Transcript Highlights:

• Um there's a uh scientific game that uh Um there's a uh scientific game that uh Um there's a uh scientific
• game that uh called Plasma Games.
• It's been in the called Plasma Games. It's been in the called Plasma Games.
• USA state competition commending Skills USA state competition commending Skills USA state competition
• Event Space Entry Road and Social Event Space Entry Road and Social Event Space 1,500,000 G.

Bills: SJR 59 , SCR 30 , SCR 46 , SB 31 , SB 127 , SB 324 , SB 401 , SB 407 , SB 467 , SB 482 , SB 506 , SB 529 , SB 584 , SB 619 , SB 636 , SB 646 , SB 647 , SB 659 , SB 715 , SB 732 , SB 735 , SB 771 , SB 784 , SB 800 , SB 801 , SB 816 , SB 1013 , SB 1026 , SB 1049 , SB 1055 , SB 1065 , SB 1137 , SB 1169 , SB 1181 , SB 1383 , SB 1395 , SB 1410 , SB 1433 , SB 1524 , SB 1531 , SB 1568 , SB 1640 , SB 1666 , SB 1681 , SB 1718 , SB 1754 , SB 1757 , SB 1972 , SB 1980 , SB 2004 , SB 2007 , SB 2041 , SB 2046 , SB 2050 , SB 2075 , SB 2076 , SB 2154 , SB 2173 , SB 2206 , SB 2225 , SB 2253 , SB 2268 , SB 2306 , SB 2308 , SB 2314 , SB 2322 , SB 2330 , SB 2351 , SB 2366 , SB 2371 , SB 2392 , SB 2398 , SB 2476 , SB 2533 , SB 2540 , SB 2544 , SB 2589 , SB 2610 , SB 2623 , SB 2660 , SB 2662 , SB 2693 , SB 2707 , SB 2717 , SB 2722 , SB 2742 , SB 2753 , SB 2779 , SB 2807 , SB 2843 , SB 2844 , SB 2858 , SB 2877 , SB 2880 , SB 2885 , SB 2920 , SB 2938 , SB 2986 , HJR 4 , HCR 35 , SJR 3 , SJR 18 , SB 5 , SB 260 , SB 1786 , SB 914 , SB 963 , SB 1197 , SB 1415 , SB 1437 , SJR 36 , SJR 50 , SJR 63 , SJR 84 , SJR 59 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SCR 46 , SCR 48 , SCR 19 , SCR 30 , SCR 3 , SB 2023 , SB 1433 , SB 2322 , SB 2877 , SB 407 , SB 1718 , SB 1395 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 847 , SB 284 , SB 854 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1505 , SB 583 , SB 1502 , SB 507 , SB 1026 , SB 1434 , SB 1376 , SB 1585 , SB 1772 , SB 2016 , SB 1163 , SB 619 , SB 1122 , SB 732 , SB 731 , SB 397 , SB 508 , SB 1436 , SB 287 , SB 261 , SB 1882 , SB 393 , SB 1791 , SB 529 , SB 209 , SB 2429 , SB 1999 , SB 511 , SB 2309 , SB 510 , SB 2253 , SB 584 , SB 1085 , SB 2314 , SB 2046 , SB 1975 , SB 2717 , SB 1262 , SB 1524 , SB 1137 , SB 636 , SB 2056 , SB 884 , SB 517 , SB 1200 , SB 1410 , SB 1845 , SB 1863 , SB 2681 , SB 2200 , SB 2199 , SB 1757 , SB 2050 , SB 2458 , SB 2201 , SB 1055 , SB 2660 , SB 2662 , SB 1065 , SB 801 , SB 2533 , SB 3014 , SB 3013 , SB 758 , SB 647 , SB 1721 , SB 2268 , SB 2366 , SB 1013 , SB 2797 , SB 2371 , SB 2383 , SB 646 , SB 1169 , SB 1754 , SB 2779 , SB 2004 , SB 2119 , SB 2448 , SB 1777 , SB 1283 , SB 2392 , SB 2076 , SB 2786 , SB 2876 , SB 2284 , SB 2225 , SB 1540 , SB 2920 , SB 2929 , SB 1972 , SB 2540 , SB 2742 , SB 2595 , SB 2217 , SB 715 , SB 2330 , SB 1383 , SB 500 , SB 1640 , SB 2001 , SB 2080 , SB 2722 , SB 506 , SB 2514 , SB 2623 , SB 2753 , SB 2398 , SB 1241 , SB 2927 , SB 2173 , SB 2538 , SB 898 , SB 467 , SB 1449 , SB 2529 , SB 1531 , SB 2846 , SB 2476 , SB 986 , SB 1181 , SB 2075 , SB 2154 , SB 2864 , SB 31 , SB 2880 , SB 1359 , SB 2386 , SB 771 , SB 2844 , SB 2550 , SB 1351 , SB 1423 , SB 1931 , SB 2245 , SB 2589 , SB 2707 , SB 2807 , SB 2351 , SB 410 , SB 659 , SB 816 , SB 2776 , SB 2693 , SB 2580 , SB 1980 , SB 1886 , SB 1234 , SB 739 , SB 482 , SB 456 , SB 127 , SB 1666 , SB 2843 , SB 2801 , SB 800 , SB 2055 , SB 784 , SB 2986 , SB 735 , SB 1012 , SB 324 , SB 2926 , SB 2938 , SB 2007 , SB 2138 , SB 1242 , SB 2615 , SB 1049 , SB 2310 , SB 1224 , SB 2972 , SB 1568 , SB 2841 , SB 2885 , SB 3016 , SB 2858 , SB 2610 , SB 2139 , SB 1856 , SB 2035 , SB 2308 , SB 2306 , SB 2041 , SB 1528 , SB 1681 , SB 1141 , SB 2401 , SB 2530 , SB 2375 , SB 547 , SB 1266 , SB 1373 , SB 1467 , SB 2069 , SB 2269 , SB 2480 , SB 2544 , SB 672 , SB 904 , SB 2695 , SB 2891 , SB 2422 , SB 2543 , SB 1854 , SB 317 , SB 2539 , SB 2532 , SB 2925 , SB 1250 , SB 2082 , SB 2203 , SB 457 , SB 2357 , HJR 4 , HB 135 , HB 1109 , HCR 35 , HCR 64 , SB 2721 , SB 243 , SB 1285 , SB 2568 , SB 1959 , SB 1442 , SB 1454 , SB 2520 , SB 2541 , SB 1708 , SB 1237 , SB 1844 , SB 1586 , SB 1 , SB 260 , SB 31 , SB 467 , SB 482 , SB 647 , SB 732 , SB 816 , SB 1055 , SB 1137 , SB 1169 , SB 2004 , SB 2253 , SB 2268 , SB 2314 , SB 2351 , SB 2371 , SB 2623 , SB 2722 , SB 2779 , SB 2920 , HJR 4 , SB 407 , SB 1395 , SB 1433 , SB 1718 , SB 2322 , SB 2877 , SB 619 , SB 646 , SB 1026 , SB 2742 , SB 2880 , SR 443 , SR 449 , SR 456 , SR 460 , SR 465 , SCR 46 , SB 260 , SB 3062 , HJR 8 , HJR 31 , HJR 72 , HJR 99 , HJR 133 , HB 29 , HB 33 , HB 50 , HB 107 , HB 116 , HB 125 , HB 140 , HB 141 , HB 155 , HB 171 , HB 227 , HB 255 , HB 363 , HB 368 , HB 491 , HB 609 , HB 630 , HB 745 , HB 767 , HB 913 , HB 917 , HB 1135 , HB 1188 , HB 1238 , HB 1242 , HB 1261 , HB 1318 , HB 1404 , HB 1495 , HB 1507 , HB 1606 , HB 1708 , HB 1748 , HB 1851 , HB 1922 , HB 2002 , HB 2003 , HB 2198 , HB 2355 , HB 2358 , HB 2415 , HB 2457 , HB 2495 , HB 2546 , HB 2637 , HB 2763 , HB 2765 , HB 2798 , HB 2818 , HB 3228 , HB 3307 , HB 4116 , HCR 29 , SB 1410 , SB 3062 , HJR 8 , HJR 31 , HJR 72 , HJR 99 , HJR 133 , HB 29 , HB 33 , HB 50 , HB 107 , HB 116 , HB 125 , HB 140 , HB 141 , HB 155 , HB 171 , HB 227 , HB 255 , HB 363 , HB 368 , HB 491 , HB 609 , HB 630 , HB 745 , HB 767 , HB 913 , HB 917 , HB 1135 , HB 1188 , HB 1238 , HB 1242 , HB 1261 , HB 1318 , HB 1404 , HB 1495 , HB 1507 , HB 1606 , HB 1708 , HB 1748 , HB 1851 , HB 1922 , HB 2002 , HB 2003 , HB 2198 , HB 2355 , HB 2358 , HB 2415 , HB 2457 , HB 2495 , HB 2546 , HB 2637 , HB 2763 , HB 2765 , HB 2798 , HB 2818 , HB 3228 , HB 3307 , HB 4116 , HCR 29 , SB 1410

