Transcript Highlights:

• I'll provide some red lines. We'll come and talk more.
• The city doesn't provide it. We also provide the health insurance supplement.
• We also provide vision. We also provide dental.
• Is this not just a benefit we provide? Then provide the benefit for everyone.
• There's an entire accountability team.

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

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendations provide 153.8 million at account 5155.
• unforeseen revenue shortfalls in account 5155.
• This team will provide us the resources to do so.
• This represents truth in accounting. Moving on to page 4.
• The other FTE is an accounting team lead that will oversee the daily operations of The accountants and

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present to hear Article VI Natural Resources agency budget recommendations, beginning with the Railroad Commission. LBB staff summarized the commission’s 2026-27 base recommendation at $458.7 million, down from the prior biennium, with an increased FTE cap. The presentation highlighted reduced federal IIJA funding, volatility in oil and gas regulation account 5155, continued support for IT modernization, and rider changes. The commission’s major exceptional items were then presented, including requests for produced water and injection data reporting, an authorized pit registration system, regulatory filing/permitting upgrades, an underground injection well investigation team, site remediation support, and especially $100 million for orphan well plugging. Members asked about biennium-to-biennium comparisons, salary biennialization, the scale of orphan well risks, federal funding delays, bonding, and whether the state should rely more on industry or general revenue for plugging costs. Commission leadership explained that orphan wells can threaten water and public safety, that plugging costs have risen sharply, and that current funding is insufficient to keep up with emergency wells and the backlog; they also said the agency is moving to cloud-based systems with cybersecurity protections and that the proposed performance measure may need adjustment if funding does not increase. The Railroad Commission testimony was followed by LBB and agency testimony for the Texas Animal Health Commission. LBB described a $42 million recommendation for 2026-27, an increase overall, but with a reduced FTE cap due to turnover and salary reallocation. The recommendation maintained funding for cattle fever tick work, chronic wasting disease, lab testing through an MOU with Texas A&M’s veterinary diagnostic lab, and a new $5 million spay-and-neuter pilot program, while deleting a capital budget rider and adjusting riders tied to entry point inspection stations and clinical trials. Agency leadership then outlined the commission’s mission to protect livestock health and the state’s $22 billion animal industry, and described major disease threats including highly pathogenic avian influenza, cattle fever ticks, New World screwworm, and chronic wasting disease. Their exceptional items focused on recruiting and retaining veterinarians, replacing fleet vehicles, creating an ectoparasite identification lab, adding field staff and IT support, improving records and epidemiology reporting, strengthening central administration, supporting secure food supply planning, expanding chronic wasting disease work, and staffing the new spay-and-neuter program. Members asked about field identification of ticks, the use of disinfectants and PPE, fleet management, the scale of cattle fever tick risk, and chronic wasting disease; the agency explained its current inspection and lab-confirmation process, its reliance on field disinfecting and biosecurity, and the need for more staff and better data systems to keep pace with growing workloads and disease threats.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently in Missouri, there is very limited accountability when alcohol is provided in private settings
• Grace's Law is about accountability and prevention.
• Grace's Law is about accountability and prevention.
• It's about accounting for recklessness.
• Adults who knowingly provide alcohol to minors often face little consequence.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 2808 on a 9-4 vote with one present. The hearing then focused on House Bill 1808 and its companion House Bill 3435, both titled Grace’s Law, which would create a narrow social host liability cause of action for knowingly providing alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person age 21 or older when that conduct leads to injury, death, or property damage. Sponsors said the bill is intended to fill a gap in Missouri law, align the state with other states that recognize social host liability, and promote accountability without punishing responsible hosts. Members raised questions about how the visible-intoxication standard would apply in private settings, whether the bill could reach casual gatherings, and whether it should also address other substances; sponsors said the measure is intentionally limited and still being refined. Supporters of Grace’s Law included the mother of Grace, the crash victim for whom the bill is named, a relative of another drunk-driving victim, and representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. They described the bill as a response to preventable tragedies and argued that liability would encourage hosts to stop serving intoxicated guests, take away keys, or arrange safe rides. Testimony emphasized that the bill is about reckless conduct rather than ordinary hospitality, and several members expressed sympathy and support for stronger accountability in drunk-driving cases. No opposition testimony was presented before the hearing on those bills concluded. The committee then heard House Bills 3439 and 3480, which would extend the Public Safety Protection and Recruitment Act to volunteer firefighters by allowing them to qualify for tuition assistance and related benefits under the program. Sponsors said volunteer firefighters in rural areas perform essential and often dangerous work, but are currently excluded from the statute, and that the change would help recruit and retain volunteers. Committee members questioned the fiscal impact, whether volunteers should receive the same benefit as full-time personnel, and whether the program should be structured as a tuition waiver rather than a scholarship to reduce costs. Fire chiefs and other supporters testified that volunteer departments are critical in rural Missouri, that volunteers often receive extensive training and respond to fires, EMS calls, and disasters, and that the benefit would help departments recruit and keep members. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce also supported the bill, citing public safety and workforce benefits. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing was concluded after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently in Missouri, there is very limited accountability when alcohol is provided in private settings
• Why this is needed: Grace's Law is about accountability and prevention.
• It's about accounting for recklessness.
• It's about accountability, and it's about saving lives.
• I'm not going to account for all states because I've not reviewed all states.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll provide a high-level overview of the major. Let's go over the first by 12:30.
• Next week, on the 20th, Tuesday, the subcommittee and the public will have more time to provide comments
• Hazardous Waste Control Account in 25-26 and ongoing.
• And $1.7 million from the Toxic Substances Control Account in 25-26.
• Can you provide clarification on that?

