Transcript Highlights:

• Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
• Madam Clerk, prepare the machine.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
• Madam Clerk, prepare the machine.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum of 97 members present, and granted leave to Representatives Brad Hall and Brandon Aker. The chamber recognized several guests, including law enforcement officers, the doctor and nurse of the day, former Representative Carlton Wing, leadership groups from Hot Springs and Huntsville, NCSL liaison Susan Haltine, family members of Representative Jeremy Wooldridge, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and several representative-elects who will join the next General Assembly. The only bill taken up was House Bill 1001, the appropriation for the Arkansas House of Representatives for fiscal year 2025-2026. Representative Vaught presented the measure as the House’s operating appropriation for the fiscal session, no one spoke against it, and the bill passed with the emergency clause by a vote of 96 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 present. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 1 p.m. the next day. Members announced upcoming meetings for House Management, the Joint Budget Committee and its subcommittees, the Rules Committee, the Energy Caucus, and the House Prayer Caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• Open machine, Madam Clerk. Close machine, Madam Clerk. There's a quorum present, Mr. Speaker.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 27 February, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Hudson Hollandsworth, a senior at Pisgah High School sponsored by Representative Shanks. After the roll call, the clerk confirmed a quorum was present, and the House dispensed with reading the journal. There were no reports from select committees, no resolutions or memorials, and no items taken up from the calendar. During introductions of guests, Representative Butler Washington introduced Dr. Fred Ken C. Jr. as the House doctor of the day. She noted that he is a Jackson native, a Provine High School graduate, an Alcorn State University graduate, a Navy veteran, an emergency medicine physician in Jackson, and a small business owner. The House welcomed him. No announcements were made by the clerk or members, and no legislation was debated or voted on beyond routine procedural motions. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn and stood adjourned until 4:00 p.m. on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not just about access to the machine and running the machine.
• about... there is a seduction portion where you teach people some of the science on how to use the machine
• in the meantime, we need to invest in technician training and we need to invest in having these machines
• We need to invest in technician training and we need to invest in having these machines available and
• This is the skilled technician-based run machine that carries, that is in many of the harm reduction

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on xylazine held its first meeting, with House Chair Mindy Domb and Senate Co-Chair John Keenan outlining the commission’s charge and a proposed work plan. The commission is tasked with studying the public health and safety impacts of xylazine in the illicit drug supply, including whether it should be scheduled as a controlled substance, how to regulate its production and distribution, and how to improve outreach and treatment for people exposed to it. Members were told the report deadline had been extended to March 30, 2026, and staff proposed a series of public hearings and working groups leading to a final report. The meeting also included attendance, packet materials, and procedural planning. The first major testimony came from BSAS Director Deirdre Calvert, who described xylazine’s appearance in Massachusetts drug supply data, the state’s public health alerts, and DPH’s partnership with Brandeis, CDC, and harm reduction organizations. She emphasized four priorities: reducing stigma and discrimination in health care, expanding self-directed wound care support and coverage for supplies, expanding access to drug checking and test strips, and supporting low-barrier services such as mobile vans and drop-in centers. Commission members asked about first responder awareness, medical education, and whether harm reduction services might face federal restrictions; Calvert said misinformation remains a problem and noted ongoing training efforts, including collaboration with public safety agencies. Several other speakers reinforced the need for low-barrier care and drug checking. Dr. Raghini Jala, an infectious disease and addiction medicine physician, said xylazine has become a common component of the unregulated opioid supply and urged support for rapid-response education teams, community-based drug checking, and better hospital and detox protocols for xylazine withdrawal and wounds. Recovery coach Alan Young testified from lived experience, describing severe wounds, fear of inadequate withdrawal treatment in emergency settings, and the value of mobile care vans that can provide methadone, buprenorphine, and wound care in the community. Dr. Sarah Wakeman echoed the need for naloxone, rescue breathing, low-threshold treatment, and non-stigmatizing health care settings, while Sarah Macon of the Boston Public Health Commission described Boston’s harm reduction and drug checking work, including on-site testing, wound care, and a decline in opioid mortality. Tracy Green of the Massachusetts Drug Supply Data Stream explained that xylazine has declined in recent samples while metatomidine is rising, said drug checking is increasingly used but still not enough, and argued for more funding, staffing, and statewide access to real-time drug checking and harm reduction services.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will unlock the machine, and the members will record their presence.
• The clerk will lock the machine and announce the presence of a quorum: 107 members voting.