Transcript Highlights:

• Um there's a uh scientific game that uh Um there's a uh scientific game that uh Um there's a uh scientific
• game that uh called Plasma Games.
• It's been in the called Plasma Games. It's been in the called Plasma Games.
• USA state competition commending Skills USA state competition commending Skills USA state competition
• Event Space Entry Road and Social Event Space Entry Road and Social Event Space 1,500,000 G.

Bills: SJR 59 , SCR 30 , SCR 46 , SB 31 , SB 127 , SB 324 , SB 401 , SB 407 , SB 467 , SB 482 , SB 506 , SB 529 , SB 584 , SB 619 , SB 636 , SB 646 , SB 647 , SB 659 , SB 715 , SB 732 , SB 735 , SB 771 , SB 784 , SB 800 , SB 801 , SB 816 , SB 1013 , SB 1026 , SB 1049 , SB 1055 , SB 1065 , SB 1137 , SB 1169 , SB 1181 , SB 1383 , SB 1395 , SB 1410 , SB 1433 , SB 1524 , SB 1531 , SB 1568 , SB 1640 , SB 1666 , SB 1681 , SB 1718 , SB 1754 , SB 1757 , SB 1972 , SB 1980 , SB 2004 , SB 2007 , SB 2041 , SB 2046 , SB 2050 , SB 2075 , SB 2076 , SB 2154 , SB 2173 , SB 2206 , SB 2225 , SB 2253 , SB 2268 , SB 2306 , SB 2308 , SB 2314 , SB 2322 , SB 2330 , SB 2351 , SB 2366 , SB 2371 , SB 2392 , SB 2398 , SB 2476 , SB 2533 , SB 2540 , SB 2544 , SB 2589 , SB 2610 , SB 2623 , SB 2660 , SB 2662 , SB 2693 , SB 2707 , SB 2717 , SB 2722 , SB 2742 , SB 2753 , SB 2779 , SB 2807 , SB 2843 , SB 2844 , SB 2858 , SB 2877 , SB 2880 , SB 2885 , SB 2920 , SB 2938 , SB 2986 , HJR 4 , HCR 35 , SJR 3 , SJR 18 , SB 5 , SB 260 , SB 1786 , SB 914 , SB 963 , SB 1197 , SB 1415 , SB 1437 , SJR 36 , SJR 50 , SJR 63 , SJR 84 , SJR 59 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SCR 46 , SCR 48 , SCR 19 , SCR 30 , SCR 3 , SB 2023 , SB 1433 , SB 2322 , SB 2877 , SB 407 , SB 1718 , SB 1395 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 847 , SB 284 , SB 854 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1505 , SB 583 , SB 1502 , SB 507 , SB 1026 , SB 1434 , SB 1376 , SB 1585 , SB 1772 , SB 2016 , SB 1163 , SB 619 , SB 1122 , SB 732 , SB 731 , SB 397 , SB 508 , SB 1436 , SB 287 , SB 261 , SB 1882 , SB 393 , SB 1791 , SB 529 , SB 209 , SB 2429 , SB 1999 , SB 511 , SB 2309 , SB 510 , SB 2253 , SB 584 , SB 1085 , SB 2314 , SB 2046 , SB 1975 , SB 2717 , SB 1262 , SB 1524 , SB 1137 , SB 636 , SB 2056 , SB 884 , SB 517 , SB 1200 , SB 1410 , SB 1845 , SB 1863 , SB 2681 , SB 2200 , SB 2199 , SB 1757 , SB 2050 , SB 2458 , SB 2201 , SB 1055 , SB 2660 , SB 2662 , SB 1065 , SB 801 , SB 2533 , SB 3014 , SB 3013 , SB 758 , SB 647 , SB 1721 , SB 2268 , SB 2366 , SB 1013 , SB 2797 , SB 2371 , SB 2383 , SB 646 , SB 1169 , SB 1754 , SB 2779 , SB 2004 , SB 2119 , SB 2448 , SB 1777 , SB 1283 , SB 2392 , SB 2076 , SB 2786 , SB 2876 , SB 2284 , SB 2225 , SB 1540 , SB 2920 , SB 2929 , SB 1972 , SB 2540 , SB 2742 , SB 2595 , SB 2217 , SB 715 , SB 2330 , SB 1383 , SB 500 , SB 1640 , SB 2001 , SB 2080 , SB 2722 , SB 506 , SB 2514 , SB 2623 , SB 2753 , SB 2398 , SB 1241 , SB 2927 , SB 2173 , SB 2538 , SB 898 , SB 467 , SB 1449 , SB 2529 , SB 1531 , SB 2846 , SB 2476 , SB 986 , SB 1181 , SB 2075 , SB 2154 , SB 2864 , SB 31 , SB 2880 , SB 1359 , SB 2386 , SB 771 , SB 2844 , SB 2550 , SB 1351 , SB 1423 , SB 1931 , SB 2245 , SB 2589 , SB 2707 , SB 2807 , SB 2351 , SB 410 , SB 659 , SB 816 , SB 2776 , SB 2693 , SB 2580 , SB 1980 , SB 1886 , SB 1234 , SB 739 , SB 482 , SB 456 , SB 127 , SB 1666 , SB 2843 , SB 2801 , SB 800 , SB 2055 , SB 784 , SB 2986 , SB 735 , SB 1012 , SB 324 , SB 2926 , SB 2938 , SB 2007 , SB 2138 , SB 1242 , SB 2615 , SB 1049 , SB 2310 , SB 1224 , SB 2972 , SB 1568 , SB 2841 , SB 2885 , SB 3016 , SB 2858 , SB 2610 , SB 2139 , SB 1856 , SB 2035 , SB 2308 , SB 2306 , SB 2041 , SB 1528 , SB 1681 , SB 1141 , SB 2401 , SB 2530 , SB 2375 , SB 547 , SB 1266 , SB 1373 , SB 1467 , SB 2069 , SB 2269 , SB 2480 , SB 2544 , SB 672 , SB 904 , SB 2695 , SB 2891 , SB 2422 , SB 2543 , SB 1854 , SB 317 , SB 2539 , SB 2532 , SB 2925 , SB 1250 , SB 2082 , SB 2203 , SB 457 , SB 2357 , HJR 4 , HB 135 , HB 1109 , HCR 35 , HCR 64 , SB 2721 , SB 243 , SB 1285 , SB 2568 , SB 1959 , SB 1442 , SB 1454 , SB 2520 , SB 2541 , SB 1708 , SB 1237 , SB 1844 , SB 1586 , SB 1 , SB 260 , SB 31 , SB 467 , SB 482 , SB 647 , SB 732 , SB 816 , SB 1055 , SB 1137 , SB 1169 , SB 2004 , SB 2253 , SB 2268 , SB 2314 , SB 2351 , SB 2371 , SB 2623 , SB 2722 , SB 2779 , SB 2920 , HJR 4 , SB 407 , SB 1395 , SB 1433 , SB 1718 , SB 2322 , SB 2877 , SB 619 , SB 646 , SB 1026 , SB 2742 , SB 2880 , SR 443 , SR 449 , SR 456 , SR 460 , SR 465 , SCR 46 , SB 260 , SB 3062 , HJR 8 , HJR 31 , HJR 72 , HJR 99 , HJR 133 , HB 29 , HB 33 , HB 50 , HB 107 , HB 116 , HB 125 , HB 140 , HB 141 , HB 155 , HB 171 , HB 227 , HB 255 , HB 363 , HB 368 , HB 491 , HB 609 , HB 630 , HB 745 , HB 767 , HB 913 , HB 917 , HB 1135 , HB 1188 , HB 1238 , HB 1242 , HB 1261 , HB 1318 , HB 1404 , HB 1495 , HB 1507 , HB 1606 , HB 1708 , HB 1748 , HB 1851 , HB 1922 , HB 2002 , HB 2003 , HB 2198 , HB 2355 , HB 2358 , HB 2415 , HB 2457 , HB 2495 , HB 2546 , HB 2637 , HB 2763 , HB 2765 , HB 2798 , HB 2818 , HB 3228 , HB 3307 , HB 4116 , HCR 29 , SB 1410 , SB 3062 , HJR 8 , HJR 31 , HJR 72 , HJR 99 , HJR 133 , HB 29 , HB 33 , HB 50 , HB 107 , HB 116 , HB 125 , HB 140 , HB 141 , HB 155 , HB 171 , HB 227 , HB 255 , HB 363 , HB 368 , HB 491 , HB 609 , HB 630 , HB 745 , HB 767 , HB 913 , HB 917 , HB 1135 , HB 1188 , HB 1238 , HB 1242 , HB 1261 , HB 1318 , HB 1404 , HB 1495 , HB 1507 , HB 1606 , HB 1708 , HB 1748 , HB 1851 , HB 1922 , HB 2002 , HB 2003 , HB 2198 , HB 2355 , HB 2358 , HB 2415 , HB 2457 , HB 2495 , HB 2546 , HB 2637 , HB 2763 , HB 2765 , HB 2798 , HB 2818 , HB 3228 , HB 3307 , HB 4116 , HCR 29 , SB 1410