Transcript Highlights:

• to hold the program accountable externally.
• We provide technical assistance. We provide technical assistance, compliance, and enforcement.
• We want to hold these facilities more accountable.
• We want to hold these facilities more accountable.
• We take all of the very specifics into account.

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on DTSC’s implementation of SB 158 reforms, including enforcement, community engagement, fee stability, the hazardous waste management plan, permitting backlogs, and the Safer Consumer Products program. Senators and Assembly members emphasized protecting overburdened communities and asked how DTSC and the Board of Environmental Safety are using their authority to improve accountability, reduce delays, and address hazardous waste facilities and consumer product chemicals. The hearing also included discussion of extended producer responsibility programs and whether DTSC can support them more efficiently, including through coordination with CalRecycle. DTSC Director Katie Butler said the department is now more transparent, accountable, and fiscally stable, citing stronger enforcement actions, an interactive inspections map, expanded community outreach, and emergency response work on the Los Angeles wildfire cleanup. She said DTSC has made progress on fee reform, the hazardous waste management plan, cleanup grants, permit renewals, and safer consumer products rulemaking, including adding microplastics to the candidate chemical list. Board Chair Andrew Rakestraw said the board has held multiple public meetings and hearings, is working on fee rates and performance metrics, and is revising the hazardous waste management plan after public comment, including removing a proposal to send certain contaminated soil to municipal landfills. He also noted remaining concerns about fee structure, permit delays, and the pace of the safer consumer products program. Public witnesses offered sharply different views. A representative of the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance said SB 158 reforms have improved permitting and transparency, but urged more attention to risk-based decision-making, reduced duplication, and possible General Fund support for plan implementation rather than relying only on fees. Earthjustice argued DTSC remains too slow and that communities continue to suffer from long-delayed permits and weak protections, urging the Legislature to take a more active role and to prioritize eliminating hazardous substances rather than minimizing costs. Committee members pressed the witnesses on permit renewals, community impacts, and the pace of the safer consumer products program, while DTSC defended its progress and said further legislative collaboration may be needed on hazardous waste management and emerging waste streams.