Summary: The House convened in special session with prayer, a moment of silence for former Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Mettier Bowen, the Pledge of Allegiance, and confirmation of a quorum. The clerk read the Governor’s amended special session proclamation, which added two subjects to the call: legislation protecting Floridians from artificial intelligence harms, including an AI Bill of Rights and possible public-records exemptions during early investigations, and legislation on medical freedoms similar to Senate Bill 1756. The special session was set to run from April 28 to May 1, 2026. The chamber then seated and swore in three new members: Representatives Hillary Holley, Samantha Scott, and Emily Gregory. The House adopted motions accepting their certifications as prima facie evidence of election and declaring them duly elected and qualified members. Guests of the new members were recognized in the chamber. Speaker Pro Tem Duggan outlined the House’s approach to the special session, saying the House had received the Governor’s proposed redistricting maps and intended to bring them to the floor for consideration the next day. He also said that, because no bills had been filed on the other topics in the call before the special session began, those issues would not be taken up. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn and reconvene on April 29, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. or upon call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Prepare the machine, Madam Clerk.
• Madam Clerk, prepare the machine.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Members granted leave for Representatives Brad Hall and Brandon Achor, dispensed with reading the previous day’s journal, and recognized several guests, including law enforcement officers, the doctor and nurse of the day, leadership groups, family members of a representative, representatives-elect, and other visitors in the galleries. The main item of business was House Bill 1001, an appropriation for the Arkansas House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Representative Vaught presented the bill as the fiscal-session appropriation, and no one spoke against it. The House passed the bill and its emergency clause by a vote of 96 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 present. After passage, Representative Meeks moved to adjourn until 1:00 p.m. the next day, and the motion carried. Members also announced upcoming committee and caucus meetings, including House Management, Joint Budget Committee, Rules, personnel, Energy Caucus, and House Prayer Caucus meetings scheduled for later that day or the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• of my residents' mouths one more time, because they don't even have enough to get to the vending machine
• , we fight with the vending machine company.
• I said to them, can you please stop raising the prices of our vending machine?
• if they're hungry outside of that window, they don't even have the means to go down to the vending machine

