Transcript Highlights:

• And there's for-profit companies that operate in this space, too.
• Right now, we're limited to the two campuses that we operate.
• Next, we'll talk about the Department of Education operations.
• Will you have a list of the districts as well?
• They may not be performing as well in the traditional classroom.

Summary: The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then took up an interim study proposal on adult education and the Excel Center model. Representatives from Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, the Excel Center network, and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities testified that roughly 300,000 Arkansans over age 19 lack a high school diploma or GED, and argued that the Excel Center provides a supported diploma pathway for adults who struggle with GED testing. Witnesses highlighted wraparound services such as free child care, transportation assistance, tutoring, life coaching, and career services, and cited outcomes including high retention, growing enrollment, and research showing higher employment and earnings and lower criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members raised questions about the state’s role, existing adult education programs, and how the study would be structured; the motion to adopt the ISP passed, though there was some procedural disagreement about when questions should have been taken. The committee then heard a detailed adequacy funding overview from BLR staff Katie Walden and Adrian Beck on Arkansas K-12 education finance. They reviewed national funding principles and explained Arkansas’s system, including state and local revenue sources, the Public School Fund, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, and the Facilities Partnership Program. Staff said K-12 state and local revenues totaled $6.6 billion in 2025, with foundation funding making up the largest share of district and charter funding, followed by additional, categorical, and supplemental funds. They also explained the matrix-based foundation formula, the role of the uniform rate of tax, and how categorical and supplemental funds support areas such as alternative learning, English learners, special education high-cost cases, teacher salary equalization, declining enrollment, and student growth. Members asked several follow-up questions about how specific funding categories are defined and used, including student support staff, instructional aides, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the inclusion of Excel Center amounts in state-local funding totals. Staff said some of those details would be addressed in a later presentation and offered to provide additional records, including district lists and historical information. The meeting ended after the funding overview, with no additional votes or actions beyond the ISP adoption and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Operations, which reports it has Operations, which reports it has considered<00:07:14.680> the
• >> your Senate Government Operations >> your Senate Government Operations Committee.
• Could it be used in other contexts as well?
• As in, despite all outward well?
• Operations will meet at 1:15. Operations will meet at 1:15.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They need to have an operating suite in order to do that.
• That's the most expensive piece of operating a hospital.
• And then other interest and other non-operating expenses.
• A critical metric is average days operating cash on hand.
• Well, HCA is going to collect that provider assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Claremont is operating with a deficit and has made major cuts in one year to its operations.
• Claremont is operating with a deficit and has made major cuts in one year to its operations.
• >> for for them to operate. Absolutely. >> for for them to operate. Absolutely.
• >> Well,<01:06:23.839> historically, >> Well, historically, >> Well, historically
• >> Yeah. >> Well, yes.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But anytime that these small operations But anytime that these small operations have<01:19:18.400
• someone on the down here in the well someone on the down here in the well kind<01:20:22.800>
• For venues, their operations.
• to operations, programming, and jobs. to operations, programming, and jobs.