Transcript Highlights:

• I was missing out on social interactions with my friends.
• But after getting the hearing aid, I became better at social interactions and my social anxiety decreased
• …demographics, utilization of medical and social services, and more.
• That is a game-changer.
• My colleagues have talked about the injectable form of medication, which is a game changer.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a public hearing on a wide range of bills, with testimony first focused on H. 1315/S. 824, which would require insurance coverage for pain management options during IUD insertion. Representative Sabadosa, Planned Parenthood clinicians, and policy advocates said sedation can reduce fear and trauma, improve access to effective contraception, and should be reimbursed so providers can continue offering it. A Tufts OB-GYN resident also testified that pain control should be standard care for intrauterine procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee then heard extensive testimony on firefighter health bills, especially H. 1230/S. 690 requiring insurance coverage for cancer screenings for firefighters. Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts leaders, a Dana-Farber oncologist, and firefighters themselves described occupational exposure to carcinogens and personal stories of late-stage cancer detection, arguing that early screening can save lives and reduce long-term costs. Representative Crichton and Representative Howitt also spoke in support, and Representative Ayers testified for H. 4012, which would require neurological disorder screenings for firefighters. Committee members expressed support and sympathy, but no action was taken. The hearing also covered H. 3946/S. 756 on hearing aid coverage, with testimony from students, adults with hearing loss, disability advocates, and HLAA representatives describing the educational, social, and financial barriers caused by lack of coverage and urging broader insurance mandates. Later, Representative Donahue and Representative Vargas testified for H. 1337 to expand insurance coverage for opioid antagonists and related medications, including naloxone dispensed at discharge. The committee additionally heard testimony on H. 1134 to improve chronic pain care coordination and non-opioid access, and H. 4162 to improve ostomy supply coverage and access to certified ostomy care, with patients and clinicians describing denials, quantity limits, and non-medical switching. The transcript ends while testimony on H. 1315/S. 824 is still ongoing; no votes or formal committee actions are recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to— is the question for the Department of Social Services?
• So Alexis with the Department of Social Services.
• Alexis Fernandez-Garcia, again with the Department of Social Services.
• Alexis Fernandez-Garcia with the Department of Social Services.
• Third, strengthening social well-being, equity, and economic resilience.