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing focused largely on senior long-term care issues, family caregiving, post-acute care access, and direct care workforce pay. Testimony strongly supported bills to raise the personal needs allowance for nursing home and rest home residents (including H. 1411, S. 482, and related bills), with speakers from Mass Senior Action, Dignity Alliance, nursing home residents, providers, and former state officials arguing that the current $72.80 monthly allowance has been unchanged since 2008 and is inadequate for basic items like clothing, toiletries, haircuts, and transportation. Witnesses also backed bills to increase MassHealth asset and income limits for seniors and to stop counting life insurance as cash, describing the current rules as outdated and harmful to low-income elders. The committee also heard testimony on bills allowing family members, including spouses and guardians, to be paid caregivers (H. 1394/S. 886), with supporters saying this would help families keep loved ones at home and reduce reliance on costly institutional care. Another set of bills (H. 1412/S. 903) drew support from a physician who said clearer MassHealth communication and improved post-acute care determination processes would help reduce delays and backlogs for patients awaiting skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or other post-acute placement. Several speakers emphasized that better home- and community-based care can prevent hospital readmissions and support independence. A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 877, which would establish an enhanced care worker minimum wage of $25 per hour, indexed to inflation, for certain home care and human services workers. Union representatives and direct care workers from SEIU Local 509, 1199 SEIU, and the AFL-CIO described severe staffing shortages, burnout, low wages, and high turnover across home care, mental health, disability services, and crisis response. They argued that higher pay is necessary to recruit and retain workers and to stabilize services for vulnerable residents. Committee members asked about costs, comparisons with other states, and whether non-wage incentives could help, but witnesses repeatedly said wages were the central issue. The hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard, with the committee noting it would continue accepting written testimony and then adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will unlock the machine and the members will record their presence.
• The clerk will lock the machine and announce the presence of a quorum. 109 members voting.
• The clerk will unlock the machine and the members will proceed to vote. Have all members voted?
• The clerk will lock the machine and announce the vote. 83 yeas, 28 nays, Mr. Speaker.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Mark Weissman and local officials Donna Lou Fiala and Eric C. Brecknitz, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members approved the journal and adopted the Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report setting the calendar and debate times for the day. The chamber then took up House Bill 1D, establishing Florida’s congressional districts, as the main item on the special order calendar. During questioning and debate on HB 1D, sponsors and opponents focused heavily on the map’s process and legality. Supporters argued the plan was based on a viable legal theory, used the 2020 census data as required, and was within the Legislature’s discretion to consider mid-cycle redistricting. Opponents repeatedly argued the map was drawn by the governor’s office using partisan data, without meaningful legislative or public input, and that it violated the Fair Districts Amendment by favoring a party, splitting more counties and municipalities, and reducing compactness. Several members also raised concerns about taxpayer costs, the absence of a new census or court order, and the Legislature’s role versus the governor’s office. After structured debate, the House voted on final passage of HB 1D and passed it 83-28. A motion to recess for two hours to consider a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision failed. Following passage of the redistricting bill, the House adopted a motion to adjourn sine die, ending the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will unlock the machine and the members will record their presence.
• The clerk will lock the machine and announce the presence of a quorum. 109 members voting.
• The clerk will unlock the machine and the members will proceed to vote. Have all members voted?
• The clerk will lock the machine and announce the vote. 83 yeas, 28 nays, Mr. Speaker.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've got some very expensive diagnostic machines that are ending near the end of life and anticipate
• The efficiencies or savings, the big one this year is that we got a machine, a mass spectrometer, it's
• We're finding it more difficult to find machines old enough to run it as they get obsolete, and so we
• system, but I'll tell you the state of Oklahoma through initial appearance, man, it is it it's just a machine

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No, they asked if I could take the machine gun off the top of the arch while we had the crane there,
• And then tire balancing and tire balance machine.
• Motion has been made and seconded. beating and tire balance machine.
• Um beating and tire balance machine.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Capital Project Overview Committee approved the minutes from its February 24 meeting and then received a briefing on the legislative parking garage from Terry Poff, Chief Operating Officer for the General Court. He reported that the pre-stressed concrete garage, being built with panels fabricated by Unistress in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, remains on schedule, with erection expected in late July through August and functional occupancy targeted for March 17, 2026. He said the garage will provide 409 spaces, security cameras, a communications repeater, and a maintenance plan developed from the outset. In response to questions, he explained nearby street excavation is for drainage vaults and oil-water separators, and that temporary closures will be needed during panel deliveries. He also said the garage was designed with future EV charging infrastructure in mind, but current charging stations would need to be located outside the secure facility; he has begun discussions with city officials about possible curbside charging options. The committee then heard and approved a $754,000 capital request for Cannon Mountain/Franconia Notch State Park maintenance projects. The request, recommended by the Cannon Mountain Advisory Commission, covers lodge exterior repairs, lift maintenance, snowmaking pipe replacements and pump controls, and equipment purchases to improve maintenance operations. The committee approved the item after brief discussion. Next, the Department of Transportation presented two toll-credit requests. The first, CAP 250007, sought toll credits to support transportation planning, regional planning commissions, GIS and asset-management work, and related federal planning requirements; members asked about coordination with Granite data and the effect of a prior budget decision on regional planning officers, and staff said the request would not affect the regular federally funded program. The committee approved the item. The second, CAP 25010, sought $245,000 in toll credits for bus terminal improvements, regional mobility management, a statewide transit assessment, and an intercity bus pilot intended to connect Keene with southern New Hampshire or Concord. Members asked about the subsidy structure and ridership reporting; staff said the intercity service would be a net-cost subsidy and agreed to provide updated ridership and route information. The committee approved this item as well. At the end of the meeting, the committee noted that a quarterly capital projects report from DAS and the community college system was informational only, and members opted not to hear a separate presentation that day. The next meeting was set for September 29 at 9:00 a.m., with a request to invite HHS to discuss closed-loop referral system projects. Members also asked for future updates on the planned sale of the Cenuunu Center, and the committee adjourned after a motion carried.