• And you well above and beyond that.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, approved the March 16, 2026 journal, and received a series of committee and House messages. Committee reports included favorable action on House Bill 1136, confirmation recommendations for several appointments, and referrals of Senate Bill 68 and House Bill 1009 to Appropriations, House Bill 1185 to the Committee of the Whole, and a Juvenile Parole Board appointment to the consent calendar. The chamber also received notice of multiple House bills and amended Senate bills returned from the House and revisor. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a tribute memorializing the Fort Logan All Veterans Honor Guard, with senators and guests speaking about the group’s volunteer service and the significance of military funeral honors. The Senate adopted Senate Joint Memorial 003 honoring former Senator Mary Ann Tebedo/Thibodeau, with a roll call vote of 32-0 and a moment of silence afterward. The chamber also laid over Senate Resolution 005 on Single Parent Day and House Joint Resolution 1023 on Latino/Latina Advocacy Day. On third reading and final passage, the Senate passed House Bill 1042 on dry needling by occupational therapists and Senate Bill 126 on out-of-state teacher licensure by unanimous votes, House Bill 1103 on legal processes for certain vulnerable populations by a 34-0 vote, and House Bill 1017 on insurer restitution through the criminal restitution process by a 22-12 vote. House Bill 1038 on county commissioner redistricting and Senate Bill 66 on compounded weight loss medications were laid over. The Senate also granted leave for the Joint Budget Committee to meet while the Senate was in session. In Committee of the Whole, members considered a consent calendar including House Bill 1142, Senate Bill 60 on youth athlete mental health training, Senate Bill 35 on traffic violation penalties, House Bill 1031 on protection for Colorado agricultural products, and Senate Bill 105 on county executive officers’ disclosures and removal mechanisms. The committee adopted the reports and advanced Senate Bill 60, Senate Bill 35, and Senate Bill 105 as amended, and House Bill 1142 and House Bill 1031 on second reading. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 62 on rodent control products, where sponsors described the bill as narrowing restrictions on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides to protect children, pets, wildlife, and ecosystems while preserving agricultural and pest-control uses; the committee report was adopted and discussion continued on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:30.560> and<00:14:31.040> my operate in an efficient manner. and my operate
• of understanding about these operational of understanding about these operational concerns.<00:15
• These reforms do not undermine well-run These reforms do not undermine well-run HOAs.<00:20:17.520
• While well-intentioned,<00:26:50.880> these<00:26:51.120> requirements well-intentioned
• Well, I'll stop there.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up Senate File 1750, an HOA/common interest community reform bill, and first adopted the DE9 amendment after the chair moved it to put the bill in the form the author wanted. The bill was described by supporters as a consumer and homeowner protection measure intended to add transparency, dispute-resolution rights, conflict-of-interest rules, and limits on fees and late charges in Minnesota HOAs, which supporters said have grown rapidly and are not adequately covered by current law. Supporters, including legal aid, the Minnesota Home Ownership Center, and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, said the bill responds to longstanding complaints about HOA abuse, lack of transparency, escalating attorney fees, foreclosure-related problems, and management-company conflicts of interest. They argued the revised bill reflects extensive stakeholder work and would help homeowners resolve disputes without costly escalation while improving fairness and accountability. Opponents, including attorneys and representatives of HOA management interests, argued the bill is too rigid and one-size-fits-all, would raise costs for all homeowners, and could make associations harder to govern. They said fee caps, contract restrictions, procurement mandates, and dispute procedures would increase assessments, reduce flexibility, discourage board service, and create more legal and administrative burden, especially for smaller or financially strained communities. No final vote on the bill itself was taken in the portion provided; the bill was laid over for possible inclusion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Drivers who operate safely have nothing to fear. And, Mr.
• Well, I was driving to the Capitol.
• We operate basically the entire Maricopa County.
• How would that impact your operations? Mr.
• So we respond to traumatic events as well as medical.

