Transcript Highlights:

• Roadways extension there that complies fully with chapter 141.
• Roadways extension there that complies fully with chapter 141.
• Roadways extension there that complies fully with chapter 141.
• Also, specifically, it is starting at 11, which is section 3 and 17, which is section 4.
• , which is section 3 and 17, which is 11, which is section 3 and 17, which is section<00:16:05.360>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The Committee of Conference on Senate Bill 564 reconvened to review a new amendment from Representative DuMont. The amendment cleaned up prior language, added a new section carving out wetland buffers and conservation areas for special exception or conditional use permit treatment, and included an effective-date delay. Senator Murphy noted that agreed-upon language was missing to prevent municipalities from imposing new building or lot-size restrictions before the bill’s effective date, and that language was restored using wording from amendment 2070. The committee then heard from State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey, who explained that fire-code concerns centered on road access and dead-end roads, and suggested tying road-length limits to NFPA 1141 so the bill would reference an established standard while preserving existing state fire code provisions on water supply, road widths, slopes, and turnarounds. Members discussed refining the language to say road-length caps must comply with the state fire code and NFPA 1141. Representative Alexander also explained that section 3 would expand by-right treatment for certain subdivision buffers and reduce development costs, while section 4 would require at least conditional use or special exception review for wetland buffers and conservation areas rather than allowing a flat denial. After a brief pause to resolve concerns, participants agreed to keep section 3 and section 4, with the understanding that the changes struck a balance between lowering housing-development costs and preserving local review and environmental protections. The committee then voted unanimously to support the agreement, seconded by Rainforth, and the chair said the revised amendment would be sent to OLS for final drafting.

Transcript Highlights:

• There being 11 ayes, zero nays, the motion prevails.
• There being 11 ayes, zero nays, the motion prevails.
• There being 11 ayes, zero nays, the motion prevails.
• That's what Chapter 11 provides.
• That's what Chapter 11 provides.

Bills: HB4530, HB4931, HB5559, HB5560

Keywords: water rights, Texas Water Trust, water bank, environmental conservation, water quality, instream flows, aquifer, water injection, Edwards Aquifer, environmental regulation, groundwater, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water conservation, drought, utility regulation, water use restrictions, Public Utility Commission, civil penalties, drought contingency, environmental protection

Summary: The Committee on Natural Resources met with a quorum present and first took up several pending bills for reconsideration and committee substitute adoption. House Bill 2692, relating to codification and clarification of local laws concerning the San Antonio River Authority, was reported favorably to the full House and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars by an 11-0 vote. House Bills 1407, 1520, 1535, 2970, 4153, 291, 3663, and 3915 were also reconsidered or laid out as pending business, with committee substitutes adopted where needed and each bill reported favorably, generally by unanimous vote, to the full House and then to Calendars or Calendars/Calendars-related referral as applicable. The committee then heard House Bill 4530, which would expand the Texas Water Trust framework to include groundwater rights, require Texas Water Development Board review and approval of groundwater dedications, and notify local groundwater districts when groundwater rights are placed in the trust. The bill’s author and witnesses from the Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and Chispa Texas supported the measure as a conservation tool and a way to create a clear process for voluntary donations; a Texas Water Development Board witness testified neutrally. The bill was left pending. House Bill 4931, relating to an aquifer storage and recovery project in Medina County, drew support from the author, the Medina County judge, and a regional water alliance witness, who described severe stress on the Edwards Aquifer, low levels at Medina Lake, and the need for a local water-supply tool. The bill was left pending. House Bill 5559, which would clarify enforcement of drought contingency plans for investor-owned water utilities and involve the PUC in model plan development, received support from groundwater district representatives but also concerns from water company and utility witnesses about enforcement authority, approval procedures, and potential conflicts with existing obligations to provide continuous service; the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. House Bill 5560, which would raise the maximum civil penalty for certain groundwater conservation district enforcement actions from $10,000 to $25,000 per violation, prompted debate over whether current law is already sufficient; supporters said the higher cap would better deter overpumping, while opponents argued existing penalties are already severe. That bill was also left pending, and the committee adjourned subject to call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:11:01.440> Any<00:11:01.760> other<00:11:02.959> questions<00:11:03.360>
• the drafting and formatting requirements of<01:11:46.960> KRS<01:11:47.440> chapter<01
• /c> of KRS chapter 13A and incorporates a of KRS chapter 13A and incorporates a new<01:11:49.920>
• requirements of CARS chapter<02:11:24.960> 13A<02:11:26.000> 907106 chapter 13A 907106
• chapter 13A 907106 is<02:11:28.400> being<02:11:28.560> amended<02:11:28.880> to