Transcript Highlights:

• Accountability option for people to be able to say if it's doing its job and it's providing the resources
• It boils down to accountability.
• </c> authority and the public accountability authority and the public accountability to<00:49:06.720>
• All districts that are accountable.
• And uh just to provide a Commissioner.

Bills: HB0147 , HB0127

Committee: Senate Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• So the bill provides liability protection to cybersecurity incidents for local government and private
• So it seems that we are providing liability protection in return for just complying with the law.
• It is a mere inconvenience, but it can provide the difference between.
• You have authority, you have budget, and you have accountability.
• You have authority, you have budget, and you have accountability.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1183, by Rep. G. Lombardo, as amended by a strike-all. The bill would provide liability protection for local governments and private-sector entities that substantially comply with certain cybersecurity practices, including multi-factor authentication, disaster recovery plans, and related policies and procedures. Rep. Lombardo said the measure is intended to create incentives for better cybersecurity and to limit class-action exposure after incidents, while still allowing suits where negligence can be shown. Supporters included TechNet, the Florida Justice Reform Institute, the Florida League of Cities, Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Association of Counties, and Dr. Edward Long of the James Madison Institute; Vice Chair Steele, Rep. Blanco, and Rep. McFarland also spoke in favor. Ranking Member Bracy Davis opposed the bill, saying she was not comfortable granting liability protections to entities that may have contributed to breaches and questioning whether substantial compliance would be self-attested. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably by a 14-2 vote. After the vote, the committee shifted into an extended discussion about Florida’s state IT governance structure, procurement, and project management. Members criticized the current federated model as fragmented and lacking clear accountability, with repeated references to long-running problems such as cost overruns, weak vendor oversight, workforce shortages, and the troubled I-Connect system. Several members argued that the state needs a single accountable leader or stronger enterprise authority over agency technology decisions. Ranking Member Bracy Davis raised concerns about the impact of broken systems on vulnerable populations and asked about the role of advisory councils. Rep. G. Lombardo, Vice Chair Steele, Rep. Miller, and Rep. Groh all emphasized the need for centralized leadership, better alignment of authority and budget, and more disciplined procurement and integration practices. A public witness, Victoria Zep of Team 180, testified in support of a more enterprise-wide approach and said the private sector also wants more organization and transparency. She criticized short procurement timelines, limited competition, and poorly written scopes, and urged the state to post procurements more openly and seek broader vendor input. She also discussed the need to respect agency-specific federal requirements while still improving statewide coordination. The chair closed by asking members to bring forward ideas for immediate and long-term reforms, including review of Senate Bill 7026, and the meeting adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• of unique providers that are in the nonprofit or for-profit space in addition to what the state provides
• Accountability means that the system promotes accountability through transparency and includes the ability
• They refer to adequate as providing sufficient resources to provide a high-quality education for all
• The Educational Facilities Partnership Fund account is the account used for the distribution of aid for
• programs providing... ...Fund account is the account used for the distribution of aid for programs providing

