Transcript Highlights:

• It's the right legislative approach.
• And the result of the legislation is that we now have almost 10 insurance companies.
• But because of the legislation, in addition to having these companies come in and...
• The legislation that we passed in 2022 unfortunately prevents that.
• The legislation we passed was good legislation.

Summary: The committee met to hear five banking and insurance-related bills. HB 1549, an Office of Financial Regulation agency bill to help more efficiently regulate financial institutions, was amended to match Senate companion language and then passed unanimously. HB 1231 would extend physician payment and prior-authorization protections similar to a prior dental law, including limits on virtual credit card payments as the sole payment method; physicians and medical groups supported it as a way to reduce fees and retroactive denials, while insurers were not heard in opposition, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then heard HB 999, which would make gold and silver legal tender and allow transactions in bullion through electronic debit mechanisms. The sponsor and several proponents framed it as an inflation hedge and economic freedom measure, while questions focused on definitions, transaction costs, and vendor participation. The bill passed on a mostly party-line vote, with one member voting no. The committee also approved HM 4363, a memorial urging Congress to establish a sovereign wealth fund; the sponsor described it as a way to steward national wealth, and the memorial passed with one dissenting vote. Finally, the committee took up HB 1551, which would create a prevailing-party attorney fee framework in insurance contract disputes. The sponsor argued it would restore balance, deter meritless litigation, and help consumers with valid claims recover fees, while insurers, business groups, and defense attorneys warned it would revive one-way fee shifting, increase litigation, and raise premiums. Consumer advocates and some members supported it as necessary to give policyholders meaningful recourse. After debate, the bill passed favorably, with one member voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, point of clarification, I'm sorry if I miss this, this would effectively consist of legislators
• It is set up of legislators by legislators. Your pay is already covered in that.
• House Bill 4484, this legislation will allow the OCC workers to use...
• This legislation is modeled after what the AG's office and Wildlife do.
• This legislation is modeled after what the AG's office and Wildlife do.

Bills: HB4409, HB4414, HB4484, HB4486, HB3057, HB2588, HB4434

Keywords: housing, legislative committee, affordable housing, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, policy improvement, HB4414, Oklahoma Homebuilder Program, OHFA, single-family housing, homebuilder loans, 0% interest loan, housing finance, workforce housing, Legislative Workforce Housing Committee, housing needs assessment, community housing assessment, disaster recovery housing, federally declared natural disaster, rural housing, urban housing

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:05:30.480> this they see fit for legislation this they see fit for legislation this committee
• <01:06:13.760> So of consideration of legislation. So of consideration of legislation.
• And if I could add to whatever legislation that we adopt, if I could just name it after her.
• <01:14:55.440> administrative recommend legislation administrative recommend legislation administrative
• it leaves us no choice but to legislate. it leaves us no choice but to legislate.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 5 and heard testimony on a long agenda of transportation-related bills. Early measures included HB 2392, which would create an employer tax credit for transportation demand management benefits; HB 2462, which would bar auto manufacturers and dealers from charging post-sale fees for already-installed hardware; and HB 2423, which would require diesel sold for on-road use to contain at least 5% biodiesel. HB 2392 drew support from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual, with the Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation offering comments. HB 2462 drew support from DCCA and one individual, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation opposed it. HB 2423 drew comments from the Hawaii State Energy Office and Hawaii Farm Bureau, support from Pacific Biodiesel and the Hawaii Transportation Association, and a question from the chair about whether biodiesel is exported; the witness said production stays local. The committee also heard HB 1771 on voluntary carbon offsets for air travel, HB 2081 on requiring firefighters exempt from CDL rules to follow equivalent alcohol and substance abuse policies, HB 2334 on allowing the Department of Transportation to assume NEPA responsibilities for certain projects, and HB 2336 on DOT agreements with the Department of Defense for work at military installations using federal funds. HB 1771 drew comments from Life of the Land warning that carbon offsets are often unreliable and could create liability, while Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offered comments. HB 2081 received support from DOT, county human resources offices, fire departments, and county officials, with the Hawaii Firefighters Association in opposition. HB 2334 was supported by DOT, and the director said other states using NEPA assignment can complete projects in about half the time. HB 2336 was supported by DOT, HIEMA, DBEDT’s military relations office, and the Hawaii Military Affairs Council; the committee discussed the administrative fee as a way to recover costs under an intergovernmental agreement. The most extensive testimony centered on HB 1666, which would limit new motor vehicle markups above 5% of MSRP and require recordkeeping. Multiple dealer groups and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association opposed it, arguing it would threaten dealership operations, especially in Hawaii’s high-cost market and for vehicles without an MSRP. The committee also heard HB 2375 on uniform towing and parking enforcement standards on state and leased lands, including notice, disability protections, payment safeguards, and public reporting; DLNR, DAGS, and several advocacy groups testified, with strong public support and concerns about towing practices and ADA compliance. HB 2415, which would appropriate funds for crosswalks near school properties, drew support from DOT, DOE, and the Hawaii Bicycling League, and the committee discussed how counties would request projects and how funding would be allocated. Finally, HB 2451, which would move Hawaii toward fare-free public transit beginning in 2027 and create a dedicated funding source through a petroleum tax increase, received broad support from DOT, the Energy Office, public health and advocacy groups, and many individuals; DOE testified that it currently uses about $2.1 million for student bus passes and that the program is tied to savings from inactive school bus routes.

