Transcript Highlights:

• > changed<00:11:05.000> once<00:11:05.200> they're<00:11:05.360> in<00:11
• ><00:11:12.760> you<00:11:12.959> very<00:11:13.200> much<00:11:13.399> for
• <00:11:14.279> Senator<00:11:15.000> Sullivan<00:11:16.000> and<00:11:16.600>
• /c><00:11:21.200> I<00:11:21.360> applaud<00:11:21.760> you<00:11:21.880> for
• 11:22.639> 205<02:11:23.119> or<02:11:23.559> may<02:11:23.800> was<02:11

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:07.680> So,<00:11:07.920> we<00:11:08.160> had<00:11:08.320> asked
• Um, we<00:11:22.800> would<00:11:23.040> hope<00:11:23.360> we<00:11:23.680>
• > with<00:11:38.880> uh<00:11:39.040> it's<00:11:39.279> a<00:11:39.440><
• :11:07.679> in<01:11:07.840> the<01:11:07.920> hall<01:11:08.080> a<01:11
• <01:11:13.360> I<01:11:13.600> can<01:11:13.760> see<01:11:13.840> a<01:11

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :09.120> of<00:11:09.279> the<00:11:09.600> project<00:11:10.480> in<00:11
• >> And<00:11:16.320> they're<00:11:16.560> planning<00:11:16.800> on<00:11
• <00:11:20.320> We'll<00:11:20.640> start<00:11:20.959> test<00:11:21.360>
• <00:11:39.040> All<00:11:39.279> in<00:11:39.440> favor<00:11:39.760> say
• >> No.<00:11:42.720> The<00:11:42.880> motion<00:11:43.200> is<00:11:43.360

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on Friday, November 21st and first approved the October 17th minutes, with one member abstaining because she was not present. The committee then adopted the remainder of the consent calendar after removing two items for separate consideration. On tab four, members discussed item 25282 with the Commissioner of Administrative Services and Public Works staff; the project had been delayed after testing revealed design errors and flaws, and the committee was told the work would restart with test piles the following week and was projected for completion in fall 2027. The item was approved. On tab five, item 25279 concerned a Health and Human Services facility project and a federally required element added late in the process. Commissioners explained that the project had originally been funded at $21 million, later required additional financing, and that the legislature had recently lifted a restriction so non-ARPA funds could be used. They also said the sale of the existing Manchester property would not be needed to complete the build, that a broker RFP was about to be issued, and that any sale would require further approvals. The committee approved the item. The committee then approved item 25280 after a brief exchange about rainy day fund estimates and prior budget assumptions, and approved item 25278 without discussion. Item 25272 drew questions about the consumer advocate’s RFP for outside utility-rate-case assistance; the office said it eliminated proposals focused only on return on equity work after the Eversource decision, selected a Michigan firm for spreadsheet and operating-cost analysis, and noted there were no in-state firms doing this specialized work. The committee approved the item, with one member recorded in opposition. On tab nine, item 25261 concerned a new judicial council budget obligation tied to legislation and public defense staffing needs. The presenter said the request reflected a late-added obligation from the judicial branch, that more requests may still be needed, and that public defense staffing was strained by vacancies and competition from Massachusetts. The committee approved the item. Under informational items, members received an update on 529 plan distributions and on interest and dividends tax refunds, with Revenue Administration saying roughly $21 million more in refunds remained and that the repeal-related refunds were nearly finished. The committee also noted an environmental services item for which questions would be submitted separately. The next meeting was set for December 19th at 11:00 a.m., and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:02.719> So<01:11:02.880> we<01:11:03.040> got<01:11:03.120> this
• then<01:11:11.679> make<01:11:11.760> it<01:11:11.920> fun<01:11:12.159>
• Again,<01:11:13.120> we<01:11:13.280> really<01:11:13.440> want<01:11:13.520>
• > to<01:11:15.040> a<01:11:15.280> level<01:11:15.360> that<01:11:15.600>
• /c><01:11:19.280> like<01:11:19.600> schools<01:11:20.000> and<01:11:20.239>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing from the House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment focused on the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s update on Hawaii’s biosecurity framework, especially implementation of Act 231 (2024) and Act 236 (2025). Chairs Corey Chun and Mike Gabbard opened the meeting by framing the briefing as an update on investments to fight invasive species and improve statewide evaluation and coordination. Department leaders Sharon Her and Richard Kim described historic legislative and executive investments that have allowed the department to rebuild and modernize biosecurity infrastructure to better prevent, detect, control, and eradicate invasive species. The presentation emphasized the importance of biosecurity to Hawaii’s agriculture, economy, environment, and public well-being, citing threats such as rapid ohia death, little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, brown tree snake, and red imported fire ant. Staff explained the state’s layered approach—pre-border, border, and post-border—and compared it to New Zealand’s model, stressing that Hawaii must act as a “net, not a wall” and that prevention before entry is far more cost-effective than response after establishment. They also outlined agency roles across the system, including agriculture, natural resources, health, transportation, enforcement, and university partners, and noted that Act 231 strengthened authority over high-risk imports, offshore treatment, compliance agreements, and pest management plans, while Act 236 renamed the department and clarified statewide biosecurity coordination. Jonathan Ho then walked through specific program areas and progress. He said pre-border risk analysis is being supported by Act 231 funding and a university contract, while offshore compliance and treatment efforts have improved substantially, including Christmas tree inspections from Oregon and Washington and airline declaration systems that provide advance passenger information. For border work, he highlighted inspections, surveillance, detector dogs, and port monitoring. For post-border response and readiness, he discussed the invasive pest hotline and dashboard, trace-forward/trace-back and diagnostics, preparedness for future threats, and the need to build stronger internal capacity. He also described a developing transitional facilities program authorized by Act 236, modeled on New Zealand’s certified facilities system, and said the department has already begun outreach to industry groups such as the Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so your CD1<00:11:28.959> is<00:11:29.680> with<00:11:30.079> reference<00:11
• 00:11:37.760> all<00:11:37.920> we<00:11:38.079> did.
• So this this this bill<00:11:41.600> was<00:11:41.760> to<00:11:42.000> I<00:11:
• 11:44.480> board<00:11:44.640> of<00:11:44.800> land<00:11:45.040> and<00
• resources<00:11:46.000> to<00:11:46.240> lease<00:11:46.640> public<00:11:46.880

