Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:02.279> 1232<00:14:03.079> st2<00:14:03.720> members<00:14:04.000>
• UHC<00:14:21.959> Grant<00:14:22.639> uh<00:14:23.079> College<00:14:23.279>
• 00:14:40.360> thank<00:14:40.519> you<00:14:40.600> chair<00:14:40.920> Vice<
• members<00:14:41.680> of<00:14:41.800> the<00:14:41.920> committee<00:14:42.240>
• stands<00:14:44.360> on<00:14:44.519> its<00:14:44.639> written<00:14:44.880>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Higher Education heard five bills and later took up one joint Housing/Higher Education measure. On SB 1146 SD1, relating to the Alaw Canal, testimony from DLNR and UH was in support of funding an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan to address debris management and water quality in the watershed; members discussed the cost burden on DLNR and the possibility of identifying upstream sources of debris. On SB 1232 SD2, relating to wastewater systems, the Department of Health, DHHL, and several advocacy groups supported a three-year pilot program at UH’s Water Resources Research Center to test new wastewater technologies, with witnesses saying it could help certify cheaper alternatives and reduce cesspool upgrade costs. On SB 119 SD1, relating to nursing, witnesses supported funding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Maui College. On SB 865 SD1, relating to agriculture, UH CTAHR, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and many island agricultural groups supported funding for a Kona Cooperative Extension position, with testimony and committee discussion favoring an extension agent over an administrative support role. On SB 1487 SD1, relating to UH revenue bonds, UH supported authorizing revenue bonds for priority capital projects, and members asked for clarification that the measure was a preliminary authorization rather than a specific spending plan. In decision-making, the committee recommended passing SB 1146 SD1, SB 1232 SD2, SB 119 SD1, SB 865 SD1, and SB 1487 SD1 with House Draft 1 amendments, mainly to change defective dates to 7/1/3000 and, for SB 865, to upgrade the position to an extension agent. Votes were unanimous in favor on the measures, with one recusal noted on SB 865 and some members excused on other votes. The committee then recessed and later reconvened for a joint House Housing/Higher Education hearing on SB 1553 SD2, relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. DHHL asked that the bill be deferred because due diligence was incomplete and more discussion was needed with UH and other stakeholders; UH said it was coordinating access to the property and described its current and future use. Both committees agreed to defer the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• > so<00:14:05.600> we<00:14:05.959> don't<00:14:06.120> want<00:14:06.199
• > that<00:14:06.720> so<00:14:07.360> just<00:14:07.600> use<00:14:08.000
• <00:14:17.600> and<00:14:17.759> as<00:14:17.880> I<00:14:18.040> like
• <00:14:27.440> the<00:14:28.440> the<00:14:28.880> uh<00:14:29.279> uh
• want<00:14:32.360> to<00:14:32.600> welcome<00:14:33.320> representative<00:14:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held its first hearing of the 33rd Legislature and heard several measures, beginning with HB 131, which would allow agencies to disclose government records to researchers for certain purposes and direct the Office of Information Practices to adopt uniform rules. OIP supported the bill, saying it would help researchers access government records, while DLNR questioned whether the bill was necessary, raised concerns about costs and exemptions, and suggested a definition change regarding media. The Public First Law Center and other supporters said the bill would not remove existing exemptions or create new disclosure requirements, but would simply authorize rulemaking to create a clearer process for research access. Common Cause Hawaiʻi raised concern about including news media in the measure. The chair emphasized that the rulemaking process would allow agencies and the public to work through details, and the committee moved on without a recorded vote in the transcript. The committee then heard HB 411, which would create uniform administrative penalty procedures under the state ethics code and lobbyist law, and HB 412, which would expand lobbying definitions to cover certain communications with high-level executive officials about procurement and make some contracts voidable if awarded through unethical lobbying. The Ethics Commission supported HB 411 as an efficiency measure that would streamline the charge process without changing substantive rights, while HB 412 was described as a narrow transparency measure modeled on other states. The State Procurement Office warned that voiding contracts could cause delays, warranty issues, third-party complications, and higher reprocurement costs. The Ethics Commission responded that any contract revocation would be at the Attorney General’s discretion and likely reserved for egregious cases, and that the threat of voiding a contract would help deter noncompliance. The committee also heard HB 413, which clarifies that lobbyist campaign contribution prohibitions apply during periods when both houses of the Legislature are in session; the Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission both supported the bill and the Ethics Commission requested amendments to clarify jurisdiction between state and county lobbyist enforcement. Finally, the committee took up HB 149, which would require domestic and foreign corporations to report independent expenditures and political contributions to shareholders. The only testimony noted in the transcript was written comments from Matson, which said the requirement would be expensive and cumbersome and that the information is already publicly available through existing campaign finance reporting websites. No votes or final committee actions on the bills were recorded in the provided transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:14:45.679> she<01:14:45.920> rather<01:14:46.320> spend<01:14:46.719> time
• In<01:14:50.320> this<01:14:50.560> case<01:14:50.800> it<01:14:51.040> was
• <01:14:53.679> and<01:14:54.000> gender<01:14:54.640> three<01:14:55.040> characteristics
• So we<01:14:57.040> can<01:14:57.120> go<01:14:57.280> on<01:14:57.520> and
• c><01:14:57.760> on<01:14:58.000> because<01:14:58.239> there<01:14:58.480> are