Bills: HB2127, HB2257, HB2305, HB2573, HB2772, HB2941, HB2957

Keywords: special license plates, transportation, funding, nonprofits, charitable contributions, boating, watercraft licensing, law enforcement, safety fund, state funding, Arizona Revised Statutes, towing regulation, private towing carriers, vehicle impound, towing rates, preemption, DUI, ignition interlock, substance abuse treatment, driving privileges

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure heard several bills, beginning with HB 2957, which would require physical driver licenses to be accepted for identification purposes and prohibit cities, towns, counties, and districts from requiring digital mobile IDs for government services. The sponsor framed the bill as a privacy and choice measure tied to concerns about Real ID, biometric data, and federal overreach. Supporters said it preserves a non-Real ID option and protects privacy, while opponents raised concerns about travel requirements and whether the bill could affect proof of legal status. The committee approved HB 2957 on a 4-3 vote. The committee then considered HB 2941, which would make certain motorcycle lane-splitting or passing behavior subject to reckless driving penalties. The sponsor and a motorcycle rights representative explained the difference between lawful lane filtering and unlawful lane splitting, saying the bill would add enforcement teeth for unsafe conduct and improve safety. Members discussed the distinction between filtering and splitting, and several related personal safety concerns. The committee passed HB 2941 unanimously, 7-0. HB 2305, dealing with private towing carriers, would establish statewide rules for private-property towing, including rate standards tied to DPS agreements, documentation and photo requirements, notice to law enforcement, and penalties for unlawful towing. Supporters said the bill would create uniformity and curb predatory towing, while the Arizona Trucking Association raised concerns about the DPS rate structure and the need for further stakeholder work. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying the bill applies only to motor vehicles towed from private property and then passed the bill 7-0. HB 2257, a strike-everything amendment changing the distribution of watercraft fee revenues and requiring an annual expenditure report, also passed after Game and Fish warned of a significant fiscal impact and committee members discussed Mohave County’s water patrol needs; the vote was 4-3. Finally, the committee heard HB 2573, which as amended was narrowed to address a 45-day gap before repeat DUI offenders can install ignition interlock devices. Supporters said the change would improve public safety by allowing earlier use of the technology, while members discussed whether it would weaken DUI laws and how the interlock system works. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 2573, so no committee action is shown for that bill in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of those is operated by a co-op.
• Well, yeah. And they have no excuse because you're saying your product...
• Well, we do run a grid here.
• Yeah, well, a couple of the provisions that we were looking at.
• And we're going to, with that, close, well, let pin.

Bills: SB75, SB715, SB776, SB1299, SB1405, SB1968, SB2021, SB2077, SB2148, SB2321, SB2330, SB2411

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce heard Senate Bill 2021 by Senator Johnson, as substituted, on distributed energy resources (DERs). Johnson said the bill was intended to create a regulatory framework for DERs and virtual power plants, address interconnection and registration issues, and prevent regulatory capture as the industry grows. Testimony was split: Texas Electric Cooperatives asked for clarification so co-ops would not be unintentionally excluded from owning or operating DERs; AECT supported the bill as providing needed rules and customer protections; TABA, Texas Solar and Storage Association, Sierra Club, Texas Solar Energy Society, and several others opposed it or raised concerns that it was too utility-centric, imposed red tape, and could burden homeowners and small businesses with registration and interconnection requirements. Johnson repeatedly said the bill was not meant to stop rooftop solar or backup systems and that he was open to specific redlines and further changes. SB 2021 was left pending after testimony. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2330 by Senator Parker, which would end government payroll deduction for dues to certain public employee organizations, while exempting first responders under Chapters 143 and 147 and making other conforming changes in a committee substitute. Parker argued the bill was about government neutrality, transparency, and employee freedom from coercion, and said organizations can collect dues directly using modern payment methods. Supporters from Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Business Coalition, Freedom Foundation, ABC Texas, and Texans for Fiscal Responsibility said taxpayer-funded payroll systems should not be used to collect dues for private organizations, especially ones involved in political activity. Opponents, including ATPE, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Texas Public Employees Association, and correctional employees, said payroll deduction is a convenient, secure service that helps professional associations and employee groups, and argued the bill would burden teachers and other public employees. Several witnesses and senators focused on the bill’s exemptions and whether it treated teachers differently from first responders. Senator Menendez questioned why some public employees were excluded while others were not, and a Houston police union representative said he moved from opposing to supporting the bill after being told the substitute would preserve meet-and-confer deductions under Chapters 143 and 147. Senator Parker closed by saying the bill was not meant to eliminate associations or payroll deduction entirely, only to remove the state as a middleman. SB 2330 was left pending, and the committee then recessed subject to call.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, guess what? It is she's not heard. Well, guess what?
• A camp operator. therapeutic activities. A camp operator.
• on the land. operations. operations.
• Camp operations. staff. Five. Camp operations.
• <03:00:52.720> at operator administers camp operations at operator administers camp operations