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• funding continues for Title 9 of Minnesota<00:11:03.519> thank<00:11:03.680> you<00:11:
• speaker<00:11:06.959> I<00:11:07.079> move<00:11:07.320> that<00:11:07.440>
• <00:11:11.519> house<00:11:11.760> file<00:11:12.079> 1233<00:11:13.079>
• <00:11:16.720> favor<00:11:17.040> say<00:11:17.399> I<00:11:18.200> I
• 11:28.200> the<00:11:28.360> next<00:11:28.600> bill<00:11:28.880> on<00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.800> okay<00:11:01.000> aloh<00:11:01.320> hako<00:11:01.880> my<00:11
• :11:03.279> testifying<00:11:03.760> in<00:11:03.920> support<00:11:04.160> of
• c> Bill<00:11:05.160> 1582<00:11:06.160> the<00:11:06.279> Tree<00:11:06.519
• ><00:11:10.200> myself<00:11:10.519> I<00:11:10.639> grew<00:11:10.839> up
• > nuu<00:11:12.279> or<00:11:12.399> as<00:11:12.519> we<00:11:12.680>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard two measures relating to dogs and coconut trees. On SB 301 SD1, which would add penalties for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on land zoned for a use, testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Ranchers, farmers, and other testifiers described dogs attacking livestock, trespassing on property, and in some cases injuring people and killing goats or chickens. Several speakers urged stronger penalties, owner accountability, and in some cases insurance requirements. The Hawaii Farm Bureau also supported the bill, saying it would strengthen existing law and help protect agricultural producers. The committee noted there were 13 testimonies in support, none opposed, and no comments. The committee then heard SB 1582, which recognizes the coconut palm as an official sustainable staple food source in the state. Testimony was uniformly supportive from DLNR, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Niu Now, and individual speakers who described the cultural, spiritual, and practical importance of niu/coconut in Hawaiian life, as well as its value as a food source and the need to protect it from the coconut rhinoceros beetle. Several speakers also emphasized biosecurity and continued funding for invasive species control. The committee stated there were 20 testimonies in support, none opposed, and no comments. In decision making, the committee recommended both measures be passed as is. SB 301 SD1 was adopted with four votes in favor and one no vote. SB 1582 was adopted unanimously, with five votes in favor.