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then recognized a staff member’s birthday and a guest shadowing Senator Adams. It then moved into informational review of Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education regulation 702 KAR 3:30, which sets insurance coverage requirements for school district buildings and structures. Department of Education officials explained that districts are expected to carry coverage at replacement cost and said they understand some districts participate in self-insurance pools with backup policies, but they deferred detailed insurance questions to the Department of Insurance. Senators raised concerns that pooled coverage could leave districts exposed if claims exceed pool limits, and the chair asked KDE to follow up with DOI to confirm districts are adequately covered, especially for bondholders. No vote was taken on the informational review. The committee then reviewed emergency ABC regulations 804 KAR 130:01 through 130:04 implementing Senate Bill 100’s new licensing requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product businesses. ABC and Public Protection Cabinet representatives outlined the emergency rules governing enforcement, license applications, denial criteria, and transitional licenses. Retail industry witnesses Shannon Stiglet and Brian Clark said they support licensure in principle but argued the rules add duplicative requirements borrowed from alcohol licensing, create confusion about transitional licenses, and may be too burdensome for the roughly 7,000 affected businesses to meet by the January 1 deadline. They also said guidance has been inconsistent and requested the agency revise the regulations, remove requirements not grounded in law, and provide clearer, separate processes for new and existing businesses. Committee members asked whether the industry had worked directly with ABC and noted the public comment period was still open. Witnesses said they had communicated with ABC and the Public Protection Cabinet, but responses had been uneven and they wanted written guidance. Members expressed concern about the short timeline and the need to avoid disruption so businesses can operate legally on January 1. Representative Marzian asked for clarification that the discussion concerned emergency regulations already in effect while ordinary regulations remain in process. No formal action was taken beyond receiving the informational testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• to easily add new infractions to the chapter in the future.
• to easily add new infractions to the chapter in the future.
• to easily add new infractions to the chapter in the future.
• to easily add new infractions to the chapter in the future.
• to easily add new infractions to the chapter in the future.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :56.480> wait<00:11:56.760> we<00:11:56.880> all<00:11:57.120> have<00:11
• /c><00:11:58.959> have<00:11:59.079> to<00:11:59.279> to<00:11:59.440> read
• <01:11:01.960> okay<01:11:02.199> so<01:11:02.880> keep<01:11:03.280> up<
• uh<01:11:05.920> this<01:11:06.480> this<01:11:06.760> testimony<01:11:07.360
• > to<01:11:08.440> coko<01:11:09.239> and<01:11:09.400> the<01:11:09.560>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1233, relating to storm management systems, which would add safety and maintenance requirements for detention and retention ponds. Supporters, including Alison Schafers of the Ki Injury Prevention Coalition and Kristen Herstead of the Hawaii Lifeguard Association, said the measure is needed because poorly maintained ponds can become hidden drowning hazards, especially for children, and argued that fencing, signage, and life-saving equipment would have minimal cost. Schafers described the death of her daughter in a detention pond and said the bill reflects recommendations in the Hawaii Water Safety Plan. Members asked about whether the issue should be handled at the county level; testifiers responded that a statewide standard is needed, though counties would likely handle permitting. No vote was taken on the bill during the excerpted discussion. The committee then heard HB 867, relating to recreational facilities, which would require accessible playgrounds. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it submitted comments and that state parks do not generally have recreational facilities affected by the bill, while most such facilities are under county jurisdiction. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Communication Access Board, and the Disability Rights Center all supported the bill’s intent but recommended changes, including replacing the term “special needs” with “accessible,” focusing the requirement on new and renovated playgrounds, and specifying wheelchair-accessible swings. Testifiers emphasized that accessible play spaces promote inclusion for children with disabilities and benefit all children. No final action or vote was reported. The committee also took up HB 1358, relating to a public land trust working group. DLNR supported the measure and said it had provided written comments, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the bill and described longstanding problems with incomplete land inventories, self-reported revenue data, and disputed public land trust payments. OHA said an audit it funded suggests the state owes more than current payments reflect, and other supporters said the bill is needed for transparency, accountability, and a complete inventory of public trust lands, including submerged lands. Committee questions focused on how the public land trust information system is maintained, who updates it, and how revenue reporting works; DLNR said the system is older, has limited dedicated IT staffing, and relies on agency self-reporting rather than independent verification. No vote or final committee action was announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So<00:11:04.320> you<00:11:04.480> only<00:11:04.640> have<00:11:04.800> to
• If you have<00:11:05.760> six<00:11:06.079> companies,<00:11:07.120> you<00:11:07.360
• <00:11:08.720> It's<00:11:08.959> not<00:11:09.200> six<00:11:09.519> times
• <00:11:14.240> Part<00:11:14.480> of<00:11:14.560> the<00:11:14.720> continuing
• :11:58.959> puts<00:11:59.200> the<00:11:59.360> roof<00:11:59.680> on<00