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The meeting included a Senate recognition ceremony honoring the Winona High School boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association 5A state championship. A resolution was read commending the team for its 101-40 victory over Silicag, noting the team’s record-setting performance, Brendan Davis’s MVP honor, the contributions of other players, and Coach Cedric Lane’s leadership. Senators and the lieutenant governor praised the players’ sportsmanship, the school community, and the team’s historic season, and copies of the resolution were presented to the team, coaches, and administrators. Several guests and school representatives also spoke briefly, including the coach and principal, who thanked the Senate and noted the team’s success and the principal’s retirement after 35 years. After the recognition, the Senate returned to session and adopted the Committee on Rules report setting the special order calendar. The calendar included Senate Bill 99 on the Ten Commandments, Senate Bill 298 on Class 3 municipalities, House Bill 381 on camp safety, Senate Bill 370 on tax increment districts, Senate Bill 363 on the Department of Economic and Community Affairs, House Bill 466 on firefighters, House Bill 95 on elections, House Bill 259 on stablecoin, and Senate Bill 342 on education. The chamber then took up SB 99, sponsored by Senators Kelly and Sessions. Senator Kelly described the bill as requiring local school boards to display the Ten Commandments, together with founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Alabama Constitution preamble, in certain history classrooms and common areas for grades five through 12, using donated displays and funds when available. He said the bill was intended as a historical and educational measure, not religious instruction, and emphasized the inclusion of a disclaimer stating Alabama is not establishing a religion. After extended debate and a petition to close debate from the Rules Committee, the Senate voted on the bill by long roll and passed SB 99, with the recorded vote announced as 30 yeas and 4 nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have two panels here today as well.
• Well, thank you, Ms. Bettetta.
• But then jobs as well.
• Well, Ms. Petita, thank you.
• This is driven in part by operational costs from state and local policy, as well as shifts in demand

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism held an informational hearing on the state of California tourism amid declining international visitation and broader economic and political headwinds. Visit California CEO Caroline Betetta said the industry remains a major economic driver, with 2024 visitor spending of $157 billion, 1.2 million jobs supported, and $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue, but warned that 2025 forecasts show the first post-pandemic decline in visitation, driven largely by a projected 9.2% drop in international travel. She cited concerns about the strong dollar, visa wait times, border and immigration rhetoric, and a proposed federal visa integrity fee, while emphasizing Visit California’s marketing campaigns and the importance of upcoming mega-events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics. A second panel of destination leaders described local impacts and strategies. Visit Sacramento’s Mike Testa said the city has diversified beyond conventions into music festivals, sports, and food events, but noted that international apprehension is affecting events like Terra Madre Americas and that California should do more to incentivize major festivals to stay in-state. Santa Monica Travel and Tourism’s Lauren Salisbury said the city is seeing lower international visitation, especially from Canada, Australia, and Europe, and that wildfire coverage and later federal troop presence in Los Angeles hurt local sentiment and caused cancellations. Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau’s Rhonda Salisbury reported steep drops in international visitation to the gateway region, ongoing concerns about wildfire, reservations, insurance costs, and park access, and praised a new federal requirement for quarterly meetings between national parks and gateway communities. San Diego Tourism Authority COO Carrie Verbeck-Cappich said tourism is the region’s second-largest sector, but 2025 is softer than 2024, with spending down despite modest visitation growth. She pointed to weaker Canadian and Asian travel, government-related meeting cancellations, and the need for more support to bid on and host major events; she also highlighted border-crossing delays, insufficient federal staffing at ports of entry, and the Tijuana River sewage crisis as major regional issues. Committee members discussed the effects of federal rhetoric, infrastructure, and cross-border conditions on tourism, and several witnesses urged continued support for Visit California, Brand USA, event incentives, and efforts to present California as welcoming and open. Public comment then opened, beginning with testimony from the California Attractions and Parks Association.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, with joining me as well as Senator Miwakie and a few members also might be joining us as well for
• As well. Right.
• As well. these classes too, right? As well.
• Operation Hire Hawaii link and banner. Operation Hire Hawaii link and banner.
• . well. well.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with um but it was other issues as well with um but it was other issues as well as<01:22:17.080>
• <04:53:15.840> first operator the its operator shall first operator the its operator shall
• 04:54:36.080> as<04:54:36.280> operate<04:54:36.760> in the building as well as
• op as operate in the building as well as op as operate in other<04:54:37.160> cases<04:54:37.680
• Well, I would say no.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, good afternoon. They're still louder than me. Well, good afternoon, everyone.
• So, that works well.
• It is doing well. It is ahead of what we projected it would be, but it's still... It is doing well.
• Well, thank you to this panel.
• There are ongoing operating costs to keep them running as well, but if there was another alternative