Transcript Highlights:

• that's out there, when we begin to think about the technology we have here, whether it's our vending machines
• that's out there, when we begin to think about the technology we have here, whether it's our vending machines
• Gaming Control Commission, $835,000 is provided for warehouse space to store confiscated gambling machines
• gaming commissioner, the interim gaming commissioner, that, in fact, when they confiscate these machines

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met for budget day, heard agency follow-up questions, and then presented its recommended budget for fiscal year 2025-2026. Chair Lopez opened with remarks about reducing spending, emphasizing vacancy reductions and recurring savings across agencies. The recommendation eliminated 452.5 vacant positions and produced recurring savings of $57.2 million overall, while still funding selected priorities. Notable funded items included $500,000 for a new DBPR website for condominium complaints and document filing, $481.3 million for the MICEF Florida Home Program in DFS, funding for Florida PALM implementation, $330,000 for a Tampa office in the Office of Insurance Regulation, $835,000 for warehouse space for confiscated gambling machines, $821,000 for the Lottery gaming system contract, and major DMS capital and facilities funding. Lopez also criticized DMS leadership and said the secretary’s salary would be held in reserve pending answers on fleet management, remote workers, SUNCOM billing, and other issues. The committee then questioned DBPR Secretary Griffin about condominium records, structural integrity reserve studies, and milestone-inspection compliance. Members focused on how the division tracks condominiums, whether it can identify buildings with three habitable stories, and whether the current filing system can be improved to better capture building height and story count. Griffin said the division relies heavily on self-reporting and complaint-driven checks, but has updated forms to capture whether a condominium has buildings three stories or higher and has received additional submissions. Members also asked about staffing and the Miami-area office; Griffin said DBPR now has two Fort Lauderdale offices and a Doral office, with about 82% of new positions filled. Secretary Davis of the Florida Lottery also testified, defending travel to Paris and other conferences as part of industry engagement, technology research, and best-practice sharing. He said the travel was reimbursed through lottery-related organizations, described the Lottery as an enterprise fund that receives no general tax revenue, and said the agency has remained a top revenue generator nationally. Members questioned Orlando travel reimbursements and dues to the Multi-State Lottery Association, and asked for more information on how increased revenue translates into more Bright Futures scholarships. Davis said he would provide additional details. The subcommittee then unanimously passed two conforming bills. PCB SAB 25-01 removed statutory references to the legacy FLAIR accounting system in preparation for Florida PALM and was reported favorably. PCB SAB 25-02 addressed Capitol Center space after the planned House lease cancellation, declaring the governor, cabinet, and legislature permanent tenants, protecting existing space and parking allocations, giving the legislature first right of refusal on vacant space, and giving legislative leaders control over utilities in their space; it also passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned after the bills were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think in terms of a measurement, Florida already is a pretty lean machine in terms of the way that
• I've paid special attention to your comments about how Florida runs a very lean machine.
• That notwithstanding, you know, I hear people talk about we want a lean machine.
• That notwithstanding, you know, I hear people talk about we want a lean machine.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee heard several measures focused on government structure, oversight, and public policy designations. The most debated bill was HJR 1325, which proposed a constitutional amendment to create a statewide Commissioner of Government Efficiency, abolish the lieutenant governor office and the Government Efficiency Task Force, and eliminate the constitutional requirement for an Auditor General appointment. Sponsors said the new commissioner would be a watchdog over waste, fraud, and abuse across state and local government, while opponents raised concerns about cost, single-subject issues, lack of implementation details, and whether existing oversight structures were sufficient. After extensive debate, the resolution was reported favorably by a recorded vote. The committee also approved HB 575, which redesignates the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America in Florida statute, and HB 1445, which requires certain state officials and agency heads to have stronger ties to Florida and, for some positions, to live in the county where their agency headquarters is located. HB 1445 drew questions about practicality and whether a proximity standard would be better than a strict county requirement, but the sponsor said he would continue working on that issue. Both bills were reported favorably, with HB 1445 passing unanimously. In addition, the committee unanimously approved HB 259, designating August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day, with supporters emphasizing the need for public education about fentanyl overdoses. The committee also passed CS/HB 29, the public records and meetings bill linked to the social work licensure compact, which creates confidentiality and meeting exemptions needed for the compact to operate. Public testimony on that measure was supportive, and it too was reported favorably without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• satellite<00:05:41.560> um<00:05:42.280> ID You need—we have the satellite ID card machine
• The delay we experienced was that they were going to upgrade their machines and potentially change the
• , so we had to wait until they made their decision before we purchased the new satellite ID card machines
• Card machines now that we have the specifications, we will purchase them for the four facilities in a

