Transcript Highlights:

• in the other and I will defer<00:54:39.599><c> allc><00:54:39.839><c> thatc><00:54:40.040><c> type
• 03:46:32.760><c> forc><03:46:32.920><c> thesec><03:46:33.159><c> typesc><03:46:33.359><c> ofc
• c><04:36:21.561><c> typesc><04:36:22.080><c> thingsc><04:36:22.359><c> licingc> called subscription
• c><04:58:36.240><c> sixc><04:58:36.520><c> millionc><04:58:36.958><c> typec> num one of these
• six million type num one of these six million type numbers<04:58:37.718><c> orc><04:58:38.360><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee reviewed the Department of Corrections budget, with the chair initially noting that the overall numbers looked close to fiscal year 2024 spending, except for federal funds. Department officials explained that prior ARPA expenditures and delayed revenue recognition had distorted the comparison, and that the corrected general fund spend was about $169.7 million. Members then focused on whether the budget’s staffing assumptions were realistic, especially the shift from overtime to full-time lines and the use of vacant positions to offset overtime costs. The department said it is leaning on vacancy savings, but would return for additional appropriations if unforeseen staffing problems arise. A major portion of the discussion centered on recruitment, retention, and staffing levels. Officials reported a 42% vacancy rate in enforcement ranks, down from 51% in January 2023, with 28 new officers headed to the next academy and 33 new hires already tracked. They said overtime is more expensive than regular staffing because of benefits and that it takes about 11 months for a new hire to break even. Members also asked about the split between incarcerated and supervised populations; the department said it oversees about 1,970 inmates in facilities and just over 4,000 people in the community, with 77 positions supervising the community population and the inmate population remaining the most expensive area. The committee also discussed how sentencing and statutory changes affect incarceration levels, including misdemeanor/felony thresholds and theft thresholds, with the department agreeing that such changes can significantly affect prison and jail populations. Members asked about education and recidivism, and the department said base education is the most important foundation, followed by vocational training, while noting that many incarcerated men lack a high school diploma. The department also described a $1.3 million reduction in contracted forensic evaluation services, explaining that these evaluations are court-ordered competency assessments and are not statutorily required to be provided by DOC. Finally, members reviewed victim services funding and staffing, including VOCA-supported positions, and the department explained that a new victim witness specialist would help support survivors at parole hearings and safety planning.

Transcript Highlights:

• seasonc><01:32:38.080><c> typec><01:32:38.239><c> ofc> try it during a peak season type of try
• ofc><02:02:40.560><c> landscapec><02:02:41.280><c> youc><02:02:41.400><c> knowc> contiguous type
• :44.399><c> typesc><02:19:44.719><c> arec> different how many different types are different how many
• different types are available<02:19:45.519><c> forc><02:19:45.840><c> thisc><02:19:46.120><c> type
• c><02:19:46.519><c> ofc> available for this type of available for this type of collection<02:19:48.720

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> typec> wondering if if a date may be some type wondering if if a date may be some type of<00:30
• <01:12:25.120><c> umc><01:12:25.600><c> umc><01:12:26.239><c> uhc><01:12:26.480><c> typec><01
• :12:26.800><c> ofc><01:12:26.960><c> typec> only type um um uh type of type only type um um uh type
• of type instruction.<01:12:27.600><c> uctionc><01:12:28.320><c> andc><01:12:28.800><c> umc><01
• ><c> thec><05:13:51.920><c> typesc><05:13:52.240><c> ofc><05:13:52.560><c> studentsc> don't know

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:04:33.480><c> allowc><00:04:33.800><c> thesec><00:04:34.080><c> typesc><00:04:34.360><c> of
• c> be amended to allow these types of be amended to allow these types of sales,<00:04:35.480><c> the
• <01:07:50.760><c> Whatc><01:07:50.960><c> typec><01:07:51.240><c> ofc><01:07:51.440><c> licenses
• :37:11.680><c> typesc><03:37:12.000><c> ofc><03:37:12.120><c> fencing,c><03:37:12.560><c> but
• define.<04:19:36.600><c> There'sc><04:19:36.880><c> multiplec><04:19:37.280><c> typesc><04:19:

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> typesc><01:07:01.599><c> willc><01:07:01.920><c> goc> built in the US of these types will go
• built in the US of these types will go up<01:07:02.559><c> overc><01:07:02.920><c> timec><01:07:
• 45:41.400><c> typesc><01:45:41.679><c> ofc> that's just one example of the types of that's just one
• example of the types of things<01:45:42.239><c> thatc><01:45:42.520><c> thatc><01:45:42.599><c>
• ><c> surec><04:27:01.840><c> umc><04:27:02.680><c> soc> type of vehicle do you drive sure um so

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> ofc><03:12:53.200><c> transactionsc><03:12:53.760><c> thatc> covered the type of transactions
• thec><04:58:46.000><c> typec><04:58:46.080><c> ofc><04:58:46.240><c> sunsetc> years, and changing
• ><c> inc><05:01:17.840><c> thisc><05:01:18.240><c> typec><05:01:18.480><c> ofc><05:01:18.718>
• <c> taskc><05:01:18.958><c> forcec> involved uh in this type of task force involved uh in this type
• uhc> some type of closure.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a color guard presentation by Colorado Military Academy cadets and the pledge led by Olivia and Owen Curry. After roll call established a quorum, members approved the journal of Friday, March 6, 2026, as corrected. Several committees then announced upcoming hearings, including Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources; State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs; and Finance. The chamber then took up House Joint Resolution 1020, designating March 8, 2026, as International Women’s Day in Colorado. The resolution praised women’s contributions across history and society, highlighted Colorado’s early adoption of women’s suffrage, and recognized trailblazing women in the General Assembly. Sponsors and supporters spoke at length about women’s leadership, economic and civic contributions, and the need to continue advancing equality. The resolution also drew recognition of women and advocacy organizations present in the chamber. Representative Bradley and other Republican members criticized the resolution as partisan and said Republican women were not included in drafting or sponsoring it. They argued the measure should have been more inclusive and should have better reflected women’s roles in the home and the broader bipartisan history of women’s history observances. Bradley announced she would vote no. In response, Representative Ricks said an amendment would be accepted from the minority caucus to address concerns about traditional roles of women, and he moved Amendment L002 for consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> typec><00:26:52.039><c> ofc> these Services it was the same type of these Services it was the
• same type of questions<00:26:53.159><c> andc><00:26:53.279><c> ifc><00:26:53.399><c> you'vec><
• one<00:27:04.360><c> typec><00:27:04.559><c> ofc><00:27:04.760><c> businessc><00:27:05.480><c>
• typec><00:44:14.640><c> ofc><00:44:14.839><c> thingsc><00:44:15.520><c> andc><00:44:15.640><
• c> thenc><00:44:15.760><c> thec><00:44:15.960><c> secondc> those type of things and then the second

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:46:48.720><c> typec><00:46:49.000><c> ofc><00:46:49.160><c> wayc> established in a non-profit
• type of way established in a non-profit type of way or<00:46:50.120><c> inc><00:46:50.240><c> some
• c><00:48:04.400><c> typesc><00:48:04.800><c> ofc><00:48:05.040><c> entitiesc><00:48:06.240><c
• > thatc><00:48:07.080><c> arec><00:48:07.240><c> notc> uh exempt types of entities that are not
• uh exempt types of entities that are not subject<00:48:07.920><c> toc><00:48:08.000><c> thec><00