Transcript Highlights:

• that where're leg some of our legislator that where're leg some of our legislators<00:29:38.880>
• testimony and I ask that our legislators testimony and I ask that our legislators respect<00:30:
• We'd have to get the legislative authority first, get the legislative ceiling to spend special funds,
• We'd have to get the legislative authority first, get the legislative ceiling to spend special funds,
• We'd have to get the legislative authority first, get the legislative ceiling to spend special funds,

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on several bills. HB 576, relating to restrictions on the transfer of real property under chapter 201H, drew support from HHFDC and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which said the bill would waive transfer restrictions that conflict with DHHL’s program implementation. HB 421, relating to contractors, drew opposition from the Contractors License Board and DCCA/RICO, who said the measure would weaken owner-builder restrictions meant to prevent circumvention of contractor licensing laws; Hawaii Roter and the Grassroot Institute supported it. Members questioned whether the bill would still bar resale within a year and whether subcontractors would still need licenses. HB 367, relating to building permits, received support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Grassroot Institute, with comments from DLNR; testimony urged the bill to be expanded to include zoning permits as well as building permits to avoid confusion, especially on Kauaʻi. HB 826, relating to housing, received mixed testimony. HHFDC and several local and advocacy groups supported it, while the Sierra Club raised concerns about converting agricultural lands to residential use, possible impacts on food security, property values, taxes, and the need to account for public trust and traditional practices. HB 525 also drew support from HHFDC and three individuals, with no opposition noted. HB 252, relating to managing agents, was supported by the Hawaiʻi Council of Community Associations and opposed by the Community Associations Institute and several individuals, who argued that commercial management experience is not the same as condominium management and preferred language tied to industry certifications and a later effective date. HB 709, relating to trespassing, was opposed by the Honolulu Police Department, which said officers would have difficulty verifying ownership or tenancy in the field, that the bill could require a separate enforcement team, and that the sheriff’s division is better suited to handle evictions. Hawaiʻi Realtors and the Grassroot Institute supported the measure. Finally, HB 431 HD1, relating to housing, received broad support from the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, HHFDC, DHS, the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, OHA, county housing offices, and multiple nonprofit and political groups. Supporters emphasized the bill’s funding for housing and supportive services, with the homelessness office describing the measure as unprecedented and saying it could help the state cut homelessness in half over the next few years.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation passed unanimously off the Senate floor, and I'm proud to present it in the House today
• I am grateful for your collaboration in achieving our shared goal as legislators to ensure that our laws
• their co-authorship of this legislation. their co-authorship of this legislation.
• achieving our shared goal as legislators achieving our shared goal as legislators to<00:02:52.400
• would make its way through legislation would make its way through this<00:03:35.920> chamber.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:49.600> Um legislative session. Um legislative session.
• So it is de facto in legislative.
• legislative leadership in and legisl legislative leadership in each<02:54:20.880> state.
• It includes legislative governor.
• legislative or congressional district. legislative or congressional district.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Request the following capital leaves: Senators Muth, Schwank, and Lindsey Williams; legislative leaves
• Senator Costa requests capital leave for Senator Schwank, Lindsay Williams, and Muth, and legislative
• This legislation strengthens Pennsylvania's response to the scourge of snap skimming, which has robbed
• And we were able to craft this into the legislation and provide this.
• I rise today to support Senate Bill 730, which is legislation that codifies Pennsylvania orders. 730,

