Transcript Highlights:

• It's interesting because Legislative Council contracts to have those cost-benefit analyses done, but
• Legislative Council can have the vendor contract and can have these cost-benefit analyses.
• So what I heard from Legislative Council just now is that if the intent of this conference committee
• So let's, well, once we hear back from Legislative Council, we will... So, yeah, very good.
• So let's, well, once we hear back from Legislative Council, we will reconvene, and until then, we will

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The conference committee on HB 1248 met to review differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, which concerns the PERS pilot program and insurance mandate process. Rebecca Frickie, executive director of PERS, explained that the Senate version removed the House provisions repealing the insurance mandate process, kept the two-year PERS pilot intact, and preserved the requirement for a report at the end of the pilot while removing language that would have required PERS to submit a bill to expand coverage to the commercial market. Members discussed the bill’s cost-benefit analysis requirements. Frickie said the current law triggers a cost-benefit analysis at the start of the pilot and again when a bill is introduced to roll coverage out commercially, but the Senate draft would change that to only one analysis at the end of the pilot if a rollout bill is introduced. Legislative Council indicated that if the committee wants that simplified approach, additional conforming changes are needed elsewhere in the code. Senators also asked about the purpose of the initial analysis and whether it is used beyond being attached to the bill packet; Frickie said PERS relies primarily on its own actuary and was not aware of broader use. The committee discussed whether the revised process would still require legislative sponsorship for any future rollout, and Frickie confirmed that a legislator or other sponsor would need to introduce such a bill. Examples mentioned included insulin caps and breast exams as possible future pilot items. The committee agreed to request Legislative Council draft the needed language changes and planned to reconvene after receiving the updated draft; no final vote was taken and the meeting was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, question and maybe it's for council.
• <01:32:10.080> and go in front of their city council and go in front of their city council
• planning commissioners and city council planning commissioners and city council members,<01:32:18.960
• One city council member moved through.
• vote for city council.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:15.040> Mahalo the Native Burial Council sites.
• Mahalo the Native Burial Council sites.
• <00:10:46.560> So Burial Council is outstanding. So Burial Council is outstanding.
• I believe we do have a newly confirmed workforce development council member, Jared Higashi.
• I believe we do have a newly confirmed workforce development council member, Jared Higashi.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am an appointee of the Birmingham City Council and I have served a total of five years as a member
• Um, next up we have City Council President Daryl O'Quinn. Welcome. Good morning, Mr.
• I am Daryl O'Quinn, the Birmingham City Council President, and I'm here representing the interests of
• Next up, we have Council Member Hunter Williams. Welcome, sir. Good morning. How are y'all doing?
• come from the city council of Birmingham.

Bills: SB330

Keywords: water management, regional boards, municipal governance, ethics compliance, public utility, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to introduce the White Cattlemen's Council, is in attendance at the Capitol, and not at the
• council day.
• Senator Richards said, forgotten that he's now a member of the Senate and not the county council.
• Senator Richards say forgotten council Senator Richards say forgotten that<00:02:39.000> he's
• thank you Mr not the ho County Council thank you Mr President<00:02:44.519> and<00:02:44.640>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Children, a council that was created by the General Assembly in 2013.
• children, council that was created by the General Assembly in 2013.
• It's an action item for the council this year.
• She collaborates with the council and she’s just a fabulous partner.
• Mike Lodo-Wigan, on behalf of the Missouri Council of School Administrators.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He’s a former tribal council chair for his tribe and a longtime tribal council member.
• He's a former tribal council chair for his tribe and a longtime tribal council member. tribal council
• chair for his tribe and a long time tribal council member.
• It's a tribal attorney, HR director, and tribal council member.
• We participate in various councils like the Governor's Tribal Leaders Social Services Council, the Governor's