Summary: The hearing was a select committee discussion on the transportation costs and impacts of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), with opening remarks from the co-chairs and members emphasizing affordability, climate goals, and the need to explain the program’s benefits to the public. The first panel from CARB and the California Energy Commission described how LCFS works as a market-based, declining carbon-intensity program that rewards lower-carbon fuels, supports zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and is intended to reduce greenhouse gases and local air pollution. They argued the program has driven billions in private investment, increased alternative fuel use, and that LCFS credit prices are not the main driver of retail gasoline prices, which they said are dominated by crude oil, refining, and distribution costs. Members questioned the panel on the gap between the regulatory target and actual carbon-intensity performance, the role of credit banking, which fuels are generating the most credits, how the 2025 amendments affected the program, and whether LCFS credits are truly additional. CARB explained that banking helps cost-effectiveness and investment certainty, that ethanol, renewable diesel, and biodiesel currently provide the largest volumes while electricity is expected to grow, and that the updated targets were informed by the state’s 2045 carbon-neutrality goals and the 2030 scoping plan. The Energy Commission said its data show environmental programs add some cost to gasoline but do not drive price volatility, which is mainly tied to crude oil and refinery margins. The second panel, featuring academic and research experts, focused on program design, out-of-state credit generation, and broader economic effects. Speakers said LCFS is successful because it ties incentives to emissions benefit, uses life-cycle analysis, and allows flexible compliance that lowers costs compared with more direct regulation. They also said the program’s benefits generally outweigh costs, that it can reduce air pollution disparities and support equity, but that some issues—especially indirect land use change, additionality, and older program assumptions—need more research and may warrant future rulemaking. One researcher noted that while LCFS likely raises gasoline prices somewhat, the effect is uncertain by design and usually smaller than normal market fluctuations, and another warned that limiting credit generation too narrowly could create legal and efficiency problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• important to the operation of our state. important to the operation of our state.
• department's operations and services. department's operations and services.
• . well. well.
• well-staffed, competent people. well-staffed, competent people.
• or operating beyond our means. or operating beyond our means.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I've just never seen the emphasis on that.
• Well.
• Well, what’s evidence of that?
• I know when I talk to some of the county operations, they say, well, it's the clients that are making
• I know when I talk to some of the county operations, they say, well, it's the clients that are making

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, the way your comments were... okay. Well, I should have stayed on me.
• Well, But does it really? Well, the answer is it depends on how, as in anything in health care.
• Well, or should I say? Well, there's an ACA. Would you agree with that? Well, should I say?
• Well said. Well said. Well said. All right. And I think that's our task. Well said. Well said.
• Well, on CAR-T, we do.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, you know, one is earthquake risk in the Delta.
• So that earthquake risk is relatively well known.
• Further, a successfully completed initial operating segment whose design and operation has proven to
• There are some merits, of course, to special funds as well.
• So hopefully there will be HVIP funding as well.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, that's good to know.
• Well, thank you.
• Well. Well, sure. You bet. You bet. Thank you so much.
• Are couriers still operating today or not? A number of them have ceased operations.
• Well, thank you for that.