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 1957, relating to safe entryways, would create enforcement procedures in large cities to prevent personal property from blocking private doorways or entrances. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended moving the offense to the criminal code, adding clearer definitions to avoid vagueness, and including notice, inventory, storage, and property-disposition procedures to address constitutional concerns. No other testimony was offered and no questions were raised. HB 25003/HB 253, relating to fireworks, would expand civil asset forfeiture for certain fireworks offenses, revise the definition of aerial device, and clarify air-delivery offenses. The Attorney General supported the bill but suggested removing the 25-pound weight threshold to avoid unequal treatment of similar offenses. The Department of Law Enforcement also supported the measure, saying it would improve clarity for evolving fireworks investigations and prosecutions. The committee took no action during testimony. HB 2137, relating to artificial intelligence, would prohibit certain harmful uses of realistic AI-generated digital imitations, require disclosures, and create civil remedies and fines. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the bill, while the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women opposed it on First Amendment grounds. The Motion Picture Association, Recording Industry Association of America, and SAG-AFTRA also opposed the bill but said they preferred a different framework, the federal “No Fakes” model, and were willing to work with the committee on amendments. The Attorney General had suggested constitutional amendments, which the chair said would be considered later. The committee also heard HB 2198 on prediction markets, with the Honolulu prosecutor strongly supporting inclusion of prediction markets in the gambling definition because of concerns about speculative betting on events and national security-related outcomes. HB 1511 on consumer protection drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection and the Insurance Division, with OCP proposing clearer disclosure for license and registration renewal solicitations. HB 1897 on condominium alternative dispute resolution received supportive comments from the Real Estate Commission and CI. HB 1642 on crypto kiosks drew strong support from OCP and AARP Hawaii for a ban on kiosks accepting U.S. currency, but opposition from Hill Ventures, which argued for regulation and guardrails instead of a ban. HB 1753 on social media account deletion received supportive comments from DCCA on clarifying deletion of unique identifiers and inferences. HB 1654 on anonymous complaints against public employees drew strong opposition from the Attorney General over implementation and due process concerns, while the Government Employees Association supported it as a way to screen baseless complaints; the committee then moved on to HB 1659 on collective bargaining, with testimony beginning as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas initiative petition 25-14 has been filed and certified, in accordance with Article 48 of the
• 66 of the General Laws, hereinafter it refers... ...to extend application of Chapter 66 of the General
• ...for its records under Part 2, Chapter 1, Section 2, Article 7, of the Constitution of the Commonwealth
• And whereas the petition purports to amend certain provisions of Chapter 3 of the General Laws, which
• 1... ...Senate's ability to set its own rules and proceedings in violation of Part 2, Chapter 1, Section