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard several bills on January 27, 2025. SB 24, relating to identification, would require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to help inmates obtain civil ID cards and other vital documents for reentry. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from DCR, the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission, DHS, the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, health and youth advocates, and others, with comments emphasizing that reentry should begin on day one and that lack of identification is a major barrier to housing and employment. A senator asked about the low number of IDs issued in 2022 and DCR said it already has a satellite ID card machine at Hālawa and plans to procure more for other facilities. The committee recommended passage of SB 24 as is. SB 474, relating to psychologists, would require DCR clinical psychologists to obtain licensure within 10 years of employment and would sunset in 2035. DCR strongly supported the bill, citing a severe staffing shortage, low exam passage rates, and many vacant positions, while the Hawaiʻi Psychological Association expressed concerns and one testifier argued psychologists serving incarcerated people should be licensed before employment. Committee members questioned whether the 10-year period was too long and discussed alternative solutions such as pay incentives and shortage differentials. The committee ultimately recommended passage with amendments, shortening the licensure period to 5 years, moving the sunset to July 1, 2030, and making other technical changes. SB 353, relating to emergency management, would clarify emergency authority, bar suspension of public records or vital statistics requests during emergencies, define “severe warning,” and allow the legislature or city councils to terminate a state of emergency. DHS and HMA opposed the bill, arguing it could limit executive flexibility and cut off access to the major disaster fund, while supporters included public-interest and good-government groups. The committee discussed whether legislative termination authority could interfere with ongoing emergency response and recovery, with the bill’s sponsor explaining it was aimed more at situations where emergency conditions have ended, such as prolonged COVID-era proclamations. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including a delayed effective date and committee report notes referencing DHS request data and HMA’s opposition. The committee also heard SB 259, relating to recordkeeping for secondhand dealers and pawn brokers, and SB 37, relating to recordings of law enforcement activities. SB 259 was set for amendment and deferred decision-making to January 29, 2025, so the committee could seek input from HPD. SB 37 drew support from the Legal Clinic and other advocates, with a clarifying question about civil enforcement actions, and the committee recommended passage with amendments and a delayed effective date. The meeting concluded with the committee adopting its recommendations and adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we go out and make sure that MRI machines, X-ray machines, and other radiation-emitting machines in
• So we go radiation emmitting machines.
• , out and make sure that MRI machines, out and make sure that MRI machines, X-ray<02:44:43.760>
• machines and other radiation X-ray machines and other radiation emitting<02:44:45.520> machines
• machines are are making sure that those machines are are safely<02:49:02.319> operated.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And as Representative Phillips said, the whole time, you made sure the ball wasn't dropped despite how
• Where we can have impact and perhaps try to push the ball forward is in regard to collaboration between
• and the process is harder to process and comprehend when it comes to things like cookers and cotton balls
• I would estimate that that same idea would deal with cookers or cotton balls or tourniquets.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, accepted the prior day’s minutes, and read several committee reports and communications into the record. Members also observed moments of silence for two young people who had recently died, and the prayer and pledge were offered before the chamber moved into business. Consent calendar number 28, consisting of several resolutions, passed by voice vote. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to tributes and retirement remarks for Representative Jeff Holowski, who was praised by colleagues for his work on financial literacy, veterans’ issues, health care, diabetes policy, and constituent service, as well as for his military service and community involvement. Holowski thanked staff, colleagues, and his family, and said he was retiring to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. The chamber also recognized former Representative Harvey Kenton as a guest. The House then acted on several measures. Senate Bill 286, as amended by House Amendment 1, passed 40-0 and extends consumer protections and dealer equity standards to ATVs, side-by-sides, and vessels. Senate Bill 179, which updates the Delaware Sentencing Accountability Commission and its bench book/data analysis process, passed 27-14. Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 23, the housing supply and affordability bill, was presented with extensive explanation and questions about local control, zoning, and implementation, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that measure. Senate Joint Resolution 18, designating August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day and directing flags at half-staff, was also discussed in emotional remarks about overdose losses and the state’s ongoing response. The House later recessed for party caucuses.

