Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 8503.
• Chapter 8504.06, land exchange.
• So there's a lot of changes to that chapter and then a new chapter following for the veterinary technician
• ... ...of changes to that chapter and then a new chapter following for the veterinary technician continuing
• Chapter 89-11-01...

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December 3 minutes, then heard a request from the Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice to amend its proposed rule on exempt test methods to add certain closed-system DNA/RNA tests, including rhinovirus. After testimony explaining that the board had considered late comments from BioMérieux and wanted the rule record to reflect that review, the committee agreed to a limited amendment and passed the motion unanimously. The Department of Agriculture then outlined broad rule updates affecting dairy, eggs, poultry, pesticides, animal health, environmental mitigation, and the Egg Product Utilization Commission. The commissioner said the changes mostly clarified existing requirements, updated references, and reduced some burdens, such as easing dairy hauler training/licensing timing and clarifying out-of-state grade A milk language. Members asked about dairy industry decline, the APUC scoring system, and the rationale for the milk-hauler and out-of-state milk provisions. The State Board of Dental Examiners presented extensive rule changes tied to recent legislation and workforce issues, including a new professional health program for dentists, expanded duties for assistants and hygienists, broader local anesthetic authority for hygienists, and fee increases to fund the program and cover administrative costs. Testimony from Dr. Edward May strongly supported the professional health program based on his own recovery experience. The committee also heard from Game and Fish on rules easing some guide/outfitter experience requirements, allowing electronic exams, and modifying boating safety equipment rules, with no public comment and no fiscal impact. Later, Health and Human Services received approval for an extension to update tattoo/body art rules and a separate motion to repeal an obsolete nurse aide training chapter. HHS also described nursing facility rule updates, lodging sanitation revisions, and related clarifications on licensing, safety, pest control, and fire requirements. The Department of Environmental Quality received an extension for septic-system installer rules, and also presented rules for above-ground storage tanks and water/wastewater operator certification, including new fees and third-party testing options. The Industrial Commission’s oil and gas division described multiple rule changes, some withdrawn after comments, including drilling unit flexibility, site stability, wildfire authority, and streamlined transport/reporting procedures. Finally, DPI began presenting several rule packages, including school construction loan limits, school bus standards, cooperative agreements, special education rules for public charter schools, and new math curriculum and intervention requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• in<00:37:57.280> a this chapter and chapter 329 in a this chapter and chapter 329 in a separate
• <00:45:35.680> Uh<00:45:35.920> I<00:45:36.160> just<00:45:36.319> make<00
• <00:45:38.480> to<00:45:38.640> call<00:45:38.800> the<00:45:39.040> vote
• Uh essentially<00:45:41.359> what<00:45:41.520> we<00:45:41.760> are<00:45:41.920
• is adopting<00:45:43.280> the<00:45:43.599> vape<00:45:44.079> regulatory<00:45