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate began with ceremonial items, including the Pledge of Allegiance and a welcome to Tri-County High School’s championship football and boys’ cross-country teams. The chamber then adopted a resolution commending the town of Auburn and the Robert and Esther Goddard Centennial Committee for recognizing the 100th anniversary of the first liquid-fueled rocket launch. Several local bills were taken up and passed to be enacted, including measures authorizing payment by the City of Revere, adjusting the senior property tax deferral income threshold in Wellesley, amending the Hopedinton charter regarding library trustee appointment powers, and later engrossing bills affecting the Cotuit Fire District, the Salem licensing board, and validating Bourne’s May 20, 2025 annual election. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer House petitions to committees and, on committee recommendation, advanced two Cotuit Fire District bills to third reading and engrossment. A major portion of the session focused on two Senate orders seeking advisory opinions from the Supreme Judicial Court on pending initiative petitions. One order concerned a public records initiative that would extend public records law to the General Court and the Governor’s office; the other concerned a legislative stipends initiative that would alter internal legislative procedures and compensation rules. Senator Feeney spoke in support of both orders, saying they were meant to inform the committee’s work and were not votes on the merits of the ballot questions. Both orders were adopted without objection. The Senate also received a Ways and Means report on a bill banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and pet sharks, with a new draft and amendment pending, and adopted an order placing the bill on the Orders of the Day for second reading on March 19, 2026. The session concluded with an order to adjourn to Monday at 11 a.m., which was adopted, and the Senate adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The<00:13:59.280> caucus<00:13:59.840> for<00:14:00.000> Vermont's<00:14:00.400>
• be The caucus for Vermont's economy will be hearing<00:14:01.760> about<00:14:02.040> this
• <00:14:03.560> effort<00:14:04.000> tomorrow<00:14:04.440> at<00:14:04.640> noon
• noon in room<00:14:05.400> 10.
• <00:14:06.440> We'll<00:14:06.560> be<00:14:06.680> hearing<00:14:06.920>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Representative Tom Stevens of Waterbury, who reflected on the Sermon on the Mount as a call to resist exclusion, greed, and coercion and to focus on blessing and care for those in need. After the devotional, the chamber suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 313, relating to transforming Vermont’s career and technical education system, and committed it to the Committee on Education. The House also adopted HCR 241, a concurrent resolution congratulating University of Vermont Distinguished Professor and Vermont State Climatologist Dr. Leslie Ann Dupigny-Giroux on receiving the Manny L. Bhaumik Award for Public Engagement with Science, with members offering remarks about her climate work and public service. On the action calendar, the House passed Senate Bill 157 on recovery residence certification in concurrence with proposal of amendment, and Senate Bill 239 on the child abuse and neglect reporting working group in concurrence with proposal of amendment. During discussion of S. 239, a member explained that the House amendment was a technical correction adding the Vermont School Counselor Association and the Agency of Education as stakeholders for the working group to consult. The House also concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to House Bill 410, which concerns the calculation of recidivism and other criminology measures; the Judiciary Committee said the Senate change was a clarifying wording revision and supported it. The chamber then moved through announcements, including recognition of visiting family members, a UVM intern, and notice of a caucus discussion on permitting modernization. A member also invited colleagues to view Vermont Railways’ train in Montpelier. The House completed its orders of the day and adjourned until the next morning at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:14:02.239> database<01:14:02.960> um<01:14:03.239> system<01:14:04.239><
• restitution<01:14:06.960> order<01:14:07.800> um<01:14:07.920> was<01:14:08.199>
• misdemeanor<01:14:10.520> and<01:14:10.639> the<01:14:10.760> mean<01:14:11.199
• <01:14:17.040> so<01:14:17.480> those<01:14:17.639> of<01:14:17.760> you<
• so<01:14:20.400> easy<01:14:20.639> to<01:14:20.760> file<01:14:21.000> a

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on February 12 at 2 p.m. and heard several measures related to corrections, re-entry, law enforcement, retirement benefits, and gun violence prevention. On HB 10002, which would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify unannounced inspection authority, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said it had no objection to the term length or to 24/7 unannounced access. The commission’s chair, Commissioner Mark Patterson, asked for a longer term, saying the commission needs more time and stability to manage reform efforts after years without staff during COVID. Community Alliance on Prisons and Carolyn Eaton also supported a longer term, with both suggesting six years would better insulate the position from politics. The chair noted he had asked Chair Bot for background on the prior committee’s changes and said that could be discussed during decision-making. The committee then heard HB 67, which would require DCR to help inmates obtain civil identification documents such as IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards as soon as practicable, including for people in furlough or community placement programs. DCR said it supported the bill and described ongoing work with the city and county on ID machines and with agencies on certificates and Social Security cards. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Office of Public Defense all supported the measure, emphasizing that identification is essential for housing, employment, and successful re-entry and noting the disproportionate impact of incarceration on Native Hawaiians. On HB 1183, which would classify certain law enforcement administrators and Department of Law Enforcement employees as Class A members for retirement purposes, the Department of Human Resources Development, the Employees’ Retirement System, and the Department of Law Enforcement all supported the bill. DHRD said it would help recruitment and retention, ERS said it had technical amendments to suggest, and DLE said the change would help with succession planning and allow the governor to appoint the most qualified leader. The committee also heard HB 1045, an emergency appropriation bill to cover payroll fringe benefits for Department of Law Enforcement personnel after salary funding had been shifted to other departments; Budget and Finance and DLE explained the need for the supplemental funding, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 664, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a grant program, a resource bank, and a special fund. The Attorney General recommended adding standards for grant awards and warned of overlap with the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission, suggesting consolidation and repeal of the older commission to avoid duplication. Supporters included the Brady Campaign, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action Hawaii, a physician, and an Army veteran, who argued the office would centralize data, coordinate prevention efforts, and help secure outside funding. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting 37 supporters, nine opponents, and three commenters, but no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• what<00:14:06.560> it<00:14:06.680> says<00:14:06.839> in<00:14:06.959> a
• <00:14:09.279> chair<00:14:09.519> Martin<00:14:09.880> but<00:14:10.120>
• will'll find<00:14:10.880> out<00:14:11.839> um<00:14:12.839> I'm<00:14:13.079>
• c><00:14:40.399> uh<00:14:40.639> yeah<00:14:40.839> thank<00:14:41.000> you<
• please Human<00:14:48.680> Services<00:14:49.040> excuse<00:14:49.279> me<00:14