Bills: SB29, SB406, SB447, SB875, SB893, SB1033, SB1346, SB1362, SB1539, SCR22, SB 29

Keywords: business organization, internal management, corporate governance, partnerships, liability reduction, birth certificate, biological sex, gender identity, health and safety, sex assignment, SB 875, Texas, independent school district, ISD, school board trustee, superintendent, campus administrator, electioneering, political signs, early voting

Transcript Highlights:

• improves operation. Thank you. improves operation. Thank you.
• hoisting machine operators advisory hoisting machine operators advisory board<00:10:28.640> and
• <00:11:18.079> operators operator operators operator operators advisory<00:11:20.240> board
• well. Thank you. well. Thank you. >> Thank<00:22:11.120> you. >> Thank you.
• Well, we'll stand on our testimony HA.

Bills: SB2119, SB3131, SB3069, SB3180, SB2137, SB2993, SB2778, SB2672, SB2014, SB2967

Keywords: reimbursement, public employees, travel costs, government travel policy, finance management, job title, administrative assistant, executive assistant, state personnel, civil service, modernization, employment standards, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, comptroller, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, public works special project branch, specialized public works, information technology modernization

Transcript Highlights:

• would significantly risk the operations would significantly risk the operations and<00:25:43.760
• If Well, I that's the thing, right?
• <01:33:14.880> I and I think Hawaii Island as well. I and I think Hawaii Island as well.
• know they don't have as much to operate know they don't have as much to operate as<01:33:16.480>
• qualify for the program as well. qualify for the program as well.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 5 and heard testimony on a long agenda of transportation-related bills. Early measures included HB 2392, which would create an employer tax credit for transportation demand management benefits; HB 2462, which would bar auto manufacturers and dealers from charging post-sale fees for already-installed hardware; and HB 2423, which would require diesel sold for on-road use to contain at least 5% biodiesel. HB 2392 drew support from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual, with the Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation offering comments. HB 2462 drew support from DCCA and one individual, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed it. HB 2423 drew comments from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Farm Bureau, support from Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii Transportation Association, and a question from the chair about whether biodiesel is exported; the witness said production stays local. The committee also heard HB 1771 on voluntary carbon offsets for air travel, HB 2081 on requiring firefighters exempt from CDL rules to follow equivalent alcohol and substance abuse policies, HB 2334 on allowing the Department of Transportation to assume NEPA responsibilities for certain projects, and HB 2336 on DOT agreements with the Department of Defense for work at military installations using federal funds. HB 1771 drew comments from Life of the Land warning that carbon offsets are often unreliable and could create liability, while Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offered comments. HB 2081 received support from DOT, county human resources offices, fire departments, and county officials, with the Hawaii Firefighters Association in opposition. HB 2334 was supported by DOT, and the director said other states using NEPA assignment can complete projects in about half the time. HB 2336 was supported by DOT, HIEMA, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council; the committee discussed the administrative fee as a way to recover costs under an intergovernmental agreement. The most extensive testimony centered on HB 1666, which would limit new motor vehicle markups above 5% of MSRP and require recordkeeping. Multiple dealer groups and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association opposed it, arguing it would threaten dealership operations, especially in Hawaii’s high-cost market and for vehicles without an MSRP. The committee also heard HB 2375 on uniform towing and parking enforcement standards on state and leased lands, including notice, disability protections, payment safeguards, and public reporting; DLNR, DAGS, and several advocacy groups testified, with strong public support and concerns about towing practices and ADA compliance. HB 2415, which would appropriate funds for crosswalks near school properties, drew support from DOT, DOE, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and the committee discussed how counties would request projects and how funding would be allocated. Finally, HB 2451, which would move Hawaii toward fare-free public transit beginning in 2027 and create a dedicated funding source through a petroleum tax increase, received broad support from DOT, the Energy Office, public health and advocacy groups, and many individuals; DOE testified that it currently uses about $2.1 million for student bus passes and that the program is tied to savings from inactive school bus routes.