Transcript Highlights:

• This is not in line with the Democrats' plan.
• This is not in line with the Democrats' plan.
• This is not in line with the Democrats' plan.
• This is not in line with the Democrats' plan.
• ,</c> um working with the Republican Democrat, um working with the Republican Democrat, as<01:59:10.160

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:37:30.640><c> Republican</c> whether you're Democrat Republican whether you're Democrat Republican
• </c><04:02:04.479><c> in</c> government was elected democratically in government was elected democratically
• </c><04:31:13.520><c> and</c> you on on the question of democratic and you on on the question of democratic
• </c><04:35:00.959><c> because</c> 1996 she became as a democratic because 1996 she became as a democratic
• </c><04:36:25.199><c> like</c> that this is not a democratic like that this is not a democratic like

Committee: House State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And on the Democrat side was Paul Baumback. You probably all know Paul.
• So these three ladies on the Democrat side, the back row is Deb Heffernan, of course, and Kim.
• So these three ladies on the Democrat side, the back row is Deb Heffron, of course, and Kim.
• And it's really a big thank you to the support I've gotten from the Democratic side.
• , you always took... ...you is no matter if a person was Democrat or Republican, you always took time

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus offering testimony in support.
• </c><00:38:39.200><c> Party</c><00:38:39.359><c> of</c> &gt;&gt; Next, we have the Democratic Party of
• &gt;&gt; Next, we have the Democratic Party of Hawaii<00:38:39.839><c> Education</c><00:38:40.240><c
• Next, we have the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus offering testimony and support.
• have the Democratic Party of Hawaii<01:00:57.839><c> Education</c><01:00:58.319><c> Caucus</c><01:00

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education met on March 19 and moved through several bills under time pressure, hearing mostly brief testimony. SB 2024 SD2 and SB 896 SD2, both concerning public-private partnerships for charter school facilities, drew support from the Department of Education, the Charter School Commission, White Kids Can, and Hawaii Technology Academy. DOE said any P3 model should apply only to charter schools on private land and not affect public schools on DOE land. Supporters argued the approach could speed construction, reduce costs, and keep public money in public assets, while UPW and HGA raised concerns about privatization. In response, SFA said the intent was to mirror the existing conversion charter school model, with public ownership of assets and unionized staff, and noted some regions have waited years for schools. SB 2613 SD1 on TMK transfers was heard next. DOE said the bill had originally been supported as part of the governor’s package but was amended to require DOE to convey lands for 13 libraries on DOE property, which DOE said would create “donut holes” in campuses and was unnecessary because existing agreements already govern library use. The State Public Library System supported the bill, saying it has long coexisted with DOE but needs clearer separation and more reliable control over its sites. The Attorney General’s office said the library system currently lacks express statutory authority to own real property and flagged implementation issues because some of the affected parcels are not currently owned by DOE. Committee members questioned both sides about current agreements, communication, and how the bill would change operations. SB 494 SD2, concerning charter school audits, received comments from the Charter School Commission, which said the bill was redundant because charter schools already undergo annual audits during the term of their contracts. The Office of the Auditor was also present. SB 2391 SD2, relating to automatic pay increases for teachers, drew strong opposition from the Office of Collective Bargaining, which said step movement and longevity increases are negotiated in each contract and do not automatically carry over when a contract expires; it warned the bill could affect upcoming negotiations with HSTA. HSTA and several other supporters argued the bill would standardize annual step movement, improve retention, and reflect existing contract language. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• were canvassing for, and we were at the doors of everybody, and it didn't matter whether you were a Democrat
• gigawatt generating station against the policies of previous administrations primarily run by the Democrat
• Senator Epstein: Another brilliant amendment from our Democratic caucus.
• Another brilliant amendment from our Democratic caucus.
• If you look across the country, you have Democratic governors and Republican governors both agreeing

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There were a bunch of decisions made over the last several years while Democrats had complete control
• going to hold true to in our conversation today, it's that this benefit and other benefits that Democrats
• And I know, Democrats, you know we had an 18 billion dollar surplus that you turned into a billion dollar
• The Walls administration and the Democratic trifecta projected 5,500 enrollees in the first year, and
• When Democrats passed this expansion, the projected cost was $196 million over four short years, based

Transcript Highlights:

• There is also written testimony in support from the Democratic Party of Hawaii and the Democratic Party
• also um written testimony support from also um written testimony support from the<01:02:20.920><c> Democratic
• Party of Hawaii and the the Democratic Party of Hawaii and the Democratic<01:02:23.360><c> Party</c>
• <01:02:23.600><c> of</c><01:02:23.680><c> Hawaii</c><01:02:23.960><c> Kupuna</c> Democratic Party of
• Hawaii Kupuna Democratic Party of Hawaii Kupuna Caucus.