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:04.240> the<00:11:04.399> second<00:11:04.639> line<00:11:04.959> down
• is the<00:11:05.839> children<00:11:06.160> and<00:11:06.440> families<00:11:06.920
• :08.320> that<00:11:08.480> all<00:11:08.720> went<00:11:08.959> to<00:11
• uh department<00:11:11.079> of<00:11:11.200> children<00:11:11.480> youth<00:11
• 12.720> below<00:11:13.240> that<00:11:13.440> I<00:11:13.560> note<00:11

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met for an introductory overview of its jurisdiction and staff roles. Nonpartisan House Research and House Fiscal staff explained that they draft bills and amendments, prepare bill summaries and background research, answer legal and fiscal questions, and help track revenue and budget effects. They also distributed a Budget Overview Brief intended to condense the larger budget materials into a more usable format for members. Staff then walked through the Human Services budget and the committee’s areas of responsibility. They described the department structure, noting that DHS oversees administration, compliance, rulemaking, and county support, and that the overall Human Services budget is large, with medical assistance as the dominant program. They also explained recent and upcoming reorganizations: many children and family-related functions are moving to the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Direct Care and Treatment is becoming its own agency, and some homelessness-related functions remain at DHS. Staff reviewed how the budget is organized by program and budget activity, the difference between direct appropriations and standing appropriations, and how forecasted programs and “tails” work in the budget process. The presentation also covered Medicaid financing and long-term care. Staff explained the federal-state FMAP match, including Minnesota’s current 51.16% federal match for most Medicaid spending, the CHIP match, and the 90% federal share for the expansion population. For long-term care, they outlined Medical Assistance services for elderly and disabled people, state-funded long-term care supports, and Board on Aging programs. They highlighted the personal care assistance program’s phaseout and replacement by Community First Services and Supports, and reviewed the five home- and community-based waivers. Members asked one question about refugee resettlement funding, specifically whether it covers flights; staff said they would need to follow up on the exact use of the federal funds. No bills were heard, and no formal votes or other committee actions were taken during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> um<00:11:52.200> testifiers<00:11:53.200> oh<00:11:53.360> and<00:11:53.480
• to<01:11:02.880> build<01:11:03.280> this<01:11:03.480> trust<01:11:04.000>
• <01:11:08.440> with<01:11:08.600> Griefer<01:11:09.080> Madness<01:11:09.679>
• <01:11:13.440> and<01:11:13.600> its<01:11:13.800> landmark<01:11:14.760>
• > there<01:11:15.880> with<01:11:16.040> a<01:11:16.159> new<01:11:16.320