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: At the joint hearing on SB 951 SD2, the committees heard testimony on a child protection measure requiring mandatory child abuse and neglect reports to include military status and to improve communication between DHS and the Department of Defense. The U.S. Department of Defense testified in support and described its coordinated community response process for abuse reports, saying the bill would help ensure child safety and better coordination with DHS. DHS was initially absent, later appeared, and said it supported the measure but was still working with DOD on implementation details and staff training. Members asked about how DHS becomes involved and whether there were gaps in the current process. The chair recommended passage with technical amendments, including changing the effective date to 7/1/25 and conforming related language, and both committees adopted the recommendation by vote. The Public Safety committee then heard SB 1377 SD2, which would create a Veterans Cemeteries Board within the Office of Veterans Services in the Department of Defense to provide guidance, education, and technical assistance to state veteran cemeteries. DOD supported the bill and explained that county-run cemeteries must meet National Cemetery Administration standards to remain eligible for federal reimbursements and grants; witnesses described past compliance problems at several cemeteries, including one still not compliant in Hilo, and said the board would help counties prepare for future site visits and improve oversight without taking over operations. Members asked about costs, reimbursement amounts, and whether the state would assume cemetery operations; DOD said the current reimbursement process runs through the state to the counties and that direct takeover would be costly. The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The committee also heard SB 1382, which would make intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to a National Guard member performing duty a class C felony. The Hawaii National Guard and HPD supported the bill, citing incidents during the Maui response where Guard members encountered noncompliant and sometimes physically confrontational individuals while assisting police and protecting impacted areas. Testimony emphasized that Guard members are often unarmed and should receive protections similar to first responders. One witness opposed the bill, but the committee moved forward and adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments. Finally, the committee took up SB 1379 SD2 on emergency preparedness and Community Readiness Centers. Hawaii Emergency Management supported the bill, and supporters said it would create a statewide framework for resilience hubs that can provide supplies, action plans, and refuge during disasters. Testimony highlighted recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other hazards, and argued the measure would complement existing county efforts rather than replace them. County of Hawaii testimony opposed the bill, raising concerns about overlap and cost, while members asked about estimated expenses and implementation. The discussion ended with questions about planning and whether the bill would enhance existing programs; no final vote was captured in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:11.759> here<00:14:11.880> is<00:14:12.079> just<00:14:12.240> one
• :14:16.720> help<00:14:17.120> about<00:14:17.320> two<00:14:17.560> years
• to mdva<00:14:28.600> they<00:14:28.720> told<00:14:29.440> him<00:14:30.440>
• them<00:14:32.199> it<00:14:32.320> would<00:14:32.519> be<00:14:32.759>
• a<00:14:33.079> slam<00:14:33.720> dunk<00:14:34.720> and<00:14:34.880><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um would we be able to<00:14:01.920> use<00:14:02.000> it<00:14:02.160> for<00:14
• >> No,<00:14:04.959> because<00:14:05.279> it's<00:14:05.440> a<00:14:05.680
• .<01:14:07.520> Just<01:14:07.760> to<01:14:07.920> clarify<01:14:08.400> that
• chair, members<01:14:11.520> of<01:14:11.679> the<01:14:11.760> committee.
• The<01:14:16.640> Outdoor<01:14:17.120> Circle<01:14:17.520> in<01:14:17.760>

