Transcript Highlights:

• With 22 aye and zero nay, I will report that out as a due pass.
• We'll report that out as a due pass.
• With 22 aye and zero nay, report that out as a due pass.
• We'll report that out with the due pass.
• pay increase, and speak to talk for their court reporters.

Bills: HB4030, HB4031, HB4032, HB4033, HB4034, HB4035, HB4036, HB4037, HB4038, HB4039, HB4040, HB4041, HB4042, HB4043, HB4044, HB4045, HB4046, HB4047, HB4048, HB4049, HB4050, HB4051, HB4052, HB4053, HB4054, HB4056, HB4057, HB4065, HB4067, HB4071, HB4072, SB1144, SB1145, SB1146, SB1147, SB1148, SB1149, SB1156, SB1157, SB1158, SB1159, SB1161, SB1162, SB1163, SB1164, SB1165, SB1166, SB1167, SB1174, SB1175, SB1176

Keywords: education funding, budget appropriations, public schools, teachers' retirement, early childhood education, aeronautics, infrastructure, funding, sustainability, Oklahoma, mining, operator fees, coal production, noncoal mining, department of mines, revenue, state budget, budgetary reform, financial legislation, fiscal accountability

Summary: The Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget met to consider a long agenda of appropriations, retirement COLAs, revolving funds, and limits bills. Early actions included Senate Bill 1144 and Senate Bill 1145, which provided cost-of-living adjustments for retired teachers and OPRS retirees, respectively, and Senate Bill 1146, 1147, 1148, and 1149, which extended similar retirement benefit increases or a one-time stipend for law enforcement, firefighters, judges, and certain retired police and firefighters. The committee also advanced bills funding the Pardon and Parole Board, OSBI cybercrimes and fraud work, juvenile medication, and several agency limits bills for Health Care Authority, Health Department, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, and DHS. Members also heard and passed a series of education, public safety, and economic development measures, including funding for school security at the School for Science and Math and the Schools for the Blind and Deaf, support for National Board certified teachers, and appropriations for the Rural Health Transformation Program, the Decennial Census Revolving Fund, Task Force One, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation forensic center. Several bills created or expanded revolving funds and financing tools, including military readiness and aviation funds, a taxpayer endowment trust fund, water infrastructure loan and REAP-related measures, and a revised non-coal mining fee structure. The committee also approved a bill increasing court reporter pay and another reducing employer contributions to the retirement system after it reached over 100% funding. There was notable discussion on a $5 million film-related pilot program for sitcom production, with questions about the amount and certification requirements, and on a rural economic development package that included money for the state fairgrounds and a university energy plant, which drew objections over whether those projects fit the intended purpose of rural prep funds. Other debated items included a bill directing funds to the Oklahoma Dream Act/Trump accounts, a bill rejecting judicial pay increases recommended by the Board of Judicial Compensation, and a proposal to move $200 million from the stabilization fund into a new Taxpayer Endowment Trust Fund. Most measures were reported out with due pass votes, though several drew dissenting votes, including the film bill, the fairgrounds/economic development bill, the water projects bill, and the trust fund and judicial pay measures. The committee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Freiberg has made a motion to report H.R. 17 as amended. Rep.
• HB 1058 will be reported favorably. Thank you, members.
• I would love to get some of that financial support.
• “HB 406 will be reported favorably. Thank you, Madam Chairman. Thank you, members.
• This is tied to TOPS, and there is a financial aspect for our parents.

Bills: HR17, HB385, HB406, HB787, HB1021, HB1058, HB1059

Keywords: education, investment, workforce development, TOPS, higher education, repayment, scholarships, academic eligibility, financial aid, athletics, high school sports, state report, student wellness, computer science, scholarship, curriculum requirements, workforce training, education funding, data administration, financial assistance

Bills: SB2738

Keywords: tax haven, corporate tax, foreign subsidiaries, income reporting, state revenue, transparency, tax law, penalties, apportionment, economic policy, 912, senate, all

Summary: The meeting reconvened on Senate Bill 2760 during the Tuesday, February 17, 2026 decision-making agenda in Conference Room 229 at the Hawaii State Capitol. The only action discussed was a recommendation to defer action on the measure for one additional day. Members were informed that the committee would reconvene in Room 229 on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 10:07 a.m. to consider action on the bill. No vote was taken on the measure at this session. The meeting was then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also extends the timeline for completion of the report and modifies the scope and parameters of the
• A report is due to the Legislature by June 1st, 2027.
• Amendment 10, offered by Senator Gildon, directs the Office of Financial Management to study the...
• Amendment 10, offered by Senator Gildon, directs the Office of Financial Management to study the impacts

