Transcript Highlights:

• first amendment rights are protected. first amendment rights are protected.
• their First Amendment rights. their First Amendment rights.
• first committee hearing first session or first committee hearing that<00:37:32.720> chair<00:37
• . first. first.
• That should be first.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate File 3432, a public safety bill focused on removing identifying equipment and insignia from emergency vehicles sold to the public, and first adopted a House language amendment to bring the Senate file into the House form. Representative Mhler and co-chair Noatne described the bill as part of a broader security package covering judicial security and courthouse grants, Capitol grounds screening and security hardware, short-term protection for legislators facing credible threats, reimbursement for Department of Public Safety costs, and additional BCA analysts and investigators to examine threats statewide. They emphasized that the measures were intended to protect not only legislators but also staff, visitors, and the public, and the amendment was adopted by voice vote. Representative Schultz then offered an amendment to expand Capitol grounds protections by making destruction of permitted displays on the grounds automatically count as felony-level property damage. He argued that current enforcement is inconsistent and that the change would better protect First Amendment displays and ensure accountability. Schultz later withdrew that amendment after discussion. Schultz next offered another amendment aimed at school safety, proposing an increase in safe schools revenue and extending funding to charter, nonpublic, and tribal schools. He said the money could support school resource officers, mental health staff, counselors, and building security improvements, and argued that school safety should be prioritized alongside Capitol security. A point of order was raised that the amendment was not germane because it introduced a new subject and education funding; the Speaker agreed, ruled the point of order well taken, and the ruling was appealed, prompting a roll call. Representative Long supported the ruling, saying the amendment belonged in a different bill and committee, while Schultz argued the chamber should still address school safety. The transcript ends during the appeal process.

Transcript Highlights:

• humanitarian aid. humanitarian aid.
• Ask any first responder.
• Time is expired in the first place. Time is expired in the first place.
• arrive on time for the first time ever. arrive on time for the first time ever.
• the people first.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First up on SB 51 is Gary for the Campaign Spending Commission.
• First up on SB 255 is Mr. Cam.
• First up on SB 255 is Mr. Cam.
• C or Class A assault in the the first C or Class A assault in the the first class<00:43:28.319><
• We first up is SP 51.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several election-related bills first. SB 51, a comprehensive public financing bill for candidates, drew strong support in testimony but also concerns from the Campaign Spending Commission that the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund has only about $2.2 million, far short of what would be needed, and that the program could not realistically start in 2026 because of staffing and system changes; the commission asked for a start date no earlier than 2028. SB 118, which would create a full-time investigator position at the Campaign Spending Commission, was supported by the commission, which said it has lacked staff growth since 1995 and that an investigator is needed to handle investigations instead of having the commission’s attorney do that work. SB 255, a housekeeping bill on excess cash campaign contributions, was supported by the commission and several county officials and would require excess cash contributions over the limit to be returned within 30 days or turned over to the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund. SB 345, which would expand the current partial public financing program, was supported by the commission but drew questions because it would still allow private fundraising; the commission said that under its assumptions the bill would provide more total public funds than SB 51, with a maximum of a little over $20 million versus a little over $15 million for SB 51. Testimony counts were reported as 125 support/48 oppose for SB 51, 26 support/0 oppose for SB 118, 30 support/49 oppose for SB 255, and 30 support/49 oppose for SB 345. The committee then discussed SB 176 on recount thresholds. The Office of Elections said it would stand on written testimony, and the East Hawaii Republican Party was listed but not present. The Office of Elections explained in response to questions that the bill’s recount trigger would be based on the final election-day count, not the early 6 a.m. tabulation, because the initial count is not complete until later in the day and cured ballots are counted later; the office said it does not want to begin recounts before all election-day ballots are counted. The reported testimony count was 4 support, 50 oppose, and 2 comments. Finally, the committee heard SB 260, the Judiciary’s biennial budget bill. Judiciary staff requested about $6.17 million in FY 2026 and $6.25 million in FY 2027 for operations, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $11.9 million for capital improvements. The Judiciary said the request would support specialty courts such as Women’s Court, Truancy Court, and DWI Court, a new Wahiawa District Court unit, an additional district court judge in Kona, cybersecurity, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, and facility projects including South Kohala design work and a Kauai chiller replacement. Civil legal services providers, including Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, the Legal Clinic, Kuikahi Mediation Center, the Domestic Violence Action Center, the Hawaii State Bar Association, and the Hawaii Access to Justice Commission, all supported the bill but asked for an additional $1 million for the civil legal services line item, saying demand is high and the funding is spread across more providers than before. The Judiciary clarified that some of its requested positions would support Wahiawa and Women’s Court, and that the civil legal services funding goes to organizations serving low-income residents on issues such as immigration, domestic violence, evictions, and foreclosures. The committee also briefly took up SB 279 on fentanyl possession thresholds, where the prosecuting attorney’s office supported the bill and said fentanyl is already driving overdose deaths and that the proposed thresholds target distribution-level quantities rather than personal use.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's at least a first credit.
• So, your first testifier, or the first testifier, is Mr. Berg.
• So, your first testifier or the<00:27:30.159> first<00:27:30.400> testifier the first testifier
• didn't exist in the first place. didn't exist in the first place.
• community over it in the first place. community over it in the first place.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the first part of September or October. the first part of September or October.
• That covers the first year.
• <01:24:15.240> responders, the first responders, the first responders, even<01:24:17.480><
• > our<01:58:55.600> chief Hearing aid batteries are our chief Hearing aid batteries are
• here's a band-aid and here's a band-aid here's a band-aid and here's a band-aid type<02:50:51.280