Bills: HB1604, HB1713, HB1722, HB2270, HB2401, HB2515, HB1979, HB1593, HB1743, HB2122, HB1756, HB1837, HB1729

Keywords: agriculture, housing, workforce, land use, zoning, public-private partnerships, tax credit, school impact fees, impact fee exemption, school facilities authority, residential development, housing shortage, affordable housing, infill housing, land dedication, fee in lieu, school construction, developer exactions, fair share contributions, education contribution agreement

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1604, which would create an agricultural workforce housing group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to address shortages of farmworker housing. The department said it supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the group’s early work should focus on gathering data and surveying farm operators to assess actual demand, to avoid “mission creep.” Testimony from the City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce was in support, with one witness suggesting a housing advocacy nonprofit be added to the working group for balance. The committee then discussed HB 1713 on school impact fees, which would clarify exemptions for certain affordable housing projects and exempt new residential developments of fewer than 100 units. The Attorney General’s office said the bill should define “low to moderate income households” because that term is not defined in chapter 302A. HHFDC, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and others supported the measure, arguing it would reduce administrative burden and remove barriers to housing. Members questioned whether the bill should instead repeal the school impact fee entirely; supporters said they also favored full repeal but viewed this bill as a more feasible step. The School Facilities Authority also explained that about $28 million in school impact fees had been collected across four districts and none had yet been spent, and discussed how recent nexus requirements limit how the funds can be used. HB 1722, relating to residential condominiums, drew extensive testimony and questioning. HCDA supported the bill and explained that it amends the 99-year leasehold pilot program created by Act 97 of 2023 by reducing owner-occupancy restrictions from 100% of units to 60%, allowing some rental or subleasing flexibility for the owner-occupied units, and permitting up to 40% of units to be sold to qualified residents after being on the market for more than 60 days. HCDA said the original restrictions, combined with rising construction costs, higher interest rates, and competition from nearby projects, made the pilot project difficult to market and finance; it said the changes are needed to make the project feasible and competitive. Supporters including AP Hawaii, Kila LLC, and project representatives said the amendments would help make the demonstration project in Kakaʻako viable. Some members raised concerns that the changes could weaken long-term affordability and questioned why certain ownership language was being deleted if rentals would still be restricted. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're<00:14:08.560> not<00:14:08.800> doing<00:14:08.959> the<00:14:09.199>
• And<00:14:11.360> frankly,<00:14:12.320> this<00:14:12.560> amendment<00:14:13.120
• c> are<00:14:19.760> the<00:14:20.000> ones<00:14:20.959> that<00:14:21.360>
• need<00:14:31.360> to<00:14:31.519> take<00:14:31.680> back<00:14:31.920>
• <00:14:49.040> I<00:14:49.440> I<00:14:49.760> just<00:14:49.920> want

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House first adopted non-controversial motions, then approved an urgency motion to suspend the rules so Senate File 4476, the human services program integrity package, could move quickly to conference committee before the end of session. The House then adopted a DE amendment to insert House language into the bill, and proceeded to debate several amendments focused on program integrity, fraud prevention, and reporting requirements in human services programs. Representative Schultz offered Amendment A5 to remove a sunset on the periodic data matching report requirement, arguing the report helps ensure only eligible people receive medical assistance and welfare benefits and should continue to be delivered annually. Supporters said the report had been inconsistently delivered, cited past findings of ineligible recipients, and framed the amendment as a low-cost accountability measure. Opponents, including Representative Nor, said the report had been sent to the chairs, that the issue should be handled through broader HR1-related changes and negotiations with the Senate, and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After roll call, A5 failed on a 63-67 vote. Schultz then offered Amendment A6, which would require reporting on homelessness programs, including how many people are served, total costs, outcomes, and possible recoupment of funds if reporting is inadequate. Schultz said the state spends tens of millions on homelessness programs without clear results and that better data would help the legislature make decisions and protect taxpayers. Several members supported the idea of more accountability, while others said the state already receives reports, that homelessness work is being done in partnership with stakeholders, and that the amendment was not the best approach. The discussion continued with further comments on homelessness data and program oversight, but no final vote on A6 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas FFA sponsors chapters in rural and urban areas throughout the state.
• Who's the Mesa Vista FFA Chapter President.
• Also joining me is Aaron Lucero, the Mesa Vista FFA Chapter Vice President.
• I too was an honorary chapter member. Whatever that is.
• Her dad was the FFA advisor at the Artesia chapter.