Bills: SB5998

Keywords: fiscal appropriations, budget, state funding, financial management, operating expenses, 904, all

Summary: The Senate Ways and Means Committee met in executive session on Proposed Substitute Senate Bill 5998, the operating budget, and received a staff briefing on 39 proposed amendments. The amendments covered a wide range of budget items, including technical corrections; court truancy funding; public defense; humanities and reading programs; shellfish program audit funding; tribal and cultural resource planning; agritourism; transmission authority implementation; paid family and medical leave; developmental disabilities services; nursing home rate add-ons; TANF workforce services; food bank language; oral health access; behavioral health and partnership access line funding; health technology assessment funding; sexual assault nurse examiner training; Department of Corrections security measures; child welfare staffing; pediatric interim care centers; child care, local effort assistance, and transition to kindergarten; range rider funding; Chinese American history month materials; Running Start; retiree health subsidies; people transportation language; charter school enrichment; arts grants; and a tribal liaison at the Eastern Washington State Historical Society. The committee adopted several amendments, including the technical packet, public defense savings correction, humanities reading program funding, shellfish audit funding, cultural resource model ordinance work, transmission authority implementation funding, oral health foundation support, health technology assessment funding, governor errata corrections, sexual assault nurse examiner training, DOC policy language on canine use, child welfare staffing correction, people transportation language, charter school enrichment reallocation to transition to kindergarten, and tribal liaison funding. Some amendments were withdrawn, including the truancy funding increase, Blake-related public defense funding, the DD waiver wait list expansion, one nursing home add-on restoration, one LEA-related amendment, and the DOC K-9 minimum camp amendment. Other amendments were rejected, including agritourism, paid leave study, DD waiver expansion, nursing home add-on restoration, range rider funding, Chinese American history month materials, Running Start restoration, and arts grant restoration. Several amendments drew substantive debate over budget priorities and fiscal sustainability, especially those involving developmental disabilities services, long-term care, child care, Running Start, LEA enhancement, and the use of one-time funds versus ongoing obligations. Supporters argued for restoring services, protecting vulnerable populations, and funding programs with strong public benefit; opponents emphasized the need to balance the budget, avoid ongoing commitments without stable revenue, and reserve some issues for collective bargaining or future negotiations. The committee ultimately rolled the adopted amendments into a new substitute version of SB 5998 and voted to send it to the Rules Committee with a do pass recommendation, subject to signatures. Several members stated they would vote no on the budget, while the chair noted the process had been collaborative.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mandated reporter training and establishing the grooming of children as a felony.
• reporter training and Mandated reporter training and establishing<00:07:50.960><c> the</c><00:07:51.120
• I do of behavior and didn't report it.
• 15:27.760><c> would</c><00:15:28.000><c> fall</c> kind of financial obligations would fall kind of financial
• And we won't continue the financial portion too much.

Bills: HF3489, HF3550

Keywords: grooming, child protection, student safety, sexual exploitation, educator licensing, teacher discipline, mandatory reporting, mandated reporter training, school misconduct, predatory offender, child abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, position of authority, school employee, school administrator, license revocation, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• discussing, or voting on grant applications if the council member or his or her family member have financial

Bills: HB188, HB 265, HJR35

Keywords: emergency preparedness, flood-prone communities, Texas Rural Emergency Preparedness Fund, disaster relief, funding, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting, child neglect, mandatory reporting, background check, criminal history check, sex offender registry, CPR training, first aid

Bills: SB 312, SB 945, SB 946, SB 1367, SB 1861, SB 2044, SB 2337, SB 2403, SB 2819, SJR 54

Keywords: public school funding, education, budget allocation, financial transparency, state law, local control, fiduciary responsibility, public retirement systems, investment management, proxy voting, financial factors, insurance, political shareholder proposals, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental regulation, discrimination, credit extension, social credit, value-based standards

Transcript Highlights:

• And by your vote, please show CS for SB 800 reported favorably.
• And by your vote, please show CS for SB 800 reported favorably.
• And, members, by your vote, please show CS for SB 1078 reported favorably.
• And by your vote, please show Senate Bill 1588 reported favorably.
• It also adds cybersecurity reporting for financial institutions, and this bill conforms public records

Bills: S0314, S0530, S0576, S0800, S0990, S1078, S1440, S1568, S1588, S1614

Keywords: payment stablecoin, financial regulation, anti-money laundering, state oversight, digital currency, financial services, Florida lottery, state lottery, lottery tickets, lottery retailer, Department of the Lottery, Division of Security, ball machine, lottery vending machine, instant tickets, online lottery tickets, major procurement, vendor disclosure, performance bond, retailer bond

