Transcript Highlights:

• we're codifying the MOU that was developed following the wildfires by the Railroad Commission, the PUC

Bills: HB1237 , HB2663 , HB3071 , HB4384

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Keywords: occupational licenses, renewal, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, registration, license expiration, HB 2663, inactive well, plugging extension, Railroad Commission of Texas, RRC, oil and gas, orphan wells, well cleanup, well plugging, abandoned wells, surface equipment removal, electric service termination, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, Section 89.029

Transcript Highlights:

• So that the report that you talked about said that Hawaii has a small state office, relatively speaking
• about that the report that you talked about that said<00:10:19.839><c> that</c><00:10:20.040><c> Hawaii
• c> has</c><00:10:20.519><c> a</c><00:10:20.760><c> small</c><00:10:21.760><c> State</c> said that Hawaii
• The positions will help us coordinate the national conferences we're hosting here in Hawaii, as well
• </c><00:37:22.200><c> is</c> changing the narrative that Hawaii is changing the narrative that Hawaii

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm District 23, which is South Canyon, South Aid, and all of Hawaii.
• I'm District 23, which is South Canyon, South Aid, and all of Hawaii.

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee convened with a quorum, approved the January 19 and January 20, 2026 minutes, and adjusted its agenda to account for absent members. The committee then introduced several RSs, including RS 3305 on cottage food operations, which would allow certain small-scale entrepreneurs to test refrigerated or frozen foods under a $5,000 threshold without full commercial-kitchen regulation. Members also introduced RS 32945, which would allow directed blood donation, and RS 32947, which would require providers to disclose cash and insurance prices for procedures and let patients choose the cash price while applying it toward deductibles. Committee members raised questions about how the pricing proposal would interact with payer-provider contracts and whether patients would have cash available, but the RS was still introduced. The committee also introduced RS 33015, updating Idaho law on epinephrine delivery systems so school-related self-administration or administration with parental permission would cover both EpiPens and newer single-dose nasal spray options. RS 32948, the oral parity proposal, was introduced after a brief numbering correction; it would address anti-cancer oral medications so patients are not required to pay the full deductible up front for pill forms when comparable IV treatments can be paid over time. Representative Bruce said the goal was to align coverage treatment between oral and intravenous cancer drugs. Finally, the committee heard RS 32915, which would repeal the Yellow Dot Program. Representative Scott said the program, created in 2020, is little used, costs the state money, and is outdated by newer technology and other ways to alert EMS to medical conditions. Members asked about the Senate’s prior inaction and the program’s cost, and the RS was introduced. The chair then shifted to committee business, noting that rules review would begin the next day and likely take several meetings, and asking members to submit budget recommendations by the beginning of the next week. The committee also discussed expectations for members to present RSs once they become bills, and the meeting adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm District 23, which is South Canyon, South Aid, and all of Hawaii.
• I'm District 23, which is South Canyon, South Aid, and all of Hawaii.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, both states except Texas and Hawaii are still using the old method.
• Except for Hawaii and Texas, they already apply this, so there's got to be some reason.

Bills: SB35 , SB249 , SB546 , SB1353 , SB1493 , SB2246 , SB1902 , SB1029

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: transportation, TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation, road projects, highways, infrastructure, bridge construction, interchanges, corridor improvements, road widening, railroad grade separation, sound barrier, unified transportation program, legislative notice, project prioritization, capital projects, state highway system, Farm-to-Market Roads, San Antonio, Harris County

Transcript Highlights:

• The sponsor is not here because he is in Hawaii. Lucky dog. Now he's in Hawaii. Any... Lucky dog.
• Now I'm in Hawaii.

Committee: House House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first took up HB 2950, which would allow a governing body to approve a tourism improvement area to promote tourism and lodging. Supporters from the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, Visit Yuma, and Visit Phoenix said the bill would give communities a voluntary, locally controlled tool to market destinations, attract events, and strengthen rural and urban tourism economies without raising taxes on residents. Members discussed tourism’s economic importance in places like Yuma and other rural communities, and the bill was moved forward with a due pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. The committee then held a presentation on rural economic development in Pinal County, focusing on the Lucid Motors project and its workforce partnership with Central Arizona College. Speakers from the Arizona Commerce Authority, Central Arizona College, and Lucid described the Drive48 training program, the creation of a skilled workforce pipeline, and broader economic impacts such as higher wages, job creation, and related growth in housing and infrastructure. The committee also read proclamations recognizing Lucid Motors and Central Arizona College for their contributions to economic development in rural Arizona. Finally, the committee heard HB 2946, which revises development fee requirements and prohibits development fees on accessory dwelling units. The sponsor argued the bill was intended to address housing affordability and reduce burdens on families and builders, while cities, towns, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, and municipal attorneys opposed it, saying it would shift costs from growth to existing taxpayers and weaken the principle that growth should pay for growth. An amendment in the chair’s name was adopted to remove county-related provisions and make clarifying changes. The amended bill was then passed with a 4-1 vote and two members voting present.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chen Chen, I l Hawaii Hadwick Hadwick Hadwick I Haney Haney I Irwin Jackson Jackson I crow crow Aye.
• There, the state of Hawaii claimed that it was not using a racial classification when it excluded non-Hawaiians
• File number six, AB. 742 or a on a b740 to a Hawaii Baines Baines I File number 7, AB 873, Alaniz.