Summary: The committee heard a work session on voting access on tribal lands, beginning with a presentation from Dr. Chelsea Jones of the Brennan Center. She described barriers affecting Native voters and voters on tribal lands, including long travel distances to polling places and drop boxes, nontraditional addresses, unreliable postal service, language access, and limited broadband. Citing research, she said turnout on tribal lands trails turnout off tribal lands by about 10 percentage points nationally and about 10% in Washington, with larger gaps in some convenience voting measures. Members asked about the meaning of “lost votes,” the role of tribal leadership and community trust, and whether outreach by election officials and candidates could help; Dr. Jones emphasized that the study measured missed voting opportunities, not missing ballots, and that partnerships with trusted community leaders are important. The University of Washington Elections Database then presented data on voter registration, turnout, signature challenges, curing, and ballot rejection for voters whose addresses fall within tribal reservation boundaries. The presenters said registration on reservations increased from about 107,000 in 2010 to 137,000 in 2024, turnout on reservations remained about 8 to 9 percentage points lower than outside reservations in recent general elections, and signature-challenge and rejection rates were generally low but somewhat higher in off-year elections. They reported that about 60% to two-thirds of signature-challenged ballots are cured, with cure rates similar inside and outside reservations, and that late return is the most common reason for primary ballot rejection while signature mismatch is the leading cause in general elections. A question was raised about USPS postmarking issues and how those might affect future data; the presenters said they plan to track return method and cure timing more closely. The committee also received an overview of the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs. Staff reviewed the office’s history, the Centennial Accord, the Millennium Agreement, and related state-tribal frameworks, and GOIA Director Tim Rainan described the office’s role as a bridge between the state and tribal governments, including consultation, policy coordination, training, and convening work groups. He said GOIA now has six positions, is part of the governor’s executive cabinet, and is working on a statewide tribal relations training module and consultation handbook. In response to a question, he said tribal voting is not a major topic at the Centennial Accord but is discussed more extensively through ATNI. The committee then shifted to contracting equity, hearing from WSDOT, DES, OMWBE, and the Office of Equity. WSDOT described its race-neutral small business and veteran goals, mentorship and support programs, and its response to the federal suspension of the DBE program; DES discussed statewide contracting spend, the EDGE pilot for small construction firms, and efforts to improve procurement access; OMWBE reported growth in certified firms and about $371 million in state spend with certified firms in the most recent year, while noting ongoing impacts from federal DBE changes; and the Office of Equity outlined its broader work on agency consultation, dashboards, and systems change. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Green Building Council. We are in support of this bill.
• Green Building Council, strongly supports the bill.
• Marine Building Council, is strongly in favor of this bill.
• The council may become... involved in this.
• Green Building Council. I want to especially thank you for this bill.

Bills: HB48, HB 66, HB 68, HB71, HB75, HB164, HB171, HB254, SB 3, SB 18, HB123, HB149, HB117

Keywords: HB 48, Texas alert notification systems, emergency alerts, public warning systems, alert fatigue, notification fatigue, Texas Division of Emergency Management, Department of Public Safety, DPS alerts, emergency management, State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, STEAR, disaster notifications, weather alerts, Amber Alert, Silver Alert, Blue Alert, missing persons alerts, accessible alerts, hearing impaired

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Brooke Hebrink and I serve on the Sacred Heart City Council.
• I'm one of the council members for the city of Sacred Heart.
• I'm one of the council Andy Staer.
• city council going back all that time. city council going back all that time.
• Um, I am council member Jennifer Coron.

Bills: HF2178, HF942, HF2470, HF1043, HF1287, HF1229, HF1230, HF424, HF571, HF404, HF910, HF1055, HF318, HF319, HF401, HF609, HF306, HF1599, HF1881

Keywords: HF2178, Cohasset, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, public infrastructure, water tower, water infrastructure, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, street reconstruction, municipal infrastructure, Public Facilities Authority, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota bonding, local government aid, utility infrastructure, public works, infrastructure, stormwater

Transcript Highlights:

• EMS provider advisory Council for and EMS provider advisory Council for long<00:14:02.839> um<
• <00:15:16.519> all related to The Advisory councils all related to The Advisory councils all
• So we got initial information from our three advisory councils just this last week.
• technology advisory Council technology advisory Council and<01:43:24.040> we<01:43:24.320
• <01:47:14.760> and lecture in the tech advisory Council and lecture in the tech advisory Council