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills related to engineering regulation, cybersecurity, financial services, and state administration. CS/SB 800 would increase penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and create an engineering student loan assistance program funded by licensure fees and fines; it was reported favorably after questions about whether it would reimburse victims of unlicensed practitioners, with the sponsor noting it would not and that affected individuals would need to pursue complaints and private legal action. CS/SB 576 created a local government cybersecurity protection program administered by Florida Digital Service, with state purchasing of cybersecurity services and priority for fiscally constrained counties; it received support from local government and industry groups and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1078 set transition requirements for gubernatorial administrations, including liaisons, briefing books, office space, IT access, and controlled access to agency records under a memorandum of understanding, and it also passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 314, which creates a regulatory framework for payment stablecoin issuers in Florida, and CS/SB 530, which updates lottery operations, security, retailer rules, and bonding requirements. CS/SB 1614, after adoption of a technical substitute amendment, would limit local governments’ eligibility for certain state funding if they have excess funds, have recently been audited by the legislative audit committee, or fail to affirm expenditure of prior funds; the sponsor said it would give the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee more enforcement leverage, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 990 authorizes protective cell captive insurance companies to expand insurance market capacity and potentially lower premiums, while CS/SB 1588 is a step toward implementing last session’s gold and silver legal tender law; both were reported favorably. Additional bills passed included CS/SB 1440, which adds cybersecurity-related exemptions and reporting provisions for financial institutions, loan originators, and money service businesses, and CS/SB 1568, which creates a Florida Stable Coin Pilot Program allowing DFS fees to be paid with approved stablecoins. The stablecoin bill was amended to add guardrails, including fee limits, website notice requirements, and restrictions if no approved issuers are available. The committee also received a brief budget overview highlighting major funding items such as Florida Forever, Everglades restoration, water quality, Farmers Feeding Florida, citrus recovery, school lunches, state parks, and law enforcement and staffing items, and members later recorded additional votes before the committee adjourned.

Bills: SF0024

Keywords: lottery, debit card payments, gambling regulations, state revenue, financial transactions, 916, all

Bills: SF0024

Keywords: lottery, debit card payments, gambling regulations, state revenue, financial transactions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, as mentioned previously, uh, when, uh, I've been up here before, we issued a water report to and
• flood report to the legislature outlining some of the needs financially, but also the needs from a program
• In our reports, the legislature in our third recommendation, we talked about looking at alternative water
• We also support the bill's metrics and reporting requirements that promote transparency and accountability
• So the Texas Water Development Board does not have statutory ability to provide financial assistance

Bills: SB 7

Keywords: water infrastructure, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, water supply, environmental sustainability

Transcript Highlights:

• We did add on the reporting...
• Okay, so originally in current law, anything that happens that's being reported at a school is reported
• We did add on the reporting...
• Okay, so originally in current law, anything that happens that's being reported at a school is reported
• Okay, so originally in current law, anything that happens that's being reported at a school is reported

Bills: SB237

Keywords: child welfare, Department of Children and Family Services, mandatory reporting, abuse prevention, investigative teams, child ombudsman, forensic interviews, confidentiality, 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bus driver should be calling or making a report.
• I mean that should be making a report.
• So, they report it to us &gt;&gt; It's up to us.
• So, they report it to us and<00:26:33.840><c> we</c><00:26:34.080><c> decide.
• </c><01:41:17.360><c> to</c> amending our approach and we reported to amending our approach and we reported

Bills: SB2024, SB896, SB2613, SB494, SB2391, SB2125, SB2614, SB2615, SB3262, SB3325, SB3118

Keywords: charter schools, public-private partnership, school facilities, education funding, community need, education, capital improvement, reporting, transparency, technical expertise, public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, trying to make sure we don't get a biased report.
• And I'm not saying the governor will make a biased report.
• We want this report fully available to the public.
• Trey Wood, chief financial officer for HHSC.
• Reported as part of Operation Lone Star. Okay.