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Votruba Young Scholars Academy 00:01:55 Taxation of Financial Deposit Institutions 00:36:50, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> ourc><00:01:01.840><c> scopec><00:01:02.160><c> thisc><00:01:02.399><c> timec><00:01:02.640
• ><c> reallyc><00:01:06.080><c> lookingc><00:01:06.320><c> atc><00:01:06.479><c> thec> of this
• :10:31.120><c> differentc><00:10:31.440><c> typesc><00:10:31.760><c> ofc> variety of different
• ><c> typec><00:15:36.959><c> ofc> same procedures as any other type of same procedures as any other
• type of payroll<00:15:37.519><c> inc><00:15:37.760><c> thec><00:15:37.920><c> state.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> licensedc><00:01:10.080><c> betweenc><00:01:10.680><c> 2020c><00:01:11.400><c> andc><00:
• c><00:30:37.080><c> Thatc><00:30:37.280><c> typec><00:30:37.520><c> ofc> optic nerve appropriately
• That type of thing.<00:30:37.960><c> It'sc><00:30:38.120><c> ac><00:30:38.160><c> veryc><00:30:
• It's a very hands-on, practical type<00:30:40.440><c> ofc><00:30:40.560><c> examination.
• c> type of examination. type of examination.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee considered an emergency regulation from the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners, 201 KAR 5021E, along with a staff amendment to conform the text to KRS Chapter 13A. The regulation was described as implementing an Attorney General opinion and a review of optometrists licensed during the 2020–2023 period when alternative testing and waivers were used during the COVID-19 era. The board explained that the rule requires affected licensees to complete specified examinations or an alternative certification before renewing in 2027, and that it now removes the OEBC Canadian exam as a future pathway while preserving recognition of OEBC results submitted during the period when that option was in effect. The staff amendment was approved without objection. Testimony was sharply divided. Board representatives and the Attorney General’s office said the regulation is needed to protect public health and to bring the licensure review into the formal administrative process. They said the NBEO Part 3 exam is the nationally recognized hands-on clinical licensure test, while the American Board of Optometry certification is a post-licensure credential for already licensed practitioners and is not a substitute for initial licensure testing. They also said no other state uses the ABOC certification for licensure, and that the board’s approach balances fairness, due process, and public protection. Opponents argued the regulation would allow individuals who were improperly licensed to continue practicing without meeting the same standards as other Kentucky optometrists. A representative from the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation described cases of alleged inadequate care and urged the committee to require full national board passage before independent practice. Representatives from ARBO and NBEO said the emergency regulation is not justified as an emergency, does not adequately address public safety or fiscal impacts, and exceeds the board’s authority by creating a renewal path for licensees whose initial licensure was challenged. They emphasized that NBEO Part 3 is a practical, hands-on exam and that the ABOC certification is not designed or validated for initial licensure. The committee asked several questions about the differences between the exams, and no final vote on the regulation itself was described in the transcript beyond approval of the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Lauronc><00:15:12.399><c> Sabierc><00:15:13.040><c> thec><00:15:13.279><c> deputyc> Sabier
• ><c> rolec><00:15:45.519><c> asc><00:15:45.680><c> HTVCc><00:15:46.240><c> executivec> uh in
• :15:47.440><c> there'sc><00:15:47.600><c> ac><00:15:47.760><c> lotc><00:15:47.839><c> ofc><00
• c><00:15:50.399><c> So,c><00:15:50.880><c> Ic><00:15:51.040><c> wouldc><00:15:51.199><c> like
• Mahalo. focus on certain types of um focus on certain types of um interference<01:09:06.640><c> with<