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1494 on hearing aids. Testimony was generally supportive of expanding hearing-aid coverage, with the Insurance Division raising concern about possible federal defrayment issues, SHPDA supporting the goal of hearing augmentation, DCAB strongly supporting the bill as an important access issue, and health plans and insurers asking for amendments. Kaiser Permanente and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans requested changes to add a medical-necessity standard and clarify annual notice language, while HMSA suggested the proposal should be studied by the auditor. The chair noted concerns about federal preemption and the lack of an audit, and deferred the bill in favor of a related resolution calling for a study. The committee then heard SB 1448, an emergency appropriation for the Hawaii State Hospital. DAGS and the Department of Health supported the measure, with the hospital administrator saying the funding would improve the environment of care, support cleaning, and allow a third-party review of the building. Committee members questioned the size of the request and the status of litigation against the design-builder. Administration witnesses said they were pursuing a comprehensive study involving destructive testing, had made a demand on the design-builder to fund the study, and were using different processes than before. They also said the roof work would be handled through a separate CIP request. No final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 1432, relating to the future responsibilities of the Department of Health and land issues at Kalaupapa after the last patient dies. DOH supported the bill in part but said its long-term role would be limited mainly to environmental cleanup, with operations expected to continue under the National Park Service and land-use decisions left to DHHL and beneficiary consultation. DHHL asked that the measure reflect that any land-use or zoning changes on homeland lands require commission approval and beneficiary consultation. Testifiers from Kalaupapa and Maui County, including Degra Vanderbilt-Papa and Council Member Keani Rollins-Fernandez, supported deferring the bill, saying there had been no meaningful community discussion about provisions affecting Kalaupapa’s future management and possible transfer of responsibilities to Maui County. The committee also read into the record written testimony from Gloria Marks emphasizing that Kalaupapa stakeholders must be included in future discussions. Finally, the committee heard SB 955 on fitness-to-proceed examinations. The Judiciary and the Public Defender’s Office both supported raising pay and standardizing expectations for private examiners, but opposed reducing felony fitness evaluations from three examiners to one and opposed expanding use of expedited reports. They argued that a single examiner would reduce reliability, create a more adversarial process, and likely increase costs and contested hearings, while expedited reports do not contain enough information for a proper fitness determination. The Department of Health also supported the bill’s intent but asked to preserve a three-examiner framework and said the goal was to reduce the number of people sent to the State Hospital, where admissions have reportedly risen about 20% year over year since Act 26. The bill remained under discussion in the excerpt, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• While the intent of Chapter 49 is to promote equity across districts.
• There being 11 ayes and zero nays, Senate Bill 1998 will be reported favorably.
• There being 11 ayes and zero nays, Mr.
• There being 11 ayes and 0 nays. Senate Bill 2076 will be reported favorably to the full Senate.
• We represent our 16,000 members and more than 160 local chapters.

Bills: SB2920, SB2929, SB2398, SB865, SB401, SB2619, SB2927, SB1395, SB1972, SB2540, SB1635, SB1581, SB2008

Keywords: steroids, student athletes, athletic competition, University Interscholastic League, medical purpose, gender transition, school athletics, spectator conduct, referees, ejection policy, extracurricular activities, concussion, brain injury, school policy, academic accommodations, student welfare, cardiac arrest, emergency response, CPR training, automated external defibrillators

Transcript Highlights:

• all the sections of Chapter 720, which include resident safeguards.
• Yet when residents do not pay, it relies on Chapter 720 lien and foreclosure powers.
• fees secured by liens must also comply with Chapter 720's protections.
• They're collecting fees greater than what's allowed by Chapter 720. They have the ability to lien.
• Than what's allowed by Chapter 720. They have the ability to lien.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and considered four bills. First, the committee took up SB 1724 on municipal utility services. A late-filed strike-all amendment by Senator Martin was adopted after he explained it would require annual customer meetings for certain extraterritorial utility customers, cap the use of utility revenues for general government purposes, eliminate a 25% surcharge and reduce the rate differential cap, remove municipal natural gas utilities from the bill, and preserve certain surcharges only as needed to satisfy existing bond covenants. The Florida League of Cities raised implementation concerns about the July 1, 2026 effective date and the time needed for rate studies and budget adjustments, but the bill as amended was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 936 on temporary door locking devices by Senator McLean. The bill would define temporary door locking devices, authorize their installation at any height, require the Florida Building Commission to add standards to the Florida Building Code, and require their use to be incorporated into safety plans, drills, and training. With no opposition or debate, SB 936 was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 1014 by Senator Mayfield, which would prohibit municipalities from refusing water and wastewater service solely because a property owner declines annexation, if the property is near a municipal main line, not served by another utility, and the utility has capacity. An amendment narrowed the bill by defining “main line” and reducing the distance threshold from 2,000 meters to one-half mile. The Florida League of Cities opposed the bill as amended, citing concerns about large users, possible conflict with annexation law, potential enclave creation, and revenue impacts, but Senator Mayfield said he would continue working on the issues. The committee reported the bill favorably. Finally, Chair Bradley presented SB 1498 on community associations. A strike-all amendment was adopted that made technical changes to video conference recording, turnover inspection reports, and electronic voting, and added provisions requiring associations to provide records to law enforcement and prosecutors, creating a second-degree misdemeanor for willful refusal. It also targeted mandatory club or amenity fee structures controlled by developers or third parties, declaring such provisions against public policy, limiting assessments to proportional expenses, and allowing suits and conveyance of common areas after turnover. Testimony from homeowners described alleged governance abuses and opaque, profit-driven mandatory fees in their communities, while the Community Associations Institute supported the amendment. The committee reported CS for SB 1498 favorably. Members then recorded additional votes for the record, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Amending Section 35-1-44, A.R.S., relating to Title 41, Chapter 11.
• House Bill 4044, amending Section 35-1-44, A.R.S., relating to Title 41, Chapter 11, Article 1, A.R.S
• House Bill 2144, amending Section 25-320, Arizona Revised Statutes, by amending County 25, Chapter 11
• House Bill 2913, amending Sections 11-401, 11-404, and 11-419, Arizona Revised Statutes, by amending
• Title 11, Chapter 3, relating to state lands.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, guest introductions, and a resolution honoring former legislator Barbara Leff, which was unanimously adopted. The chamber also received a long list of first and second readings, then moved into Committee of the Whole on calendar number one. Several measures were considered and advanced with amendments, including HB 2170 on restricting state purchases from Chinese-controlled entities, HB 2375 on preserving historic properties while allowing middle housing, HB 2380 on school board transparency and meeting location requirements, HB 2617, HB 2621 on special education access and certificates of educational convenience, HB 2671, HB 2720 on sealed records and anti-human trafficking funding, HB 2772 on DNR designation on driver’s licenses, HB 2784 on school district excess cash refunds, HB 2902 affirming the Electoral College, HB 2950 on a tourism/hospitality district, and HB 4025 creating a study committee on the feasibility of an Arizona oil refinery. Debate on HB 2375 focused on balancing historic preservation with middle housing, with supporters emphasizing local flexibility and opponents warning against a one-size-fits-all approach. HB 2380 drew discussion about school district accountability after a district’s out-of-state retreat, with supporters arguing meetings should occur within district boundaries and materials be posted online, while opponents said local boards should retain discretion. HB 2621’s amendment was described as ensuring special-needs students in unorganized territory and group homes can access services through certificates of educational convenience. HB 2720 was presented as strengthening protections for sex trafficking survivors and adding an anti-human trafficking grant fund. HB 2772 prompted questions about how DNR instructions on driver’s licenses would work in emergencies, with the sponsor saying it would protect advance directives while emergency personnel still provide appropriate care until information is known. HB 2902 generated extended partisan debate over the Electoral College versus a national popular vote, with supporters calling the Electoral College a constitutional safeguard and opponents arguing it violates one person, one vote and overweights swing states. HB 2950 involved competing amendments over whether a tourism-related district should be voluntary or could impose fees, with the Kolodin opt-in/opt-out amendment defeated and the bill advancing as amended. HB 4025, a study committee on an Arizona refinery, drew debate over fuel prices, refinery feasibility, environmental concerns, and whether taxpayer money should fund another study. In each of these Committee of the Whole actions, the House ultimately adopted the committee or amended recommendations and ordered the measures forward by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• :47.080> section<00:11:47.640> 7<00:11:48.839> are<00:11:49.040> the<00:11
• 7 are the sections related to<00:11:50.920> the<00:11:51.040> repeal<00:11:51.640>
• of<00:11:51.760> the<00:11:51.880> housing to the repeal of the housing to the repeal
• :57.120> and<00:11:58.000> the<00:11:58.320> direction<00:11:59.000> to<00
• <00:51:59.160> We're corner back there. 11:00 a.m. We're corner back there. 11:00 a.m.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:11:58.320> I'd<00:11:58.560> be<00:11:58.720> happy<00:11:58.800> to
• :20.719> lay<01:11:20.800> the<01:11:20.960> bill<01:11:21.120> over<01:11
• >> All right.<01:11:30.640> So,<01:11:31.280> um,<01:11:31.520> now<01:11:
• > to,<01:11:36.719> uh,<01:11:36.880> see<01:11:37.040> if<01:11:37.199><
• c><01:11:38.320> like<01:11:38.480> to<01:11:38.719> testify<01:11:39.199> on