Summary: The House and Senate Education Committee first approved minutes from February 2 and 3, then heard an interim study proposal on Arkansas adult education and the Excel Center model, presented by Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the University of Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities. Witnesses argued that about 300,000 Arkansas adults lack a high school diploma or GED and described the Excel Center as a diploma-granting public charter option for adults 19 and older, with wraparound supports such as child care, transportation, tutoring, life coaching, and career services. They said the Arkansas campuses are not state-funded, highlighted growth in enrollment and graduation outcomes, and cited research showing improved employment, earnings, and reduced criminal justice involvement for graduates. Committee members discussed the role of Goodwill’s nonprofit mission, the need for multiple adult education pathways, and the relationship between adult education challenges and broader state efforts such as LEARNS and ACCESS. The committee then debated the interim study proposal procedure, including whether questions should have been taken before the vote. The motion to adopt the ISP passed, and members noted that the study would broadly examine adult education, GED testing, high school diplomas, charter schools, in-person adult education, and funding allocation. Several members asked for follow-up information on current adult education funding, the availability of Excel Centers, and the criminal justice study results. After that, staff from the Bureau of Legislative Research gave a detailed adequacy funding overview for Arkansas K-12 education. They reviewed national funding principles and then explained Arkansas’s revenue streams and distribution system, including general revenue, the Educational Excellence Trust Fund, the Educational Adequacy Fund, local property-tax revenues, and facilities partnership funding. They also walked through the state’s foundation formula, categorical aid, supplemental aid, and additional funding, including the per-student matrix amount of $7,771 for 2025 and how funds are allocated to districts and charters. Members asked about student support staff, special education high-cost occurrences, ALE funding, teacher salary equalization, and the Excel Center’s treatment in funding totals; staff said some of those questions would be addressed in a later spending presentation. The meeting ended after the committee was told the department was present mainly to answer questions and no further business remained.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not an accountant.
• To provide a continuous and elegant solution, which would provide protection, while making the Walth
• That's what we're here in front of the legislature to provide.
• Can you provide some examples of what they knew and when?
• This bill is about accountability, and they will have to be held accountable eventually.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of climate, energy, and environmental justice proposals. Early testimony strongly supported the Climate Change Superfund or “Polluter Pays” bill (H.1014/S.58), which would assess the largest fossil fuel emitters for a one-time fee based on historic emissions to fund climate adaptation. Sponsors argued the bill is modeled on Superfund cleanup principles, would target only the largest multinational polluters, would not be passed on to consumers, and would direct a significant share of funds to environmental justice communities. Committee members asked about the number of companies covered, consumer impacts, and whether the bill would address other forms of environmental destruction; sponsors said it was limited to major fossil fuel companies with a Massachusetts footprint and did not cover other pollution sources. The committee also heard testimony on a fusion energy compact proposal (S.673) that would direct the administration to develop a framework for a New England regional compact to accelerate fusion research, workforce development, and supply-chain growth. Supporters from MIT and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities said fusion could become a major clean-energy and economic opportunity, but acknowledged the technology is not yet commercially viable and still has unresolved technical, cost, and waste-management questions. Members pressed on environmental impacts, siting, waste, costs, and whether the bill would create a compact or only a framework; sponsors said it would only create the framework and that the administration would need to negotiate with other states. Another major topic was a pilot program for nature-based climate solutions (H.971/S.??), backed by legislators, Boston Harbor Now, and UMass Boston’s Stone Living Lab. Witnesses said the bill would help speed permits for research and demonstration projects such as living shorelines, marsh restoration, and hybrid “green-to-gray” flood protections, while maintaining safeguards and protecting Indigenous and historic resources. Committee members asked how the proposal would interact with other permitting reforms and whether it could conflict with housing or wetland-related streamlining; supporters said it was complementary and aimed at making projects faster, more affordable, and more data-driven. The hearing also covered climate-safe buildings and climate adaptation funding bills. Supporters of H.1004/S.583 said current building codes do not adequately account for future flooding, heat, and wind, and the bill would add climate expertise to the building board, allow stretch resilience codes, expand floodplain standards, and create a retrofit program. Related testimony backed H.938/S.572, which would create a dedicated climate and community resilience fund financed by a small fee on property insurance premiums; advocates said it would provide stable long-term revenue for adaptation, especially in environmental justice communities, and help replace unreliable federal funding. One witness from CLF supported the climate-safe buildings and funding bills but opposed S.560/H.939 as too broad. The committee also heard testimony on airport air-quality legislation (H.997) calling for more monitoring and mitigation of ultra-fine particulate pollution around Logan Airport and Massport communities. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• When they're all done, this project will provide 700 megawatt-hours.
• Some of those we call memorandum accounts and balancing accounts.
• It is sitting in a federal account earmarked for California.
• But the DSGS account?
• To provide some brief background, DWR acted very quickly.