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 963, which would make crimes against elders age 60 and over strict liability offenses by removing the requirement that the perpetrator knew or should have known the victim’s age. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that removing the state-of-mind element would create unfair and subjective results and suggesting sentencing enhancements or broader vulnerability-based language instead. Supporters, including Sandy Wong and another testifier with elder-abuse experience, said the current knowledge requirement creates a loophole that lets offenders avoid the elder enhancement even when they target vulnerable older adults. No vote was taken on the measure in the portion provided. The committee also heard HB 384, which increases penalties for promoting minor-produced sexual images, extends probation terms for felony obscenity offenses, tolls the statute of limitations during a victim’s minority, and requires sex offender registration for certain felony obscenity offenses involving minors. The Public Defender opposed the bill as overly broad and warned of absurd results, while the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney supported it, saying the bill addresses sextortion and other exploitation cases where adults solicit images from minors and that the 3-year age-gap threshold preserves ordinary teen relationships. Committee members questioned whether the bill was aimed at adults only and whether the age-gap carveout was narrow enough; the prosecutor said it was intended to cover adult predators and not consensual peer conduct. No final action was reported. HB 1100, which renames the Neighbor Islands Blind and Visually Impaired Service Pilot Program to use “low vision” instead of “visually impaired,” was supported by the Department of Human Services and disability advocates, who said the current term is derogatory and that the change responds to the blind community. The department said it was beginning work on administrative rules and expected to seek an appropriation, with implementation hoped for in 2026. The committee then heard HB 1283, exempting paternity proceedings from mediation when domestic abuse is alleged; the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and others supported it as consistent with divorce law and important for survivor safety. HB 689, creating safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement help, drew support from HPD, Emua Alliance, the Judiciary, and others, who said it would prevent traffickers from using prostitution charges to silence victims. Finally, HB 383, reinstating mandatory minimum jail terms for successive violations of protective orders and removing the court’s ability to suspend those minimums, drew opposition from the Public Defender, who said some repeat violations stem from mental health or substance use issues, and support from the Prosecuting Attorney, who argued the bill treats protective orders like temporary restraining orders and preserves judicial discretion within a misdemeanor framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• On the Democrat side, uh, Baird.
• On the Democrat side, uh, Representatives<01:54:26.239><c> Clever</c><01:54:26.719><c> and</c><01:54:
• As many of you know, I, alongside my Democrat colleague, Congressman Donald Norcross, have introduced
• Speaker, and still I rise, an unbought, unbossed, unafraid, liberated Democrat.
• I rise as an unbought, liberated, unafraid Democrat.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, May 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Working with Speaker Sprouls, the Democratic Caucus, and the Black Caucus to get a police reform bill
• To the most brilliant, baddest, hardest-working team in the land, our House Democratic office staff,
• To my caucus, it is a great day to be a Democrat. It is a great day to be a Democrat.
• This is employees exercising that exact democratic vote and voice this bill claims to protect.
• And in those moments, it's not so much about Republican or Democrat.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of a quorum, then adopted the special order calendar for the day. The first major item was CS/SB 156, the Officer Jason Rayner Act, which revises laws on resisting officers and adds manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses eligible for a life sentence reclassification. The sponsor said the bill was intended to honor Officer Jason Rayner and clarify that questions of fault belong in court; opponents argued it removed judicial discretion, could sweep in unintended cases, and was a broad response to a case-specific prosecutorial failure. After debate, the bill passed 108-8. The House then passed CS/SB 688 on naturopathic medicine, which creates a regulatory structure and licensure framework for naturopathic physicians, defines scope and limits of practice, and establishes a board under the Department of Health with medical doctor oversight. Supporters described it as a consumer protection and medical freedom measure; opponents called it an expansion of scope and criticized the low penalty for impersonating a naturopathic physician. The bill passed 85-22. The chamber also passed CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, creating a Florida Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, a Florida Speech and Debate Week, and a statewide debate initiative, by a vote of 112-0. Additional measures approved included CS/CS/SB 1220 on transportation, which covers a wide range of issues including FDOT authority, airports and seaports, drone delivery, autonomous vehicles, toll revenues, and related regulatory changes; it passed 87-23. SB 962 on affordable housing, which clarifies that Live Local Act zoning preemption does not unintentionally capture working farms and farm operations, passed 109-2. CS/CS/SB 1580 on illegal gaming was introduced and explained as a crackdown on illegal slot machines and unregulated gaming arcades, with questions focused on VFWs, sweepstakes, fantasy sports, and the Seminole gaming compact, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill. The session also included several recognitions and lengthy farewell remarks from departing members, including Leader Driscoll and Majority Leader Sirois.