Transcript Highlights:

• share that we owe to DAGS, restoring a position in our financial services department, adding three social
• at the Intermediate Court of Appeals, hybrid clerks and bailiffs in the First Circuit, a juvenile social
• at the Intermediate Court of Appeals, hybrid clerks and bailiffs in the First Circuit, a juvenile social
• I think so that to be ahead of the game I think so that you<01:24:35.880><c> will</c><01:24:36.080><
• <01:39:29.800><c> criminal</c><01:39:30.159><c> thinking</c><01:39:30.520><c> and</c> skills criminal

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 4000, the Judiciary’s biennium budget bill for FY 2026-2027. Judiciary Director of Policy and Planning Brandon Kimura testified in strong support, outlining operating requests of about $6.17 million in FY 26 and $6.25 million in FY 27, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $9.9 million in capital improvements. He described funding needs for specialty courts, preparations for the Wahiawa District Court, an additional district court judge and staff for Kona, cybersecurity upgrades, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, statewide priority items, and restoration of several essential staff positions. He also said the Judiciary was seeking an additional $2 million for the Children’s Justice Center relocation lump sum because updated estimates had risen to about $8 million. The committee also discussed potential impacts from uncertain federal funding and asked for written follow-up on those risks and on the capital request, including coordination with Budget and Finance. Several organizations and individuals testified in support of the Judiciary budget, including the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, and legal service providers. Mioko Eto asked for an additional $1 million for civil legal service providers, explaining that the current funding is spread across multiple providers and that the need remains high. David Copper of Legal Aid supported the request, citing statewide demand, 105 staff, 7,100 cases closed in the past year, and 15,000 calls received, while noting that many people seeking help cannot be served because of capacity limits. He also said recent federal funding disruptions and proposed cuts could affect legal services and related programs. Committee members asked about the Criminal Justice Research Institute’s mission; Kimura said its primary statutory role is to build a database focused on pre-trial reporting and data analysis, though it is also working on probation and mental health-related projects. No vote or final action on HB 4000 was taken in the hearing excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This outstanding group of athletes brought home a coveted national title in the middle school game day
• </c><00:51:49.359><c> day</c> title in the middle school game day title in the middle school game day
• </c><00:55:30.640><c> He</c><00:55:30.880><c> spent</c> trained as a social worker.
• He spent trained as a social worker.
• work from Kentucky State social work from Kentucky State University,<00:56:30.000><c> historically</

Transcript Highlights:

• They're also used by other state agencies, fire, local police, New Hampshire Fish and Game, and other
• So it's a game changer.
• We have to re-up our game there.
• Security or credit... ...such as Social Security or credit card numbers.
• And we think that, at this point in the game and the way the future looks financially, I think that’s

Transcript Highlights:

• It would also help the environment, which is important emotionally and socially.
• From a social perspective, these spaces have incalculable value.
• We have time to socialize and prepare for activities within the social community.
• vocational tech schools and community-based organizations, and directing HHS to conduct a study on social
• This tool could be a game changer.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries

Summary: The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries held a public hearing on 19 legislative proposals, with testimony limited to three minutes per speaker and seven minutes per panel. The hearing opened with testimony on bills promoting urban agriculture and vacant-lot conversion, including H.121/S.61, which Green Roots staff and community members supported as a way to turn vacant lots in environmental justice communities into urban farms and gardens that improve food access, health, community cohesion, and climate resilience. Rep. James Arena-DeRosa also spoke in support of H.109/S.56, the PFAS bill, describing it as a measure to protect soil and farms from contamination and to create relief for affected farmers. A major portion of the hearing focused on H.109/S.56, which would ban land application of sewage sludge/biosolids, provide liability protection and relief funds for farmers, and address PFAS contamination in soil, water, crops, and animals. Testimony came from environmental groups, farm organizations, and individual farmers, including the Mass Food System Collaborative, Conservation Law Foundation, Clean Water Action, CEMAP, NOFA, Sierra Club, and several farmers who described contamination in Maine and Massachusetts and urged the committee to act. Witnesses emphasized that PFAS poses serious health risks, that farmers should not bear responsibility for legacy contamination, and that the bill should be paired with funding for testing, remediation, and assistance. Committee members asked questions about farm liability, the scope of the bill, contamination in different ownership situations, and the costs and timelines of remediation, with Senator Comerford and others clarifying that the bill is intended to protect farms and farmers rather than non-agricultural landholders. The committee also heard strong support for H.416, a farm-to-institution pilot program, from Rep. Lee Davis, Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, and Berkshire Bounty. They said the pilot would connect Massachusetts farms to schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and other institutions, creating new markets, strengthening local supply chains, and supporting food-is-medicine efforts. Members discussed whether the model could be statewide and referenced existing programs such as Island Grown Initiative and local hospital and insurance partnerships. Another agricultural bill, H.1058, was supported by Rep. Mark Sylvia and the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association as a way to allow unused cranberry water rights to be transferred within the same watershed for municipal mitigation while helping growers retire or consolidate bogs. The hearing also included testimony on the broader farm omnibus bill H.112/S.55 and related measures, with the Massachusetts Farm Bureau and others praising the committee’s work on agricultural resilience, food security, agritourism, workforce development, and farmland access, while suggesting additional transportation-related fixes for farmers. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Blanco is happy to know that our first UTRGV football game will be against Texas A&M–Kingsville
• We all look forward to the game.
• by Washington Monthly magazine and recognized as the best public university in Texas for value and social
• school social studies curricula, to Education K-16.
• Knowledge and skills of the public school social studies curricula, to Education K-16.