Transcript Highlights:

• origination fees on a consumer loan or revolving account, and to provide for related matters.
• , to provide for application to the department. ...to provide for certification requirements, to provide
• for application to the department, to provide for fees, to provide for penalties, and to provide for
• And the card provider often provides.” “Transaction.
• , to provide for suspension of penalties, to provide for a credit education program, to provide for license

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on March 17, 2026, adopted its rules again because they had not been properly posted, and voluntarily deferred several bills before taking up the day’s agenda. The committee then moved through a series of commerce and financial services measures, with members repeatedly noting the bills had been worked on jointly by authors and stakeholders. HB 489, on transfer-on-death securities, was amended to make the transfer requirements mandatory and to remove a liability limitation for registering entities, then reported favorable. HB 545, which narrowed a consumer-loan bill to origination fees only, was amended and reported favorable. HB 555, expanding protections for eligible adults from financial exploitation, was amended with technical changes and an amendment from Rep. Boyd, then reported favorable after testimony from bankers and advocates describing scams targeting seniors and the need for delayed transactions, trusted contacts, and training. HB 797, creating the Bayou Gold Program, was amended to clarify electronic payment platforms and reported favorable after questions about state involvement, insurance, and consumer protections. HB 952, modernizing the consumer loan framework, was amended to a three-tier rate structure and to add ability-to-repay and disaster-relief provisions, then reported favorable. The committee also considered two economic development bills from Rep. Owen. HB 672 would encourage brick manufacturing in Louisiana; after an amendment changed LED’s role from directing a priority industry to allowing support through existing programs and guidance, the bill was reported favorable. Testimony emphasized Louisiana’s clay deposits, limited in-state brick production, and potential benefits for housing costs and jobs. HB 670, on wood pellet manufacturing, received a similar amendment limiting LED to support and guidance rather than mandates, and was also reported favorable. A consultant testified that a proposed North Louisiana pellet facility could generate significant payroll, local spending, and revenue from timber that is currently underused, while LED described the sector as part of the state’s agribusiness and energy strategy and discussed global demand, carbon footprint requirements, and the role of CCUS in attracting large projects. The discussion on HB 670 continued at the end of the transcript, with members probing how the industry works and how Louisiana could benefit from it.

Transcript Highlights:

• MA provider enrollment statute. So, MA provider enrollment statute.
• Medical Assistance provider and to receive a unique provider identifier.
• </c> the individual provider number. the individual provider number.
• c><00:43:07.720><c> type</c> provider that is a provider type provider that is a provider type designated
• </c> provider location. provider location.

Committees: Senate Health and Human Services , Senate Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• It's important because it provides First Amendment protections.
• to his account.
• He provided them his personal information.
• for any of your financial accounts.
• Can your account be hacked online?

Transcript Highlights:

• Our county workers have checks and balances and accountability.
• To provide technical assistance with respect to your priorities.
• Accountability in this position.
• agencies, and other service providers.
• for some of those in what we can account for.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 911 strengthens that process by creating a practical accountability framework that provides local
• SB 9-11 strengthens that process by creating that practical accountability framework that provides local
• Nonprofits can be required to open new accounts, provide personal information about board members, or
• When we contacted the financial institution, we were required to open an account and provide personal
• We were required to open an account and provide personal information about myself and volunteer board

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:06:04.960><c> No</c> adult account user experience. No adult account user experience.
• </c> consent to their child's account consent to their child's account creation.<00:08:38.080><c> But
• . accounts. accounts.
• </c> oversight, protect privacy, and provide oversight, protect privacy, and provide consistent<00:20
• ,</c><00:29:44.960><c> and</c> holding the industry accountable, and holding the industry accountable

Transcript Highlights:

• or consumer accounts or non-maturing deposit accounts, provided the accounts meet or exceed the same
• minimum balance or other account requirements.
• Does the amendment provide for a higher interest rate payable to the accounts than what your original
• bill provides?
• Additionally, the bill requires such healthcare providers to provide patients with an informed consent