Transcript Highlights:

• > know<00:11:02.800> maybe<00:11:03.040> if<00:11:03.200> we<00:11:03.360
• <00:11:07.760> think<00:11:07.920> it'll<00:11:08.800> take<00:11:09.040>
• <00:11:12.880> Uh,<00:11:13.360> so<00:11:13.519> that<00:11:13.760> that
• on staff<00:11:17.279> would<00:11:17.519> know<00:11:17.680> about<00:11:17.839
• <00:11:24.640> Karen<00:11:25.040> is<00:11:25.200> saying<00:11:25.279>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met with replacement members noted at the start and took up one emergency item from the Department of Health and Human Services: approval to accept and expend $2 million to support SNAP recipients during the federal shutdown. Commissioner Lori Weaver and CFO Nathan White explained that USDA/FNS had notified the state it would not receive November SNAP funds, affecting about 74,000 recipients. The department said it activated a contingency plan to contract with the New Hampshire Food Bank to expand mobile food pantries, targeting SNAP households and prioritizing locations based on need, with evening and daytime access and outreach through mail, text, email, social media, partner organizations, and a shutdown webpage. Committee members asked about timing, locations, reimbursement, and whether the state would be repaid by the federal government. Department staff said the food bank would likely need about a week to mobilize once the contract was approved, and that the contract would be cost-reimbursement based, with faster turnaround than usual but not advance payment. White explained the money would come from excess Medicaid Enhancement Tax revenue from state fiscal year 2025, which can be used only for Medicaid purposes under state law and SB 249, allowing general funds to be shifted to the food bank contract. Members also asked about other affected programs; the department said WIC had funding through November 10, energy assistance was expected to continue through December, and school breakfast/free and reduced lunch were not impacted. Members discussed broader public outreach, including a possible PSA and use of the New Hampshire Food Bank’s network of 417 partners, and one member suggested religious leaders or the governor might be better positioned to make donation appeals. The committee then voted unanimously to adopt the item (motion by Senator Gray, second by Senator Waters). The meeting ended with notice of the next meeting on November 21 at 11:00 and a motion to adjourn, which was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, when this<00:11:05.440> got<00:11:05.680> passed<00:11:06.160> a<00:11:06.399
• <00:11:09.200> So,<00:11:09.440> we<00:11:09.680> put<00:11:09.760> it
• :11:13.440> state<00:11:13.600> of<00:11:13.760> Wyoming<00:11:14.240> on
• <00:11:14.880> bill<00:11:15.120> got<00:11:15.279> a<00:11:15.440> notice
• set<00:11:23.760> up<00:11:23.839> and<00:11:24.079> working<00:11:24.320

Bills: HB0101, HB0062, HB0109

Keywords: guardianship, monitoring, ward protection, financial independence, case management, governmental claims, liability limits, inflation adjustment, public safety, local government insurance, property tax, tax exemption, homeowner, armed forces, residency requirement, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mr.<02:11:02.320> Shaffer,<02:11:02.600> please<02:11:02.800> read<02:11:02.920>
• Chair.<02:11:18.000> So,<02:11:18.160> this<02:11:18.360> amendment<02:11:18.800
• > Bill<03:11:11.440> 11<03:11:12.080> 96, House Bill 11 96, House Bill 11 96, and
• <03:11:14.080> House<03:11:14.400> Bill<03:11:15.160> 13<03:11:15.840> 08.
• 11<03:11:25.560> 96<03:11:26.080> will<03:11:26.240> go<03:11:26.520> first