Bills: SJR12 , SCR39 , SB27 , SB29 , SB241 , SB406 , SB414 , SB464 , SB568 , SB578 , SB609 , SB660 , SB689 , SB693 , SB785 , SB857 , SB879 , SB921 , SB922 , SB955 , SB985 , SB993 , SB996 , SB1008 , SB1035 , SB1036 , SB1059 , SB1098 , SB1120 , SB1122 , SB1147 , SB1188 , SB1197 , SB1209 , SB1227 , SB1245 , SB1267 , SB1307 , SB1321 , SB1332 , SB1386 , SB1396 , SB1453 , SB1484 , SB1494 , SB1536 , SB1537 , SB1596 , SB1610 , SB1664 , SB1741 , SB1814 , SB1822 , SB1841 , SB1948 , SB2065 , SB2155 , SB2188 , SB2230 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SJR81 , SJR50 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB406 , SB689 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB504 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB241 , SB304 , SB1023 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB1215 , SB1302 , SB583 , SB673 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB955 , SB957 , SB1120 , SB541 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB53 , SB1352 , SB785 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB711 , SB746 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB1567 , SB310 , SB311 , SB505 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1470 , SB264 , SB1029 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1569 , SB1376 , SB1228 , SB519 , SB1350 , SB462 , SB827 , SB1585 , SB1396 , SB1484 , SB1273 , SB1741 , SB927 , SB1227 , SB1229 , SB1353 , SB1464 , SB1709 , SB1729 , SB1733 , SB1744 , SB1772 , SB1841 , SB2188 , SB1147 , SB879 , SB1008 , SB1536 , SB2016 , SB1453 , SB1173 , SB1163 , SB996 , SB27 , SB568 , SB1370 , SB1321 , SB1101 , SB860 , SB993 , SB693 , SB1610 , SB1537 , SB1332 , SB1307 , SB963 , SB493 , SB922 , SB984 , SB619 , SB1098 , SB1122 , SB455 , SB522 , SB1057 , SB1239 , SB1254 , SB1255 , SB1259 , SB1341 , SB1664 , SB1877 , SB464 , SB1277 , SB32 , SB732 , SB660 , SB731 , SB921 , SB268 , SB1822 , SB1188 , SB1589 , SB397 , SB2230 , SB1058 , SB1036 , SB1267 , SB2112 , SB1930 , SB532 , SB1035 , SB2155 , SB508 , SB29 , SB292 , SB291 , SB901 , SB1333 , SB1436 , SB1494 , SB964 , SB779 , SB1378 , SB2312 , SB1719 , SB1386 , SB287 , SB2143 , SB1245 , SB261 , SB1247 , SB1948 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB1882 , SB1197 , SB1814 , SB618 , SB38 , SB393 , SB2065 , SB1371 , SB1394 , SB1365 , SB2243 , SB2226 , SB2039 , SB1919 , SB1895 , SB1598 , SB1493 , SB1810 , SB1791 , SB1706 , SB1644 , SB1238 , SB783 , SB458 , SB22 , SB651 , SB897 , SB1809 , SB1080 , SB745 , SB826 , SB989 , SB1320 , SB1437 , SB2320 , SB2289 , SB1171 , SB664 , SB1637 , SB27 , SB29 , SB857 , SB879 , SB922 , SB1098 , SB1453 , SB1536 , SB1741 , SB2188 , SB2230 , SB406 , SB689 , SJR12 , SR358 , SR361 , SR362 , SR368 , SJR74 , SJR76 , SB2408 , SB2409 , SB2461 , SB2462 , SB2463 , SB2464 , SB2465 , SB2466 , SB2467 , SB2468 , SB2469 , SB2470 , SB2471 , SB2472 , SB2473 , SB2474 , SB2475 , SB2476 , SB2477 , SB2478 , SB2479 , SB2480 , SB2481 , SB2482 , SB2483 , SB2484 , SB2485 , SB2486 , SB2487 , SB2488 , SB2489 , SB2490 , SB2491 , SB2492 , SB2493 , SB2494 , SB2495 , SB2496 , SB2497 , SB2498 , SB2499 , SB2500 , SB2501 , SB2502 , SB2503 , SB2504 , SB2505 , SB2506 , SB2507 , SB2508 , SB2509 , SB2510 , SB2511 , SB2512 , SB2513 , SB2514 , SB2515 , SB2516 , SB2517 , SB2518 , SB2519 , SB2520 , SB2521 , SB2522 , SB2523 , SB2524 , SB2525 , SB2526 , SB2527 , SB2528 , SB2529 , SB2530 , SB2531 , SB2532 , SB2533 , SB2534 , SB2535 , SB2536 , SB2537 , SB2538 , SB2539 , SB2540 , SB2541 , SB2542 , SB2543 , SB2544 , SB2545 , SB2546 , SB2547 , SB2548 , SB2549 , SB2550 , SB2551 , SB2552 , SB2553 , SB2554 , SB2555 , SB2556 , SB2557 , SB2558 , SB2560 , SB2561 , SB2562 , SB2563 , SB2565 , SB2566 , SB2567 , SB2568 , SB2569 , SB2570 , SB2571 , SB2572 , SB2573 , SB2574 , SB2575 , SB2576 , SB2577 , SB2578 , SB2579 , SB2580 , SB2581 , SB2582 , SB2583 , SB2584 , SB2585 , SB2586 , SB2587 , SB2588 , SB2589 , SB2590 , SB2591 , SB2592 , SB2593 , SB2594 , SB2595 , SB2596 , SB2597 , SB2598 , SB2599 , SB2600 , SB2601 , SB2602 , SB2603 , SB2604 , SB2605 , SB2606 , SB2607 , SB2608 , SB2609 , SB2610 , SB2611 , SB2612 , SB2613 , SB2614 , SB2615 , SB2616 , SB2617 , SB2618 , SB2619 , SB2620 , SB2621 , SB2622 , SB2625 , SB2626 , SB2627 , SB2628 , SB2629 , SB2630 , SB2631 , SB2632 , SB2633 , SB2634 , SB2635 , SB2636 , SB2637 , SB2638 , SB2639 , SB2640 , SB2641 , SB2642 , SB2643 , SB2644 , SB2645 , SB2646 , SB2647 , SB2648 , SB2649 , SB2650 , SB2651 , SB2652 , SB2653 , SB2654 , SB2655 , SB2656 , SB2657 , SB2658 , SB2659 , SB2660 , SB2661 , SB2662 , SB2663 , SB2664 , SB2665 , SB2666 , SB2667 , SB2668 , SB2669 , SB2670 , SB2671 , SB2672 , SB2673 , SB2674 , SB2675 , SB2676 , SB2677 , SB2678 , SB2679 , SB2680 , SB2681 , SB2682 , SB2683 , SB2684 , SB2685 , SB2686 , SB2687 , SB2688 , SB2689 , SB2690 , SB2691 , SB2692 , SB2693 , SB2694 , SB2695 , SB2696 , SB2697 , SB2698 , SB2699 , SB2700 , SB2701 , SB2702 , SB2703 , SB2704 , SB2705 , SB2706 , SB2707 , SB2708 , SB2709 , SB2710 , SB2711 , SB2712 , SB2713 , SB2714 , SB2715 , SB2716 , SB2717 , SB2718 , SB2719 , SB2720 , SB2721 , SB2723 , SB2724 , SB2725 , SB2726 , SB2727 , SB2728 , SB2729 , SB2730 , SB2731 , SB2732 , SB2733 , SB2734 , SB2735 , SB2736 , SB2737 , SB2738 , SB2739 , SB2740 , SB2741 , SB2742 , SB2743 , SB2744 , SB2745 , SB2746 , SB2747 , SB2748 , SB2749 , SB2750 , SB2751 , SB2752 , SB2753 , SB2754 , SB2755 , SB2756 , SB2757 , SB2758 , SB2759 , SB2760 , SB2761 , SB2762 , SB2763 , SB2764 , SB2765 , SB2766 , SB2767 , SB2768 , SB2769 , SB2770 , SB2771 , SB2772 , SB2773 , SB2774 , SB2775 , SB2776 , SB2777 , SB2778 , SB2779 , SB2780 , SB2781 , SB2782 , SB2783 , SB2784 , SB2785 , SB2786 , SB2787 , SB2788 , SB2789 , SB2790 , SB2791 , SB2792 , SB2793 , SB2794 , SB2795 , SB2796 , SB2797 , SB2798 , SB2799 , SB2800 , SB2967 , SB3034 , HJR1 , HJR4 , HB9 , HB 13 , HB22 , HB135 , HB143 , HB195 , HB908 , HB1392 , SB861 , SB1013 , SJR74 , SJR76 , SB2408 , SB2409 , SB2461 , SB2462 , SB2463 , SB2464 , SB2465 , SB2466 , SB2467 , SB2468 , SB2469 , SB2470 , SB2471 , SB2472 , SB2473 , SB2474 , SB2475 , SB2476 , SB2477 , SB2478 , SB2479 , SB2480 , SB2481 , SB2482 , SB2483 , SB2484 , SB2485 , SB2486 , SB2487 , SB2488 , SB2489 , SB2490 , SB2491 , SB2492 , SB2493 , SB2494 , SB2495 , SB2496 , SB2497 , SB2498 , SB2499 , SB2500 , SB2501 , SB2502 , SB2503 , SB2504 , SB2505 , SB2506 , SB2507 , SB2508 , SB2509 , SB2510 , SB2511 , SB2512 , SB2513 , SB2514 , SB2515 , SB2516 , SB2517 , SB2518 , SB2519 , SB2520 , SB2521 , SB2522 , SB2523 , SB2524 , SB2525 , SB2526 , SB2527 , SB2528 , SB2529 , SB2530 , SB2531 , SB2532 , SB2533 , SB2534 , SB2535 , SB2536 , SB2537 , SB2538 , SB2539 , SB2540 , SB2541 , SB2542 , SB2543 , SB2544 , SB2545 , SB2546 , SB2547 , SB2548 , SB2549 , SB2550 , SB2551 , SB2552 , SB2553 , SB2554 , SB2555 , SB2556 , SB2557 , SB2558 , SB2560 , SB2561 , SB2562 , SB2563 , SB2565 , SB2566 , SB2567 , SB2568 , SB2569 , SB2570 , SB2571 , SB2572 , SB2573 , SB2574 , SB2575 , SB2576 , SB2577 , SB2578 , SB2579 , SB2580 , SB2581 , SB2582 , SB2583 , SB2584 , SB2585 , SB2586 , SB2587 , SB2588 , SB2589 , SB2590 , SB2591 , SB2592 , SB2593 , SB2594 , SB2595 , SB2596 , SB2597 , SB2598 , SB2599 , SB2600 , SB2601 , SB2602 , SB2603 , SB2604 , SB2605 , SB2606 , SB2607 , SB2608 , SB2609 , SB2610 , SB2611 , SB2612 , SB2613 , SB2614 , SB2615 , SB2616 , SB2617 , SB2618 , SB2619 , SB2620 , SB2621 , SB2622 , SB2625 , SB2626 , SB2627 , SB2628 , SB2629 , SB2630 , SB2631 , SB2632 , SB2633 , SB2634 , SB2635 , SB2636 , SB2637 , SB2638 , SB2639 , SB2640 , SB2641 , SB2642 , SB2643 , SB2644 , SB2645 , SB2646 , SB2647 , SB2648 , SB2649 , SB2650 , SB2651 , SB2652 , SB2653 , SB2654 , SB2655 , SB2656 , SB2657 , SB2658 , SB2659 , SB2660 , SB2661 , SB2662 , SB2663 , SB2664 , SB2665 , SB2666 , SB2667 , SB2668 , SB2669 , SB2670 , SB2671 , SB2672 , SB2673 , SB2674 , SB2675 , SB2676 , SB2677 , SB2678 , SB2679 , SB2680 , SB2681 , SB2682 , SB2683 , SB2684 , SB2685 , SB2686 , SB2687 , SB2688 , SB2689 , SB2690 , SB2691 , SB2692 , SB2693 , SB2694 , SB2695 , SB2696 , SB2697 , SB2698 , SB2699 , SB2700 , SB2701 , SB2702 , SB2703 , SB2704 , SB2705 , SB2706 , SB2707 , SB2708 , SB2709 , SB2710 , SB2711 , SB2712 , SB2713 , SB2714 , SB2715 , SB2716 , SB2717 , SB2718 , SB2719 , SB2720 , SB2721 , SB2723 , SB2724 , SB2725 , SB2726 , SB2727 , SB2728 , SB2729 , SB2730 , SB2731 , SB2732 , SB2733 , SB2734 , SB2735 , SB2736 , SB2737 , SB2738 , SB2739 , SB2740 , SB2741 , SB2742 , SB2743 , SB2744 , SB2745 , SB2746 , SB2747 , SB2748 , SB2749 , SB2750 , SB2751 , SB2752 , SB2753 , SB2754 , SB2755 , SB2756 , SB2757 , SB2758 , SB2759 , SB2760 , SB2761 , SB2762 , SB2763 , SB2764 , SB2765 , SB2766 , SB2767 , SB2768 , SB2769 , SB2770 , SB2771 , SB2772 , SB2773 , SB2774 , SB2775 , SB2776 , SB2777 , SB2778 , SB2779 , SB2780 , SB2781 , SB2782 , SB2783 , SB2784 , SB2785 , SB2786 , SB2787 , SB2788 , SB2789 , SB2790 , SB2791 , SB2792 , SB2793 , SB2794 , SB2795 , SB2796 , SB2797 , SB2798 , SB2799 , SB2800 , SB2967 , SB3034 , HJR1 , HJR4 , HB9 , HB 13 , HB22 , HB135 , HB143 , HB195 , HB908 , HB1392 , SB861 , SB1013