Bills: HF3698, HF4243, HF4239, HF4241, HF4242, HF4240

Keywords: libraries, electronic books, digital audiobooks, licensing agreements, public access, campaign finance, elections, political contributions, disclosure, reporting thresholds, economic interest statements, financial disclosure, ethics, public officials, local officials, metropolitan governmental unit, metropolitan area, candidate filings, principal campaign committee, political committee

Transcript Highlights:

• 9500.5.4, amending Title 11, Chapter 2, Article 4, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to urban growth
• House Bill 4056, amending Title 39, Chapter 1, Article 1, relating to public records.
• House Bill 4103, amending Title 15, Chapter 4, Article 5A, relating to school facilities.
• Title 40, Chapter 2, Article 1, A.R.S., relating to reliable electric resources.
• Sermining Title 40, Chapter 2, Article 6.2, relating to county zoning.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and recognition of Arizona School Board Association members and local school board representatives visiting the Capitol for Advocacy Day. Members also honored the House Doctor of the Day, Dr. Heather Serran, and approved the journal and attendance. The chamber then moved through a large number of Senate messages and House calendar items, including committee assignments and first and second readings of many bills. A major floor action was the unanimous adoption of SCR 1054 honoring former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, followed by remarks remembering his public service and consumer-protection work. The House also agreed to return SB 1278 to the Senate for reconsideration and referred several House bills to an additional Committee of the Whole for further amendment. In Committee of the Whole, members considered and advanced numerous bills, including HB 2055, 2150, 2426, 2456, 2457, 2728, 2755, 2918, and 2923, with several floor amendments adopted. HB 2728 drew the most debate over Department of Economic Security continuation and added policy changes affecting SNAP, unemployment, and eligibility verification; after a divided question and recorded vote, it received a do-pass recommendation by 32-25. The House also advanced HB 2134, 2142, 2289, 2290, 2331, 2379, 2397, 4026, and 4033 in later Committee of the Whole sessions, with discussion focused on school safety funding and governance, school board training, HOA disclosure reforms, tax sourcing clarity, and bond disclosure language. Several bills were retained on the calendar, including HB 4041, HB 2444, HB 4018, and HB 4070. In final third-reading votes, HB 2053, HB 2327, and HB 2416 passed; HB 2175 and HB 2492 failed; and HB 2805, which would make school board races partisan, was under debate at the end of the transcript amid strong arguments both for and against increasing partisanship in school board elections.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:11:06.640> may<00:11:06.880> before<00:11:07.040> I<00:11:07.200> turn
• <00:11:07.360> it<00:11:07.519> over<00:11:07.680> to<00:11:07.839> Mr.
• <00:11:12.959> provide<00:11:13.360> the<00:11:13.680> process<00:11:14.480>
• :17.440> clear<00:11:17.760> as<00:11:17.920> to<00:11:18.160> what<00:11
• <00:11:20.320> that<00:11:20.640> it<00:11:20.800> will<00:11:21.279> uh<

