Transcript Highlights:

• I'd move to suspend the rules to allow for an additional five minutes.
• No rule suspension is needed; that conference committee report was received yesterday.
• I guess my point is that... ...can always suspend the rule if you have to, too.
• If not, it becomes a rule, a joint rule with the House and the Senate, right?
• And that's what you're doing, you're acting on the rules? Yes, ma'am.

Bills: HB410, HR310, HR314, HR316, HR317, HR321, HR275, HR276, HR279, HR282, HR286, HR289, HR292, HR295, HR302, HR319, HR307, HR273, SCR59, SCR61, SCR62, SCR68, SCR69, SCR70, SCR54, SCR55, SCR64, SCR75, HCR32, HB776, HB42, HB119, HB159, HB302, HB1017, HB1028, SB217, SB283, HB953, SB208, HR74, HB998, HB901, HR20, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, SB97, SB123, SB237, HB36, HB74, HB75, HB258, HB259, HB414, HB459, HB784, HB848, HB956, HB1095, HB1220, HB1252, SB469, SB479

Keywords: recording, privacy, notification, direct conversation, law enforcement, first responder, penalties, oil and gas, orphan wells, inactive wells, shut-in wells, marginal wells, plugging and abandonment, well decommissioning, site remediation, site restoration, Oilfield Site Restoration, OSR program, financial security, bonding

Transcript Highlights:

• the 600 rules. the 600 rules. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay.
• , with nothing changing to those rules, with nothing changing to those rules, um,<03:13:40.399>
• Instead of being given blanket authority merely to write rules, the division is Merely to write rules
• <04:12:58.160> The<04:12:59.279> rules the Ford act under the rules.
• The rules the Ford act under the rules.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In other words, without a violation otherwise of rule or statute.
• board ultimately votes to enact that into the rule.
• And was the lottery uh rules changed, as you had indicated, you changed the lottery rules to modify and
• You're supposed to use certain by rule ways to enter the play.
• Uh, again, the vendor just follows the rules, correct.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:41.839> and call an a um an interim final rule and call an a um an interim final rule
• rules or regulations when they do so. rules or regulations when they do so.
• First, the bill the rule of law.
• It's not against the rule of law; it upholds the rule of law and best practices.
• rule of law. Thank you. rule of law. Thank you.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That gives life to the written rules.
• democratic norms, the unwritten rules democratic norms, the unwritten rules that<00:13:56.560>
• Without these guard rails, even rules.
• an atheist who would unleash mob rule. an atheist who would unleash mob rule.
• Just the rules of the built.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing with Professor Colin Moore on democratic norms and their erosion in the United States, with a focus on what that could mean for Hawaii. Chair Carl Rhodes introduced the topic and the professor, noting the briefing was livestreamed and could be rescheduled if technical problems arose. Moore defined democratic norms as unwritten guardrails that make written constitutional rules work in practice, emphasizing two core norms from political science: mutual toleration, meaning acceptance of political opponents as legitimate, and institutional forbearance, meaning restraint in using legal powers to the maximum for partisan gain. Moore used historical examples to show how norms develop and erode, including George Washington’s resignation, the Alien and Sedition Acts, the contested 1800 election, Franklin Roosevelt’s court-packing plan, and Watergate. He argued that democracies usually erode gradually rather than through sudden coups, often through leaders who reject opponents’ legitimacy, tolerate political violence, restrict civil liberties, or attack the press. He said the United States is vulnerable because of its strong presidency, an 18th-century constitutional design that did not anticipate modern political parties or a neutral civil service, and because polarization has encouraged “constitutional hardball” and retaliation. He cited comparative examples such as Hungary, Turkey, and other countries that slid toward authoritarianism over time, and said the U.S. has been rated a flawed democracy by outside indexes. Moore said the erosion predates Donald Trump, though he believes Trump has accelerated it, and pointed to recent actions and rhetoric as moving beyond ceremony into government practice. He also warned that Congress has not consistently checked executive power and that public willingness to excuse anti-democratic behavior from preferred candidates is troubling. The briefing ended with Moore turning to federalism and Hawaii, arguing that the state depends heavily on federal funding for health care, schools, housing, and infrastructure, and that delays or disruptions from an unstable federal government could create serious local harm even if no law is formally broken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it gives the board the authority to do that in rule making.
• We're just giving you the authority to write the criteria in rule making.
• making so it could just say an in rule making so it could just say an ex<00:31:12.000> the<00
• authority to write the criteria in rule authority to write the criteria in rule making<00:31:27.919
• see what we have listed in the rule see what we have listed in the rule already already already