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 302, which would expand access to medical cannabis by removing the in-person provider-patient relationship requirement and related restrictions. The Department of Health supported the bill, and multiple advocates and organizations testified in support, including the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform, Marijuana Policy Project, and others. Supporters said the measure would improve access for patients, especially on outer islands, and some urged broader amendments allowing providers to certify cannabis for any medical condition and to speed registration and treat in-state and out-of-state patients equally. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left with no questions after testimony. The committee also heard HB 1052 HD1, which clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission may use universal service fund monies to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Public Utilities Commission, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii. Witnesses described the program as an important accessibility service that has been operating under prior appropriations and should continue under the universal service program. HB 1482, relating to controlled substances and hemp/synthetic cannabinoids, drew support from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, and others, with some comments from the Attorney General’s office. Supporters said the bill would clarify that delta-8 THC is a controlled substance and help enforcement against illegal hemp products and synthetic cannabinoids. Testimony and questioning focused on the need for better lab testing capacity, retail registry and age-gating, seizure authority, nuisance abatement, and possible use of special funds or appropriations to support enforcement. Members also discussed enforcement of illegal hemp businesses and whether additional funding or statutory changes would be needed. Finally, the committee took up HB 712, a 340B drug-discount measure affecting safety-net providers and contract pharmacies. Hospitals, health centers, and provider groups testified in support, saying the bill would protect access to discounted drugs and preserve funding for services such as chronic disease management, transportation, and specialty care. Pharmaceutical-industry representatives opposed the bill or sought amendments, arguing the 340B program has expanded beyond its original intent and lacks transparency, and they requested reporting or audit-like provisions to verify claims and revenues. Members questioned both sides about alleged abuse, the growth of contract pharmacies, and whether the bill should include transparency requirements before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Final tally is House Bill 1020: 45 ayes, zero nays, two absent not voting.
• House Bill 1575 mirrors 1534 with similar language in Chapter 57-02.
• House bill 1575 mirrors 1534 with similar language in Chapter 5702.
• Final tally on Senate Bill 2037 reveals 45 ayes, one nay, one absent not voting.
• Senator Clark feels 45 ayes, one nay, one absent not voting, the bill is passed. Senator Klein.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present and handled a mix of conference committee appointments, appropriations bills, policy bills, and House amendments. Early in the session, the chamber appointed conference committees for SB 2399 and for House-amended SBs 2213 and 2354, and also named conference committees for HB 103, HB 1308, and HB 1169. The Senate then took up several appropriations measures, including HB 1612, which creates the North Dakota Center for Aerospace Medicine at UND; the Senate adopted an amendment shifting the funding to a one-time $250,000 Community Health Trust Fund appropriation with a required $250,000 match from other sources, and the bill passed 39-7. HB 1193, the “Back the Blue” grant, was amended to make the funding one-time and focus on officer retention, then passed 41-5. HB 1329, a government spending database proposal for school districts, was amended into a legislative study and passed 42-4. HB 1020, the water budget, received extensive amendments reducing and reallocating funding across major water projects, adding studies and oversight changes, and passed 45-0 with the emergency clause. HB 1581, a tribal tourism grant, also passed 40-6. The Senate rejected HB 1330, which would have authorized divestment from direct investments in Chinese companies; after debate over the prudent investor rule, trade impacts, and whether the bill singled out one nation in law, it failed 20-26. HB 1534, limiting property valuation increases, and HB 1266, adjusting the disabled veterans property tax credit, both failed unanimously or nearly so after committee recommendations against them. HB 1566, which would have created a regulatory framework for a product discussed as kratom, was amended on the floor to convert it into a study and then passed 31-15. The chamber also passed HB 2241 on charter schools after a House amendment changed the funding formula to the statewide average from the prior year, and HB 2022, the indigent legal counsel budget, after House changes added funding flexibility, offset lost fee revenue, and included a study on a public defender office. The Senate concurred in several House amendments and then passed a number of Senate bills. SB 2375, allowing joint negotiations between dental providers and insurers under Attorney General oversight, passed 44-2. SB 2251, clarifying that open records requests during state audits should be referred to the audited agency, passed 46-0. SB 2159, related to nuclear energy research, passed 43-3 after House amendments required Industrial Commission approval and consultation with the radioactive waste advisory council. SB 2155, changing gratis antelope license rules, passed 30-16 after debate over landowner rights and tag distribution. SB 251, setting fees and an audit for the Private Investigative and Security Board, passed 44-2. SB 2280, the prior authorization health insurance bill, passed 43-3 with a House-added study and consumer protections. SB 2023, the Racing Commission budget, passed 41-5 after a House change made internship funding one-time. SB 2232, changing prenatal substance exposure reporting requirements and related toxicology rules, passed 44-2. SB 2241, authorizing public charter schools, passed 39-7. The session ended while the Senate was still processing SB 2022’s final passage vote, but the bill had already cleared concurrence on House amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:04.400> Are<00:45:04.640> you<00:45:04.800> able<00:45:05.119> to<
• > um<00:45:10.240> the<00:45:10.560> problem<00:45:10.800> is<00:45:11.040><
• :14.720> able<00:45:14.960> to<00:45:15.200> kind<00:45:15.440> of<00:45:
• /c><00:45:17.359> to<00:45:17.839> uh<00:45:18.000> get<00:45:18.160> our
• And so<00:45:39.200> as<00:45:39.359> a<00:45:39.599> part<00:45:39.680> of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ask<00:45:12.480> for<00:45:12.560> his<00:45:12.800> resignation<00:45:
• <00:45:26.240> And<00:45:26.480> I<00:45:26.720> think<00:45:27.040> that
• And<00:45:32.000> therefore,<00:45:32.319> while<00:45:32.480> I<00:45:32.640>
• 45:33.839> vote<00:45:34.079> for<00:45:34.319> it,<00:45:35.359> I<00:45
• <00:45:40.480> And<00:45:40.720> I<00:45:40.880> will<00:45:41.040> be