Committee: House Business and Professions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• program because I have big goals of obtaining a beach volleyball scholarship to the University of Hawaii
• To fully fund HB 2196 will not only help me in my next step towards Hawaii and going pro, but also open
• We look forward to following your volleyball career at the University of Hawaii. That's awesome.

Bills: HB117

Committee: House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Keywords: county regulation, impervious cover, land use, unincorporated areas, environmental management

Transcript Highlights:

• was bringing in—I don't think I mentioned it the other day—but Hawaii, 20 years ago, had a scandal,
• lesser extent I hope definitely so but lesser extent I hope definitely so but um<01:17:01.920><c> Hawaii
• was bringing in I don't think um Hawaii was bringing in I don't think I<01:17:04.239><c> mentioned</
• </c> I mentioned it the other day but Hawaii I mentioned it the other day but Hawaii 20<01:17:06.760>
• was bringing in—I don't think I mentioned it the other day—but Hawaii, 20 years ago, had a scandal,

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are Arizona and Hawaii.
• There are only two states that have stayed on standard time: Arizona and Hawaii.
• I want to hit on Arizona and Hawaii.
• That’s why Hawaii chose it.

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I have asked the court that, pending the evaluation, send my client to HSH, Hawaii State Hospital
• client<00:24:26.880><c> to</c><00:24:27.520><c> um</c><00:24:28.159><c> HSH,</c><00:24:28.880><c> Hawaii
• </c><00:24:29.279><c> State</c><00:24:29.520><c> Hospital</c> client to um HSH, Hawaii State Hospital
• client to um HSH, Hawaii State Hospital to<00:24:30.320><c> begin</c><00:24:31.360><c> potentially</

Bills: SB2418 , SB2568 , SB2661

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: drug paraphernalia, overdose prevention, public health, substance use, harm reduction, criminal justice reform, public servants, harassment, safety, government, criminal offense, nepotism, transparency, public officials, accountability, government ethics, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up three previously heard measures in decision-making. SB 2418, which repeals the law prohibiting drug paraphernalia under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, was amended to keep prohibitions on manufacturing-related paraphernalia and then passed. SB 2568, which elevates harassment against certain public officials to a misdemeanor, was amended to place it in the harassment statute, narrow the nexus language, and extend coverage to all public employees; it passed with amendments. SB 2661, dealing with nepotism rules in the code of ethics, was amended so the ethics restrictions would apply more broadly to legislators and judges as well, and it also passed with amendments. In each case, the committee reported no no-votes or reservations and adopted the measures. The committee then heard Governor’s Message 684, the nomination of Judge Stephanie Char to the Fifth Circuit Court on Kauai. The governor’s office testified in strong support, and the Hawaii State Bar Association representative said the usual review process found her qualified. Judge Char described her Kauai roots, 17 years as a public defender, and service as a district family court judge since December 2020, saying she would bring hard work and continued commitment to access to justice. Members questioned her about recusals on a small island, her experience handling criminal and civil matters, sentencing repeat offenders, administrative appeals, and how she would approach competency and fitness issues under HRS 704. Char said she had recused only a few times, emphasized case-by-case sentencing and probation conditions tailored to underlying problems, and said she would rely on preparation and education for unfamiliar administrative matters. On 704 cases, she said defendants awaiting evaluation should generally remain in custody, with possible diversion or strict release conditions in appropriate cases, and that those found unfit would need to be sent to Hawaii State Hospital. No vote was taken on the nomination; the committee announced it would decide on Monday, February 23, at 10:45 a.m. in Room 016.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii is the most recent addition to this list of states with RUC programs.
• But long story short with Hawaii is that, you know, why is that there's no travel between other states
• They have an annual vehicle inspection process that is required legislatively, statutorily, in Hawaii
• And the goal in Hawaii is to eventually transition the entire state, transition all vehicle owners to