Bills: SB825

Keywords: illegal immigration, economic impact, environmental impact, financial impact, annual study, Texas, government report

Summary: The Senate Committee on Border Security heard testimony on Senate Bill 825 by Senator Middleton, as substituted, which would require an annual or biennial study of the economic, environmental, and financial impacts of illegal immigration in Texas. Middleton said the bill is intended to provide lawmakers with comprehensive data on costs to law enforcement, health care, education, infrastructure, and taxpayers, and to support possible federal reimbursement claims. Several senators, including Hinojosa and Eckhardt, agreed that a study is needed but raised concerns about bias, the scope of the study, and whether the Comptroller’s Office rather than the governor’s office should conduct it. Middleton argued the governor’s office was the best coordinating entity because it could direct multiple agencies to provide data, while Hinojosa and others emphasized the Comptroller’s expertise and prior 2006 study. Public testimony was generally supportive of the idea of a study but critical of the bill’s framing. Sarah Cruz of the ACLU of Texas said the study should be a full cost-benefit analysis and warned that focusing only on costs could create an anti-immigrant narrative. Danny Woodward of the Texas Civil Rights Project also supported the concept but recommended moving the study to the Comptroller or, alternatively, creating a neutral commission. Jaime Pointe of Every Texan likewise supported updating the 2006 analysis and said state agencies should be able to cooperate with a governor-led study. Resource witnesses from the governor’s office, HHSC, TEA, OCA, TDCJ, and DPS explained that data collection would be uneven across agencies. HHSC and TEA said they often do not collect immigration status and, in TEA’s case, federal law limits schools from requesting such information; OCA and TDCJ said they could provide only partial or indirect data unless new reporting requirements were added. DPS said it already has Operation Lone Star data but would need to collect additional information if tasked with the broader study. The chair asked the governor’s office to provide a follow-up answer on separation-of-powers and related authority questions by the following Tuesday, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair without taking a vote on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• What they don't want, though, is to be the victims of fraud or dangerous financial loss.
• So under current law, financial institutions are subject to the Bank Secrecy Act.
• That's true in traditional financial and payment services as well.
• I think we are dealing in financial.
• But if we're going to ultimately intertwine this with the financial system...

Keywords: Digital Assets, Bitcoin, Stablecoins, Legislation, Bipartisan, Consumer Protection, Regulatory Framework, Financial Innovation, Testimony

Summary: The inaugural meeting of the Digital Assets Subcommittee brought a wave of excitement and anticipation regarding the future of digital assets, including Bitcoin and stablecoins. Chair Lummis expressed gratitude towards Senator Scott for establishing the subcommittee, indicating a commitment to promote responsible innovation while safeguarding consumers. Members discussed the necessity for a bipartisan legislative framework to regulate digital asset markets effectively while outlining the potential benefits such legislation could have on enhancing financial inclusion and streamlining payments. The meeting featured expert testimonies from key figures in the digital asset industry, highlighting the importance of creating clear regulatory guidance for digital assets to foster innovation without compromising consumer protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when a child is taken into temporary custody, a report has to be filed.
• A report needs to be filed when temporary custody is given.
• So when a child is taken into temporary custody, a report has to be filed.
• The twins were interviewed and reported the same story.
• Even so, the report came back unsubstantiated.

Bills: HB2035, HB2086, HB2434, HB2611, HB2732, HB2733, HB2830, HB2923, HB2932, HB4004

Keywords: kinship care, child welfare, foster care, relative placement, child protection, vaccination mandates, mask requirements, public health, government entities, COVID-19, controlled substances, prescription monitoring, opioid crisis, healthcare regulations, patient safety, group homes, children's rights, safety protocols, employee training, mental health

Transcript Highlights:

• APS reports that they will be able to currently pay for transportation for foster youth.
• It means that they'll be going through, if you will, the assessment of the school's financials, the dire
• How would I look at the fiscal impact report in both of these?
• At least that's according to the fiscal report. So I want to explain the difference. Thank you, Mr.
• I also see that you have in November the first report that is due to the interim committees.

Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Transcript Highlights:

• That if we're doing reporting, it's meaningful, so if we catch it in the beginning and then sometime
• I'm very interested in seeing that report, Mr. Chair.
• And am I going to put them in a financial stronghold?
• four times each school year about reporting.
• We do appreciate that the amendment makes us reporting more in line with the literacy bill.

Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:19.040><c> Services</c> Deng for Hawaii Financial Services Deng for Hawaii Financial Services
• Court reporters request extensions of time for transcripts.
• Because they're ... reports that um Pomponius Label and his reports that um Pomponius Label and his wife
• a financial position to serve.
• a financial position to serve.