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 34 members present and approved the prior day’s journal. The chamber also received a House message that House Bill 96 had passed and requested concurrence. During second reading, Senate Bills 17, 34, 39, and 181 were reported and sent to the Rules Committee, and Senate Resolution 56 was introduced honoring Elder Nathan Craig and Sister Amy Craig for their mission service. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 27, which would allow local governing bodies, after consulting with a coroner and making a 30-day effort to locate next of kin, to choose cremation rather than burial for indigent decedents; it also preserved options for religious organizations to take possession of a body. A committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed 35-0. Senate Bill 30, dealing with the Motor Vehicle Commission’s restricted fee account and allowing unused funds to carry forward for commission operations, also passed unanimously 35-0. Senate Bill 40, concerning public library district boards of trustees, was amended by committee substitute and passed 34-1 after debate. Supporters said it would return county library board appointments to local officials and speed appointments, while opponents argued it could politicize libraries and weaken their independence; several members explained their votes, including concerns from library advocates and a defense that the bill still allowed local boards to seek advice. Senate Bill 76, which limits school boards from increasing occupational license taxes above the base 0.5% until a county reaches a population of 500,000, was also amended by committee substitute and passed after its sponsor argued it responded to a disputed Fayette County tax increase and would restore transparency and public trust.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:02.160> I<00:45:02.280> just<00:45:02.440> want<00:45:02.560> to
• <00:45:03.600> the<00:45:03.680> board<00:45:03.920> is<00:45:04.000> doing
• doing is a<00:45:04.440> new<00:45:04.680> governmental<00:45:05.200> function<
• 00:45:05.600> in<00:45:05.760> Hawaii.
• It's<00:45:07.120> It's<00:45:07.320> fairly<00:45:07.680> unique.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 83, which would require hotel keepers to give adequate notice of service disruptions to guests and third-party vendors. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill but asked for amendments to restore remedies and add a nonwaiver provision, arguing that without penalties the measure would lack consequences and that consumers should not be able to waive the notice rights. Supporters, including Unite Here Local 5 and individual testifiers, said guests deserve transparency and meaningful recourse when disruptions occur, especially for labor disputes, construction, or other service interruptions that affect the experience they paid for. Hotel industry representatives, including the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the Hawaii Hotel Alliance, and hotel workers/testifiers, opposed the bill in its current form while offering amendments. They said the measure was too broad, difficult to implement, and could interfere with collective bargaining, third-party booking systems, and existing contracts. They also argued that some disruptions are not easily known in advance and that the bill unfairly singles out hotels compared with other industries. One testifier emphasized that notice should be required only for actual, known disruptions rather than potential events, and another raised concerns about applying the bill to properties not directly involved in a labor dispute. After the SB 83 testimony, the committee moved on to SB 2798, which would make permanent and expand statewide the agricultural enforcement pilot program created in 2025 and rename it the agricultural enforcement program. The chair introduced the measure and called on the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity as the first testifier, but the transcript excerpt ends before testimony or any vote on SB 2798.

Transcript Highlights:

• We<00:45:43.240> seem<00:45:43.520> to<00:45:43.640> have<00:45:43.920> a
• <00:45:44.280> issue<00:45:44.720> Senator<00:45:45.280> from We seem to have a
• > I<00:45:47.000> believe<00:45:47.760> Senator<00:45:48.320> from Shittenden
• <00:45:49.920> Hardy<00:45:50.520> is<00:45:50.800> the<00:45:50.960> reporter
• manufacturers under this chapter. manufacturers under this chapter.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yang Lee is a T-28 pilot trained by the United States Air Force who has flown over 45 sorties in a T-
• The remaining 40% were 45 or older. Where were the ones in between? I tell you, they're all dead."
• <00:09:20.800> remaining<00:09:21.279> 40%<00:09:21.920> were<00:09:22.320> 45
• The remaining 40% were 45 or or 16.
• The remaining 40% were 45 or older.<00:09:24.959> Where<00:09:25.200> were<00:09:25.440