Transcript Highlights:

• May<00:14:05.600> they<00:14:05.920> steward<00:14:06.480> this<00:14:06.720>
• <00:14:07.880> knowing<00:14:08.839> that<00:14:09.040> to<00:14:09.160> whom
• Let<00:14:13.040> righteousness<00:14:13.640> exalt<00:14:14.079> this<00:14:14.240
• Let<00:14:15.520> every<00:14:15.760> law<00:14:16.040> passed<00:14:16.440>
• ><00:14:19.320> and<00:14:19.520> dignity<00:14:20.480> of<00:14:20.720> every

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 20 March, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, an invocation by Dr. C. J. Rhodes, and the pledge of allegiance. Routine motions were adopted to dispense with reading the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including Ryan Golden of Congregation Beth Israel, students from First Baptist’s Friday program, the Magnolia Bar, Leadership Greater Jackson Youth Cohort members, a Doctor of the Day, and students from Anchor Christian Academy. On the calendar, the Senate took up a large block of resolutions and nominations. The chamber adopted numerous commendations and tributes, including resolutions honoring educators at MGCCC, Kappa Alpha Psi, Wavy Dave Chambers, Jasmine Ware, Nora Miller, multiple state championship teams, the Mississippi Forest Commission’s centennial, Colonel Charles Haynes, Robert “Bob” Dunlap, and others. The Senate also confirmed a block of Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority and advisory board nominations tied to the state’s NG911 implementation, after questions about who made the nominations; the response was that seven were gubernatorial and six lieutenant gubernatorial appointments. The nominations passed by morning roll call, with Senator McClendon voting no. The Senate then considered Senate Nomination No. 41, reappointing Thomas Allen Tom Wicker to the Information Technology Services Authority for a five-year term. Supporters cited his institutional and legal knowledge and long public service. That nomination also passed by morning roll call. Later, the Senate approved additional nominations in a block for the State Personnel Board and Public Procurement Review Board, including Donald Geary Don Brown, Hollis Raymond Ray Smith Jr. in two terms, and Rita Teresa Ray, with members noting clean peer reports and statutory eligibility; these too passed by morning roll call. In other business, the Senate concurred in a conference report on the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering bill, with Senator Johnson explaining that the House made technical changes, removed executive director language and a reverse appeal, and added a June 30, 2028 repeal date. The Senate also adopted a block of nominations and resolutions without objection. At the end of the session, members requested excused absences and adjournments in memory of several individuals, and the Senate agreed to stand in recess until noon, with the journal to reflect adjournment until 4:00 p.m. Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, Cyrus Reed, Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club.
• You know, there are 14 states in the country that have now passed legislation of this manner.
• And again, we're in good standing with 14 other U.S. states.
• 14 other bills have addressed this issue. Yes.
• We are convinced that the substitute is going to include Chapters 143 and 147.

Bills: SB75, SB715, SB776, SB1299, SB1405, SB1968, SB2021, SB2077, SB2148, SB2321, SB2330, SB2411

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce heard Senate Bill 2021 by Senator Johnson, as substituted, on distributed energy resources (DERs). Johnson said the bill was intended to create a regulatory framework for DERs and virtual power plants, address interconnection and registration issues, and prevent regulatory capture as the industry grows. Testimony was split: Texas Electric Cooperatives asked for clarification so co-ops would not be unintentionally excluded from owning or operating DERs; AECT supported the bill as providing needed rules and customer protections; TABA, Texas Solar and Storage Association, Sierra Club, Texas Solar Energy Society, and several others opposed it or raised concerns that it was too utility-centric, imposed red tape, and could burden homeowners and small businesses with registration and interconnection requirements. Johnson repeatedly said the bill was not meant to stop rooftop solar or backup systems and that he was open to specific redlines and further changes. SB 2021 was left pending after testimony. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2330 by Senator Parker, which would end government payroll deduction for dues to certain public employee organizations, while exempting first responders under Chapters 143 and 147 and making other conforming changes in a committee substitute. Parker argued the bill was about government neutrality, transparency, and employee freedom from coercion, and said organizations can collect dues directly using modern payment methods. Supporters from Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Business Coalition, Freedom Foundation, ABC Texas, and Texans for Fiscal Responsibility said taxpayer-funded payroll systems should not be used to collect dues for private organizations, especially ones involved in political activity. Opponents, including ATPE, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Texas Public Employees Association, and correctional employees, said payroll deduction is a convenient, secure service that helps professional associations and employee groups, and argued the bill would burden teachers and other public employees. Several witnesses and senators focused on the bill’s exemptions and whether it treated teachers differently from first responders. Senator Menendez questioned why some public employees were excluded while others were not, and a Houston police union representative said he moved from opposing to supporting the bill after being told the substitute would preserve meet-and-confer deductions under Chapters 143 and 147. Senator Parker closed by saying the bill was not meant to eliminate associations or payroll deduction entirely, only to remove the state as a middleman. SB 2330 was left pending, and the committee then recessed subject to call.