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, committee reports, and approval of the prior journal. Members also granted several leaves of absence and welcomed a number of guests, including Ireland’s Consul General and Deputy Consul General, student shadows, an intern, and the Neshaminy High School baseball team, which was recognized for winning the 2026 PIAA Class 6A state championship. The chamber then recessed briefly for an Education Committee meeting and party caucuses before returning to session. On the floor, the Senate advanced several measures. Senate Bill 362, addressing SNAP skimming, passed 49-0 after remarks about protecting food assistance benefits from theft. Senate Bill 469, providing discounted fishing and hunting licenses for current and retired law enforcement, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was withdrawn. Senate Bill 730, codifying Pennsylvania POLST forms for end-of-life medical orders, saw a tabled amendment from Senator Boscola on physician-assisted dying after a 28-21 vote, then passed 49-0. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 1206 clarifying a temporary license pending FDA approval, and sent House Bill 1344 and Senate Bill 1377 to the House after unanimous final passage. Other bills were moved to appropriations or held in order, including Senate Bill 49, House Bill 96, Senate Bill 535, Senate Bill 536, House Bill 538, Senate Bill 743, Senate Bill 1262, Senate Bill 1273, House Bill 1286, and Senate Bill 1372. House Bill 1862 and House Bill 2017 each received amendments and were re-referred to the Appropriations Committee. The Senate also agreed to consider newly reported committee bills, including measures from Finance, Judiciary, Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, and Education. In petitions and remonstrances, Senators Tartaglione and Costa focused on minimum wage and utility affordability, urging action on consumer protections, LIHEAP funding, data center energy costs, and related energy policy. The session concluded with the signing of House Bill 1877 in the presence of the Senate and a recess until June 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., unless recalled earlier.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, they were passed as a part of the legislation that we put in last year.
• The top says Medicaid fee schedule versus legislative proposal.
• So that as we are, you know, with our legislation, as I mentioned before...
• Council, Legislative Education Study Committee, and Legislative Finance Committee.
• Is there anyone who is online who stands in support of this legislative... ...legislation.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• changed in the last legislative session. changed in the last legislative session.
• We heard from the following witnesses, Madam Speaker: the team lead of legislative counsel and legislative
• counsel from the Office of Legislative Counsel; general counsel from the Department of Public Safety
• We heard from the following witnesses, Madam Speaker: the team lead of legislative counsel and legislative
• We heard from the following witnesses, Madam Speaker: the team lead of legislative counsel and legislative

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a moment of silence honoring four former members who had recently died: Avis Jarvis, Ernie Shan Jr., Ernest Earl, and Malcolm F. Severance. Members then introduced 12 bills for first reading and referral, covering topics including voyeurism and disclosure of sexually explicit images, crime victims’ rights in forensic cases, domestic abuse orders of protection, family court judgments, connected-device security standards, energy storage goals, environmental amendments, municipal votes on cannabis retail, cannabis consumption in prohibited places, elimination of Department of Corrections supervisory fees, an independent monitoring board for body-worn camera footage, and operating under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Each bill was read and referred to the appropriate committee. During announcements, members noted an upcoming Vermont National Guard and Veterans Affairs Caucus meeting, recognized a representative’s birthday, observed a moment of silence for former doorkeeper Cornelius L. Reed, and welcomed a new child in the gallery. The chamber then moved to the orders of the day. The House considered H.28, which would add explicit affirmation language to oath requirements in titles 1 through 10 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated and make related technical and gender-neutral wording changes. The Judiciary Committee recommended amendment, and the House adopted the committee amendment and ordered third reading. The House also took up H.409, a strike-all amendment concerning bail revocation procedures. The bill would correct bail-cap language for now-sealable misdemeanors and create a clearer process for prosecutors to appeal denied motions for bail revocation; witnesses from legislative counsel, public safety, prosecutors, defense, and the judiciary supported it. The committee vote was reported as 10-1 after a correction from the floor, the House adopted the amendment, and third reading was ordered. The House then adjourned until Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislative education staff for helping on all of this.
• Salih, Legislative Finance Committee Director. Shutdown emergency response. Go ahead, Charles.
• Every legislator should at least hear what's going on with some perspective.
• Funding shifts to support better legislative and public understanding. That's very good.
• Okay, we just don't want legislators. But I didn't intend it to change, I mean, yeah.