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on House Bill 271, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). The chair and several members expressed reservations about repealing a requirement that was only created in 2021, arguing that licensure should include some measurable demonstration of competency and that it is too early to judge whether the current standard is working. Members also raised concerns about the social work compact and the lack of uniformity across states, saying that changing the requirement now could undermine the standards New Hampshire agreed to at the outset. Testimony in support of the bill argued that the LSWA exam is a barrier for applicants because the level is intended for people without formal social work education, and the exam is the same national exam used for licensed social workers. The witness said there is only one LSWA in New Hampshire, so there is little pass/fail data, but noted that the Association of Social Worker Boards reported 78% of its membership favored retaining the exam. Supporters also emphasized that LSWA holders complete 30 hours of training and extensive supervised hours, and that they are not intended to work independently. Opponents or skeptics questioned whether the exam is the right measure for this role and asked for data showing actual failures or barriers. The discussion turned to possible alternatives, including a different exam, a practical skills assessment, or broader rulemaking authority for the board to set LSWA criteria. One suggestion was to amend the law to give the board authority to develop appropriate standards in rulemaking, rather than naming a specific exam in statute. Members also discussed whether the board could create a more suitable assessment and noted that the current law requires a national proctored examination approved by the board, but there is no national exam specifically for LSWA. No final vote or action was taken in the excerpt, and the subcommittee indicated it would gather more information, including the existing rule language, before moving the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118A to allow Assembly Members Michelle Rodriguez
• Pursuant to Assembly Rule 97, I request unanimous consent to re-refer file item 94, AB 2655, Valencia
• Pursuant to Assembly Rule 51, I request unanimous consent to re-refer Pursuant to Assembly Rule 51, I
• Pursuant to Assembly Rule 96, I make the debatable motion to re-refer AB 2624, the Stop Nick Shirley
• We understand the rules. We understand the rules. Requires a second, seconded by Mr. Tangipo.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and then handled a series of procedural motions. Members approved several re-referrals and committee notices, but a motion by Assemblymember Castillo to immediately take up AB 2670 on Medi-Cal fraud failed on a 18-39 vote. A later motion by Assemblymember DeMaio to send AB 2624 back to the Privacy Committee was replaced by a majority substitute motion to move to the Daily File, which passed 44-19. On the floor file, the Assembly considered several measures and resolutions. ACR 120 on Positive Parenting Awareness Month was concurred in 56-0, and ACR 150 declaring California Public Safety Telecommunicators Week was adopted after 62 coauthors were added. AB 2233 on autism therapy access passed 57-0, AB 1601 creating a pathway for a Sonoma County retiree COLA study passed 50-3, and AB 1801 on notice and transparency for private detention facilities passed 45-16. HR 103 recognizing Cambodian Genocide Memorial Week was also adopted after 60 coauthors were added. The chamber also heard guest introductions recognizing the Evzones, Greece’s presidential guard, and the Whitney High School girls cross country team, along with remarks honoring several members’ birthdays. The second-day consent calendar was then adopted 62-0, including multiple bills and resolutions, and the Assembly adjourned until Monday, April 20 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• asked questions, revising online course and stakeholder training, amending Florida administrative rules
• Administrative rules and associated forms: Since the enactment of HB 7021, we've completed rule development
• Completed rule development for over 45 Baker Act forms.
• I can go through some of these rules: emergency treatment orders and transportation rules were adopted
• The forms rule and the right to communication and visit rules were formally adopted in December 2024.

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive an update from the Florida Department of Children and Families on implementation of House Bill 7021, which revised the Baker Act and Marchman Act and was funded with a $50 million appropriation. Deputy Assistant Secretary Bill Hardin reported that the department has updated reference guides, training, administrative rules, and forms; launched regional behavioral health collaboratives; and created the Office of Children’s Behavioral Health Ombudsman. He said early data show continued declines in Baker Act use, high diversion rates from involuntary examinations through 988, mobile response teams, and care coordination, along with generally positive provider feedback on changes such as allowing psychiatric nurses to initiate emergency treatment orders and clarifying the 72-hour examination period. Hardin also described Marchman Act changes, including a streamlined petition process, remote testimony, improved discharge planning, and a new annual data report. He said the department has completed or is completing multiple training courses for providers and law enforcement, and has adopted or is finalizing numerous rules and forms. He reported that the regional collaboratives are identifying common statewide needs such as service capacity, resource sharing, funding flexibility, and peer support, while the ombudsman office is handling complaints and helping families navigate services. Members asked about whether the current funding is sufficient, future budget needs, outreach for the new ombudsman office, and services for juveniles. Hardin said DCF has posted legislative budget requests for additional forensic FACT services and short-term residential treatment beds, including children’s beds, and noted the ombudsman office is staffed with two FTEs and supported through existing complaint-management and regional systems. He said outreach is being done through regional collaboratives and coordination with other agencies, especially the Department of Education, and that juvenile transport and placement issues have improved with the new law. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, let's cover the ground rules for appropriate conduct.
• The rules for today's hearing include no talking or loud noises from the audience.
• Where are the rules? So moved. Okay, we have a motion for the rules. Do we have a second? Second.
• This is for adoption of the rules. Boerner, aye. Hoover, aye. Bonta, aye. Caloza, aye.
• The rules are adopted. We'll leave the roll open for absent members.