Summary: The committee first received a presentation from NCSL staff on national transportation funding trends and alternative user-fee options as gas tax revenue declines. The presentation covered declining fuel-tax purchasing power, the effects of more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, and a range of state responses including indexed gas taxes, EV and hybrid registration fees, voluntary and mandatory road usage charges, transportation network company fees, retail delivery fees, and per-kilowatt-hour EV charging fees. Members asked about Virginia’s mileage-fee program, enrollment rates, and whether states had reduced gas taxes alongside new fees; the presenters said they would follow up with additional information. Committee staff then presented a comparison of Washington’s transportation budget with Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, focusing on population, lane miles, road condition, fuel taxes, preservation spending, mega-projects, and governance structures. The discussion highlighted Washington’s unique transportation pressures, including ferries, fish-passage obligations, high debt service, and major capital projects. Members asked follow-up questions about debt service, interest costs, CCA impacts on fuel prices, and whether project costs differed by state. The committee held public hearings on three bills. House Bill 2109 would allow vehicles being towed on trailers to use coverings to contain mud, rocks, or debris instead of requiring prior cleaning; the bill’s sponsor and construction witnesses supported it as a practical solution, and the fiscal note showed modest costs to WSP and WSDOT. House Bill 2139 would raise snowmobile registration fees to support snow park and trail grooming; State Parks, DNR, and several snowmobile advocates supported it, while some snowmobile users opposed it, arguing that enforcement of unregistered sleds should be addressed first. House Bill 2192 would expand the Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s fatal crash review authority and allow it to collect certain health data; the sponsor and agency supported the bill as a public-health tool, while one attorney raised concerns about limiting civil discovery and evidentiary access in fatal crash litigation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you can see it's us and Hawaii, and Hawaii's rate is lower.
• We talked about Hawaii being one of the only two states in the country that charge the GRT.
• And Hawaii is called the general excise tax.
• Hawaii is in the process of eliminating this by January 2026. 2026.

Committee: Joint Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii is a recent example.
• You shared the additional research, but with Hawaii, as you mentioned, having passed a benefit, will
• You shared the additional research, but with Hawaii, as you mentioned, having passed a benefit, will
• But with Hawaii, as you mentioned, having passed a benefit, will there be additional information that

Summary: The committee began with an extended work session on the long-term care workforce. DSHS Assistant Secretary B. Rector described the new Home and Community Living Administration and outlined major workforce pressures: Washington had about 126,000 long-term care workers in 2022, with demand expected to outpace supply as the 85-plus population and dementia prevalence rise sharply. She emphasized that direct care workers are largely women, people of color, and immigrants, and that family caregivers are also a major part of the system. She highlighted recruitment and retention efforts funded through federal Money Follows the Person dollars, including high school training partnerships, a retention toolkit, transportation support, caregiver newsletters, tribal workforce navigators, and a remote caregiving pilot. Committee members asked about career pathways, technology use, and turnover drivers; Rector said wages, benefits, unstable hours, and workplace support are key issues and promised follow-up data. Aidan Swain of the Washington Health Care Association said skilled nursing and assisted living facilities face acute RN vacancies, wage pressures, and Medicaid reimbursement that does not cover costs, and urged modernization of training, better reimbursement, and continued support for facility-based care. Maddie Fouch of SEIU 775, representing about 55,000 caregivers, said low wages, weak benefits, lack of voice, and certification delays are driving turnover and shortages, and argued for higher compensation, better worker protections, and more transparent reimbursement. Catherine Smith of Behavioral Health Solutions described growing behavioral health needs in nursing homes, the role of expanded behavioral supports programs, and credentialing delays that slow hiring. No votes were taken; the panel was informational only. The second agenda item was an overview of the palliative care benefit work group report required by 2024 legislation. Nico Jansen of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner explained that the work group, convened with the Health Care Authority, studied a potential palliative care benefit for fully insured commercial plans and also Medicaid, PEBB, and SEBB. He said palliative care is a philosophy of care focused on symptom management, coordination, and support for serious illness, and is distinct from hospice because it can be provided alongside curative treatment. The actuarial analysis concluded that creating a new benefit would likely increase costs, estimating about a 28-cent per member per month increase overall and roughly $2.6 million to $4.5 million in annual state Medicaid costs if implemented in 2027. Jansen said the consultants did not find sufficient evidence to assume savings from avoided hospitalizations or long-term care, though several work group members disagreed and submitted response letters. Senators asked about other states, Medicare, health homes, and whether more research could clarify cost savings; OIC said some states, including Hawaii, are moving ahead with Medicaid palliative care benefits, Medicare covers some related services but not in the same way, and further evidence may emerge over time. OIC did not take a position on whether the Legislature should create the benefit. The final presentation covered health care price transparency tools in Washington and federally. Evan Klein and HCA Chief Data Officer Vishal Chaudry reviewed federal hospital and health plan transparency rules, the state all-payer claims database, prescription drug price transparency, the Health Care Cost Transparency Board, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board, and other reporting systems. They explained that the APCD contains claims from fully insured commercial plans, Medicaid, and public employee programs, but not self-insured employer data except for limited voluntary submissions. They also described how machine-readable files, consumer price tools, and aggregated dashboards are used, and noted that data limitations, delays, and complexity remain significant. Senators asked about voluntary self-insured participation, the role of AI in making data more usable, and whether transparency can really help consumers given access barriers and medical debt. HCA said AI is increasingly used by private entities to mine large transparency datasets, but state agencies still face limits in data access and analytic capacity. The committee did not take action; the session was informational and ended with a discussion of how transparency data might better inform policy and purchasing decisions in the future.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is for Senate Bill 534, having to do with Hawaii Community Development Authority.
• It clarifies the process by which the Hawaii Community Development Authority may approve residential