Bills: SB2444, SB2446, SB2450, SB2453, SB2461, SB2457, SB2462, SB2313, SB2528, SB2532, SB2571, SB2678, SB2529

Keywords: real property, exemption, attachment, execution, consumer protection, financial security, inflation adjustment, head of family, senior citizens, Intermediate Court of Appeals, judges, Hawaii judiciary, court membership, legal system, presidential preference primary, elections, political parties, Hawaii voting, 2028 election, voting

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2444 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution, which the Attorney General said could create vague retroactivity language and litigation risk; the committee noted the exemption had last been adjusted around 1978. SB 2446 would add a seventh associate judge to the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Judiciary staff testified in opposition, saying recent internal restructuring and a pending vacancy had improved output and that it would be prudent to wait and see the effect before adding another judge. The Public Defender supported the goal of faster appellate resolution but said it would defer to the court’s assessment and had no objection to revisiting the issue later. The committee also discussed current appellate timelines, with staff saying at least 225 days is built into the process before a case reaches a merit panel, and that a two-year delay from panel assignment was realistic under the current structure. The committee then heard SB 2450, which would establish a presidential preference primary for the 2028 cycle. The Chief Election Officer said the election would cost about $4 million, less if combined with the regular primary. Several opponents argued the bill would add bureaucracy, duplicate or undermine party-run processes, and waste taxpayer money; one speaker estimated the total cost could be closer to $6 million when county costs are included. Supporters and committee members discussed that the measure would not require parties to use the results and that Hawaii remains one of the few states still using caucuses. The committee also asked whether counties could staff the election and whether the results would be useful given Hawaii’s current primary timing. SB 2453 would require the Office of Elections to include a notice with each ballot that a digital and printed voter information guide is available, with the notice in 32-point font as a separate insert. The Chief Election Officer said the insert would cost about $90,000 and asked for an effective date of January 1, 2027 because mailing preparations for the primary would already be underway. The Disability and Communications Access Board, League of Women Voters, National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, and others supported the bill. The committee also began hearing SB 2461, which would have the Office of Elections prepare a questionnaire for candidates and publish responses online and in the voter guide; the Chief Election Officer said the office did not think it should be the agency to shape campaign questions, though he said it could work if the questions were specified in statute. Finally, the committee heard SB 2457, which would require a criminal conviction before seized property could be forfeited. The Attorney General and Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, arguing it would prolong cases, increase storage costs, and make forfeiture less effective against crime, especially where owners flee, die, or hide assets through shell companies. The Public Defender strongly supported the measure, saying forfeiture should be tied to convictions and that people challenging forfeiture often lack counsel. The Honolulu Prosecutor also opposed the bill, but said it supported transparency, due process, and even a right to counsel; it argued conviction-only forfeiture would fail in cases involving fugitives, deceased suspects, or hidden ownership structures. The committee questioned what would happen to property if an owner could not be found, and the prosecutor said the outcome would depend on the type of property and could involve abandonment or interpleader proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the attorney general's report the attorney general's report um<00:03:50.080><c> on</c> um on um
• </c> the number of uh reports that we have. the number of uh reports that we have.
• </c><00:09:27.600><c> It</c> a.m. to 2:00 p.m. um reporting. It a.m. to 2:00 p.m. um reporting.
• </c> in and then give you folks the reports in and then give you folks the reports from<00:10:18.000>
• </c> report on arrests. report on arrests.

Bills: SB2055, SB2152

Keywords: civil rights, helpline, investigator, data analysis, Aloha United Way, reporting, confidentiality, community support, mandatory retirement, Hawaii Constitution, judiciary, justices, judges, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard SB 2055, which would create a Civil Rights Commission helpline for reports of harms from federal deployments in Hawaii and require annual reporting and a public hearing. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission supported the concept but said the bill should be broadened to cover civil rights and human rights violations more generally, and recommended using existing 211/Aloha United Way infrastructure. Testimony was largely in support, with a few opponents. Members focused on whether the proposed line was really a 24-hour legal hotline or a reporting/referral mechanism, what jurisdiction the commission would have over federal employees, and the estimated costs. The committee chair indicated the bill would move forward with amendments, including adopting HCRC recommendations and adding appropriations for Aloha United Way, database/website development, and staffing. The committee then heard SB 2152, a proposed constitutional amendment to raise the mandatory retirement age for state judges and justices from 70 to 75. Judge Robert D.S. Kim, the Office of the Public Defender, Earthjustice, Community Alliance on Prisons, the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, United Public Workers, the League of Women Voters, ILWU Local 142, CARES, and others testified in support, arguing that experienced judges improve stability, reduce vacancies, and preserve institutional knowledge. Opponents or skeptical comments were limited, but one member questioned whether the measure was just a temporary fix rather than a broader solution to judicial succession and mentoring. Members also asked about existing retention and fitness safeguards, including Judicial Selection Commission retention hearings and the Commission on Judicial Conduct’s ability to investigate complaints about a judge’s physical or mental ability to serve. The discussion noted that the measure would still leave those processes in place. No final vote on SB 2152 was taken in the portion provided, but the committee appeared to be moving toward decision-making after questions concluded.