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota lawmakers and advocates discussed House File 2444, a veterans and military affairs bill to formally recognize Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) veterans who fought alongside U.S. forces in Laos during the secret war from 1961 to 1975. Speakers, including Rep. Ethan Cha and other veterans and family members, said the measure is long overdue and framed it as both a symbolic and practical step to restore dignity, honor, and veteran status to Hmong, Lao, and other ethnic minority veterans whose service had not been formally acknowledged. Testimony emphasized the historical role of the SGUs, the secrecy of the war, and the heavy losses suffered by the community. Speakers described the bill as a bipartisan effort with support from House and Senate members, and noted that a similar version had already passed the Senate unanimously. They also said the bill would help Minnesota set an example for other states and improve public understanding of the secret war and the contributions of Southeast Asian communities. Rep. Cha explained that the bill creates a new statutory definition for veterans of the secret war in Laos, establishes eligibility criteria for benefits and privileges, authorizes the commissioner of veterans affairs to verify veteran status, and creates a 12-member task force to advise that process. The bill would allow access to certain state veterans benefits and privileges, including veterans designation on IDs, grave markers, honor guard, state veterans cemeteries, and related preferences. In response to questions, speakers said the main challenge had been educating colleagues because the war was classified, and they estimated fewer than 1,000 SGU veterans are still alive. They also said the bill carries no major monetary benefit and is intended primarily to provide recognition and a framework for verification.

Transcript Highlights:

• evolving<00:45:28.720> needs<00:45:29.119> and<00:45:29.440> preferences<00:45:29.920
• ><00:45:32.480> apply<00:45:32.720> for<00:45:32.960> marriage<00:45:33.280>
• Um,<00:45:36.000> another<00:45:36.599> change<00:45:37.599> in<00:45:37.839>
• :45:56.240> and<00:45:56.480> logistical<00:45:57.160> burdens.
• By removing<00:45:58.720> the<00:45:58.880> discount<00:45:59.359> option,<00:45

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the courts when transferring guardianship cases between counties and lowering the refiling fee to $45
• not any different from taking a case out of California to the state of Texas, family law case is a $45
• Who are caring for a child through that Chapter 34 temporary authorization agreement, um, which allows
• But what this is doing is adding those chapter 34, um, agreements.
• In keeping with this principle, Texas Family Code Chapter 153 requires courts to prioritize the best

Transcript Highlights:

• the courts when transferring guardianship cases. between counties and lowering the refiling feet of $45
• There's a $45 fee.
• State of Texas, family law case is a $45 transfer fee. It shouldn't be any difference to go from.
• California to here to Travis to have that $45 fee are from El Paso to Travis County for $45 fee and that's
• In keeping with this principle, Texas Family Code Chapter 153 requires courts to prioritize the best

Bills: SB387, SB1335, HB1671, SB1760, SB1839, SB1923, HB1928, HB4942, HB5628, HB5642, HB1980

Keywords: judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, retroactive child support, parentage, genetic testing, family code, child's conception, incapacitated persons, court proceedings, guardianship fees, estate management, probate