Bills: HB1629, HB1630, HB1631

Keywords: economic development, business, state statutes, Hawaii Revised Statutes, legislation, development strategy, state funding, infrastructure, employment opportunities, legislative intent, state legislation, development initiatives, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with HB 1829 on marine affairs. Most testimony was in strong support, with speakers from state agencies, ocean-tech companies, startups, nonprofits, and community groups backing the creation of an Office of Marine Affairs and a marine affairs coordinator under HTDC. Supporters said the measure would better coordinate ocean policy, strengthen the blue economy, and help Hawaii capture jobs, investment, and innovation in marine-related industries. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HTDC-related measures, including HB 1615 and HB 1613, which also drew broad support from business, technology, and economic development interests. Testifiers said the bills would strengthen Hawaii’s technology and innovation ecosystem, support advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, and help build a more diversified economy with higher-wage jobs. The committee also heard HB 1607 on public procurement and HB 1772 on small business procurement; state procurement staff and several business groups supported efforts to expand opportunities for local firms, while one speaker from the city’s economic revitalization commission argued that a flat 5% preference could help keep more revenue and jobs in-state. On HB 1636 relating to shopping carts, the Hawaii Food Industry Association and Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in opposition, saying the bill would penalize businesses for carts that are stolen rather than abandoned and would add costs that could especially burden small and local retailers. HB 1810 on charitable solicitation drew support from Goodwill Hawaii and other nonprofits, who said the bill would improve transparency around donation bins and protect donors from misleading for-profit collection practices; the Attorney General’s office asked for a delayed effective date to allow system changes and staffing. HB 1782 on AI and the protection of minors received broad support from state agencies, educators, and advocacy groups, but some business and retail representatives urged narrowing the definition of covered AI services so ordinary customer-service chatbots would not be swept in. Finally, HB 1759 on theft drew opposition from the Public Defender’s Office, which said the bill could create overly harsh penalties and should include defense representation on any task force; the office also noted existing laws already address conspiracy and related conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:14:28.320><c> Uh,c><00:14:28.639><c> forc><00:14:28.800><c> thosec><00:14:29.040><c> onc
• umc><01:00:57.200><c> somec><01:00:57.359><c> typec><01:00:57.520><c> ofc><01:00:57.680><c>
• adjectivec><01:00:58.079><c> thatc><01:00:58.240><c> isc> using um some type of adjective that
• is using um some type of adjective that is not<01:00:59.440><c> qualitative,c><01:01:00.240><c> you
• c><01:13:58.320><c> notc> types of foodware that should not types of foodware that should not contain

Bills: HB644, HB1802, HB1569, HB1619, HB1620, HB1730, HB1749

Keywords: PFAS, single-use plastics, environmental health, food ware, pollution reduction, HB1802, conservation banking, conservation bank, mitigation banking, compensatory mitigation, incidental take permit, incidental take license, habitat conservation plan, HCP, DLNR, BLNR, Board of Land and Natural Resources, endangered species recovery committee, threatened species, endangered species