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First item, House Bill 496. Recommendation is to pass with amendments, deferring the date to 2050.
• First item is House Bill 86. Recommendation is to pass with amendments, effecting the date to 2050.
• :56.480> and allowance, stipen, or similar grant and allowance, stipen, or similar grant and aid
• 00:37:58.160> a<00:37:58.400> portion<00:37:59.119> of<00:37:59.359> an aid
• to help offset a portion of an aid to help offset a portion of an increase<00:37:59.839> in<00

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up a long decision-making agenda and repeatedly recommended passage of measures, most either unamended or with technical or date-deferral amendments. Early items included HB 496, which was passed with amendments deferring the effective date to 2050, and HB 700, which was passed with amendments incorporating Alzheimer’s Association language on dementia data collection, standardized cognitive assessments, Medicare Part C, and related definitions. Other bills addressed insurance, health care preceptors, workers’ compensation, labeling, rural emergency hospitals, and numerous budget or policy measures later in the agenda. Several bills received substantive amendment packages. HB 250 was amended to add an objective on treatments for common chronic or long-term conditions and to clarify that automating determinations is intended to reduce delays in patient care. HB 303 adopted Hawaii Pharmacist Association language clarifying the definition of a nationally accredited pharmacy residency program. HB 1179 was amended to adopt Department of Human Services language relating to Med-QUEST. Later, HB 1293 added a $250,000 cap, a $20 million general-fund appropriation for Department of Education food services, and procurement-reporting language; HB 1153 authorized transfers of various non-general-fund accounts to the general fund and added a blank appropriation for the governor’s office; and HB 1168 added a proviso to a revenue bond appropriation to help in-state residents with demonstrated financial need offset room-and-board increases. The most notable debate was on HB 1308, a sports wagering bill. Members discussed regulatory structure, youth sports restrictions, tax and fee provisions, and gambling-prevention funding. Several members opposed the bill, citing family impacts, gambling addiction concerns, and the possibility that regulatory and social costs would outweigh revenues; others supported it with reservations. The motion to pass with amendments was adopted, with recorded no votes and reservations. Across the agenda, most remaining bills were adopted with little or no discussion, including many measures passed unamended and several with deferred effective dates or committee-report notes reflecting testimony or appropriation requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today in gratitude for the first responders, the military, and
• Local ruling will aid in what you're asking for. I appreciate it.
• uh 15 days so uh local local<00:05:25.720> ruling<00:05:26.400> will<00:05:26.680> Aid
• in what you're local ruling will Aid in what you're what<00:05:27.759> you're<00:05:27.960>
• He says some guests will speak in just a second, but first wants to see how many committee members are