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received several committee reports moving bills forward, including measures from Transportation and Energy and Corporations. The chamber also heard a House message transmitting House Bill 1281. Later, senators used moments of personal privilege to recognize Día del Niño guests and welcome children and community representatives to the chamber; those remarks were ordered spread upon the journal. On the consent calendar and third reading calendar, the Senate passed a number of bills, including Senate Bill 171 on pre-production plastic disposal, Senate Bill 173 on teacher training in certain fitness disciplines, House Bill 1290 on assault sentencing, House Bill 1052 on Victim Rights Act changes, House Bill 1214 on continuation of the controlled substances licensing act, House Bill 1260 on child care assistance, Senate Bill 17 on out-of-network health care dispute resolution, House Bill 1313 on Statewide Affordable Housing Fund requirements, House Bill 1283 on confiscation of identification documents, Senate Bill 174 on lead generation marketing for legal services, House Bill 1193 on vision tests for pre-kindergarten students, Senate Bill 170 creating a task force on public school access, House Bill 1242 on interlock restricted licenses, House Bill 1258, and Senate Bill 165 on species conservation funding. Several of these passed with recorded no votes, especially House Bill 1214 and House Bill 1283. The most substantive debate centered on Senate Bill 138, which was described as reducing administrative burden in the health care system by repealing or modifying certain requirements on health facilities and insurance carriers. The Senate adopted committee report amendments, including provisions on opioid training for veterinarians and dentists, before passing the bill. Another extended discussion involved Senate Bill 172 on the Front Range Passenger Rail District; supporters said it would shrink and better tailor the district to the planned rail corridor, while a senator from Adams County argued the district should not ask communities to pay for rail service they may not use. The Senate also reconsidered and repassed Senate Bill 170 after a procedural mix-up, then proceeded to special orders and adopted the Committee of the Whole report on Senate Bill 165, which was placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• give<00:11:01.800> it<00:11:01.920> to<00:11:02.000> the<00:11:02.080>
• Um<00:11:07.880> taking<00:11:08.120> up<00:11:08.240> rule<00:11:08.480>
• Um they<00:11:29.400> came<00:11:29.640> in<00:11:29.720> a<00:11:29.800> bit
• The<00:11:51.760> uh<00:11:51.960> agency<00:11:52.480> did<00:11:52.920> add
• <00:11:58.040> One<00:11:58.320> of<00:11:58.440> them<00:11:58.800> was<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, approving the minutes and consent calendar, then moved to the regular calendar of administrative rules. Department of Energy rule 25-220 was postponed until June at the sponsor’s request so stakeholders would have more time to review revised language. Several Department of Health and Human Services Medicaid-related rules were then considered, including 25-240, 25-265, and 26-33, each of which drew staff comments mainly about expired rule provisions and the agencies’ reliance on federal law, the Medicaid state plan, or other manuals. The committee approved those rules after brief questions, with the agencies stating they were already operating under the relevant federal or state-plan authority and, in one case, that rulemaking was underway to update an expired citation. The most extended discussion was on HHS Bureau of Aging rule 25-304, which had an amended conditional approval request. Staff explained the amendments clarified how case management agencies accept or deny cases, how telehealth participation is evaluated, and that the department sets the timing for accepting or denying cases under its existing authority. Staff also noted a separate issue about whether reimbursement rates must be in rule, but said the agency had long interpreted the statute to allow its approach and that any change would likely require legislation rather than committee objection. A provider representative testified against parts of the rule, arguing the case management agencies should not be required to accept referrals before contacting the participant, that telehealth decisions for other providers should remain with those providers, and that the quality-management section was duplicative and burdensome. Committee members questioned whether the telehealth language merely allowed case managers to say a service fit the client’s plan or instead gave them authority over another provider’s delivery method. The agency responded that case managers may determine what services an individual needs, but should not control how another licensed provider delivers those services. The discussion continued with no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• :03.040> three,<00:11:03.839> just<00:11:04.000> to<00:11:04.160> be<00:11
• > uh<00:11:10.880> that<00:11:11.120> we<00:11:11.279> need<00:11:11.440>
• <00:11:15.760> It<00:11:15.920> also<00:11:16.160> does<00:11:16.399> not
• Farter.<00:11:51.200> Why<00:11:51.279> don't<00:11:51.440> we<00:11:51.519>
• <00:11:52.800> I<00:11:53.440> know<00:11:53.600> you're<00:11:53.920> here.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:11:17.279> year's<00:11:17.600> budget<00:11:18.000> has<00:11:18.399>
• Uh<00:11:28.560> we<00:11:28.880> also<00:11:29.680> have<00:11:29.920> other
• but<00:11:37.279> it's<00:11:37.519> not<00:11:37.760> funded<00:11:38.079><
• There's<00:11:41.040> others<00:11:41.360> of<00:11:41.519> that<00:11:41.680>
• Overall<00:11:44.480> though,<00:11:44.880> I<00:11:45.200> think<00:11:45.600><