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee met on February 6, 2025, for an update on emergency medical services (EMS) policy and implementation. Senator Seberger described the work of the EMS Task Force, which traveled statewide to hear concerns from providers about staffing, reimbursement, and retention. She said the task force led to the Sprint Medic model and two innovation zones in Otter Tail and St. Louis counties, and she urged continued monitoring and possible reconstitution of the task force to evaluate what is working and what could be expanded statewide. She also said future EMS work should continue to explore alternative response models and telemedicine, but that the most immediate need is additional funding, especially to address unpaid non-transport calls. Dylan Ferguson, director of the newly formed Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services, gave a detailed update on the office’s structure and priorities after the transition from the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. He described the office’s three divisions, the appointment of deputy directors, the first meetings of the advisory councils, and work on a statewide EMS strategic plan. He also reviewed the $24 million emergency ambulance aid program, explaining its 40-40-20 formula, the emphasis on rural services, the reporting and spending deadlines, and the positive response from ambulance providers. He noted that the $6 million Sprint paramedic grant program is underway, with Otter Tail County moving forward and St. Louis County still finalizing its application. Ferguson also outlined the office’s budget request for modest staffing and contract-cost increases, two rulemaking efforts to update outdated ambulance vehicle standards and expand medication options for basic life support services, and ongoing data collection on workforce needs, violence against EMS providers, and ambulance crashes. He highlighted the paramedic scholarship program administered by the Office of Higher Education, saying nearly 300 scholarships have been awarded. Members and Senator Seberger praised the EMS reforms and emphasized that non-transport calls create significant unreimbursed costs, especially for rural and volunteer services, but no votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• What it does, Gadsden's mayor and council did a resolution requesting we...
• It would raise mayor to 500, city council, school board to 250.
• It will set them for mayor and council, 500 for mayor, council, and school board at 250, and you'd have
• >> It will set them for mayor and council >> It will set them for mayor and council
• >> No, this is just city council, mayor, and the school board. >> Yes. Yes.

Bills: HB67, HB89, HB67, HB89

Keywords: parental rights, drag performances, public schools, public libraries, overnight programs, gender identity, minor safety, HB89, Medicaid, pregnant women, pregnancy, prenatal care, ambulatory prenatal care, presumptive eligibility, temporary Medicaid coverage, Alabama Medicaid Agency, maternal health, low-income women, health coverage, eligibility determination

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:36.800> Senator council um council um suggests Senator council um council um suggests
• Um, uh, Senate Council. No. aware of? Um, uh, Senate Council. No.
• Council President Rebecca Nre. Council President Rebecca Nre.
• > represents the council member who represents the council member who represents downtown,<01:
• Um, thank you very much, Council President.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• specialist with the Hawaii State Council specialist with the Hawaii State Council on<00:08:56.080
• , Advisory Council, Advisory Council, Alii<00:09:53.920> Hoa<00:09:54.200> Townhouses
• Review Board AIA, Waipahu Day Council, Review Board AIA, Waipahu Day Council, Maui<01:12:03.120> Chamber
• Yeah, State Building Code Council has.
• of the State Building Code Council of the State Building Code Council beyond<01:15:28.600> their

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1976, relating to dementia training for law enforcement, and HB 2443, relating to disaster services for people with disabilities and access or functional needs. For HB 1976, the Hawaii Law Enforcement Standards Board opposed the bill’s process and cost, arguing there was no documented training gap because existing CALEA accreditation already includes mental illness response training that covers dementia. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, disability advocates, caregivers, and several individuals, said dementia-specific training would help first responders better handle real-world encounters and avoid harmful misunderstandings. The committee later recommended passage with amendments, including changing mandatory language to permissive language in several places and removing a deadline for the first annual training cycle; the recommendation was adopted unanimously. For HB 2443, testimony was strongly supportive. The Disability Communication Access Board, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and individual testifiers said the bill would strengthen emergency planning and response by adding a Disability Integration Specialist and better integrating people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs into disaster preparedness, sheltering, and FEMA coordination. Several speakers emphasized recent storms and rescues as evidence of the need. The committee recommended passage with amendments, including changes based on Attorney General comments and adding specialized communications and comprehensive communications planning provisions previously contained in another bill; that recommendation was also adopted unanimously. The transcript then moved to a separate mini hearing on HB 1768, relating to immigration enforcement. Supporters, including the ACLU of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, argued the bill would prevent local law enforcement from entering 287(g)-type agreements or otherwise participating in federal immigration enforcement, citing civil rights concerns, community trust, and the need for police to focus on local public safety. One testifier raised concerns that local cooperation could help avoid mistakes in enforcement, while supporters responded that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that local agencies should not be deputized for civil immigration arrests. The excerpt ends amid extended member questions and discussion, without showing a final vote on HB 1768.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have Gallesi White, Cattlemen's Council. Thank you, Chair Chun.
• Next, we have Nicole Galassi, Hawaii Catamaran's Council, present.
• Cataman's Council Hawaii Cataman's Council present. present. present.
• <00:29:25.520> Chair office of Maui County Council Chair office of Maui County Council Chair
• Cole Galassi Lake Council Cole Galassi Lake Council present present present we<00:50:00.079>