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met for its third meeting of the 2025 session. After opening formalities, the committee took up House Bill 369, sponsored by Representative Hart and presented with Sean Butler of the Kentucky Police Chiefs Association and Ashland Police Chief Todd Kelly. They explained the bill clarifies KRS 95.495 regarding vacation or annual leave for police chiefs and local agencies by providing guidance on how the 15 days of leave may be administered. Representative Blandon asked whether the issue was in statute or tied to the retirement system, and Representative Moore asked whether the bill could affect officers’ ability to take time off in emergencies; the sponsors said it would not and would instead allow local policy to address those situations. The committee then voted on HB 369. The motion passed unanimously with favorable expression, with all members voting yes. Representative Wesley requested permission to explain his vote after the roll call. Following the vote, the committee shifted to a Military Kids Day recognition segment, with members and guests introducing themselves and sharing their military service backgrounds and family connections to the armed forces. The remainder of the meeting was largely ceremonial, featuring remarks from legislators, military families, and children describing their parents’ service in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard, and related branches. The chair thanked the families for their sacrifices, noted activities planned for the day, and recognized the Adjutant General’s wife, Miss Lamberton. At the end of the meeting, a motion to adjourn was made and seconded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill's on first reading.
• First reading of the bill. Bill be advanced. Clerk will read the bill first time.
• First reading of the bill.
• First reading of the bill.
• First reading of the bill.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• first time, ma'am. First for a second. first time, ma'am. First for a second.
• Anyone else, first time? First time? First for second. There it is, first for the second.
• Anyone else, first time? First time? First for second. There it is, first for the second.
• Anyone else, first time? First time? First for second. There it is, first for the second.
• First<04:24:23.800> time. First time. First time.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, coming up first, we have Mr.
• So, uh first ones I will those projects.
• I'm going to talk about the wetland replacement program first.
• I'm going to talk about the wetland replacement program first.
• > the<00:17:23.520> water<00:17:23.760> and first of these are the water and first

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First up, our first speaker, who is going to be joining us remotely—Denise. Is she online? Denise?
• Our first speaker is Denise Travick Poyer.
• And my first thank you, Mr. ... Chairman. My first question is for Commissioner Woolley.
• It is nothing more than a Band-Aid.
• But it's a band-aid. Guess what?

Summary: The committee hearing focused on biosolids, sewage sludge, and PFAS contamination, with the opening remarks and first three presenters arguing that land application of municipal sludge poses serious risks to soil, water, livestock, and human health. Representative Shaw cited EPA and state data on detected pollutants and PFAS in biosolids, while Denise Travick Poyer described her background in chemical engineering and PFAS work and said the EPA’s draft sewage sludge risk assessment shows unacceptable risk at very low PFOS/PFOA levels. She urged source reduction, more testing, and consideration of total organic fluorine, and noted examples from Michigan where industrial pretreatment and source reduction reduced PFAS in biosolids. Johnson County, Texas Commissioner Larry Woolley and Investigator Dana Ames presented a case study of alleged runoff from land-applied biosolids affecting a ranch, with high PFAS readings in soil, water, fish, cattle tissue, and a stillborn calf, and said the county and state had pursued investigations, lawsuits, and legislative responses. Sandra Trawick of Save Oklahoma Farms and Ranches argued that Oklahoma’s biosolids program relies heavily on Class B sludge, that current rules are outdated, and that land application exposes farms and rural communities to pathogens, chemicals, odors, flies, and runoff; she cited examples from Maine, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and Oklahoma to support calls for stronger regulation or a ban. After the testimony, members asked about sampling methods, lab testing, EPA limits, and whether the cited PFAS blood levels were comparable to the soil and sludge measurements. Witnesses said the Johnson County samples were collected by a Texas A&M PhD contractor and tested at a single lab, and they explained that the EPA’s 4 parts per trillion figure applied to municipal drinking water standards. Questions also addressed whether sludge is incorporated into soil; Trawick said it had often been left on the surface, though she had seen better disking after public scrutiny. Members asked how biosolids compare with manure and feedlot waste, and witnesses responded that municipal sludge is more contaminated because it includes industrial, hospital, and household waste streams, unlike animal manure. The committee then moved to alternative solutions, hearing from Doug McKinney of Advanced Microbial Solutions, who promoted biological sludge removal using bacteria to reduce sludge volumes and avoid land application, citing cost savings for wastewater plants and correctional facilities. Jason Jepsen of Eden Energy followed with a pitch for an eight-stage waste-to-energy system that converts mixed waste into clean energy, biochar, and reusable products, framing waste as an asset and presenting his company’s technology as a no-land-application alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• So these would be developmental screening aid, the Early Childhood Family Education Aid, School Readiness
• So these would be developmental screening aid, the Early Childhood Family Education Aid, School Readiness
• actually provided classrooms that first actually provided classrooms that first year<01:02:45.319
• here kids deserve more than Band-Aids here kids deserve more than Band-Aids and<01:35:40.400>
• <01:49:49.360> or probably have the clip on our first or probably have the clip on our first