Summary: The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee met to adopt its 2025-2026 rules and hear three bills. The committee first adopted the rules on a roll call vote, then heard AB 1303 by Assemblymember Valencia, which would clarify that a Social Security number is not required to apply for California Lifeline and would restrict sharing subscriber information with immigration enforcement absent a court warrant or subpoena. Supporters said the bill would help vulnerable Californians, including undocumented residents, domestic violence survivors, unhoused people, and identity theft victims, access essential communications services; there was no opposition. The bill passed on a due pass motion and was re-referred to Judiciary. The committee next heard AB 1271 by Assemblymember Bonta, which would require broadband providers to report pricing and speed-performance data to the Department of Consumer Affairs and make the information publicly available, with privacy protections and a standardized reporting template. Supporters argued the bill would improve transparency and help consumers, local governments, and the state understand what broadband service Californians are actually receiving; testimony highlighted disparities in speed and pricing in low-income communities. The bill was amended in committee and passed on a due pass as amended motion to the Committee on Business and Professions. Finally, the committee heard AB 693 by the chair, Assemblymember Boerner, which would consolidate broadband and digital equity functions into a new Department of Broadband and Digital Equity and create an 11-member commission with decision-making authority. Supporters said the current split between agencies creates delays and coordination problems, while members discussed governance, geographic representation, and whether the proposal would require follow-up constitutional or statutory changes. The bill passed 9-0 and was re-referred to Appropriations. Afterward, the committee added AB 1303 and AB 1271 as later add-ons, both of which were also reported out, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ensures that the Department of Agriculture will submit necessary amendments. state plan and propose rule
• It lays out penalties and unlicensed hemp farming and expands. rules on transportation, handling, and
• By keeping our rules in sync with federal USD guidelines, we avoid unnecessary legal roadblocks that
• That means Texas farmers can keep moving forward. forward without worrying about sudden rule changes
• There's a section that would give us a rule-making authority to TDA. to be able to update rules once

Bills: HB147, HB 1113, HB 1203, HB 1269, HB 1276, HB 1277, HB1437, HB147

Keywords: livestock, brands, marks, earmarks, tattoos, electronic registry, Texas Animal Health Commission, county clerk, Agriculture Code, cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, horses, animal identification, brand registry, livestock traceability, electronic filing, rerecording, law enforcement access

Transcript Highlights:

• rule that every Minnesotan understands. rule that every Minnesotan understands.
• then it could go through the Rules then it could go through the Rules Committee<00:41:29.080>
• amendment that was added or those rules amendment that was added or those rules changes<00:47:33.080
• > now<01:19:22.320> would suspending the rules right now would suspending the rules right
• <01:20:13.200> to right now and suspend the rules to right now and suspend the rules to protect

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, I want to adopt the rules for.
• The proposed Senate rules, committee rules, were distributed to your offices via Dropbox. rules mirror
• any objection to adopting the rules?
• Rule 4, Section 13.
• So there's already rules in place to say we're talking about. a topic, and then we have rules in place