Transcript Highlights:

• Working with Speaker Sprouls, the Democratic Caucus, and the Black Caucus to get a police reform bill
• To the most brilliant, baddest, hardest-working team in the land, our House Democratic office staff,
• To my caucus, it is a great day to be a Democrat. It is a great day to be a Democrat.
• This is employees exercising that exact democratic vote and voice this bill claims to protect.
• And in those moments, it’s not so much about Republican or Democrat.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum call, approval of the journal, and adoption of the special order calendar. The chamber then took up several Senate bills on special order, with members offering questions and debate before final votes. The first major measure, CS/SB 156, the Officer Jason Rayner Act, would reclassify certain offenses against law enforcement officers and add manslaughter of an officer to the life-sentence reclassification statute. Supporters said it honored Officer Rayner and clarified that resistance to officers with violence is unlawful; opponents argued it reduced judicial discretion and could sweep in unintended cases. The bill passed 100-8. The House next passed CS/SB 688 on naturopathic medicine, which creates a regulatory framework and licensure standards for naturopathic physicians, defines scope limits, and establishes a board under the Department of Health. Supporters framed it as a consumer protection and medical freedom bill, while opponents called it an expansion of scope and criticized the low penalty for unlicensed practice. It passed 85-22. The chamber also passed CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, creating a Florida Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, a Speech and Debate Week, and a statewide debate initiative, by a unanimous 112-0 vote. Members then approved CS/CS/SB 1220, a broad transportation bill covering FDOT authority, airports and seaports, drone and delivery devices, autonomous vehicle crimes, tolls, and other transportation issues; an amendment added provisions on Space Florida, golf carts, automated license plate recognition, and related matters while removing digital driver’s license repeal language. The bill passed 87-23. SB 962 on affordable housing, which clarifies that Live Local Act zoning preemption does not unintentionally capture working farms and farm operations, passed 109-2. Finally, CS/CS/SB 1580 on aiding illegal gaming was introduced and discussed; it would strengthen penalties for illegal slot machines and unregulated gaming arcades, clarify reporting and enforcement, and preempt local regulation, with questions focused on VFWs, sweepstakes, fantasy sports, and online betting. The transcript then shifted into lengthy farewell remarks and recognitions, including tributes from members leaving the House and acknowledgments of guests in the galleries.

Transcript Highlights:

• To the Democratic caucus, remember, power concedes nothing without a demand.
• Democrats in this chamber are not spectators. We are not decorative opposition.
• If one-fourth of Floridians elect Democratic representation, then at minimum one-fourth of the policy
• To the Democratic members who will continue this work, please do not shrink.
• Senator Thomas Eagleton of Missouri was nominated as the Democratic vice presidential nominee.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In support Chris Coughlin, Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus in support.
• </c> In support Chris Coughlin, Democratic In support Chris Coughlin, Democratic Party<00:15:38.560><
• Next up is Amelia Sofos for College Democrats of Hawaii. In support.
• Next up is Amelia Sofos for College Democrats of Hawaii. In support.
• Next up is Amelia Sofos for College Democrats of Hawaii. In support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several Senate bills. SB 2149 would exempt paternity proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse from mediation and clarify the domestic abuse mediation exemption in divorce cases. The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the measure but recommended technical and conforming changes, including updating references from HRS Chapter 584 to 584A and aligning the language more closely with the Uniform Mediation Act. Members discussed whether the bill’s wording could limit who may bring a support person to mediation, and the chair suggested the intent was to preserve survivor choice while avoiding ambiguity. No vote was taken in the portion heard. SB 2203 would create an offense for law enforcement officers using masks or personal disguises. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaii, Legal Clinic, and many other supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, while still allowing safety exceptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, raised concerns about operational needs, undercover and auxiliary units, body cameras, and possible supremacy clause issues if the bill is aimed at federal officers. The chair noted the bill appeared likely to move forward and asked agencies and advocates to work on possible amendments; testimony count was reported as 114 in support, 3 opposed, and 2 comments. SB 2251 would appropriate funds for the victim witness assistance program in the City and County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying it would replace shortfalls from declining federal funding and help maintain victim services and rights information. A former program director also testified in support. When asked, the office said it would not object to a simple reporting requirement. The committee then moved on to SB 2311, which would address claims against the state and add reporting and timing requirements; the Department of the Attorney General testified with concerns and recommendations, and members began questioning current practices for handling claims and settlements.

Transcript Highlights:

• But ultimately, what we want is the democratic process to allow this initiative to be on the ballot in
• and to have a decision and not allow three people to think that they have the power to derail the democratic

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee held an informational hearing on AB 1923 by Assembly Member Soria, which would place the Fresno County Transportation Improvement Act on the November 2026 ballot as a successor to Measure C. Supporters said the measure is needed to preserve transportation funding for road repairs, transit, and matching dollars for state and federal grants, and argued that Fresno County voters should be allowed to decide after more than 32,000 petition signatures qualified the initiative. Testimony in support emphasized impacts on rural communities, students, seniors, farmworkers, caregivers, and access to medical care, with many local officials, residents, labor groups, and community organizations registering support. Opposition came from the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, which argued the bill would override local control and set a bad precedent by directing a local ballot placement contrary to the board’s action. The county also said the board did not delay intentionally, but acted at the next available meeting after signature verification, and argued that a required study was justified. California State Association of Counties registered concerns about local control but did not take a formal position. Committee discussion reflected those concerns, with one member warning about state overreach and the author responding that the board’s role is ministerial and that the bill is intended to prevent delay from pushing the measure to 2028. No vote was taken because the hearing was informational only. The chair noted the committee was hearing testimony and issues surrounding the bill, and the author closed by urging support when the measure reaches the Assembly floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• But ultimately, what we want is the democratic process to allow this initiative to be on the ballot in
• and to have a decision and not allow three people to think that they have the power to derail the democratic

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Court officers will notify the Democratic members of a Democratic caucus at 12 noon in Rooms A1.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several routine and ceremonial matters first, including a resolution honoring the Solomon Northup Committee and commemorating the arrival of the Solomon Northup sculpture in Boston, which was adopted. Members also adopted an order extending the Revenue Committee’s reporting deadline on House No. 4606, concurred in a Senate sick leave bank petition for Jeffrey Yatson, and suspended Joint Rule 12 for a similar sick leave bank petition for Jean McCarran. The House then advanced House No. 4413, a bill on the terms of certain Commonwealth bonds, to third reading and later passed it to be engrossed. The main floor debate centered on House No. 4601, the fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. The bill was described as a $2.25 billion supplemental budget with a net Commonwealth cost of about $750 million, covering MassHealth, snow and ice deficiencies, Home Base, universal school meals, reproductive health care supports, a sports and entertainment fund, and other items. The bill also included outside sections on public health and finance, and it ratified seven collective bargaining agreements. The House adopted Amendment 70, which added Health Safety Net funding measures, including higher hospital assessments and a $50 million transfer from the Commonwealth Care Trust Fund, after supporters said it would help avert a projected shortfall and generate federal Medicaid revenue. A separate amendment on Home Base eligibility was rejected. The House also adopted a consolidated amendment that included provisions affecting western and central Massachusetts municipal health insurance costs and changes to violent injury benefit language for first responders, including clarifying the definition of a weapon and tightening the standard for covered injuries. Another consolidated amendment was adopted by roll call, and the bill itself was then passed to be engrossed by a recorded vote. The session ended with an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and a motion to adjourn in memory of former House members Thomas and George, which was agreed to before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just wanted your assurance, as I got in committee, that there will be a Democrat on this committee.
• Moving to the four members on each side was the confirmation that we would have at least one Democrat

