Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:33.000> as<00:45:33.120> those<00:45:33.360> by<00:45:33.480> the<
• appropriation request<00:45:39.600> of<00:45:39.680> $5<00:45:40.160> million.
• Okay,<00:45:43.440> if<00:45:43.600> not,<00:45:43.920> Senate<00:45:44.160>
• <00:45:53.280> Any<00:45:53.480> members<00:45:53.760> voting<00:45:54.040> no
• With<00:45:54.480> all<00:45:54.600> others<00:45:54.840> voting<00:45:55.160>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing, meeting jointly with the Committee on Health and Human Services, heard testimony on Senate Bill 2787, which would expand use of the rental housing revolving fund to provide loans or grants for purchasing rental units, and Senate Bill 2957, which addresses tenant displacement and relocation protections, as well as Senate Bill 2866, which would make the state rent supplement program for kupuna permanent and appropriate funds for it. Testimony on SB 2787 included support from DHHL, HHFDC, AARP Hawaii, and others, while the Attorney General recommended clarifying language and standards for grants, and the Tax Foundation questioned whether grants fit the revolving-fund structure. On SB 2957, supporters including OHA, PACT, medical-legal advocates, and tenant representatives emphasized relocation hardships from the KPT redevelopment, language access, and the need for clearer minimum safeguards; the Attorney General suggested defining “comparable units” and correcting a drafting error. On SB 2866, HPHA, Catholic Charities, AARP, the Executive Office on Aging, and others supported making the kupuna rent supplement program permanent to prevent homelessness among low-income seniors. During discussion on SB 2957, members questioned HPHA and tenant counsel about the KPT low-rise relocation process and what “comparable housing” meant in practice. HPHA said all tenants were relocated, but counsel described disputes over comparability, disability and family-size issues, and at least one offered unit that was not livable. For SB 2787, members questioned DHHL about why it sought funding from the rental housing revolving fund rather than other sources; DHHL said it was still exploring options and had mostly used its funds for infrastructure, with only a small portion used as revolving funds. The chair expressed concern about relying on scarce housing funds and urged more efficient use of DHHL’s existing resources. In decision-making, the committees voted to pass SB 2957 with amendments and SB 2866 with amendments. For SB 2957, the amendments would replace the bill with a working group on tenant displacement and relocation, include a blank appropriation and defective date, and request $75,000 for the working group; the motion was adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator Favela excused. For SB 2866, the amended version would include a blank appropriation, defective date, and committee report language noting requests for $110,160 for two HPHA public housing specialist positions and $2.16 million for the state rent supplement program; this motion was also adopted, with Senator Favela excused. After the joint hearing adjourned, the committee returned to the housing-only agenda and continued discussion of SB 2787 before moving on to SB 3089, which would amend the down payment loan assistance program for low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers; testimony on SB 3089 was beginning when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, yes, 45 and 45 and 45. Madam Vice Chair, will you please move Bill 2013? Mr.
• Sandy Barr, I'm the director for Sierra Club's Green Canyon chapter, which is the Arizona chapter, and
• Chairman, member Sandy Barr, I'm the director for Sierra Club's Green Canyon Chapter, and we are opposed

Bills: HB2013, HB2292, HB2334, HB2349, HB2350, HB2845, HCM2011

Keywords: air pollution, wildfires, environmental standards, public health, Arizona Revised Statutes, wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, forest fire, brush removal, defensible space, community hardening, vegetation management, fire-resistant construction, wildland urban interface, WUI, insurance premium tax, property insurance, homeowners insurance, commercial property insurance