Bills: SB2033, SB2487, SB2497, SB2471, SB2829

Keywords: renewable energy, grid-ready homes, interconnection process, electric utility, energy independence, surcharge, customer access, energy storage, smart inverters, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, electric utility rates, ratemaking, performance-based regulation, performance-based incentives, performance incentive mechanisms, revenue adjustment mechanisms, cost control mechanisms, reward and penalty mechanisms, alternative ratemaking

Summary: The committee first reconvened on SB 2471 and SB 2829, both relating to the powers of artificial persons. After discussion with the Attorney General’s office and a prior Q&A period, the chair said the committee would defer decision-making again, with the intent to return with amended versions of both bills that could gain support from the administration and its lawyers. The measures were deferred to Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Conference Room 229 at 9:30 a.m. The committee then took up SB 2180, relating to deposits of public funds. Members noted late testimony from the prior day’s joint hearing with the Housing Committee and moved to pass the bill out with amendments, including a defective effective date. The motion carried unanimously among those voting: the chair, vice chair, Senator Lamosao, and Senator Awa voted aye; Senator McKelvey was excused. The measure was adopted. A joint hearing followed on SB 2033, relating to renewable energy and a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process. The PUC supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the time, resources, and stakeholder input needed to establish the proposed process, and asked for clarification of terms such as “grid-ready homes” and the role of HERA. Hawaiian Electric said it supported the intent but opposed the proposed process and HERA funding use. The Hawaii Solar Energy Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that faster interconnection is needed to meet rooftop solar goals and lower costs over time. Testimony totaled 27 in support, two in opposition, and four with comments. Members questioned costs, consumer protections, and whether the bill would burden low- and moderate-income households; the bill’s supporters said amendments could clarify the definition of grid-ready homes and add guardrails, while acknowledging that upfront costs and interconnection costs would still need to be addressed.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:01.880> As<00:11:02.040> you<00:11:02.120> can<00:11:02.280> see
• As you can see here,<00:11:02.880> this<00:11:03.080> is<00:11:03.160> what<00:11
• c> under<00:11:04.800> the<00:11:04.960> current<00:11:05.880> 2026<00:11:06.720
• <00:11:07.920> You<00:11:08.000> can<00:11:08.120> see<00:11:08.240> the<
• But what we're<00:11:12.880> looking<00:11:13.280> at<00:11:13.520> really<00:11

Bills: HB1890, HB1888, HB1676

Keywords: teacher pay, teacher salaries, salary step increase, annual increment, longevity step, public school teachers, public charter school teachers, collective bargaining, Hawaii Department of Education, teacher retention, teacher recruitment, cost of living, educator compensation, public employee bargaining, appropriation, salary schedule, school staffing, teacher shortage, HB1888, Hawaii

Summary: The committees heard three measures, beginning with HB 1890 HD3, which would provide automatic step increases and a COVID-era retention bonus for teachers. Supporters included HSTA, the Democratic Party’s Education Caucus, and a student who said higher pay and predictable salary growth would help retain teachers in Hawaii. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked that the bill be expanded to cover all department employees. The Attorney General’s office said the draft needed clarification to avoid conflict with Chapter 89 and to make clear any funding was subject to legislative appropriation. The Office of the Public Defender and B&F testified in opposition, and committee members questioned whether the step increases were already in the current contract and whether the bill was needed. HSTA said the current contract includes automatic step increases subject to funding, but argued the bill was still needed because funding is not guaranteed and the measure would codify the policy. HSTA also said the COVID bonus would apply only to active teachers who worked during the pandemic and estimated the total cost at roughly $150 million to $200 million over four years. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 1888 HD3, which would require DOE and charter schools to report harassment incidents and strengthen penalties for harassment of educational workers from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor. DOE supported the bill and suggested narrowing language about assisting workers with temporary restraining orders, saying that function would be better handled through the Attorney General’s pilot program. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the harassment language was overly broad, vague, and potentially unconstitutional, and that existing assault and terroristic threatening statutes already protect educational workers. HSTA, the State Commission on the Status of Women, and several individual testifiers supported the measure, describing increased intimidation and harassment of teachers and other school staff, especially since COVID. The Special Education Advisory Council opposed the bill’s language on “disrupting and interfering” with school functions, saying it could chill parents of students with IEPs from advocating for their children. Testimony was split, with the chair noting 20 in support and 16 in opposition in the portion shown. A final witness, Michelle Pestana, testified in opposition based on her family’s experience with special education services, describing alleged seclusion and restraint of her daughter and expressing concern that DOE testimony in prior hearings had targeted special education parents. Her remarks were cut off as time expired. The transcript ends before any committee action or vote on HB 1888 was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