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation, and adopted the previous day’s journal. Members then adopted Senate Resolution 358 honoring the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on its 10th anniversary, with remarks highlighting UTRGV’s growth, degree production, research expansion, medical school, and role in serving the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. The chamber also recognized the doctor of the day and adopted additional resolutions, including one for Denton County Days at the Capitol and another recognizing Texas HBCU Day. The Senate gave extensive recognition to outgoing Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp through Senate Resolution 368. Senators from both parties praised his long public career, leadership of the A&M System, support for regional universities, and bipartisan approach. The resolution was adopted after multiple members added their names. The chamber also heard from advocates with the Texas Streets Coalition, and received gubernatorial nominations for the State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. On legislation, the Senate passed several major bills. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 27, relating to rights and support for public school educators, was debated and amended to address teacher vacancies, bilingual certification testing, paid leave options, classroom removals, and appeal rights, then passed unanimously. Senate Joint Resolution 12, proposing a constitutional amendment on parents’ right to direct a child’s education, advanced on a 22-9 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1741, aimed at preventing foreign influence and intellectual property theft at public institutions of higher education, passed unanimously. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 29, the business entities bill, also passed after debate over corporate governance and shareholder protections. Senate Bill 857, authorizing law enforcement to tow certain vehicles driven by unlicensed or uninsured drivers, passed despite some concern about towing abuses during disasters. The Senate also took up Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1536 on dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, but the transcript ends as that bill is being laid out.

Transcript Highlights:

• Idaho Fish and Game undertakes season setting every other year.
• As an outfitter, I've dealt with the Fish and Game process, especially as it relates to big game regulations
• , turkey, fur bears, fish—but I'll concentrate on the big game one.
• There are ample opportunities to be involved in the Fish and Game process.
• We talk to the Fish and Game biologists.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• This model also focuses on improved skill building.
• three weekly academic support sessions, as well as weekly check-ins with guidance counselors and social
• People are not going to go unless there's free popcorn and a basketball game. There's dinner.
• But a little meat in the game will have a higher pickup rate. That's what the evidence is showing.
• The approach really supports instruction by creating teams that are led by the most skilled, talented

Transcript Highlights:

• Today there are foundational technologies, and pretty much everyone in the world that has some skills
• I'm sure others have seen you merely have to open social media to see it.
• You can't turn on social media without seeing some kind of ad related to this.
• And the game here is to squeeze your opponents to make...
• Somebody somewhere sold a device shaped like a Pac-Man game that encouraged you to take three puffs.