Summary: The committee heard three measures. HB 2013 would require the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to submit an exceptional event demonstration to the EPA when wildfires on federally managed land affect Arizona air quality. Sponsor Rep. Lisa Fink said the bill is intended to prevent Arizona from being penalized for wildfire-driven air quality problems and could help reduce regulatory burdens. Sierra Club opposed the bill, arguing the existing exceptional-event process already requires case-by-case analysis, that automatic filings could be unnecessary or ineffective, and that the bill lacked an appropriation. ADEQ testified neutral. The committee approved HB 2013 on a 5-1 vote. HB 2292 would create the Wildfire Prevention Authority and Fund under the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management; a committee amendment renamed it the Wildfire Mitigation and Risk Reduction Authority and Fund, capped administrative expenses at 8%, and prioritized funding for single-family and multi-family dwellings. Supporters, including Coconino County Vice Chair Geronimo Vasquez and the County Supervisors Association, said the bill would provide a coordinated, data-driven wildfire mitigation program funded by a $20 million annual diversion from insurance premium tax revenues, helping reduce wildfire damage and stabilize insurance costs. Members discussed the funding source as an existing tax diversion rather than a new tax. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed HB 2292 as amended on an 8-0 vote. HCM 2011 urges Congress to pass federal legislation to delist the Mexican wolf, defund the reintroduction program, and transfer management to local authorities. The sponsor said the memorial responds to ranching impacts from wolf predation and supports federal action already moving in Congress. Sierra Club opposed the memorial, saying the species remains insufficiently recovered and that delisting would be premature. After debate, including comments both supporting and opposing delisting, the committee approved HCM 2011 on a 5-2 vote and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also<00:45:05.920> have<00:45:06.319> two<00:45:06.720> hearing<00:45:07.119>
• <00:45:12.880> Um<00:45:13.200> and<00:45:13.440> then<00:45:13.599> we
• Then we<00:45:20.640> have<00:45:20.880> two<00:45:21.200> then<00:45:21.440>
• from<00:45:21.680> there<00:45:21.920> we<00:45:22.160> go<00:45:22.319>
• /c><00:45:48.560> to<00:45:48.880> judicial<00:45:49.359> branch<00:45:49.920>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on June 20, 2025 and first approved the May 16 minutes and the non-removed items on the consent calendar. It then took up a Health and Human Services item for $5 million in additional nursing facility payments (FIS 25158). HHS explained the transfer was for private and county nursing facilities and was the third and final transfer in FY25, funded through federal matching dollars, county cap funds, and general funds. Members asked about the size of the transfer, whether it signaled future shortfalls, and how projections were developed; HHS said the request reflected updated estimates and that they did not expect similarly large transfers going forward. The committee adopted the item. The committee also considered an ARPA-related item to remove a line from a funding request because the issue had been resolved and the positions/funds were no longer needed. Members approved the item with that line removed. Commissioner Caswell then answered questions about ARPA spending authority, saying remaining projects must be expended by December 31, 2026 and that the item was intended to preserve authority for ongoing capital projects; any unspent funds would revert to the federal government. Members noted the recurring nature of these ARPA adjustments and the need to keep tracking deadlines. The Department of Corrections presented several items, including a $10 million request tied to staffing shortages and overtime costs, plus additional corrections-related funding items. Interim commissioner John Skipa said 18 employees had received preliminary layoff notices pending final budget approval. He and staff said the overtime need was driven by staffing shortages, later collective bargaining pay increases, and double-time compensation for uniform officers forced into overtime; they also said one housing unit section had been closed to reduce staffing pressure. In response to questions about morale and operational risk, Skipa said the department was under strain, that leadership was in transition, and that staffing or budget reductions could create litigation risk. The committee also heard about the Site Evaluation Committee’s budget shortfall, which was attributed to fewer new facility applications but continued casework and public engagement, and approved that item. Finally, members discussed a YDC claims administration item, questioning the role and cost of the Verald Dana consultant; staff said the firm handles intake and processing of claims for the Attorney General’s office and had been involved since the claims process was created. Several items were adopted after brief discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• > be<00:45:40.280> there<00:45:40.440> and<00:45:40.680> help<00:45:41.520
• 00:45:42.520> VA<00:45:42.960> in<00:45:43.160> town<00:45:43.559> right<
• <00:45:46.520> place<00:45:47.240> brings<00:45:48.079> groups good but but
• :49.640> it<00:45:49.960> works<00:45:50.960> so<00:45:51.880> any<00:45:
• <00:45:59.400> bill<00:45:59.640> on<00:45:59.760> our<00:45:59.920> agenda

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter Chapter Chapter uh<00:45:50.960> 609<00:45:52.080> punishes<00:45:53.120> the
• <00:45:53.280> predators.
• <00:45:54.360> The<00:45:54.480> legal uh 609 punishes the predators.
• :45:57.520> protecting<00:45:58.160> her,<00:45:58.840> but<00:45:59.040> there
• <00:45:59.280> is<00:45:59.560> a<00:45:59.640> law to in protecting her, but