Bills: HB1952, HB1951, HB1929, HB2497, HB2208, HB2572, HB1737, HB1953, HB2551, HB2549

Keywords: HB1952, Hawaii agriculture, University of Hawaii, CTAHR, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, Kauai, agricultural research station, extension station, capital improvements, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, appropriation, ADA compliance, Americans with Disabilities Act, certified kitchen, greenhouse, laboratory, field research, cesspool decommissioning, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• testimony from Military Affairs Council testimony from Military Affairs Council in<00:13:14.440> support
• Um, as Youth Food Council adviser.
• Media Council Hawaii Center in support.
• <00:54:13.599> on also have Hawaii State Council on also have Hawaii State Council on Developmental
• <00:54:25.359> on the Hawaii State Council on the Hawaii State Council on Developmental<00

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees on Education and Higher Education first heard HCR 75 and HR 67, which ask the Department of Education and the University of Hawaiʻi to assess criteria for building an educational pipeline and curriculum for advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. The Department of Education said it would stand on its written testimony, and UH supported the measure, noting existing community college and four-year programs related to the topic. Members asked how DOE promotes cybersecurity opportunities and whether it provides funding; DOE said schools usually connect with partners and its office works with them, but it does not have separate funding for such efforts. UH also explained that some advanced manufacturing concepts may overlap with 3D printing, material sciences, and entrepreneurship, and described P20 as a forum for aligning K-12 and higher education pathways. The committees then recessed the joint hearing and moved to the Education Committee agenda. The committee next heard HCR 46 and HR 39, which would make DOE recreational facilities available to the public during non-peak hours and non-school days. DOE said it already uses facilities agreements with insurance, liability waivers, indemnification, and certificates of insurance to protect schools. The Attorney General opposed the resolutions, warning that unrestricted public use without safeguards could create substantial liability and cost risks for the state. The measure’s introducer said the goal was to help underserved communities that lack access to public recreation spaces, and DOE said it would be open to joint-use arrangements with larger organizations but remained concerned about vandalism and liability. The committee also heard HCR 86 and HR 80 on creating an Aloha Civics working group, with DOE offering comments and Common Cause Hawaiʻi strongly supporting the idea. DOE described a civic learning and engagement task force that met with stakeholders, including UH and the PACE Commission, and produced recommendations such as building partnership inventories, integrating civic learning across grade levels, and aligning the work with DOE’s HA framework and learner outcomes. Common Cause said civic education can be implemented effectively and affordably, citing existing school projects such as ranked-choice voting and classroom constitutions. Later, the committee took up HCR 87 and HR 81, urging an annual Climate Week in public schools. DOE again stood on written comments, while the Climate Change and Health Working Group, Climate Future Forum, a student from Kaimuki High School, and other supporters argued that a dedicated week would ensure consistent climate education, build resilience, and connect climate issues to health, food security, and disaster preparedness. Supporters said existing climate-related opportunities are uneven across schools and that a formal Climate Week would create a more equitable approach. The committee then heard HCR 95 and HR 91 on informing students about changes to gun safety and storage laws; DOE asked for clarification on the measure’s intended outcome, and one individual testified in support. Finally, the committee heard HCR 104 and HR 100 on strengthening farm-to-school initiatives. DOE said it is already working to improve menus, emphasize local products, and meet with distributors to increase local procurement, while the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience offered food science, nutrition, and extension support. Climate Future Forum, the Hawaii Youth Food Council, and other supporters said farm-to-school efforts are important for student health, local farmers, and food sovereignty, noting that local food procurement in schools remains far below the state’s 30% by 2030 goal. DOE explained it is trying to provide distributors and farmers with more predictable demand and is meeting with distributors to set up next year’s supply chain.

Transcript Highlights:

• First up, GM 646, submitting for advice and consent to the Language Access Advisory Council.
• Thank you for considering my nomination for the Language Access Advisory Council.
• District Council 50, in support.
• District Council 50, in support. Edward Chu, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, in support.
• <00:30:39.679> I'm the state Rehabilitation Council I'm the state Rehabilitation Council I'm