Bills: SJR85 , SCR29 , SCR38 , SCR42 , SB23 , SB39 , SB209 , SB227 , SB240 , SB330 , SB527 , SB584 , SB618 , SB619 , SB636 , SB663 , SB715 , SB732 , SB758 , SB801 , SB825 , SB826 , SB843 , SB844 , SB847 , SB870 , SB884 , SB912 , SB957 , SB1013 , SB1020 , SB1065 , SB1143 , SB1152 , SB1164 , SB1183 , SB1257 , SB1299 , SB1325 , SB1349 , SB1413 , SB1455 , SB1539 , SB1558 , SB1574 , SB1583 , SB1624 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1667 , SB1717 , SB1718 , SB1727 , SB1734 , SB1756 , SB1757 , SB1784 , SB1789 , SB1832 , SB1868 , SB1870 , SB1883 , SB1896 , SB1920 , SB1924 , SB1963 , SB2010 , SB2018 , SB2024 , SB2037 , SB2052 , SB2073 , SB2111 , SB2161 , SB2196 , SB2207 , SB2253 , SB2268 , SB2322 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2349 , SB2371 , SB2533 , SB2570 , SB2601 , SB2626 , SB2692 , SB2705 , SB2717 , SB2774 , SB2788 , SB2877 , SB2920 , SB2 , SB260 , SB1786 , SB1 , HJR4 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR85 , SJR84 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR38 , SCR42 , SCR29 , SCR4 , SCR18 , SCR43 , SCR46 , SB2023 , SB825 , SB2010 , SB1870 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB957 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB618 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB826 , SB1257 , SB870 , SB529 , SB209 , SB1883 , SB2024 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1860 , SB2037 , SB1924 , SB2253 , SB2018 , SB2206 , SB1963 , SB1643 , SB1299 , SB841 , SB668 , SB584 , SB1085 , SB2431 , SB1490 , SB1868 , SB2314 , SB434 , SB2046 , SB1667 , SB1727 , SB2127 , SB1975 , SB1760 , SB1734 , SB1335 , SB2246 , SB2439 , SB1624 , SB1244 , SB1468 , SB2717 , SB1612 , SB1262 , SB604 , SB2395 , SB1832 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB2207 , SB1784 , SB1524 , SB528 , SB437 , SB269 , SB1137 , SB968 , SB636 , SB747 , SB1325 , SB1789 , SB1455 , SB2056 , SB1940 , SB2052 , SB1579 , SB2068 , SB3034 , SB844 , SB1920 , SB1558 , SB1236 , SB1044 , SB884 , SB463 , SB227 , SB240 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1626 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2216 , SB2681 , SB1717 , SB2141 , SB2323 , SB2200 , SB2332 , SB2199 , SB1642 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB1138 , SB2626 , SB2458 , SB1864 , SB2201 , SB1862 , SB1583 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB1898 , SB2662 , SB2161 , SB2964 , SB2881 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2743 , SB2533 , SB1413 , SB2073 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB2774 , SB2702 , SB2629 , SB2443 , SB2349 , SB2167 , SB2145 , SB2121 , SB758 , SB648 , SB647 , SB512 , SB438 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB1495 , SB2705 , SB2366 , SB1422 , SB1369 , SB1013 , SB682 , SB2692 , SB2570 , SB2797 , SB2111 , SB1896 , SB1164 , SB1020 , SB663 , SB2371 , SB1152 , SB2196 , SB2383 , SB2581 , SB2798 , SB330 , SB646 , SB843 , SB1998 , SB1418 , SB2788 , SB1169 , SB2873 , SB1754 , SB1534 , SB1718 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB1143 , SB1756 , SB912 , SB2119 , SB2032 , SB527 , SB1580 , SB1952 , SB2601 , SB2322 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB407 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB3031 , SB2877 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2920 , SB2929 , SB1395 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB1183 , SB2742 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB2117 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1964 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB39 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2722 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB1574 , SB2900 , SB23 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB401 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB467 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB2031 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , HB135 , HB 1109 , SCR48 , SB31 , SB2880 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB771 , SB2844 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB2351 , SB410 , SB659 , SB816 , SB2776 , SB2693 , SB2580 , SB1980 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB482 , SB456 , SB127 , SB1666 , SJR85 , SB23 , SB826 , SB844 , SB957 , SB1413 , SB1539 , SB1583 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1789 , SB1883 , SB1963 , SB2024 , SB2626 , SB2774 , SB825 , SB1870 , SB2010 , SB240 , SB618 , SB870 , SB1257 , SB1727 , SR424 , SR428 , SCR29 , SCR42 , SCR49 , SB3056 , SB3057 , HB2 , HB20 , HB 120 , HB142 , HB210 , HB215 , HB451 , HB 1022 , HB 1151 , HB1458 , HB1700 , HB2000 , HB3093 , SB3056 , SB3057 , HB2 , HB20 , HB 120 , HB142 , HB210 , HB215 , HB451 , HB 1022 , HB 1151 , HB1458 , HB1700 , HB2000 , HB3093