Summary: The committee heard several environmental and energy bills, beginning with HB 644 on single-use plastics. DLNR and DOH supported the measure, and environmental advocates said it would reduce plastic waste in oceans and landfills. Testifiers urged the bill to avoid weakening existing county ordinances, and some supported delaying implementation to use up inventory, while Upstream opposed compostable-plastic exemptions and urged prompt passage. Committee members asked whether reusable and refillable foodware could be added to the PFAS prohibition, and Upstream said that would be consistent with the bill’s goals. The committee then took up HB 1802 on conservation mitigation banks, HB 1569 on microfiber filters for newly manufactured washing machines, and HB 1619 on electric vehicle infrastructure. HB 1802 drew mostly agency testimony from DLNR, with opposition testimony noted from environmental groups, and members discussed whether suggested amendments would address concerns. HB 1569 received limited testimony, with support from the Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and opposition from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. HB 1619 was supported by the PUC, Hawaiian Electric, the Department of Transportation, and several advocacy groups; Earthjustice said the bill was needed to address a widening EV charging shortfall and described the funding increase as relatively small compared with the benefits. The committee also heard HB 1620, which would increase the barrel tax to fund the EV charging rebate program. The State Energy Office and PUC offered comments, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii opposed the special-fund approach and said the bill should also address the non-petroleum fossil-fuel portion of the barrel tax. Earthjustice and youth transportation advocates supported the measure, and the chair asked for information on unused hydrogen fueling subaccount funds; PUC said no hydrogen program funds had been deployed and estimated the balance was likely around $2 million, with exact figures to be provided later. Finally, the committee heard HB 1730 on wastewater systems, which would create a wastewater technical advisory group and fund positions at DOH. DLNR, DOH, OPSD, UH, and several environmental groups supported the bill, emphasizing cesspool pollution, affordability, and the need for more staffing and technical assistance. Testifiers suggested amendments to create a separate cesspool conversion implementation working group and debated the size and composition of the advisory group, including whether to include outside engineers and whether SHIP should be on the panel. No votes were taken during the hearing segment provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:15:48.519><c> rejoinc><00:15:48.839><c> thec><00:15:48.959><c> meetingc><00:15:49.480><c
• ><c> thec><00:39:31.480><c> typec><00:39:31.720><c> ofc><00:39:31.920><c> unitc> evaluate it
• based on the type of unit evaluate it based on the type of unit the<00:39:32.560><c> sizec><00:39:32.760
• ><c> partc><01:00:24.799><c> affectedc><01:00:25.599><c> thec><01:00:26.000><c> typec> this is
• the body part affected the type this is the body part affected the type of<01:00:26.359><c> jobc><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 117 on condominiums. Testifiers were split: reserve-study professionals and the Community Associations Institute opposed tying reserve requirements to assessed value, arguing reserve studies should be based on actual components and costs and that the bill could lead to over- or under-collection. Condominium owners and advocates supported the bill, saying some associations are not completing reserve studies or are failing to provide audits and adequate funding, and urging stronger fiduciary accountability. A member later asked about compliance rates, and a witness said he was not aware of any association that had failed to do a reserve study, estimating compliance at well over 95 percent, likely close to 100 percent. The committee then took testimony on HB 544 on pet insurance, which drew support from the Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Division with comments about contract-impairment issues, as well as support from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Testifiers said the bill would help consumers understand and use pet insurance as veterinary costs rise. HB 983 on certified public accountants also drew mostly support, with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants offering conditional support and proposed amendments. Public accountants said the bill could help address a shortage of CPAs and expand pathways into the profession, while some speakers cautioned that the language needed clarification and that public accounting experience should be tied to CPA-firm work. An instructor from UH West Oahu said students cannot afford the extra credits currently required and would benefit from a more accessible pathway. The committee also heard HB 1050 on Title 24, with DCCA supporting the measure and no opposition or questions. The discussion then moved to HB 256 HD1 on environmental protection and incinerator emissions. The Department of Health offered comments, while Energy Justice Network and Climate Protectors Hawaii supported strengthening the bill, warning that it could weaken existing standards at H-Power unless amended to preserve stricter state rules and require modern pollution controls. A member questioned the Department of Health about H-Power’s permits and whether additional controls would be required if federal rules change; the department said permits are reviewed every five years and that the facility currently meets state and federal requirements, while EPA rules remain in a public comment process. Finally, the committee heard HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, with support from the Consumer Advocate, State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaii Energy. The committee then heard HB 350 HD1 on energy, where the State Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray Corporation offered conditional comments urging any new mandated water-heating technology to meet the same efficiency level as existing solar thermal systems, and the Kauai Climate Action Coalition testified in support. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:03:52.560><c> butc><00:03:52.720><c> Ic><00:03:52.840><c> putc><00:03:53.160><c> mostc>
• <c> thec><00:25:48.360><c> thec><00:25:48.680><c> typec><00:25:49.000><c> ofc> There's the the
• criteria the the type of There's the the criteria the the type of companies<00:25:49.600><c> thatc
• That'll grow those diversified<00:30:26.120><c> typesc><00:30:26.440><c> ofc><00:30:26.520><c> jobs
• c><00:30:27.160><c> Andc><00:30:27.280><c> it'sc><00:30:27.400><c> notc> diversified types of