Transcript Highlights:

• change uh while this through legislative change uh while this system<00:10:50.480> has<00:10:
• You know, these spending limits have not been changed legislatively for many years. Should they be?
• You know, these spending limits have not been changed legislatively for many years. Should they be?
• You know, these spending limits have not been changed legislatively for many years. Should they be?
• You know, these spending limits have not been changed legislatively for many years. Should they be?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• was later granted, about 35 to 40 years ago, the authority to alter criminal sentences without legislative
• sentences without legislative sentences without legislative involvement<00:03:59.799> once
• this Authority has become legislation this Authority has become problematic<00:04:15.120> this
• <00:04:58.800> branch<00:04:59.160> and<00:04:59.280> I sentences the legislative
• this the legislative have to emphasize this the legislative branch<00:05:02.919> of<00:05:03.160

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee will now come to order.
• The committee also has authority related to two legislative offices: the Office of the Auditor General
• As you know, OPAGA is a joint legislative research unit.
• And I see that I also skipped the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee as I stand here in the Joint Legislative
• And just some recent examples of studies that came through legislation from 2024 include Senate Bill

Summary: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee met to receive annual overviews of its oversight responsibilities and the work of the Auditor General and OPAGA. Committee staff reviewed the committee’s authority over state and local governments, enforcement of audit-report filing requirements, repeated audit findings, Transparency Florida reporting, and lobbying compensation audits. Auditor General Cheryl Norman described her office’s independence, audit standards, quality control, and major audit areas, including the state’s annual financial and single audits, school district and university audits, operational and performance audits, and attestation work. She also noted staffing shortages, recruitment efforts, and a request for carry-forward funds to study salaries. Members asked about whether audits can quantify recoverable dollars, how school district spending comparisons are handled, and how to raise concerns about DCF-related audits or a local city audit that has been pending for years. Norman said her office can quantify findings when possible, sometimes compares costs across districts in operational audits, and that members can bring specific concerns to the appropriate deputy auditor general or the committee. She also explained that citizen or local-government audit requests may require payment of audit costs. OPAGA Coordinator Kara Collins-Gomez outlined OPAGA’s role as a legislative research unit that conducts studies directed by law, the presiding officers, or the committee, and described its policy areas, methodologies, contract monitoring, and recurring statutory reports. Deputy Auditor General Matthew Tracy explained how to read operational audit reports, including findings, criteria, condition, cause, effect, recommendations, and management responses. Deputy Auditor General Greg Senators explained financial audit reports, including audit opinions, required supplementary information, internal control and compliance findings, federal program compliance, and management letters. The meeting concluded with thanks to the presenters and a motion to adjourn, which passed without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• And your respect for legislators and your fellow legislators, regardless of which side of the aisle we're
• > to<02:51:06.160> protect passed important legislation to protect passed important legislation
• This legislation domestic violence.
• We're going to put in some legislation that you know We put in some legislation that, you know, it doesn't
• But this is not how we should legislate.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is any of that viewed as legislation.
• We don't We're not bringing legislation at this point, although we'd love to help with legislation if
• <00:36:22.400> at don't We're not bringing legislation at don't We're not bringing legislation
• maybe let's um on specific legislation maybe let's um on specific legislation which<01:15:47.600
• She said they have done some legislation in the space. This extortion legislation was done.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard testimony on the use of artificial intelligence in therapy and mental health settings. Representative Lisa Willner and Brenda Rosen of NASW Kentucky argued for “guard rails” on AI chatbots so they cannot present themselves as licensed therapists or replace school counselors, psychologists, or social workers. They said AI can support licensed professionals, but warned that chatbots cannot reliably recognize nonverbal cues, escalate crises, or provide accountable care, and they cited examples of harmful chatbot interactions, including a suicide case and a chatbot telling a user to “Please die.” The witnesses also raised concerns about data privacy, commercialization of sensitive mental health conversations, and the use of personal clinical content to train AI models. They said minors should require parental consent and suggested transparency about how a chatbot is trained and who created it. They distinguished between unvetted consumer chatbots and AI tools that have been scientifically validated or approved as digital therapeutics, noting that some evidence-based tools may be useful for specific conditions such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. Committee members asked whether regulation should be handled by the legislature or by professional boards, and whether a multi-state model would be preferable to 50 different state approaches. The witnesses generally favored expert-led standards and said a board or panel of experts could review and approve mental health chatbots, but members cautioned that boards can become too restrictive and that legislation should preserve flexibility and avoid discouraging children from seeking help. The discussion ended with a request for the witnesses to restate their proposed policy ideas, including privacy protections, bans on commercialization, limits on training AI with clinical content, transparency requirements, and informed consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• together to bring this legislation together to bring this legislation forward.
• We need it for legislation forward.
• , remind everyone with this legislation, remind everyone with this legislation, we're<00:48:02.240
• make sure that we can pass legislation make sure that we can pass legislation that's<01:15:22.239
• What concerns me about this legislation What concerns me about this legislation is<02:20:23.280>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on House Bill 817 for one legislative on House Bill 817 for one legislative day. day. day.
• <01:46:05.480> Council, Legislative Council, Legislative Council, Office<01:46:07.200> of
• c><01:46:07.360> Legislative<01:46:08.160> Legislative Office of Legislative Legislative
• We met with the Legislative Council in the Office of Legislative Council and the legislative financial
• > Legislative<02:04:39.200> Council<02:04:40.160> and the Office of Legislative