Transcript Highlights:

• California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, in support. Thank you so much.
• I'm also a member of the American College of Surgeons, Southern California Chapter, which is in support
• I'm also a member of the American College of Surgeons, Southern California Chapter, which is in support
• June Dutis, San Diego family member and representing the California chapter of the National Shattering
• Item 11, SB 13, 14 by Menjivar, with the motion of due pass to Business and Professions Committee.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a series of bills focused on behavioral health, cancer screening, provider reimbursement, research funding, workforce licensing, and tobacco regulation. SB 16 would require counties to maintain procedures for designating and training professionals authorized to perform 5150 evaluations and initiate involuntary holds; supporters said it would expand the pool of qualified clinicians and reduce reliance on law enforcement, while opponents raised concerns about local control and implementation. SB 1124 would require CDPH to create and post lung cancer screening eligibility signage at tobacco point-of-sale locations; supporters emphasized low screening awareness and early detection, and the bill was advanced with amendments. SB 28, a CARE Court cleanup bill, proposed an ombudsperson, reporting, electronic petitions, remote participation, and other changes to improve accountability and access; it drew both strong support and significant opposition over concerns about coercion, scope, and whether the program is working as intended, but it passed the committee as amended to Judiciary. The committee also heard SB 874, which would strengthen oversight of Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, including background checks for providers and a stakeholder workgroup to develop standards; it passed to Public Safety. SB 1049 would let providers resubmit corrected claims within 90 days after a plan’s denial or recoupment action when the original claim had a correctable technical defect; supporters described delayed and withheld payments harming practices, while insurers argued the bill could duplicate existing dispute processes. The bill passed to Appropriations on call. SB 1224 would create a state framework to compete for federal ARPA-H funding for emerging therapies research, with testimony from a UC Davis psychiatrist and veterans’ advocates supporting expanded research into treatments for PTSD, depression, and other conditions; it passed to Military and Veterans Affairs. Later, SB 1057 would change how the Department of Public Health evaluates conviction history for certified nurse assistants and home health aides, shifting from automatic denial toward individualized assessment based on the offense, time elapsed, and rehabilitation; it passed to Appropriations with some no votes. Finally, SB 1314, a tobacco-related bill, sought to create a 600-foot buffer around schools and day care centers for certain tobacco retailers and address related issues such as cigar lounge definitions and nitrous oxide sales; several local government and public safety groups supported it, while health organizations and business groups opposed it unless amended. The chair announced that committee amendments were being set aside for now and the bill would move forward to Business and Professions with a commitment to continue working on the language; it passed out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank<00:14:14.800> you,<00:14:14.880> Madam<00:14:15.240> Chair,<00:14:15.640><
• 14:17.880> with<00:14:18.000> us<00:14:18.160> on<00:14:18.320> this<00:14
• <00:14:26.200> language<00:14:26.680> to<00:14:26.800> satisfy<00:14:27.400>
• <00:14:48.880> And<00:14:49.079> then<00:14:49.280> we<00:14:49.440> also
• was in line with the<00:14:56.959> procurement<00:14:57.480> chapter.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• 30 of the General Laws, Chapter 17 of the Acts of 2018.
• Section 40, Section 2, DDD, DDD of Chapter 29 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 official
• That's 1.2% for Chapter 90 for road miles, with 92% to the T.
• The, the, with zero additional money for Chapter 90, outside of Road and Isles.
• 70 and Chapter 90 money.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and received a resignation letter from Rep. Fana Howard of Lowell, effective March 17, 2026, as she transitioned to the Senate. The chamber then took up several procedural orders, including multiple unanimous or voice-vote suspensions of rules and concurrence with Senate petitions, such as referrals on housing and student transportation matters, and a suspension of Joint Rule 12 for a petition involving children served by DCF. The main substantive item was House No. 5264, a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill totaling about $1.8 billion. Members discussed its use of Fair Share surtax surplus funds for transportation and education, including major support for the MBTA, special education circuit breaker costs, early education and child care, snow and ice costs, regional transit authorities, and other deficiencies such as GIC and sheriff costs. Members also explained the bill’s tax conformity provisions responding to recent federal tax changes, with debate over whether to delay conformity to limit state revenue exposure. The House adopted a consolidated amendment to the bill and then passed it to be engrossed by roll call vote, 150-3. The House also adopted a resolution commending the Admetek Foundation on Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. Several local bills were advanced, including a sick leave bank for a Department of Corrections employee, a bill waiving the minimum age requirement for a Boston police officer, a Nantucket charter bill, a Stoneham public safety bill, and a Malden special police officers bill, the last of which was amended before being engrossed. The chamber also considered Amendment 43 to redistribute $100 million of Fair Share revenue more evenly to municipalities for roads and education; supporters argued the current distribution favored statewide priorities over local aid, while opponents said the formula would not adequately address rural road needs. That amendment was rejected 128-25. The House then recessed several times, observed moments of silence for local public servants, welcomed visiting youth sports teams, and finally ordered adjournment to meet the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:33.360> in<00:14:33.600> there<00:14:34.360> and<00:14:34.680> by<
• <00:14:42.240> 3<00:14:42.519> so<00:14:42.680> I<00:14:42.800> think<00:
• 00:14:43.880> that<00:14:44.000> the<00:14:44.120> school<00:14:44.399> must<
• be able to<00:14:51.079> give<00:14:51.199> that<00:14:51.320> to<00:14:51.399><
• c> a<00:14:51.839> parent<00:14:52.839> follow<00:14:53.160> if<00:14:53.279