Bills: SB61, SB8, SB58, SB60, SB167

Keywords: school psychologist, school psychology, interstate compact, licensure compact, license reciprocity, portable license, equivalent license, professional licensing, psychology board, school mental health, student services, educational services, interstate practice, reciprocal licensing, background check, continuing education, workforce shortage, military spouse, active duty military, compact commission

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:27.720> And<00:11:27.880> I<00:11:27.960> also<00:11:28.240> need<
• <00:11:29.480> I<00:11:29.560> guess<00:11:29.760> I<00:11:29.839> was
• <00:11:31.800> that<00:11:31.960> I<00:11:32.040> forgot<00:11:32.600> to
• you<00:11:33.480> need<00:11:33.680> to<00:11:33.800> renew<00:11:34.120>
• <00:11:37.160> that<00:11:37.320> House<00:11:37.600> File<00:11:37.840> 3483B

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:02.079> Um<00:11:03.200> and<00:11:04.399> uh<00:11:04.560> we
• > I<00:11:13.200> I<00:11:13.360> I<00:11:14.000> do<00:11:14.160> want
• > of<00:11:18.160> our<00:11:18.560> role<00:11:19.200> as<00:11:19.600><
• :11:24.240> um<00:11:25.279> those<00:11:25.600> folks<00:11:25.839> that
• Um, and<01:11:03.120> also<01:11:03.920> large<01:11:04.239> animal<01:11:04.560

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > a<00:11:15.959> a<00:11:16.160> very<00:11:16.399> simple<00:11:16.800>
• :11:19.040> one<00:11:19.160> of<00:11:19.240> those<00:11:19.399> uniquely
• > 15<00:11:38.040> years<00:11:38.519> ago<00:11:39.519> uh<00:11:39.639>
• uh I was told<00:11:40.240> a<00:11:40.480> ter<00:11:40.720> man<00:11:40.920>
• onto<00:11:44.279> a<00:11:44.440> surface<00:11:44.839> M<00:11:45.639> job

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:12 SB 4 (Sen. Mays Bledsoe): 01:34 SB 58 (Sen. Webb): 04:53 SB 117 (Sen. Madon): 07:40 SB 121 (Sen. Wheeler): 10:52 SB 237 (Sen. Howell): 13:09 SB 71 (Sen. Boswell): 18:54 SB 174 (Sen. Nunn): 38:18 SB 176 (Sen. Nunn): 40:54 SB 183 (Sen. Nunn): 42:31 Adjournment: 49:51, 958, all