Committee: House House International Trade Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee began with a presentation from Berthold Barak Karlich of Benor Capital on investment and innovation from a European perspective. He argued that legacy in trade and innovation is about enabling future generations, not isolation, and highlighted Austria and Europe’s strengths in education, applied research, hidden-champion SMEs, and deep-tech. He also warned against economic nationalism and emphasized that entrepreneurship and cross-border trade create shared interests, peace, and long-term collaboration. In response to questions, he said Arizona had impressed him as a strong, international deep-tech hub, and he expressed interest in learning more about opportunities there. The committee then considered HB 2746, which creates a study committee on trade offices under the Arizona Commerce Authority to review existing trade offices, gather stakeholder input, and report recommendations by December 31, 2028. Members discussed oversight of Arizona’s trade offices in countries including Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Romania, and Germany, and the sponsor said the bill would help evaluate effectiveness while identifying new opportunities. The bill received a due pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. HB 2750, which establishes the Arizona-Sonora Trade Commission with legislative appointees, also received a due pass recommendation after members discussed its role as a complement to executive-branch efforts; it passed 5-1 with one present. The committee next heard HB 4036, a bill restricting the sale and distribution of compounded GLP-1 weight-loss drugs made with certain bulk drug substances and authorizing inspections by the State Board of Pharmacy. Supporters, including Novo Nordisk and the Partnership for Safe Medicines, argued the bill would address unsafe imported ingredients, impurities, misleading advertising, and a surge in mass compounding that they said exceeds the intent of compounding law. Opponents from the Arizona Pharmacy Association, compounding pharmacists, and a physician argued the bill would burden lawful compounders, raise costs, reduce access, and could harm patients who rely on compounded medications. After extensive debate, the committee failed to pass HB 4036 on a 5-5 vote. Finally, the committee took up HB 2765, as amended by a strike-everything amendment creating a vapor product manufacturer licensing framework, fees, penalties, and Department of Revenue oversight. The sponsor said the measure was intended to address illegal smuggling of vape products and protect children, while opponents argued it would burden lawful businesses and that the real problem was illicit actors outside the regulated market. The transcript ends during the discussion of this bill, before a final vote is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• readiness, teaching financial literacy, cultivating healthy habits, building conflict resolution skills
• House Bill 155, introduced by Representative Zamora (member_22662), an act relating to gaming control
• , changing employment qualifications for the Executive Director of the Gaming Control Board, removing
• Then there are a number of committees meeting this afternoon, and there are some events on the social

Transcript Highlights:

• Ah, you’re playing games, but we don’t do that to the chair.
• These are acts relative to waiving the education requirements for skilled veterans to become licensed
• These are acts relative to waiving the education requirements for skilled veterans to become licensed
• And this bill, as an enlisted medic, as you were, they already said the skill sets, but I'm going to
• I have to fiducially look out for these people, and they give me their Social Security number, their

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs held its second public hearing of the 2025–26 session, with opening remarks from Chairs John Velis and Joe McGonagle outlining testimony on 20 House bills and 18 Senate bills. The hearing covered a wide range of veterans issues, including municipal veterans assistance funds, pension equity, expanding the Office of the Veterans Advocate, veterans service officer staffing, disability benefits eligibility, service dogs, POW tax relief, courtesy parking spaces, women veterans and motherhood, and workforce-related licensing and employment measures. Chairs emphasized the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, and written testimony process. Several bills drew support focused on expanding services and access. Representative Arena-DeRosa spoke for bills to broaden municipal veterans assistance funds to cover housing and legal expenses and to study enhanced pension equity for veterans, citing burn pit exposure and shorter life expectancy among veterans. Senator Fattman, Representative Peas, and Veterans Advocate Bob Notch supported bills expanding the Office of the Veterans Advocate to include active-duty service members and their families, arguing it would improve transition support, coordination with state agencies, and retention of military talent in Massachusetts. Representative Arriaga backed a bill to incentivize municipalities to provide full-time or regional veterans service officers and another to study the impact of combat on women veterans and motherhood. Representative Moulton/another sponsor also sought to exempt veterans’ disability payments from income calculations for other state benefits, and Representative Hong and Senator Scanlan supported a state service dog program, POW income tax relief, and courtesy retail parking spaces for veterans. Testimony also focused on workforce and claims-assistance issues. The Military Officers Association of America and James Keene urged passage of bills waiving duplicative education requirements so qualified veterans and military medics can become licensed practical nurses, arguing it would help address health care shortages and recognize military training. Brave Veterans Inc. called for a Veterans Research Trust Fund to protect data and program evaluation work during budget cuts. On claims assistance, one witness supported criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans for VA claims help, while a private consulting firm opposed the bill, arguing it would restrict lawful speech and veterans’ choice and that existing federal and HERO Act safeguards already address abuses. The VFW strongly opposed paid claims consulting, said its accredited service officers provide free help statewide, and urged more public awareness of existing free services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Texas, including all the mainline Christian denominations and members of the Jewish and Muslim Social
• several thousand beds a session, but that's going to take us a long time to get to the end of the game
• Jacqueline Amapokua, a social worker, and Katie-Ann Flowers, a nurse, were killed. by Nestor Hernandez
• opportunity to live with their fellow veterans in an environment that promotes rehabilitation and the skills
• Veteran Peer Dorms offer peer support services, a chance to build community, and learn life skills.

Bills: HB1826 , HB2854 , HB3006 , HB4614 , HB5261 , HB5639

Committee: House Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, you will remember this bill by Chairman Patterson, relating to prohibiting the use of social
• Members, you will remember this bill by Chairman Patterson, relating to prohibiting the use of social
• Gamas, and it's relating to the establishment of the Texas Workforce Commission of a Workplace Soft Skills
• It's relating to the establishment of a skilled labor task force by certain local workforce development
• I know Representative Harris Davila represents Taylor now, and I know it's been a huge game changer for