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :45:18.200> an<00:45:18.359> old<00:45:18.599> PL<00:45:19.480> I<00:45:19.640
• > I<00:45:42.960> want<00:45:43.040> to<00:45:43.160> know<00:45:43.440>
• c> right<00:45:47.280> now<00:45:47.520> how<00:45:47.640> many<00:45:47.920
• <00:45:54.640> so<00:45:54.839> thank<00:45:54.960> you<00:45:55.920> um<
• :45:53.639> them<01:45:53.920> to<01:45:54.280> one<01:45:54.400> of<01:45

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.160> in<00:45:00.319> this<00:45:00.520> role<00:45:00.760> is<00:45:
• <00:45:04.200> um<00:45:04.319> I<00:45:04.440> have<00:45:04.520> a<00:45
• 00:45:31.079> that<00:45:31.240> occurred<00:45:31.559> to<00:45:31.680> them
• 45:44.720> we<00:45:44.839> also<00:45:45.079> have<00:45:45.240> help<00
• > a<00:45:49.119> Mac<00:45:49.520> vso<00:45:50.040> or<00:45:50.240>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Veterans and Military Affairs Division held its first meeting with a quorum present, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, and reviewed decorum expectations and basic operating rules. Members and staff introduced themselves, and Chair Aaron Repinski emphasized that the committee would operate as a nonpartisan body focused on veterans’ issues. No minutes were approved because it was the division’s first meeting. Nonpartisan House staff then gave an overview of the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs, including their missions, organizational structure, and budgets. The presentation highlighted the Minnesota National Guard, Camp Ripley, enlistment incentives, the Emergency Services Program, and the Veterans Affairs programs for veterans homes, cemeteries, benefits assistance, and state-funded benefits such as the State Soldiers Assistance Program, Minnesota GI Bill, and Post-9/11 bonus. Staff also noted housing and homelessness-related initiatives, several committee-supported outside programs, and the Support Our Troops license plate funding split between the two agencies. The committee then heard from Trent Dils of Disabled American Veterans Minnesota on behalf of the Commander's Task Force, a coalition of congressionally chartered veterans organizations. He described the group’s unanimous legislative process and urged continuation of a separate veterans omnibus bill, arguing it has helped keep veterans issues apart from broader partisan disputes. He also began outlining the task force’s 2025 priorities, including hunting, fishing, and trapping benefits for veterans, but the transcript cuts off before the full list or any committee action on those priorities is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, thank<00:45:42.240> you<00:45:42.319> for<00:45:42.480> your<00:45:
• <00:45:44.400> to<00:45:44.640> speak<00:45:44.800> with<00:45:44.960> you
• We're<00:45:45.520> happy<00:45:45.680> to<00:45:45.920> answer<00:45:46.400>
• Are there<00:45:48.560> any<00:45:49.040> um<00:45:49.280> questions<00:45:49.680
• <00:45:57.119> Um<00:45:57.520> seeing<00:45:57.839> none,<00:45:58.720> um

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.400> uh<00:45:00.559> tests<00:45:01.319> and<00:45:01.480> the on math
• :01.920> sit<00:45:02.160> here<00:45:02.520> and<00:45:02.640> listen<00
• this information the more I'm<00:45:04.800> realizing<00:45:05.800> well<00:45:05.920>
• :45:08.240> the<00:45:08.599> curriculum<00:45:09.119> or necessarily just about
• > it's<00:45:10.079> about<00:45:10.280> the<00:45:10.400> kids<00:45:10.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.319> into<00:45:00.880> a<00:45:01.319> new<00:45:01.800> office<00:45
• :26.440> the<01:45:26.639> child<01:45:27.119> I<01:45:27.280> wasn't<01:
• <01:45:29.920> others<01:45:30.520> the<01:45:30.639> other<01:45:31.360> states
• have their<01:45:32.800> Health<01:45:33.000> and<01:45:33.159> Human<01:45:33.840
• um governed<01:45:36.320> or<01:45:36.520> or<01:45:36.719> covered<01:45:37.520