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met and introduced several RS drafts on a range of topics. Representative Raymond presented RS 33739 on coordinating the Department of Lands and Parks and Recreation for recreational opportunities on state lands and allowing a fee to support the endowment; it was introduced unanimously. Representative Veiley’s RS 33737 on large-load electricity rates and preventing socialization of costs to other ratepayers was also introduced unanimously. Representative Van der Woude brought RS 33718 and RS 33740, both related to Medicaid oversight and Medicaid expansion work requirements. Members raised concerns about added administrative burden, costs, and potential loss of coverage; both RSs were introduced, with Representatives Rubel, Birch, and Church recorded as nays. Representative Redman’s RS 33558 would impose a five-year moratorium on new administrative rules and fee increases and shift small rule chapters into statute; it was introduced after debate over separation of powers, public participation, and agency expertise. Redman also presented RS 33724 on school recess discipline and RS 33745 on rural health funding oversight, both of which were introduced and sent to the second reading calendar. The committee also introduced RS 33679, which would authorize AI-assisted analysis in the state rule-review process. Members discussed the need for human review and safeguards, and the sponsor noted the bill requires qualified personnel to verify AI output. Finally, Representative Pickett’s RS 33742 on Idaho Digital Learning Alliance restructured IDLA, capped administrative costs, set course fees, and addressed funding duplication; a motion to return it to the sponsor failed, and the RS was introduced, with several members recorded in opposition. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Immediately upon the recess, the House Democratic caucus will be meeting in House Room 1.
• Immediately upon the recess, the House Democratic caucus will be meeting in House Room 1.

Keywords: March 14, 2026 - Regular Session Part 4, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm proud that both sides of the aisle, the Speaker, myself, the Senate President, and the Senate Democratic
• The Democratic Caucus will meet in Hearing Room 2 tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. Thank you.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge, approved the prior journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Timothy Beger. Members also introduced several guests and groups in the gallery, including rare disease advocates, community leader Roberto Apodaca Revelez, Lucid Motors representatives, and a pediatrician visiting for Pediatrics Day at the Capitol. Attendance was recorded at 55 present, 0 absent, and 5 excused. In Committee of the Whole, the House considered HB 2022, HB 2122, and HB 2138. HB 2022, dealing with election procedures, was amended to extend the overseas military voter deadline fix and clarify that party observers may be present at all voting locations; it received a do pass recommendation. HB 2122, a technical reciprocity correction for engineers, also received a do pass recommendation. HB 2138, a cleanup bill clarifying that firefighters are covered under workers’ compensation alongside police officers, was amended and recommended do pass. On third reading, the House passed HB 2022 as an emergency measure by 56-0, HB 2046 on probation by 56-0, and HB 2116 appropriating $1 million to the Colorado River Litigation Fund by 56-0. Members speaking on HB 2116 emphasized protecting Arizona’s Colorado River water rights and described the fund as a bipartisan effort. The chamber also heard commemorative remarks recognizing Notre Dame Prep’s hockey championship, proclaiming February 2 as Mexican American Heritage Day, and honoring Mary Green as an early Black pioneer in Arizona. After recess, the House received committee and first-reading reports, announced several temporary committee replacements, and then adjourned until 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm proud that both sides of the aisle, the Speaker, myself, the Senate President, and the Senate Democratic
• The Democratic Caucus will meet, with your permission, in Hearing Room 2 tomorrow morning at 10 a.m.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> RANKING DEMOCRATIC MEMBER HUNSCHOFSKY. >> Rep.
• PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> VICE CHAIR PORRAS. >> YES. >> REPRESENTATIVE TRAMONT. >> YES. >> RANKING DEMOCRATIC

Committee: House Commerce Committee