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• involving<00:11:03.440> violations<00:11:03.920> of<00:11:04.079> state<
• 00:11:04.320> law.
• We<00:11:04.959> recommend<00:11:05.279> that<00:11:06.000> section<00:11:06.399
• that section 10 in its entirety<00:11:08.240> be<00:11:08.480> deleted<00:11:08.800>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology heard testimony on several labor-related bills. SB 2567 would allow public employers to seek temporary restraining orders against harassment of employees; the Judiciary, DHS, DOE, and others supported it, with some asking that coverage be broadened to all public employees. The Judiciary said it would not oppose expanding the bill’s scope. The chair deferred decision-making on SB 2567 to February 13, 2026, to allow further discussion with the Judiciary and Attorney General’s Office. SB 2386 would expand pay-transparency requirements for job listings and lower the small-employer exemption threshold from 50 to 25 employees. Testifiers largely supported the measure, citing transparency and retention benefits, while one opposition was noted. The committee voted to pass SB 2386 with amendments, including changing the effective date to January 1, 2077. SB 2389, the Warehouse Workers Protection Act, drew support from labor advocates but concerns from DLIR and the Attorney General’s Office about enforcement and a prosecutorial provision; after questions about quota tracking and recordkeeping, the chair deferred the bill. SB 2663 would require employers to respond in writing to workers’ compensation treatment plans within seven days and establish related penalties. DLIR opposed the bill as drafted, citing fairness and existing statutory conflicts, while injured workers and labor representatives supported it and described long delays in treatment approvals. The committee voted to pass SB 2663 with amendments, including directing fines to the special compensation fund, clarifying enforcement, and setting the effective date to January 1, 2077. SB 2555 would allow retirees to work in succession-planning positions without losing retirement benefits; ERS supported the intent but suggested an annual reporting requirement and noted existing rehire mechanisms. The committee voted to pass SB 2555 with amendments, including an annual report requirement and the same January 1, 2077 effective date. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

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• :50.600> old<01:11:50.800> system<01:11:51.320> and<01:11:51.480> so<01:11
• <02:11:01.600> of<02:11:01.720> the<02:11:02.080> of<02:11:02.200> the
• :11:41.240> the<02:11:41.320> surety<02:11:41.640> bond<02:11:41.960> thing.
• 11:46.720> a<02:11:46.800> surety<02:11:47.120> bond<02:11:47.440> now.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll go to House Bill 11 online. House Bill 11. Go ahead and do the vote.
• We'll move to House Bill 11. Is there anyone online who stands in opposition to House Bill 11?
• **Motion**: I'll move a do pass on **House Bill 11**.
• New Mexico chapter leadership.
• The New Mexico chapter is in support. Thank you.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1836, an act amending Title 41, Chapter 11, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section
• , as amended by Laws 2024, Chapter 210, Section 3.
• House Bill 4148, an act amending Title 15, Chapter 11, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by amending
• Repealing Sections 43-11-164.03, Arizona Revised Statutes.
• Amending Sections 43-11-164.04, 43-11-164.05, and 43-11-168, Arizona Revised Statutes.

Keywords: 1182, all