while noting the existing opt-out provision. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the bill but asked that the age 65 threshold be removed because cognitive decline can begin much earlier for people with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and related conditions. In response to a question, the Office on Aging said a pilot project could likely be done for about $150,000, with data security being the main added cost. The final bill discussed was House Bill 237 on peer support programs. Testimony from Family Hui Hawaii, Early Childhood Action Strategy, peer support workers, and families described peer-to-peer programs as a cost-effective way to reduce isolation, strengthen families, and provide long-term community support. Speakers said these programs help parents and caregivers navigate crises, child welfare involvement, addiction recovery, and other challenges, and can have lasting benefits for children’s development and family stability. Several witnesses tied the bill to broader state goals, including infant and early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and child welfare reform. Written testimony from about a dozen organizations and individuals was also noted in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, as with the House, revenues are a big part of making budget decisions. uh, Melissa Rollins, Jack
• <00:35:38.720> to<00:35:38.880> fund<00:35:39.119> the then make a decision
• on how to fund the then make a decision on how to fund the governor's<00:35:39.760> commission
• And so the litigant makes a decision later on in the process.
• > a<01:04:50.799> decision<01:04:51.119> later the the litigant makes a decision

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The Legislative Budget Assistant staff presented an overview of the Senate changes to the House-passed budget, focusing on revenue estimates, appropriations, and ending balances across the general fund and education trust fund. The presentation emphasized that the Senate’s budget reflected higher revenue assumptions than the House, driven in part by updated April revenue figures, changes to business, tobacco, and real estate transfer tax splits, and different assumptions about video lottery terminal revenue. The Senate also adjusted lapse estimates upward, especially for HHS, after receiving updated information that lapses could be much larger than originally assumed. The presenter walked through the major differences in the surplus statements for fiscal years 2025 through 2027. Compared with the House, the Senate budget generally showed higher revenues, lower or different appropriations in some areas, and larger balances carried forward, including a larger education trust fund balance and a different rainy day fund transfer. The Senate’s approach also changed several policy assumptions, such as maintaining liquor revenue dedication, removing the House’s meals-and-rooms distribution cap, changing the treatment of unique revenue, and altering the process for meeting a targeted revenue amount by giving the governor more flexibility. On the appropriations side, the Senate removed or modified several House reductions and added funding or adjustments in areas including the judicial branch, corrections, HHS, the Human Rights Commission, and certain settlement costs. The presenter also highlighted Senate changes in House Bill 2 and related budget provisions, including a new arts tax credit, a nursing home bed fee, changes to Medicaid premium assumptions, and differences in how motor vehicle inspection repeal and BLT-related revenue are handled. No votes were taken in the portion shown; the discussion was informational and comparative, aimed at explaining the Senate budget changes before conference committee negotiations.

Transcript Highlights:

• It risks turning court decisions into political calculations instead of decisions based on law and evidence
• We need to make them transparent and find other ways to make them more acceptable to the public, as the
• What exactly did that decision do?
• That's a unifying decision.
• If there's a drug transaction, we'll make sure, we'll make sure we'll ...already written into the bill

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In light of the fiscal constraints, we understand the difficult decisions that you all must make.
• Underfunding the agency's adjustment will require the agencies to make difficult decisions to balance
• c> balance<00:10:53.519> and make difficult decisions to balance and make difficult decisions
• > decision<00:18:02.799> item<00:18:03.120> on lightum um decision decision item
• /c><01:13:10.000> the<01:13:10.159> expansion make a decision about uh the expansion make

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:29.200> up independent expenditures now making up independent expenditures now making
• , decisions, decisions, the<00:18:57.720> power<00:18:58.000> to<00:18:58.120> define
• Bellotti decision.
• and critical business decisions. and critical business decisions.
• because it makes them money. because it makes them money.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all