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard several gubernatorial nominations and appointments, beginning with Sunshine Cho and Barbara Tom for the Language Access Advisory Council. Both nominees said they stood on their written testimony and expressed interest in continuing to serve, and multiple organizations testified in strong support. No opposition or questions were raised on either nomination, and the committee moved on after hearing the testimony. The bulk of the meeting focused on GM 642, the nomination of Ryan Yamane to be Director of the Department of Human Services. Yamane gave an extensive opening statement describing his social work background, long public service career, and philosophy of compassionate, balanced leadership. He emphasized DHS’s role in helping people from keiki to kūpuna with dignity and support, and shared personal stories from disaster response and family-service work to illustrate his approach. Support testimony came from a wide range of state officials, agency directors, community organizations, health systems, advocacy groups, and former colleagues, who praised his leadership, problem-solving, communication skills, and empathy. One witness, Moani Kiala Katherine Tu Alun, testified in opposition, raising concerns about retaliation and safety issues affecting foster youth and alleging harmful treatment within Child Welfare Services. Another witness, Angela Melody Young, supported the nomination and said Yamane could help overcome barriers for vulnerable communities and improve DHS programs such as financial assistance, SNAP, and disability services. The committee also heard from DHS staff and related officials about the uncertainty surrounding possible federal funding and staffing cuts; Yamane said the department is gathering information, coordinating with Budget and Finance and federal partners, and preparing to prioritize services and adjust if federal changes affect programs. No votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to be hearing from the Colorado Food Systems Advisory Council, the Colorado Forest Health
• Council, and the Veterinary Pharmaceutical Advisory Committee.
• Advisory Council, the Colorado Forest<00:25:41.760> Health<00:25:42.320> Council,<00:25
• :43.360> and<00:25:43.600> the<00:25:43.760> Veterary Forest Health Council, and
• the Veterary Forest Health Council, and the Veterary Pharmaceutical<00:25:44.960> Advisory<00

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House came to order with a prayer-like musical intro, then proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call that showed 52 members present and 13 excused, barely meeting quorum. The chamber then approved the journal from Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as corrected by the chief clerk. Most of the remainder of the meeting consisted of announcements. Representative Mabrey previewed a Judiciary Committee SMART Act hearing later that day on the judicial branch, Board of Parole, Access to Justice Commission, Commission on Judicial Discipline, Behavioral Health Administration, and State Public Defender. Other members announced upcoming committee meetings and events, including a public safety power shutdown hearing, a Health and Human Services presentation, an Aerospace and Defense Caucus meeting on Artemis 2, a legislative breakfast for land surveyors, and an Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources Committee hearing on three sunset reviews. Members also noted visits from student groups in the Capitol, excused absences, and a reminder that Friday would be “Bronco Friday” with relaxed dress. Majority Leader Duran moved that the House stand in recess until later in the day, and the motion was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we worked with legislative council attorneys to ensure the subject and the substitute remained on
• So You have the letter in front of you from the judicial advisory council.
• So how does someone get on the judicial advisory council?
• So the judicial advisory council, they are appointed by the Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court
• So a lot of the major cities are not represented on the judicial advisory council.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the director of the New Mexico Land Grant Council and the UNM Land Grant Merced Institute.
• Increased funding for the Land Grant Council is needed.
• I'm wondering if you have approached anyone from the Hispanic Education Act Advisory Council.
• Definitely something that I'm sure the councils would be interested in.
• I know that the council itself is supportive of those types of initiatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• Planning Organization Advisory Council, which is a council of councils, so to speak, that I had concern
• But we have those planning councils in place.
• We have our city manager, Rick Van Wagner, and two of our council members, Ms.
• We have our city manager, Rick Van Wagner, and two of our council members, Ms.
• Hunter, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida, waving in support.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee heard several transportation and infrastructure bills. HB 1239, Energy Infrastructure Investment, would let the Public Service Commission create a mechanism for utilities to recover costs for renewable natural gas infrastructure; supporters said it could diversify energy supply and help agriculture, while members raised concerns about consumer rates and asked whether savings from RIN credits should be passed to customers. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably after debate, with members noting the PSC would set costs and that the sponsor was open to further discussion on consumer protections. The committee then took up HB 313, which exempts Purple Heart recipients from paying Florida tolls. With no questions or opposition, it passed unanimously. The committee also considered HB 567, a broad transportation omnibus/strike-all bill covering EV tax revenue for roads, airport and MPO changes, workforce funding, traffic signal modernization, speed limits, and a pilot to streamline airport permitting. A major amendment added utility right-of-way notice, response, and incentive/penalty provisions, and another amendment authorized local governments to set age and ID rules for e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices after testimony about a fatal crash. The bill was reported favorably after extensive debate and public testimony from transportation and utility stakeholders. HB 112, dealing with municipal sewer collection systems, would allow cities to use sewer revenues to expand wastewater infrastructure. Sponsors said it was aimed at helping cities like Hollywood reduce septic use and improve water quality; testimony supported the measure as a way to unlock funding for sewer expansion, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also approved HB 7009, preserving public records and meeting exemptions for 911 and public safety radio communications systems and expanding them to next-generation 911. Finally, PCS for HB 1397, a large transportation package addressing airport, seaport, spaceport, and workforce issues, was amended and passed 14-1 after questions about federal testing notifications, removal of certain business preference language, and a provision redirecting some transit funds to highway projects if not timely used.