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> create a Minnesota tax relief account create a Minnesota tax relief account funded<00:02:31.319>
• ><c> projected</c> funded by the account of projected funded by the account of projected revenues<00:
• </c> deposits into the budget Reserve account deposits into the budget Reserve account the<00:07:29.840
• </c><00:20:57.559><c> Universal</c> we're coming back and provided Universal we're coming back and provided
• </c><00:21:32.440><c> some</c> that says we're going to provide some that says we're going to provide

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• The department has provided written testimony providing comments on the measure, and I'm available for
• </c> Forester uh the department has provided Forester uh the department has provided written<00:03:33.439
• c> written testimony uh providing comments written testimony uh providing comments on<00:03:35.560><c
• > provide</c><00:05:05.680><c> some</c><00:05:05.919><c> additional</c> did want to provide some additional
• </c> time fourth 19 States already provide time fourth 19 States already provide surveyors<00:58:00.160

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1 and SB 1561 on vegetation management near utility lines and wildfire prevention. Testimony focused on requiring DLNR to create and update wildfire hazard maps, setting vegetation-trimming responsibilities for property owners near rights-of-way and utility lines, and authorizing utilities to enter property to remove hazardous vegetation. DLNR, the PUC, and Hawaiian Electric all testified, with Hawaiian Electric asking for clearer access language, after-the-fact notification in imminent-risk situations, and liability limits. Committee members discussed balancing wildfire response with property rights and the need for clearer responsibility and enforcement, including on easements and utility poles. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1 pass with amendments, incorporating comments from testimony, and SB 1561 was deferred. The next major item was SB 640 on artificial intelligence disclosures. The bill would require businesses and individuals in commercial transactions to clearly disclose when consumers are interacting with an AI chatbot or similar technology, and it would create private rights of action and penalties. TechNet, the Office of Consumer Protection, and the Chamber of Commerce raised concerns about vague definitions, overbroad application, enforcement, and the private cause of action; the Chamber also argued the bill could burden small businesses that use AI tools for routine functions. In response to questions, OCP said the measure was ambiguous as to who it applies to and that the remedies and treble-damages provisions were unclear. The committee recommended SB 640 be deferred. The committee also heard SB 454 on prorating the rental motor vehicle surcharge tax when a vehicle is rented for only part of a day. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii said the proposal would make the tax system fairer but more complex and would require better recordkeeping by rental companies; the Department of Taxation and Enterprise Mobility also submitted comments. Senator Melby noted possible effects on the special highway fund and said that could affect his vote. The measure was referred onward, with the discussion indicating it would proceed to Ways and Means. Finally, the committee heard SB 1272 on towing, which would create a licensing framework for tow companies. Testimony from tow-industry representatives strongly supported the measure, describing unlicensed or noncompliant operators, poor insurance practices, and the need for accountability and consumer protection. They said a licensing board would give regulators a clearer enforcement avenue and help ensure fair treatment of vehicle owners. The hearing ended before a final action was taken on SB 1272 in the portion provided.