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Ways and Means committee met in several decision-making agendas and took action on a number of Senate bills. Early in the meeting, members adopted a measure with amendments that removed a section due to legal issues identified by the Attorney General and set an effective date of July 1, 2050. The committee then passed SB 14, SB 1434, SB 1443, and SB 152 unamended, and SB 1612 with amendments clarifying that certain requirements apply to buildings constructed after December 31, 2025, and defining joint custody between the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Health for inmate mental health services and medications. In a joint Judiciary and Ways and Means agenda, the committee considered SB 242 on foreign ownership of agricultural land. Members agreed to amendments adding non-impairment-of-contract language and revising enforcement and penalty provisions so consideration exchanged in a violating transaction would revert to the respective parties. The bill was adopted with reservations noted by several members. The committee also took up SB 534 on the Hawaii Community Development Authority and residential development on certain Makakilo Makai parcels, but because there was no consensus, the measure was deferred indefinitely. Later Ways and Means agendas approved several additional bills, mostly unamended, including SB 878, SB 1146, SB 614, SB 891, SB 964, SB 1559, and SB 503. SB 1379 was passed with amendments adding a blank appropriation for acquisition of land for Community Readiness centers and an emergency operations center, with the funds to lapse on June 30, 2027. SB 1571 was amended to remove an advisory board and restore earlier authority language, and SB 1632 was amended to rank the appropriation and set the date to 2050. Across these votes, measures were generally adopted with some members recording reservations or being excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know—just the Texas Backup Power Package Program is under the PUC, but do you have any sense
• All right, that would be a PUC question that we'll kind of... I don't have that information.
• All right, that would be a PUC question that we'll kind of have to look at and see if any have applied
• To your question about the Texas backup power package program, in the first week of May, the PUC adopted

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• regulatory bodies in Texas still have the multi-member model, such as the Railroad Commission, TCEQ, and PUC

Bills: SB1642 , SB1643 , SB2530

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: Texas Department of Insurance, commission appointments, insurance regulation, oversight, consumer advocacy, insurance rates, property insurance, commercial automobile insurance, rate approval, consumer protection, windstorm insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, administrative penalties, coastal counties, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota would join states like Hawaii, Arizona, and Maine in ensuring that voters know more about who
• <00:47:03.760><c> join</c><00:47:04.000><c> states</c><00:47:04.240><c> like</c><00:47:04.480><c> Hawaii
• ,</c><00:47:05.119><c> Arizona,</c> would join states like Hawaii, Arizona, would join states like Hawaii
• Um, and it is currently in effect in states including Arizona, Hawaii, Maine, Vermont, and West Virginia
• <c> in</c><00:53:30.079><c> states</c> And it is currently in effect in states including Arizona, Hawaii

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hawaii Fong Fong present Mark Gonzales hot Pacheco Pacheco present Pellerin Pellerin present Salache
• Just want that to be extraordinarily clear Miss Hawaii, I just want to start by thanking the a huge,

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Standing Committee Report Number 681: third reading of Senate Bill 855, Senate Draft 1, relating to the Hawaii
• Senator Gabbard, Senator Richards, Representative Kahaloa, and Representative Kusch, along with the Hawaii

Keywords: 912, senate, all