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 262 FN and this<00:45:02.559> is<00:45:02.920> a<00:45:03.079> very<00:45:
• 00:45:27.960> life<00:45:28.680> so<00:45:28.920> the<00:45:29.079> 18<00
• these children<00:45:34.880> and<00:45:35.119> then<00:45:35.400> of<00:45:35.520
• 37.440> the<00:45:37.640> maximum<00:45:38.520> so<00:45:39.520> I'm<00:45
• <00:45:46.119> that<00:45:46.240> want<00:45:46.359> to<00:45:46.480> harm

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:45:11.280> people<00:45:12.119> going<00:45:12.520> out<00:45:12.760> of
• me encouraging me and<00:45:18.319> me<00:45:18.599> not<00:45:18.920> to<00:45
• > as<00:45:36.680> a<00:45:36.920> person<00:45:37.319> getting<00:45:37.720
• the people<00:45:45.960> that<00:45:46.079> live<00:45:46.280> in<00:45:46.400><
• :45:48.920> invested<00:45:49.520> in<00:45:50.520> in<00:45:50.800> are<

Bills: HF1051, HF16

Keywords: sacred communities, micro units, religious institutions, housing regulations, homelessness, conditional use permits, immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, sanctuary city, noncooperation ordinance, ICE, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, federal immigration authorities, deportation, undocumented immigrant, undocumented person, immigration status data, data sharing, preemption, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:01.359> and<00:45:01.839> that<00:45:02.160> will<00:45:02.400> lead
• > long-term<00:45:04.400> uh<00:45:04.560> patient<00:45:04.880> not<00:45
• patient not being able to<00:45:05.440> access<00:45:05.760> treatment<00:45:06.160>
• > and<00:45:07.040> um<00:45:07.200> poorer<00:45:07.599> health ...to access
• 43 as well as SR28 and STR 45. 43 as well as SR28 and STR 45.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first considered a series of Governor’s Message nominations, largely to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances. Testifiers and agencies spoke in strong support of the nominees, emphasizing their advocacy, community involvement, and lived experience. The committee heard from nominees and supporters for John Paul Moses III, Cynthia Fowler, Joshua Eay, Alicia Kim, Raymond Mamea, Maria Christina Valenzuela, Eden Watabayashi, Sierra Whiteside, and Brandy Lynn Macallani Hayen. After hearing testimony, the committee voted to advise and consent on each nomination, with the votes adopted by the members present. The committee then took up SR 53 / SCR 69, which asks the Department of Health to convene a pharmacy benefit manager working group to improve transparency, fairness, and drug affordability. Supporters included the Hawaii Pharmacist Association, the University of Hawaii system, and several individuals, while the Department of Health said the issue is complex and may require additional support or a different structure. Members discussed whether the Department of Health should lead the effort or whether another entity, such as SHIPA with an appropriation, might be more workable; the Department of Health suggested a $100,000 appropriation could be sufficient. Next, SR 56 / SCR 73 proposed a report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Wellness and Resilience supported the measure and asked for an extended deadline to the end of 2026, and several youth, mental health, and community organizations testified in support. The committee also heard SR 69 / STR 86 on creating an aeromedical services working group, with support from Air Methods, the Department of Health, and the Hawaii Medical Association, and SR 99 / STR 118 on studying the use of filtered catchment water for business activity, which drew support from the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association and comments from the Department of Health that the issue is complicated and should include the Department of Agriculture. No final votes on the resolutions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :45:15.319> to<00:45:15.880> um<00:45:16.040> do<00:45:16.240> some arpa
• ><00:45:17.040> uh<00:45:17.240> furniture<00:45:17.680> on<00:45:17.839> one
• > years<00:45:27.000> because<00:45:27.119> we<00:45:27.240> can't<00:45:
• we can't do it all<00:45:27.800> at<00:45:27.960> one<00:45:28.200> time<00:45:
• :45:44.520> I<00:45:44.640> I<00:45:44.720> only<00:45:45.000> to<00:45:45.079