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > it<00:14:06.000> very<00:14:06.320> hard<00:14:06.720> to<00:14:07.040>
• Um, and<00:14:27.519> we<00:14:27.760> know<00:14:27.920> that<00:14:28.160>
• The thing that we<00:14:31.519> also<00:14:31.760> saw<00:14:32.000> today<00:14
• :32.240> on<00:14:32.399> this<00:14:32.560> floor<00:14:32.880> is<00:14
• ><00:14:37.920> and<00:14:38.160> that<00:14:38.320> is<00:14:38.399> the

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 4138, a bill aimed at limiting harmful social media features for children and requiring parental involvement for minors using platforms in Minnesota. Early on, members reconsidered and then adopted the Smith amendment (A13) after first rejecting a narrower amendment to the amendment (A18) on a 67-67 tie. Representative Bonner then offered a technical amendment (A14) to address liability and drafting concerns, but withdrew it after saying it contained an unintended drafting error and could create legal problems, including issues around data collection and rulemaking. During third reading debate, supporters described the bill as a first step to protect children from addictive social media design, online exploitation, and harmful data practices. Representative Scott said the bill would require parental consent and limit addictive features for child accounts, while emphasizing that the consent language must be prominent and that the bill’s effective date would not begin until next July. Representative Enen, Representative Feist, Representative Greenman, and others backed the measure as a bipartisan effort to hold big tech accountable and protect kids, though Greenman also noted that the legislature had not shown the same willingness to confront gun violence. Opponents and skeptics raised concerns that the bill relies on parents understanding complex legal and technical terms, that it may not fully protect children, and that it could still leave gaps around liability and privacy. Representative Leeing questioned why the bill does not simply restrict addictive features for all children and asked about parental waivers and location tracking; Scott responded that the bill uses IP address information and does not specifically address liability waivers, but said the measure is a policy choice intended to empower parents. The debate ended with broad support from several members, and the bill was presented as likely to pass, though no final vote on the bill itself was included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• On page 14, there is a synopsis of what I just discussed in that table.
• chapters can use the three certified chapters; otherwise, it's the same scenario.
• Some chapters are good, and some chapters are bad.
• Some chapters don't even know they have three million dollars for a new chapter house.
• Each child over 14 gets an attorney of their own.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:13:59.839> I<00:14:00.160> understand<00:14:00.480> that<00:14:00.800>
• packets<00:14:06.000> and<00:14:06.320> some<00:14:06.560> boards<00:14:06.959>
• and some boards have tons of support.<00:14:08.399> So<00:14:09.519> um<00:14:10.000><
• c> I<00:14:10.240> understand<00:14:10.560> it's<00:14:10.800> a support.
• <00:14:14.519> And<00:14:15.519> you<00:14:15.760> heard<00:14:16.000> some

Keywords: 910, house, all