Transcript Highlights:

• can only do so much as far as passing laws like ACT, and we depend upon the courts to run with the ball
• courts to<00:13:37.520> run<00:13:37.800> with<00:13:37.960> the<00:13:38.080> ball
• , to run with the ball, to run with the ball, and<00:13:40.160> um<00:13:40.640> we're<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Messages 796 and 797, both judicial confirmation nominations, but announced at the outset that no votes would be taken that day. The committee said it would hold the vote the next day in Room 225. For GM 796, Annalisa M. Bernard Lee was nominated to serve as circuit court judge for the Second Circuit (Maui) for a 10-year term. Supporters included former Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, former judges, attorneys, and the Hawaii State Bar Association, all describing her as fair, hardworking, experienced on both criminal and civil matters, and active in the legal community. Judge Lee testified about her background as a Maui native, former public defender and prosecutor, and current district court judge, and said her experience on all sides of the courtroom shaped her commitment to fairness and access to justice. Senators asked about diversion, sentencing repeat offenders, and the role of a circuit court judge; Lee said she would consider cases individually, support diversion and pretrial collaboration where appropriate, and use judicial power to address underlying problems when possible. For GM 797, Michael K. Soong was nominated to the Fifth Circuit Court for Kauai and Niihau. Former Chief Justice Recktenwald and other supporters praised his long legal career, including service as a prosecutor, district court judge, and acting chief judge during a period when Kauai lacked a full-time circuit judge. They emphasized his courtroom control, common sense, community ties, and willingness to take on extra judicial committee work. Soong testified that he had served as a district court judge since 2017 and had recently been handling circuit court duties, including civil, criminal, and jury trial matters. He described the differences between district and circuit court, his experience presiding over complex trials, and his support for specialty courts such as drug court, veterans court, and mental health calendars. The Hawaii State Bar Association said it found him qualified after its review. No votes were taken on either nomination during this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I played ball with one of his sons and continued that relationship through being a young man and on into
• <01:09:18.960> I<01:09:19.200> I<01:09:19.280> played<01:09:19.600> ball<
• I I played ball with uh one his family.
• I I played ball with uh one of<01:09:21.040> his<01:09:21.240> sons of his sons of his