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2026, submitting Section 45-576 relating to groundwater.
• House Bill 2098, amending Section 45-1901, A.R.S., by adding Section 11, Chapter 5, relating to the County
• House Bill 2756, amending Title 30, Chapter 2, Arizona Revised Statutes, and Title 40, Chapter 2, Article
• House Bill 2827, amending sections 45-611 and 45-615.01, relating to groundwater.
• House Bill 2827, amending sections 45-611 and 45-615.01, relating to groundwater.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House met with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation honoring Adrian Ace Stubbs Day. Members also recognized Doctor of the Day Dr. Victoria Tannenbaum and welcomed visitors for Lutheran Day at the Legislature, along with Judge Kaluli from Veterans Treatment Court. Attendance was recorded at 56 present, one absent, and three excused. The chamber then moved through communications, committee reports, and first readings before taking up a long third-reading calendar. The floor debate centered on a wide range of bills, especially water, education, elections, public utilities, labor, and criminal justice measures. Members discussed tax administration, groundwater and water-rights issues, superintendent contract transparency, mining reclamation, school employee disclosure, AI and digital privacy, sexual extortion, probation, veterans and military employment protections, adult protective services, salvage vehicles, real estate licensing, and several education-related appropriations for ESA administration. There were also resolutions and memorials on voting centers and precincts, student athletics, Route 66, and recognizing Judea and Samaria. Several members explained votes, with supporters emphasizing transparency, consumer protection, public safety, and administrative cleanup, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, cost, overreach, lack of accountability, and impacts on schools, elections, and local control. Most measures passed, often along party-line or near party-line votes, and several emergency measures were adopted with the required two-thirds vote. Notable votes included HB 2016, HB 2026, HB 2028, HB 2049, HB 2075, HB 2090, HB 2092, HB 2094, HB 2098, HB 2111, HB 2113, HB 2114, HB 2133, HB 2135, HB 2179, HB 2192, HB 2228, HB 2256, HB 2260, HB 2262, HB 2265, HB 2278, HB 2328, HB 2351, HB 2381, HB 2409, HB 2410, HB 2411, HB 2425, HB 2451, HB 2476, HB 2499, HB 2500, HB 2584, HB 2662, HB 2663, HB 2666, HB 2693, HB 2752, HB 2756, HB 2804, HB 2812, HB 2827, HB 2877, HB 2908, HB 2932, HB 2933, HB 2943, HB 2953, HB 2966, and HB 2985, along with HCM 2007 and HCRs 2003, 2016, and 2047 and HR 2002 and 2003. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole to begin consideration of HB 2174 and related amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• - municipal<00:45:15.120> policy<00:45:15.840> and<00:45:16.080> advocacy<00:45:
• Your<00:45:34.520> Committee<00:45:35.120> on<00:45:35.360> General<00:45:35.760
• And<00:45:45.880> now,<00:45:46.160> speaking<00:45:46.600> for<00:45:46.720>
• 45:47.920> member<00:45:48.240> from<00:45:48.520> Barre<00:45:48.760> City.
• Um affecting the<00:45:52.080> revenues<00:45:52.440> of<00:45:52.520> the<00:45