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reflection on Nowruz, the Persian New Year, emphasizing renewal, spring, and the challenges facing Iranian families amid conflict. The speaker connected the holiday’s themes of hope and responsibility to Vermont and democracy, then the chamber moved to routine business, including first readings and referrals of five House bills: H.945 on hemp products, H.946 on utility advertising and costs in rental agreements, H.947 on a residential universal design building code, H.948 on membership of the Retired Employees Committee on Insurance, and H.949 on homestead and non-homestead property tax yields and technical education finance changes. Three Senate bills were also read and referred: S.189 on hospital service reductions, S.203 on penalties for repeat DUI offenses, and S.313 on transforming Vermont’s career technical education system. The House also recognized several guests and announcements, including family members of members, airport employees, a UVM student intern, and visitors from Brazil. A House concurrent resolution, HCR 168, was read and congratulated Girl Scout Troop 60336 of Milton on earning the Bronze Award for a community garden project that improved accessibility through rain barrels and raised beds. The resolution highlighted the troop’s leadership and the role of its co-leaders, and the chamber applauded the guests in attendance. The main floor action centered on House Bill 642, relating to youthful offender proceedings, where Representative Booton of Barre City offered an amendment to stop the scheduled expansion of Raise the Age to 20-year-olds. Supporters argued the change would preserve current treatment of 18-year-olds while preventing an automatic expansion they said could strain the system and raise public safety concerns; opponents, including the Judiciary Committee, urged waiting for required Department for Children and Families reports due in 2026 before making changes. After debate, a roll call vote was taken on the amendment, with members calling the roll as the vote proceeded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. delineated reasons that this legislative delineated reasons that this legislative body<00:
• Given, uh, for bringing the legislation. Given, uh, for bringing the legislation.
• I think I think a lot of legislation.
• :25.200> about There's legislation being talked about There's legislation being talked about and
• legislation legislation that<01:29:49.520> forces<01:29:50.080> us<01:29:50.480> and

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call: 0:00:08 26RS SB 3: 0:02:50 26RS SB 1: 0:21:12, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 3, which would expand financial transparency requirements for Kentucky school districts. Sponsor Senator Lindsey Tichenor said the bill would require public access to budgeting and spending information, including final working budgets, monthly credit card statements, superintendent contracts and compensation, audits, and related financial reports posted on district websites. A committee amendment correcting citations was adopted by voice vote. Supporters, including Laura O’Brien, described examples of district spending they viewed as excessive and argued that more detailed public disclosure would help taxpayers and school boards identify misuse of funds. Senator Higdon and others voiced support for transparency, while Senator Meredith said he supported the intent but wanted the bill to go further. The committee passed SB 3 with 11 aye votes and one no vote, with favorable expression. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Senator David Givens, which would restore and clarify governance changes for Jefferson County Public Schools by defining the roles of the school board and superintendent. Givens said the bill responds to a state Supreme Court ruling and includes 42 stated reasons for the governance changes. Opponents, including Jefferson County Teachers Association president Maddie Shepard, JCPS Superintendent Brian Yearwood, and board member James Craig, argued the bill would weaken local democratic control, concentrate authority in one administrator, and reduce community voice. Yearwood said he works collaboratively with the board and that the bill is about adults and governance rather than students, while Craig said the district needs stronger oversight, not less. Supporters of the bill argued that the current structure has not produced adequate results and that the changes are needed to improve outcomes and accountability. The transcript ends during the SB 1 testimony and discussion, before a final vote is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:11:32.000> affairs regulatory and legislative affairs regulatory and legislative affairs committee
• That's excellent legislative history.
• <04:20:24.159> andor<04:20:24.640> legislation<04:20:25.600> andor legisl andor
• legislation andor legisl andor legislation andor incentivizing<04:20:27.600> businesses<04:20:
• . legislation. legislation.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a pretty straightforward legislation.
• 08.320> specifically legislation.
• This bill specifically legislation.
• the state of Utah as a model legislation the state of Utah as a model legislation here.<00:31:37.840
• last last fifth day of my legislative last last fifth day of my legislative tenure.<00:40:52.960

Bills: HB0028, HB0080

Keywords: sexual exploitation, child protection, law amendment, explicit conduct, sex crimes, identification cards, nursing facilities, assisted living, renewal process, resident rights, 916, all