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a tradition that we give Lunalilo Elementary School students those balls.
• 03:03.840> School<01:03:04.120> students<01:03:04.640> those<01:03:04.920> balls
• Elementary School students those balls. Elementary School students those balls.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 24 members present and one excused, approved the prior journal, and welcomed visiting fifth-grade students from Kauai’s Island School and Laie Elementary to the gallery. The body then received and referred a series of governor’s nominations and House bills, and introduced numerous Senate concurrent and Senate resolutions for committee referral. It also took up a large consent calendar of Senate bills, approving the consent package unanimously and passing those measures on third reading. The chamber then considered many individual bills on third reading, with several floor amendments adopted to add effective dates and delay final action on measures including SB 2454, SB 2830, and SB 2397. Some bills were recommitted to the Judiciary Committee or separated from committee reports, including SB 2480 and SB 2423. The Senate also passed a number of policy bills covering motor vehicles, public safety, property insurance, elections, campaign finance, renewable energy, financial disclosures, liquor, veterans’ benefits, social media, electric energy, coastal resilience, climate planning, conservation, agriculture, education, collective bargaining, transportation, housing, land use, fishing, and natural resource management. Several measures drew reservations or no votes, but most still passed by wide margins. Notable debate centered on SB 3125, relating to income tax, where Senator Dela Cruz supported the bill as a way to preserve tax relief for working families while addressing fiscal uncertainty, Senator DeCorte opposed it as a rollback of promised relief amid Hawaii’s high cost of living, and Senator McKelvey and Senator Rhoads defended it as a responsible balance between tax relief and budget stability. SB 3125 ultimately passed third reading 23-2. Other bills also passed with recorded opposition, including SB 2009, SB 2517, SB 2721, SB 2731, SB 3071, SB 2418, SB 2568, SB 2975, SB 2100, SB 2353, SB 3062, SB 2761, SB 2003, and SB 2981.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't understand who dropped the ball here, if it was them or us or both of us, or if this could have
• them or us or both of us or if the<00:50:55.119> if<00:50:55.280> the<00:50:55.400> ball
• > if<00:50:56.200> this<00:50:56.319> could<00:50:56.440> have the if the ball
• or if this could have the if the ball or if this could have been<00:50:57.160> caught<00:50:58.160

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational briefing on construction defects and operational problems at the newly opened Hawaii State Hospital Halola building, a $160 million facility with 144 beds for forensic patients. Department of Health and DAGS officials described ongoing issues identified before and after occupancy in April 2022, including anti-ligature safety defects, roof and building-envelope leaks, drainage problems, plumbing failures, HVAC corrosion and moisture-control issues, mold, and corroding materials. They said the problems have affected patient areas, showers, hallways, the gym, and other parts of the building, creating daily operational and safety challenges for staff and patients. Officials said the state believes the defects are the responsibility of the design-builder, Hensel Phelps, but that they are working with the company and its subcontractors to address the problems while preserving the state’s legal position. The Attorney General’s office said it is conducting an inquiry and asked agencies to limit comments to factual matters. Witnesses explained that some defects appear to be latent and that repairs are being documented through photos, invoices, and testimony. They also said some work is being done by Hensel Phelps and some by other contractors, with efforts to preserve evidence for possible future claims. Committee members questioned how the defects were missed during design-build inspection, whether the state should pursue litigation sooner, and how evidence would be preserved if outside contractors make repairs. Officials said the state has two funding requests pending: about $8 million for emergency repairs and about $28.8 million for longer-term repairs, for a total near $40 million, while noting that additional defects may still be discovered. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.