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be reported on by August 16, 2025, subject to extensions under House Rule 27.
• That, along with the delivery to the new town rule, no-town rule, has been extremely... ...on no towns
• That, along with the delivery to the new town rule, no town rule has been extremely I think.
• That, along with the delivery to the new town rule, no town rule has been extremely limiting and, like
• I think the rule of three has really saved this state.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis held a hearing on a package of cannabis bills focused on equity funding, delivery expansion, advertising restrictions, medical use, first responders, and ownership limits. Testimony strongly supported S. 87/H. 184 to direct a larger share of cannabis revenue into the Cannabis Social Equity Trust Fund and related equity programs, with speakers arguing the current funding is insufficient and that automatic transfers would better support businesses and communities harmed by the war on drugs. Several witnesses also backed H. 145/S. 89 to allow licensed cannabis delivery into municipalities that ban retail sales and to hotels, saying current rules unfairly limit social equity delivery operators and consumer access. There was also support for H. 176 on medical cannabis eligibility and S. 76 on cannabis use by first responders, while H. 177/H. 178 on new taxes drew opposition from several business owners who said the industry is already heavily burdened and overtaxed. A major point of debate was S. 94/H. 157, which would prohibit billboard advertising for non-prescription marijuana. Public health advocates, parents, and neuroscientists argued that cannabis billboards normalize use, are seen by youth, and are difficult to regulate effectively under the current 85% adult-audience standard. They urged a public health approach similar to tobacco restrictions. In contrast, several industry witnesses opposed further advertising limits, saying cannabis businesses already face strict marketing rules, billboards are privately owned, and additional restrictions would hurt small operators and raise First Amendment concerns. Some witnesses also criticized the proposed increase in ownership caps and consolidation provisions in the broader cannabis bill, warning they would favor large multistate companies over small and social equity businesses. Committee members asked questions about billboard ownership, enforcement of the current advertising rules, and the legal basis for restricting sign content. Witnesses and members also discussed the Cannabis Control Commission’s role, the difficulty of enforcing audience-composition standards, and whether delivery should be treated more like alcohol. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair noted that written testimony would continue to be accepted.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> House Bill 1629, Delegate Howard, House Rules. House Bill 1630, Delegate Arentz, House Rules.
• House Bill 1630, Delegate Arentz, House Rules. House Bill 1631, Delegate Ghrist, House Rules.
• House Rules. House bill 1631, Delegate House Rules.
• >> Rules. >> Rules. >> Rules. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
• <00:12:35.720> Rules.

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, March 6, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House met on February 24, 2026, with 110 members initially present and later 126 present after additional quorum calls. The chamber handled routine introductions and referrals, including House bills 1629-1631 and Introductory House Bond Initiatives 60 and 61, and received Senate Bill 9 and Supplemental Budget Number One, both of which were read and referred to the appropriate committees. The supplemental budget was submitted as an amendment to the fiscal 2027 budget and referred to Appropriations. The House then took up third reading and final passage on several bills. House Bills 311 (public schools, individuals with disabilities, accessibility, and emergency planning), 359 (property tax credit for urban agricultural property alterations), 396 (residential child care programs and training), 430 (family child care providers and reserve component members), 735 (earned income tax credit assistance program implementation delay and study), and 851 (Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council legal status) all passed, with HB 396 receiving four negative votes and the others passing overwhelmingly or unanimously. House Bill 805, the Building Homes Act, also passed after brief floor questions about whether the tax credit would apply to nonprofits and what safeguards existed; the sponsor explained it was an enabling bill and that local governments could set their own requirements. The floor session included several personal and guest recognitions, including visitors in the gallery, a doctor of the day, a birthday recognition, Women in Construction Week, African Advocacy Day, District 16 night, and a foster youth shadow day announcement. Members also discussed the addition of children’s books in the lounge and thanked the pages for their work. Committee and subcommittee announcements followed, and the House recessed until Monday, March 9, at 8:00 p.m. legislative day February 25.

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, our rule framework was inconsistent.
• And finally, our rule framework was inconsistent.
• So we've gotten to a really good space with our rule.
• Finding nine deals with the OPP rule promulgation.
• Finding nine deals with the OPP rule promulgation.