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first order of business will be the administration of oath of office.
• in carrying such a challenge nor aided in carrying such a challenge nor aided or<00:04:52.000>
• It's always the start of a first day of session, reminds you kind of the first day back to school, of
• <00:31:32.159> So,<00:31:32.640> uh, build our first meeting hall.
• So, uh, build our first meeting hall.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate convened for the opening of the 2026 regular session with an invocation and pledge, then administered the oath of office to Senator-elect Gary Clemens of Jefferson 37. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 1, establishing the 2026 Senate membership, and declared a quorum present with 36 members. The absent senators were excused, and the journal from March 28, 2025 was approved. The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 2, which set the rules of procedure for the 2026 session. The rule changes included moving certain resolutions and announcements, removing the 12-member limit on standing committees, shifting administrative regulation jurisdiction, eliminating hard-copy posting and bill-printing requirements in favor of electronic versions, allowing same-day action on conference reports, striking COVID-era remote voting language, tightening floor privilege and lobbying access rules for the temporary chambers, and repealing vote-pairing language. Democratic leadership also reported a change in majority whip, naming the senator from Jefferson 19 after the former whip resigned. The clerk reported a large number of newly filed measures, including memorial resolutions, policy resolutions, and bills on topics such as safe room rebates, trauma center coverage, planning commission membership, paid maternity leave for state employees, veterans benefits, wages, CASA, podiatry, mushrooms, motor vehicle operation, schools, city government, music therapy, dual credit scholarships, geoengineering, educational discrimination, cremation, solid waste, motor vehicle commission, economic infrastructure, recovery residences, property transfer at death, oaths, and an Article V convention term-limits resolution. Senate Resolution 3, inviting Frankfurt-area pastors to open sessions with prayer, was adopted. Members also announced an ethics training for the next day and a reception for Senator Clemens. The Senate then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting date announced by the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, thank you to the Chair for her work on the bill. Thank you to staff.
• And like many entrepreneurs in California, our first step was not signing a lease.
• And like many entrepreneurs in California, our first step was not signing at least.
• We're very clear on people's First Amendment rights.
• This bill is a necessary first step in understanding the scope of this issue.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we have a first and second.
• that they have to get through per first that they have to get through per first so<05:01:23.320>
• it's saying that they have the first it's saying that they have the first option<05:23:22.840>
• Aid no up to 50,000 a year off hand I I Aid no up to 50,000 a year off hand I I don't<05:28:23.280>
• And so the first year that charter schools are able to submit building aid applications is this year.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first addressed House Bill 415, which would remove the requirement that schools provide menstrual products. Members supporting an ITL said the mandate was unfunded, had been in place since 2019, and was already working without complaints from districts. Other members opposed the bill, arguing menstrual products are essential and that the requirement helps students, especially those with fewer resources. The committee voted ITL on HB 415 by a roll call of 17 yeas, 0 nays. The committee then took up House Bill 388, concerning public reports on special education. Supporters of ITL said they agreed with the goal of transparency but were concerned about student privacy, especially in small districts, and thought the bill’s information requests went too far. They noted that related issues could potentially be addressed in another bill, HB 557. The committee voted ITL on HB 388, 17-0. House Bill 730, which would require schools and some colleges to provide information on adoption, was also moved ITL. The sponsor said adoption is personally important to him but that the bill was not the right vehicle and involved entities such as colleges and the Attorney General unnecessarily; he said related ideas might be folded into other bills later. The committee agreed and voted ITL, 17-0. The committee then discussed House Bill 671, a preschool/early literacy proposal involving a statewide nonprofit digital program, likely Waterford. Members raised questions about who would be covered, data privacy, prior use of federal ESSER funds, whether the program had measurable results, and whether the bill’s nonprofit requirement was too restrictive. Department of Education witness Melissa White said the state had spent $400,000 in FY22 and $600,000 in FY23 on a Waterford contract using ARP ESSER funds, but she did not have participant counts and said the department could not measure literacy gains for that population. She also said the bill’s funding level would likely require an RFP and that, if enacted as written, the program would probably still be Waterford-based. The discussion continued without a final vote in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Wait, first read the amendment first.