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reading for St. Patrick’s Day, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the reading of a resignation letter from Representative Hooper of Burlington. The letter said the House environment had changed significantly and that he was resigning before the next cycle, while thanking colleagues and urging bold leadership to address major problems facing Vermonters. Members then received first readings and referrals for a large slate of bills. House bills introduced included measures on tax administration, hunting license fees, emergency management, oath and affirmation language in statutes, judiciary procedures, a Vermont homelessness response continuum, paperwork reduction, public utility subjects, municipal regulation of agriculture, miscellaneous agricultural subjects, and municipal permitting of ground-mounted solar arrays. Senate bills referred to House committees included vocational rehabilitation, home improvement and land improvement fraud, advanced metering infrastructure devices, water quality, and fair employment practices. Several other bills on the notice calendar were also referred to Ways and Means or Appropriations because they affected state revenue or carried appropriations. The House adopted two concurrent resolutions on the consent calendar: HCR 214, honoring Irish-American patriots and their role in American independence, and HCR 220, welcoming the USS Vermont’s namesake visit and designating April 18, 2026 as USS Vermont Day. Members also offered announcements recognizing guests from the USS Vermont and related veterans’ groups, remembering former Representative Ken Harvey, and noting upcoming events such as March Madness pools, the Legislative Cabaret, a Rural Caucus meeting, and a NAMI Walks team. On the floor calendar, H. 723 on posting of land was taken up, amended as recommended by the Committee on Environment, and ordered to third reading on a 10-0-1 committee vote. The House then began second reading of H. 757 on manufactured homes and limited equity cooperatives; committee members described manufactured housing as a key affordable housing option in Vermont and said the bill would clarify how these homes are purchased, titled, taxed, and financed, while reducing costs and improving consistency for homeowners, lenders, and municipalities.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:01.200> office<00:45:01.920> will<00:45:02.240> take<00:45:02.400>
• seat<00:45:05.599> behind<00:45:05.839> you<00:45:06.079> has<00:45:06.319>
• > to<00:45:14.240> us<00:45:14.800> and<00:45:15.119> we're<00:45:15.280>
• :45:36.800> a<01:45:36.960> lot<01:45:37.040> of<01:45:37.199> this<01:45
• :45:38.560> to<02:45:38.800> talk<02:45:38.960> to<02:45:39.120> her.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum. Senators then adopted the prior day’s journal and excused absent members. A lengthy point of personal privilege followed, in which Senator Smith criticized the prior day’s handling of the special order calendar and argued that minority-party senators were denied the chance to speak, while Senator Coleman said Senate Bill 318 had been removed from the calendar and tied that to Child Abuse Prevention Month; she also noted Senate Bill 43, which would provide civil recourse for child sex assault survivors, had not advanced. The presiding officer also recognized guests in the gallery, including staff from the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The Senate then received multiple committee reports, largely on a unanimous or near-unanimous basis. Finance and Taxation Education reported favorably on House Bills 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 565, 517, and 98, and Senate Bill 380, with some substitutes or amendments; Finance and Taxation General Fund reported Senate Bill 378 favorably; County and Municipal Government reported House Bills 568, 499, and 433; Education Policy reported House Bills 8 and 380; Banking and Insurance reported House Bill 545; Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development reported House Bill 586 with two nays; Healthcare reported House Bills 533 and 605; Tourism and Marketing reported House Bills 513 and 626 and Senate Bill 357; and local legislation committees reported several Mobile County and Madison County bills, including Senate Bill 379 relating to Madison County and various House bills, all advancing to the next legislative day. In motions and resolutions, the Senate agreed to allow committee reports to be received at any time during the day. Several resolutions were introduced and referred to the Rules Committee, including Senate Joint Resolution 100 honoring Presley Skelton, SJR 101 commending Auburn University’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, SJR 102 establishing the Alabama Forest Products Retention and Pulp and Paper Mill Stability Study Commission, SJR 103 mourning Norman Wendell Arnold, and SJR 104 designating Alabama as the river state. The chamber also suspended the rules to take up Senate Joint Resolution 105, commending Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth for his service; the resolution included a lengthy recitation of his background and accomplishments and was read for immediate consideration with all senators added as sponsors.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:02.720> Senator<00:45:03.040> Pearl,<00:45:03.359> I<00:45:03.520>
• /c><01:45:02.159> in<01:45:02.320> a<01:45:02.480> specific<01:45:02.920> RSA
• What the<01:45:04.560> brilliant<01:45:05.040> idea<01:45:05.440> was,<01:45:06.000
• :17.679> in<01:45:17.920> section<01:45:18.320> two<01:45:18.480> of<01:45
• > would<01:45:32.400> be<01:45:32.560> to<01:45:32.719> go<01:45:32.880>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of<00:45:25.760> Health<00:45:26.040> and<00:45:26.480> stand<00:45:26.800>
• 00:45:37.040> have<00:45:37.240> WR<00:45:37.559> testimony<00:45:38.319> and
• say<00:45:40.000> a<00:45:40.119> little<00:45:40.319> bit<00:45:40.680>
• to<00:45:43.160> do<00:45:43.400> with<00:45:43.720> uh<00:45:44.480>
• > we<00:45:46.800> and<00:45:47.200> we<00:45:47.359> have<00:45:47.599><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Housing and Health and Human Services hearing began with Senate Bill 878, which would extend the sunset date for the state rent supplement program for kupuna to June 30, 2028. Testimony was uniformly supportive, including from the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and others. Catholic Charities described a waitlist of seniors at imminent risk of homelessness and said the program helps seniors retain housing or secure units with landlord support. Members asked whether the bill would expand the number of households served; staff said the contract allows up to 127 households and that additional pending households could be funded, but applicants must still go through the program process. Both committees voted to pass SB 878 unamended. The committees then heard Senate Bill 1610 on Ohana Zones. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions supported the measure so long as it did not supplant existing funding, and described the funding as supporting homelessness services and wraparound supports. The Department of Human Services and Department of Land and Natural Resources offered comments, with DHS suggesting a definition of “kali” be added for clarity. The committee chair said the bill would receive technical amendments for clarity and consistency and accepted proposed amendments related to including “tales” in the program; the measure was advanced with amendments, with members voting in favor in both committees. In the joint Health and Human Services and Labor and Technology hearing, Senate Bill 1496 on civil rights and website accessibility drew support from disability advocates and organizations, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the National Federation of the Blind, the Deaf and Blind Task Force, and the Disability and Communication Access Board. Testimony emphasized the need for stronger state protections amid concerns about federal enforcement, while one testifier raised concerns about jurisdiction, minimum contacts, the use of WCAG 2.1 standards, and the bill’s immediate effective date. The committees decided to pass SB 1496 with technical amendments, including adding a defective date to allow further work before conference, and the recommendation was adopted in both committees. Later, the joint Health, Human Services, and Commerce and Consumer Protection hearing took up Senate Bill 404 on service animals. The Attorney General’s office raised a possible constitutional issue and the lack of an enforcement mechanism, while DHS deferred to other agencies. DCAB supported the bill but recommended amendments to identify an enforcement agency and require notices from professionals and sellers of service-animal or emotional-support-animal paraphernalia. Several advocacy and real estate-related groups testified in support. After discussion, the chair recommended deferring SB 404 for further work because of the Attorney General’s concerns, and the hearing adjourned without a vote on the measure. The final joint Transportation, Culture and the Arts, and Health and Human Services agenda heard SB 1526 on a drug and alcohol toxicology testing laboratory and SB 1492 on mobility management; both measures were advanced with amendments or as-is, with SB 1526 sent forward with technical amendments and SB 1492 moved ahead after members noted blank dollar amounts and requested the Department of Transportation provide figures.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:06.560> Um<00:45:06.960> I<00:45:07.200> just<00:45:07.359> wanted
• 00:45:18.319> and<00:45:18.560> void<00:45:18.800> and<00:45:19.040> we're
• <00:45:20.640> This<00:45:20.960> really<00:45:21.200> just<00:45:21.440>
• :01.520> or<04:45:01.840> um<04:45:02.000> chapter.
• <04:45:02.480> So<04:45:03.120> if<04:45:03.680> whatever standards or um chapter