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met to receive updates on implementation of House Bill 1349, which created guardianship transparency measures, and on the Department of Elder Affairs’ Office of Public and Professional Guardians (OPPG). The Clerk of Courts Operations Corporation described the statewide guardianship database for judges and a public-facing website, noting the system went live in March 2025 after a soft launch in 2024. Officials said the database now includes information from all 67 clerks, with 388 users, about 6,400 wards, and 518 professional guardians. Members asked about unique identifiers, data duplication, training, and how the system is being used; CCOC said it is working to use registration numbers as identifiers, improve search functions, expand training, and seek continued funding. Secretary Michelle Branham then outlined OPPG’s implementation of HB 1349 and its broader oversight role. She said the department has doubled education requirements, expanded transparency through the Sentry system, and brought investigations fully in-house in August 2024. She described the complaint and investigation process, including legal sufficiency review, regional investigators, mandatory in-person interviews, and possible outcomes ranging from corrective training and fines to suspension or revocation. Members asked about complaint categories, disciplinary actions, whether guardians can be suspended during investigations, and how older cases are handled; the secretary said most complaints are administrative/technical, serious allegations are referred to law enforcement, and one older case discussed remained ongoing. The Auditor General’s office presented its operational audit of OPPG, covering July 2022 through January 2024 and follow-up on prior findings. The audit identified problems with monitoring private professional guardians and public guardian offices, complaint processing timeliness, incomplete public profile information, late registration renewals, failure to assess contract penalties, weak collection safeguards, missing follow-up on required public guardian reports, lack of needed rules, and Sentry system access/security controls. In response, Secretary Branham said the department does not dispute the findings and has already taken corrective steps, including launching Sentry, hiring additional monitors, moving investigations in-house, adding automated renewal reminders, updating forms, and drafting new rules. She also said the department plans to seek subpoena power and stronger fines in the next legislative session. The subcommittee took no formal vote and adjourned after members’ questions were completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I move to suspend all necessary rules to take up and consider H.R. 581.
• And the rules are suspended. Following resolution, clerk will read the resolution.
• The chair hears none, the rules are suspended.
• Chair hears none, the rules are suspended.
• The rules are suspended. Following resolution.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This home rule petition... Okay. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair.
• This home rule petition, A safer, more sustainable alternative for rodent control.
• Please support both home-rule petitions. Thank you. Please support both home-rule petitions.
• I am here to speak in support of Arlington's home rule petition, 45711, the first home rule petition
• I know you say yourself, Brookline, they never have a home rule petition, right?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hybrid hearing on a large slate of bills focused on pesticides, pollinators, rodenticides, mosquito control, invasive species, and local authority over pesticide regulation. Chair Becca Rausch set strict two-minute testimony limits due to the very large number of speakers. Early testimony from Senator Moore and Representative Hawkins strongly supported a bill to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, citing harms to wildlife, pets, and public health, and noting that California has already adopted a similar model. Testimony also supported a Lowell home rule petition to allow the city to prohibit or restrict these rodenticides, with local officials describing documented raptor poisonings and municipal efforts to phase out use on city property. A major portion of the hearing focused on pollinator protection and neonicotinoid-treated seeds. Witnesses from environmental groups, conservation organizations, academics, and beekeepers argued that neonics harm bees and other beneficial insects, contaminate soil and water, and provide little or no economic benefit in most corn and soybean fields. Several speakers pointed to New York, Vermont, and Quebec as models for restricting treated seeds, and one panel cited research showing only a small percentage of fields benefit economically from the treatments. Support was also voiced for a bill establishing an ecologically based mosquito management program, with advocates criticizing aerial and truck spraying and urging non-chemical, locally tailored approaches. Other testimony supported bills to reform the pesticide board and pesticide regulation process, to give vulnerable municipalities more local control over pesticide use, to protect schoolchildren from pesticides on school grounds, and to respond to invasive species through a centralized state office, coordinator, strategic plan, and trust fund. Many speakers, including representatives from Mass Audubon, MSPCA, the Xerces Society, the Sierra Club, watershed groups, and local wildlife rehabilitators, described impacts on hawks, owls, pets, fish, and broader ecosystems. No votes were taken during the hearing, and committee members generally asked few questions, with the hearing remaining in testimony mode throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:56:27.520> or required by um either court rule or required by um either court rule or
• <00:57:10.400> that variety of statutes and rules that variety of statutes and rules that
• <02:33:12.160> that and uh uh bypass the Senate rules that and uh uh bypass the Senate rules
• rules against impugning motives?
• what the Senate rules do require. what the Senate rules do require. if<02:37:13.439> it's

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is possible to suspend the rules, because the Mason's rules say you have to have the proponents, then
• There's a motion to suspend the rules to let the author return and go out of order of how Mason's rules
• It is possible to suspend the rules.
• So the three-minute rule is in effect.
• You don't know if the rules were filed.

Bills: HCR41, HB11, HB227, HB243, HB278, HB335, HB424, HB454, HB455, HB492, HB623, HB641, HB660, HB708, HB719, HB940, HB1029, HB1053, HB1069, HB1077

Keywords: coupons, rebates, alcohol regulation, malt beverages, Louisiana Department of Revenue, remembrance, Charlie Kirk, state recognition, October 14, memorial day, court filings, electronic filing, letter size paper, privacy, legal procedure, recusal, district attorney, substitute attorney, appointment process, legal proceedings

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think it's the five-year rule and the six-year rule that are the primary drivers of this.
• five-year rule tries to identify what necessary costs are, and the six-year rule says once you have enough
• <00:20:26.440> six-year<00:20:26.840> rule five-year rule and the six-year rule five-year
• five-year rule tries to up to The five-year rule tries to identify<00:20:40.160> what<00:20:40.320
• And now I think the five-year rule and six-year rule are really trying to focus people to say, you know

Keywords: 1187, senate, all