• First time in 2011. It was the first time I had ever stepped foot in the Florida Capitol.
• Please read the first amendment.
• Please read the first amendment.
• Please read the first amendment.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, several introductions, and an announcement that there would be no weekend conference. The chamber then took up a long special-order calendar of bills, generally moving each measure through third reading and final passage, often by substituting House companion bills. Early measures included trust law modernization (SB 786/HB 895), military affairs changes and Guard retirement corrections (SB 474), rounding rules for cash transactions as pennies phase out (SB 1074), podiatric medicine regulation and informed-consent requirements (SB 1092), veterans court expansion (SB 50/HB 199), RV park special assessment clarification (SB 118), concurrent jurisdiction for juvenile offenses on military installations (SB 502/HB 351), alcoholic beverage loss deductions (SB 678/HB 1137), and bail bond/pretrial release revisions (SB 600). Most passed unanimously or near-unanimously; SB 600 passed 36-1 after questions about charitable bail bonds and an amendment aligning with the House version and prosecutors’ concerns. The Senate also considered bills on portable electronics and eyewear insurance (SB 772), the linking industry to nursing education fund and health science workforce programs (SB 1246), recovery residences and behavioral health licensing (SB 1030, with a technical amendment on background checks and probationary licenses), felony battery enhancements for repeat offenders and offenses against law enforcement (SB 436), and child welfare changes including foster-home visitor screening, a permanent statewide Step Into Success program, and a best-practices repository (SB 1718). These measures were explained by sponsors as efforts to streamline regulation, improve workforce and health-care training, strengthen public safety, and reduce administrative burdens while preserving safeguards. Votes on these bills were overwhelmingly favorable, with final tallies typically 36-0 or 37-0. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a farewell tribute to Senator Lori Berman. Members from both parties praised her leadership, collegiality, policy work, and advocacy on issues including voting rights, women’s rights, Israel and antisemitism, school safety, breast cancer, and family law. Berman delivered a lengthy farewell reflecting on her 16 years in the Legislature, her caucus leadership, and the importance of dignity, respect, and public service. The Senate adopted a motion to spread her remarks upon the journal and then recessed before returning to continue the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:13.200> The<00:03:13.440> first titled general education.
• The first titled general education.
• The first three sections amend the Data Practices Act.
• It's all work that has been vetted by our community and puts our kids first.
• There's this is all work that has been vetted by our community and puts our kids first.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first item is with ASU Jonesboro.
• So this is the first time it appears as an MOF.
• The first one is Department of Health. They have two grants.
• The first one is Department of Health. They have two grants.
• So we're already over it within the first two years.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am tackling the easiest ones first. Senate Bill 91, okay?
• They are, at best, a Band-Aid, and we need to rely on the marketplace to solve the problem.
• Senators have to say. they sometimes hurt they are at best a they sometimes hurt they are at best a Band-Aid
• 13:15.079> be<00:13:15.199> rely<00:13:15.480> on<00:13:15.560> the Band-Aid
• and we need to be rely on the Band-Aid and we need to be rely on the marketplace<00:13:16.279> to

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Zach and I met through FIRST Robotics, which is an incredible program that, if you don't know about it
• /c><00:00:33.280> we<00:00:33.520> met<00:00:33.840> through<00:00:34.559> First
• And Zach uh we met through First Zach.
• And Zach uh we met through First Robotics,<00:00:35.760> which<00:00:36.000> is<00:00:36.160
• First, we need far fewer districts, each serving far more students.

Keywords: 927, senate, all