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• chapter 514.01 which is the swimming pool definition under Florida statutes Chapter 514.01, which is
• And I oppose HB 45.
• Okay, so I oppose House Bill 45 as everyone here probably recognizes.
• Unfortunately, House Bill 45 is effectively banishment.
• Unfortunately, House Bill 45 is effectively banishment.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee met to consider three bills. HB 199, relating to Veterans Court, was presented as a repeat measure aligning Veterans Court procedures with mental health and drug court laws and allowing post-adjudicatory referrals. A technical amendment was adopted, numerous witnesses waived in support, and the bill passed unanimously 17-0. The committee then took up HB 45, which would add public swimming pools and public bathing places to existing sex offender residency, work, volunteer, and visitation restrictions. The sponsor argued it would protect children and apply only to specified sex offenses. Several members and public witnesses raised concerns that the bill’s definitions were overly broad, could effectively ban registrants from much of Florida, and could increase homelessness and make offenders harder to track. An amendment narrowing the bill’s scope and definitions was adopted after debate, and the bill passed 11-5 as amended. Finally, HB 17, the Jason Rayner Act, was heard to clarify that force may not be used to resist an arrest by an officer acting in the performance of official duties, retain good-faith language, add manslaughter to offenses requiring a life sentence when reclassified, and increase the severity level for battery on a law enforcement officer. The sponsor said the bill was intended to strengthen protections for officers; opponents argued it could sweep in accidental or less culpable conduct, while supporters said existing law already covered serious cases. A clarifying amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 16-0 as amended. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:45:05.280> and<00:45:05.440> receive<00:45:06.040> part<00:45:06.280> of
• > you<01:45:02.280> can<01:45:02.400> see<01:45:02.640> that<01:45:02.880
• > can<01:45:14.480> look<01:45:14.640> at<01:45:14.840> individual<01:45:
• Look at<01:45:16.160> your<01:45:16.320> elementary<01:45:16.760> school,<01:45:
• <01:45:20.840> There's<01:45:21.080> a<01:45:21.120> number<01:45:21.480>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• chapter law that chapter Provisions were chapter law that chapter law<00:22:23.200> expires<00
• identif we<01:45:23.920> the<01:45:24.080> screening<01:45:24.599> happens<01:45
• 01:45:30.040> might<01:45:30.159> need<01:45:30.320> a<01:45:30.440> c<01
• <01:45:32.159> pursue<01:45:32.520> sign<01:45:32.880> language<01:45:33.239
• 01:45:43.199> not<01:45:44.040> uh<01:45:44.400> they're<01:45:44.560> not