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first considered Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Sen. Bledsoe, which would create a risk-based AI governance framework for state government and address AI-generated misinformation in campaigns and elections. The sponsor said the bill came from the AI task force and is intended to promote transparency, accountability, and responsible use of AI while distinguishing between internal and external systems. The committee took a roll call vote and reported the bill out 7-0. The committee then heard Senate Bill 58, sponsored by Sen. Webb, which would allow Kentucky Retirement System benefits to be designated to a Special Needs Trust for a beneficiary. Webb said the bill would help families of special-needs children preserve benefits for supplemental needs such as adaptive equipment, technology, and medical or dental care not covered by government programs. He said retirement systems had provided no-impact letters, and the bill passed 7-0. Members also approved Senate Bill 117, which would let cities adjust incentive payments for training by appointed and elected city officials and remove the statutory minimum from ordinance requirements, and Senate Bill 121, which would authorize county judges to contract with rescue groups to deal with wild horse herds in rural areas. SB 117 passed 10-0 and SB 121 passed 10-0. The committee then took up Senate Bill 71, as amended by a committee substitute, dealing with local library board appointments. Sen. Boswell said the bill was a compromise but that he preferred removing KDLA from the process entirely; library representatives opposed the committee substitute and said they wanted KDLA out of the selection process. Several senators expressed conditional support but said they wanted further changes, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill out after a roll call vote with 10 yeas and 1 pass, with members noting they expected further floor amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• > things<01:11:23.280> uh<01:11:23.400> this<01:11:23.480> goes<01:11:23.640
• <01:11:36.080> discussion<01:11:36.440> on<01:11:36.640> that<01:11:37.000><
• :37.800> for<01:11:38.000> me<01:11:38.400> oh<01:11:38.600> please<01:11
• think I<01:11:40.840> brought<01:11:41.040> this<01:11:41.159> up<01:11:41.280><
• <01:11:45.800> used<01:11:46.080> in<01:11:46.239> the<01:11:46.400> offense<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of transportation-related bills. SB 21 on water carriers would create an inflationary cost index mechanism; DOT, Agriculture, DCCA, the PUC, and several harbor and logistics interests supported it, while Pacific Transfer opposed. SB 1478 would require vessel masters to follow harbor master evacuation orders during emergencies; DOT clarified it applies only to commercial ports, with support from Hima and the Harbor Users Group and opposition from the Hailongm Association. SB 108 would authorize DOT to regulate vessel noise near commercial harbors; the White Harbor Users Group opposed, while DOT said it supported the intent but warned the bill may be preempted by federal law. SB 1475 would raise the bond ceiling for harbor improvement projects from $100 million to $600 million, and SB 1473 would cap central services assessments on DOT funds at $5 million and tie them to CPI; DOT supported both, and Budget and Finance explained the central services fee is generally a 5% deduction from special funds with some statutory exceptions. The committee also heard SB 1402 on securing mooring lines in state commercial harbors, which drew support from the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Hawaii Longline Association. SB 1522 on vehicle title transfers was supported by the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services. SB 599 would require DOT or counties to scan deceased cats and dogs for microchips before disposal; DOT said it would provide scanners, the Hawaiian Humane Society and a private witness strongly supported the bill, and the committee discussed that the measure would not charge pet owners and that Oʻahu microchip rates are about 80% for dogs and 70% for cats. SB 1025 would allow service and non-service animals on mass transit under certain conditions; DHS offered comments, Maui and Honolulu opposed, while the Hawaiian Humane Society, the Environmental Caucus, and others supported it, and an opponent raised concerns about large pets, service animals, and the need for size and off-peak restrictions. Later, the committee heard SB 1096 on license plate-flipping devices, with DOT and Honolulu police supporting it. SB 384 would expand victim restitution in DUI-related negligent homicide cases to include child support for surviving minor children; DOT, MADD, and the Kiki Injury Prevention Coalition supported it, while the Public Defender opposed, arguing the restitution amounts would be unverified and better handled through civil remedies. SB 597 would extend the deadline for the administrative driver license revocation office to issue decisions, and the Attorney General, police, and Maui prosecutors supported it because of drug-testing delays, especially on neighbor islands. Finally, SB 1285 would create a lower-level impaired driving offense and authorize administrative action; the Attorney General and Public Defender both raised concerns about charging discretion and resource impacts, while county, public health, alcohol policy, and victim advocates strongly supported the bill as a life-saving measure. The transcript ends partway through testimony on SB 1285, with no final committee votes or actions recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay,<00:11:06.120> we<00:11:06.280> are<00:11:06.520> on<00:11:06.760>
• 11:11.360> to<00:11:11.480> the<00:11:11.920> Department<00:11:12.280> of
• We're<00:11:15.080> local<00:11:15.800> local<00:11:16.160> procurement<00:11:16.680
• On behalf<00:11:22.160> of<00:11:22.240> the<00:11:22.320> house<00:11:22.520>
• <00:11:37.560> We<00:11:37.880> are<00:11:38.040> clarifying<00:11:39.000>

Bills: SB2057, SB2109, SB2400, HB1752, SB2599, SB2930

Keywords: immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen, migrant rights, local police cooperation, law enforcement cooperation, hold request, judicial warrant, probable cause, civil immigration enforcement, county police, state police

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:11:25.640> They<00:11:25.760> called<00:11:26.000> themselves<00:11:26.560>
• A<00:11:28.360> short<00:11:28.680> 4<00:11:28.839> months<00:11:29.200> after
• Today,<00:11:38.520> Civil<00:11:38.800> Air<00:11:38.920> Patrol<00:11:39.240><
• > 50<00:11:45.720> states<00:11:46.200> who<00:11:46.320> serve<00:11:46.600
• missions<00:11:55.920> of<00:11:56.080> emergency<00:11:56.600> services,<00:11