Bills: HB 112 , HB199 , HB621 , HB1349 , HB2214 , HB3466 , HB3698 , HB3699 , HCR9 , HB112 , HB199 , HCR9

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Summary: The Committee on Trade, Workforce and Economic Development met with a quorum and moved quickly through a long agenda, hearing testimony and taking recorded votes on several bills. Early in the meeting, HB 2214 was laid out to exempt certain short-term residential leases and leaseback arrangements from flood-disclosure requirements; Texas Realtors supported the change, and the bill was left pending. The committee then voted out a series of pending measures, including HB 46, HB 186 (with a committee substitute), HB 431, HB 1147, HB 1154, HB 2468, HB 2488, HB 2788 (with a substitute), HB 2791 (with a substitute), HB 3260, and HCR 90, all reported favorably to the full House, with HB 1147 receiving two nays and the others passing unanimously or nearly so. A major portion of the hearing focused on HB 112, which would create a Texas Science Park district and commission to support advanced manufacturing and innovation sites. The bill’s author and supporters, including Samsung Austin Semiconductor, the Texas Association of Business, and the Governor’s economic development office, argued it would strengthen supply chains, attract investment, and support national security and workforce development. Testimony described interest from semiconductor and advanced manufacturing companies and referenced the model of foreign science parks such as Sinshu in Taiwan. HB 112 was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard HB 3698 and HB 3699, both related to unemployment insurance administration. HB 3698 would expand eligibility for the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment program using federal funds, while HB 3699 would tighten the definition of “last work” to help the Texas Workforce Commission investigate UI fraud. Both bills were discussed with TWC resource witnesses and left pending after the committee withdrew the substitutes. HB 1349, which would extend HOA transparency and property-rights provisions to condominiums and refine HOA rules, and HB 621, which would require HOA meeting spaces to be available for residents to reserve for qualified political candidates or elected officials, were also heard and left pending. Finally, the committee heard HCR 9 to designate the first Saturday of each month as Small Business Saturday, HB 199 to index unemployment benefit duration to the state unemployment rate, and HB 3466 to exempt certain cancelable service contracts from Texas’s in-home sales cooling-off law; each drew supportive and opposing testimony and was left pending before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm happy to— is the question for the Department of Social Services?
• Alexis Fernandez-Garcia, again with the Department of Social Services.
• Alexis Fernandez-Garcia with the Department of Social Services.
• And so we've got to do it right and we've got to think about the long game.
• Third, strengthening social well-being, equity, and economic resilience.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing focused on the impacts of federal HR1 on CalFresh and Medi-Cal, along with related state mitigation efforts. CDSS, DHCS, DDS, county representatives, LAO, and Finance discussed automatic exemptions, data-sharing between departments, county workload, and the timing of implementation. CDSS said about two-thirds of adults ages 18 to 64 are already known to be exempt in CalFresh, and that administrative data matches could newly exempt about 200,000 of the roughly 955,000 adults potentially at risk. DHCS said Medi-Cal work requirements would begin in 2027 and the department is working to automate exemptions, including for IHSS recipients and some caregivers, while DDS said its population is expected to be covered by auto-exemptions. County welfare directors emphasized that individualized worker contact is critical, that counties need more staffing and stable funding, and that without it they expect delays, higher error rates, and reduced exemption screening capacity. Members pressed for written timelines, county-by-county impact data, and clearer guidance; the administration said it would provide follow-up materials and technical assistance. No votes were taken. The committee then heard a separate discussion on a proposed CFAP expansion or “CFAP Plus” concept to provide state-funded benefits to additional populations affected by HR1, including lawfully present non-citizens and ABODs. CDSS said implementation could not occur before October 1, 2027 because of policy and system-design constraints, and that adding unique eligibility rules would increase complexity and cost. Finance cautioned that any expansion would have General Fund impacts likely in the hundreds of millions to multiple billions. Members asked for cost estimates and technical feedback on trailer bill language, and CDSS said it would review the proposal and respond. The hearing also covered CDSS’s CalFresh strategic plan and mandated reporter training updates. CDSS said it is hiring a strategic plan lead to develop a long-term, data-informed CalFresh plan, and that the revised mandated reporter training is on track for launch in fall/winter 2026, ahead of the July 1, 2027 statutory deadline. The training will include updated content on structural racism, ICWA protections, implicit bias, and the distinction between reporting and supporting families. Members praised the work and asked for continued updates. Later panels focused on Promise Neighborhoods, Stop the Hate, and housing programs. Promise Neighborhood advocates and CDSS described the state’s prior $12 million investment, a positive evaluation showing roughly a 4-to-1 return, and a new proposal to support place-based partnerships and community schools through AB 1969. Stop the Hate grantees and CDSS reported that the program has provided direct services, prevention, and statewide coordination to millions of Californians, and urged reauthorization before funding expires; members asked for best-practice language and discussed focusing future funding on solidarity work, harm reduction, legal services, and education. Finally, CDSS presented on the CalWORKs Housing Support Program and Housing and Disability Advocacy Program, saying proposed General Fund investments of $105 million and $55 million would prevent funding cliffs and allow the programs to continue through 2026-27, while the absence of new funding would force reductions in housing assistance, subsidies, and enrollments.

Transcript Highlights:

• is a really looking to gain more skills is a really great<00:45:36.240><c> way</c><00:45:36.319><c>
• It's like a game.
• It's like<01:26:10.560><c> a</c><01:26:10.800><c> game.
• </c><01:26:12.560><c> people</c> like a game.
• It's a game where people like a game.

Bills: HF4479 , HF4368 , HF4889

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Through Commerce Bank, when I served on their board of directors, we attended a Cardinal ball game together
• This bill isn't protecting the game. It's undermining the very spirit of it.
• And nowhere does it say its mission is to find the fastest, strongest, or most skilled athlete.
• We often talk about sports as if every middle school soccer game is the Olympics.
• There is a very high public health and social cost to youth engaging with tobacco.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the previous day’s journal by a 132-0 vote. Members then used personal privilege remarks to recognize Black History Month, honor several Black colleagues and public servants, observe a moment of silence for the late Dr. Steven Leon, and deliver a lengthy tribute to the late Freeman Bosley Sr. The chamber also welcomed numerous guests and school groups, including congressional and local officials, mental health advocates, FFA students, championship volleyball players, elementary and junior high students, and other district visitors. The House then took up several bills on third reading. The most contentious debate was over House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1663, 1607, and 1973, which removed a sunset from Missouri’s restrictions on transgender athletes in school sports. Supporters framed it as protecting fairness and women’s sports; opponents argued it targeted a very small number of students, was discriminatory, and distracted from more pressing issues. After extended debate, the measure passed 98-37. The House also passed House Bill 2682, a school-related First Amendment bill, after debate over whether it would protect hateful student speech; it passed 99-47. Lawmakers next passed House Bill 2274, the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, to make it easier for teachers to transfer credentials across states, especially for military families, by a vote of 133-13. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1883, dealing with sales tax on durable medical goods and certain auction items, passed 98-36 after criticism that it was too broad and would benefit high-end auction sales. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2085, a tobacco preemption bill that also allows localities to enforce a tobacco age of 21, passed 93-43 amid debate over local control and youth tobacco access. House Bill 2145, allowing businesses on two-lane highways to place signs across the road, passed overwhelmingly 142-2. Finally, the House passed House Committee Substitute for House Joint Resolution 169, which would limit state and local spending growth to prior-year levels plus inflation and population growth, with emergency exceptions. Supporters called it a way to restrain government spending and align with the Hancock Amendment; opponents raised concerns about how it could interact with future tax policy, including the proposed income tax elimination plan. The resolution was discussed at length but ultimately advanced by vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also mentioned skin in the game.
• I also mentioned skin in the game.
• Um, I also mentioned skin in the game.
• 01:44:59.520><c> influencers,</c> like the social media influencers, like the social media influencers
• </c> and they're nobody in social media. and they're nobody in social media.

Summary: The Hawaii State Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held an informational briefing on digital assets, blockchain, and related regulatory developments. Chair Jarrett Keohoko said the committee was focusing on national and state policy issues around digital assets, while leaving the separate issue of Bitcoin kiosks and fraud to the House Consumer Protection Committee, which had already noticed a similar briefing. No public testimony was taken; the session was for informational updates and member questions. Representatives from the Aptos Foundation, including JC Yun and Michael Cheng, gave a detailed presentation on blockchain basics and Aptos’s technology. They described blockchain as a tamper-resistant digital ledger, explained proof-of-work and proof-of-stake systems, and argued that proof-of-stake networks are faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. They also emphasized smart contracts and potential uses beyond speculation, such as car titles, college transcripts, collectibles, digital IDs, real estate, and other tokenized assets. The presenters highlighted Aptos’s Hawaii connections and said the technology could help local residents and businesses participate in the digital economy. They cited adoption statistics, including billions of transactions on Aptos, tokenized money market funds from major financial firms, micro-lending applications, decentralized cloud infrastructure, and the rapid growth of stablecoins. They acknowledged concerns about scams and consumer protection, but argued that the answer is stronger regulation and education rather than avoiding the technology altogether.