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division III work session focused on the Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health Services budget. Department staff said Public Health has a relatively small budget compared with other DHHS divisions, is supported mostly by federal and other non-General funds, and contains nearly 100 accounting units and more than 50 federal grants. They emphasized that the governor’s budget did not include significant cuts, but that federal funding uncertainty and the winding down of pandemic-era resources were major factors affecting the division. The division also explained that some apparent budget growth reflects reorganizations, including moving the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery and some programs from other DHHS divisions into Public Health. The presentation described Public Health’s mission as serving the entire state through food and water safety, disease surveillance, emergency response, maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, WIC, community health center support, and public health data collection. Members asked about bird flu, and staff explained that human-health response would involve Public Health’s lab, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness units, while animal-health issues are handled with the Department of Agriculture; they also noted ongoing milk testing requested by FDA and USDA. The division said its organizational structure includes bureaus for Family Health and Nutrition, Infectious Disease Control, Public Health Protection, Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Wellness, Statistics and Informatics, and Public Health Laboratories, with about a 15% vacancy rate. Committee members questioned whether the division’s budget and staffing had really grown since pre-COVID, and staff responded that full-time authorized staffing is about the same as in 2018, with the increase largely due to federal pandemic funding that has since receded and to program transfers between divisions. They said Public Health’s General Fund share is about $24 million out of roughly $1.1 billion in DHHS General Fund spending, or about 2.2% of the department total. Members also asked about the 3,000-position cap and unfunded positions; staff explained that the cap remains in chapter law through June 30, 2025, that 394 positions were unfunded in the governor’s budget, and that the division expects flexibility to move money from personnel lines and fill unfunded positions to manage changing needs. No votes or formal actions were taken in this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000> U<00:45:00.160> nature<00:45:00.640> of<00:45:01.200> many<00:45
• <00:45:03.079> a<00:45:03.200> conversation<00:45:04.119> um<00:45:04.760>
• > uh<00:45:09.160> yes<00:45:09.559> some<00:45:09.880> LPN<00:45:10.880>
• > an<00:45:12.079> entry<00:45:12.440> level<00:45:13.359> um<00:45:13.760><
• 00:45:27.520> to<00:45:27.880> try<00:45:28.160> to<00:45:28.559> work<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Do<00:45:08.640> you<00:45:08.800> have<00:45:08.880> data<00:45:09.119
• > on<00:45:09.280> how<00:45:09.440> much<00:45:09.599> of<00:45:09.920><
• >> I<00:45:11.839> can<00:45:11.920> get<00:45:12.000> that<00:45:12.160><
• :45:19.119> consumer<00:45:20.160> pays<00:45:20.800> and<00:45:20.960> let's
• On<00:45:31.839> that<00:45:32.160> 67.89<00:45:33.280> purchase,<00:45:34.400><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education met on February 17 and announced it would limit public testimony to one minute because more than a thousand testimonies were expected on one measure. The first bill heard was HB 1934, relating to the Imagination Library of Hawaii. The state librarian and Friends of the Library supported the bill, saying the program is a proven, cost-effective way to improve early literacy and should be expanded statewide for children ages 0 to 5. Friends of the Library said the current 50/50 match requirement would be too difficult to meet immediately and asked for state funding for the first few years to help launch the expansion. Testimony included eight supporters and one opponent, and members asked whether the proposal was an expansion of an existing program; the state librarian said it would expand service beyond currently targeted communities. The committee then heard HB 20004, which would extend the floating librarian pilot program. The state librarian, Department of Education, HSTA, and several individuals testified in support. Supporters said the program helps address staffing needs and improves student readiness, especially for college and information literacy. One retired community college librarian said school librarians help students prepare for college and are increasingly important in teaching critical evaluation of misinformation and AI-generated content. Members asked about implementation of the existing pilot, including recruitment of certified librarians for neighbor island and Oahu complex areas; DOE said those positions had been identified and recruitment was underway, and existing funds remained intact. The final major discussion was HB 2398, which clarifies the library system’s role in RNMSP-related projects and public library construction on or near school land. The state librarian and public library system supported the bill, while the Department of Education and Attorney General’s office raised concerns about vague language, especially the phrase “land controlled by the board,” and suggested amendments. In questioning, the state librarian explained that the bill was prompted by conflicts on shared or adjacent school/public library sites, including traffic, pickup and drop-off access, and other operational issues. DOE described significant disruption from one project’s traffic changes and said planning for such projects should involve early coordination and formal agreements. The state librarian responded that the new bill would clarify oversight and help avoid delays and disputes over property control and future renovations.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:45:07.480> I,<00:45:07.880> does<00:45:08.000> not<00:45:08.200> have<
• :45:18.440> by<00:45:18.920> and<00:45:19.040> does<00:45:19.160> not two
• 00:45:19.760> managerial<00:45:20.200> duties<00:45:20.520> of<00:45:20.600>
• or<00:45:21.240> person<00:45:21.560> in<00:45:21.640> control<00:45:21.920
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Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 12 February, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles, and heard an invocation and pledge. The early portion of the meeting focused on recognizing recipients of the 2026 Governor’s Arts Awards. The Senate adopted resolutions honoring Greg Harkins for excellence in traditional craft, Jesse Robinson for lifetime achievement in blues music, Heather Christian for excellence in music composition, the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra for excellence in performing arts, and Dorothy “Dottie” Armstrong for excellence in art education. The executive director of the Mississippi Arts Commission briefly thanked the senators and invited them to the evening awards ceremony. The chamber also received several announcements and introductions, including recognition of the Mississippi Society of Radiologic Technologists’ Capitol Day and visiting students from several radiologic science programs. There was also mention of an out-of-order resolution commemorating the 155th anniversary of Alcorn State University, though no action on it was detailed in the excerpt. On the calendar, the Senate took up Senate Bill 2915, which concerns alcoholic beverages, native wine retail permits, and festival permits. The bill was explained as a measure to support Mississippi’s native wineries by allowing free-standing tasting rooms in different parts of the state while maintaining tax collection; a committee substitute and a friendly amendment were adopted, and the bill passed by use of the morning roll call. The Senate then began consideration of Senate Bill 2828, the Money Transmission Modernization Act, which would impose transaction fees, create a Law Enforcement 287G Program Fund, provide an income tax credit for fees paid, and revise licensing and control definitions. After objections to the usual motion, the bill was read at length, but the excerpt ends before final action on that measure.