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 45:16.880> the<00:45:17.119> total<00:45:17.599> savings<00:45:18.079> of
• <00:45:26.079> second<00:45:26.319> big<00:45:26.560> change<00:45:26.880>
• <00:45:34.960> when<00:45:35.280> we<00:45:35.599> have<00:45:36.160> a
• Um that<00:45:44.720> is<00:45:45.040> to<00:45:45.359> ensure<00:45:45.839>
• <00:45:49.520> Um<00:45:49.760> but<00:45:50.000> in<00:45:50.160> our

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 12 in 2024.
• We will not be proposing specific changes to Chapter 16, but we want to open the discussion of this chapter
• The next agenda item relates to the rewrite and reorganization project we've conducted for Chapter 45
• Amanda: These Chapter 45 rules began in 2007 during the 80th session, when the Texas Building and Procurement
• This chapter relates to mandatory contract processes.

Summary: The Texas Ethics Commission convened at 9:03 a.m. and held an executive session, reconvening at 10:18 a.m. During the meeting, the Commission approved a settlement agreement with Michael Quinn Sullivan, ending ongoing litigation. The agreement involved Sullivan dropping his legal challenges regarding a civil penalty previously imposed by the Commission. The Commission also announced personnel changes, including the departure of the director of enforcement, Marie Prim, and the appointment of Jordan Hun as interim director. The Commission discussed outside counsel contracts, approving the addition of Bickerstaff, Heath, Delgado, Acosta LLP to their pool of qualified vendors. They scheduled their next meeting for September 23rd and approved minutes from previous meetings. The agenda included several rulemaking items, with three rules adopted and five proposed for publication in the Texas Register. Notably, amendments to Chapter 20 regarding reporting contributions and expenditures were approved, as well as changes to lobbyist registration thresholds in Chapter 34, which were proposed for publication. The Commission also addressed advisory opinions, adopting several, including one regarding political advertising by charter schools and another concerning the revolving door prohibition for former state employees. Appeals for administrative waivers and reductions of fines were considered, with several fines waived or reduced based on individual circumstances. Lastly, the Commission discussed policies related to alternative dispute resolution and clarified responsibilities between the Commission and staff, concluding the meeting at 11:15 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:45:13.920> it<00:45:14.079> for<00:45:14.400> years<00:45:15.280> u
• :25.599> the<00:45:25.839> key<00:45:26.079> reason<00:45:26.800> a<00:45
• <00:45:40.480> I<00:45:40.800> believe<00:45:41.119> we're<00:45:41.440>
• <02:45:06.080> me<02:45:06.399> I<02:45:06.640> I<02:45:06.960> have<02:45
• timelines under chapter<02:45:25.359> 6E.

Keywords: 910, house, all