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional in honor of Earth Day, then referred three Senate bills to money committees under House Rule 35A: S. 173 to Appropriations, and S. 232 and S. 327 to Ways and Means. The chamber also adopted JRS 50, a joint resolution setting weekend adjournment so the House and Senate would reconvene no later than April 28, 2026. Several members then made announcements recognizing guests and interns in the gallery, including a homeschooling eighth grader, UVM interns, a constituent shadowing a member, family members, and a Civil Air Patrol delegation. The House next took up S. 89, expanding survivor benefits, and passed it in concurrence with proposal of amendment. It then considered S. 157 on recovery residence certification. The Human Services Committee described the bill as making permanent a temporary framework for certified recovery residences, placing oversight with the Department of Health, requiring standards, data collection, and annual reporting, and preserving resident protections such as written agreements, notice, grievance procedures, and alternative housing arrangements. The committee also said the bill would modernize definitions and repeal the sunset on the current framework. Human Services voted 9-0-2 to recommend the strike-all amendment, and Ways and Means reported the bill favorable 11-0-0, noting no fiscal impact unless a future fee is proposed and enacted. The House adopted the amendment, ordered third reading, and moved the bill forward. The final major item was S. 239, creating a child abuse and neglect reporting working group. The Human Services Committee said Vermont’s mandated reporting system has not been substantially reviewed in over a decade and that the bill would convene experts to review the law and recommend updates. Committee testimony emphasized that Vermont has a very high reporting rate but relatively low rates of substantiation and referral to supportive services, and members said the working group should examine reporting before, during, and after a report, including alternatives when in a child’s best interests. The committee’s strike-all amendment added findings, narrowed and prioritized the working group membership to people with direct child-serving or mandated-reporting experience, set deadlines for an interim report by April 1, 2027 and final recommendations by October 1, 2027, and required the first meeting by August 15. The committee also heard from a wide range of child welfare, education, law enforcement, and advocacy witnesses.

Transcript Highlights:

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• <00:11:33.640> and<00:11:33.760> I<00:11:33.800> have<00:11:33.920> no
• We've<00:11:36.160> been<00:11:36.320> committing<00:11:36.680> to<00:11
• <00:11:47.720> Brad<00:11:47.960> Lindsey<00:11:48.280> at<00:11:48.360>
• c> our<00:11:50.320> our<00:11:50.480> friends<00:11:50.840> in<00:11:50.880

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened under a call, established a quorum, received a chaplain’s prayer and the pledge, and then proceeded through routine business. Members adopted the committee reports except those relating to Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, gave second reading to Senate File 203 and several House files, and referred Senate File 5200 to Rules and Administration. The chamber also adopted a motion to return Senate File 4390 from the general orders calendar to the Finance Committee. The main floor activity centered on a series of motions to send withdrawn executive appointments back to their originating committees under Senate Rule 8.2. Senator Putnam moved to return appointments from the Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee, including the Board of Animal Health, the Veterans Affairs commissioner, and the Rural Finance Authority. Senator Swadzinski moved a similar action for Education Policy appointments, and Senator Her did so for Environment, Climate, and Legacy appointments, including the DNR commissioner, the PCA commissioner, the Clean Water Council, and related boards. Senator Wicklund later moved to return Health and Human Services appointments, including the Children, Youth and Families commissioner, Health commissioner, VNSHUR Board, and EMS director. These motions prompted extended debate. Supporters of returning the appointments argued that the Senate has a constitutional advice-and-consent duty and that committee hearings should occur before floor consideration. Opponents, mainly Republicans, argued that sending the appointments back without floor action avoided accountability and transparency, especially in light of fraud concerns in state programs and agencies. Some authors said hearings had not yet been scheduled or that the committee process should come first; others noted at least one hearing had already occurred on a health nomination. The debate repeatedly focused on whether the Senate was fulfilling its constitutional role or delaying confirmation review. Roll-call votes were requested on the appointment motions. The Putnam, Swadzinski, Her, and Wicklund motions were each adopted by narrow 34-33 margins, returning the appointments to committee rather than leaving them on the confirmation calendar for floor action.