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The speaker outlined Kentucky’s economic development strategy and how the cabinet evaluates and awards incentives. He emphasized using national benchmarks such as Site Selection and Area Development magazines, focusing on real data, competitiveness, and performance-based incentives. He said the state is performing well nationally in investment rankings, and credited the legislature with providing tools that help attract and retain jobs, especially through speed to market, site readiness, transportation, and workforce coordination. A major portion of the remarks described the “anatomy” of an incentive package: first improving sites and infrastructure such as water, sewer, roads, and rail spurs; then using sales tax benefits for construction materials and equipment; then training support through the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation; and finally the Kentucky Business Incentive (KBI) program, which reimburses qualifying expenses from incremental tax revenue. He said incentives are negotiated, data-driven, and targeted toward companies with strong wage levels, training plans, growth potential, and, in some cases, agricultural benefits or industry leadership. He also noted special treatment for heritage communities and said the state has expanded KBI beyond heavy manufacturing to include R&D, headquarters, and service businesses. The speaker also described compliance and oversight. Incentive agreements are written with job, wage, investment, and community-benefit terms, and companies must file regular reports and invoices. Cash incentives can be clawed back if commitments are not met, while tax credits are tied to actual investment and job creation. He said the Revenue Cabinet and Environment and Energy Cabinet play important monitoring roles, and that projects go through application review and preliminary approval by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority before final approval and payment. He closed by thanking legislators for their support and for allowing more flexible, capped, and data-driven incentive tools.

Transcript Highlights:

• soc><00:01:57.520><c> uhc><00:01:57.640><c> it'sc><00:01:57.799><c> sortc><00:01:57.960><c>
• sort of put our finger on any changed to sort of put our finger on any type<00:03:35.840><c> ofc><00
• :03:38.200><c> yearc><00:03:38.480><c> wec> type of uh scale but last year we type of uh scale but
• ><c> havec><00:47:48.079><c> somec><00:47:48.359><c> typec><00:47:48.520><c> ofc><00:47:48.680
• ><c> thisc> currently have some type of this currently have some type of this requirement<00:47:49.920

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development received a presentation from Kentucky Department of Education officials on the final SEEK estimate for fiscal year 2025. Commissioner Robbie Fletcher, Matt Ross, and Chay Ritter explained that SEEK is developed through a consensus process with the Office of the State Budget Director using multiple models and district-level inputs, and that the estimate is a projection made well before actual data are available. They emphasized that the discussion was separate from the pending education-funding lawsuit and described SEEK as one part of a much larger K-12 budget picture. The presenters said the current SEEK estimate shows a statutory shortfall of about $14.7 million, or roughly 0.53% of the appropriation, with additional optional items that could bring the total to about $40.5 million if funds are available. They noted that prior years have sometimes produced excess funds, which are redirected according to budget language rather than automatically flowing back through SEEK. They also reviewed the main drivers of the estimate, including property assessments, average daily attendance, free lunch counts, exceptional child counts, home hospital, and limited English proficiency, and said property assessments have been especially volatile while exceptional child counts and ELL populations are difficult to predict. Members asked about why the estimate missed on some categories, especially special education and ELL, and whether district-level changes were being monitored closely enough. The presenters said KDE does monitor special education counts and will review larger districts and districts with unusual growth, and they acknowledged that exceptional child growth has been hard to forecast. Representative Bojanowski asked about the Cloverport virtual school, and staff said its growth was much larger than projected and accounted for a significant portion of the shortfall. Members also discussed the impact of property value growth, population shifts, illness, and legislative changes on SEEK projections. No vote or formal action was taken, and the meeting ended after questions and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> isc><00:45:35.520><c> we'llc><00:45:35.760><c> doc><00:45:35.920><c> thec> >> Well
• ><c> usc><00:46:09.839><c> isc><00:46:10.079><c> wec><00:46:10.319><c> havec><00:46:10.480><c
• c><00:47:33.119><c> isc><00:47:33.280><c> upc><00:47:33.440><c> onc><00:47:33.599><c> linec
• 10:02.159><c> typec><01:10:02.560><c> officerc><01:10:03.120><c> that'sc><01:10:03.440><c> given
• c> or a hearing type officer that's given or a hearing type officer that's given this<01:10:04.000>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met on HB 510 and HB 112, but the discussion focused almost entirely on HB 510, which would establish due process rights for students, student organizations, and faculty members in disciplinary proceedings at state institutions of higher education. The chair reviewed proposed amendments already approved or being considered, including revised definitions, confidentiality language for grievance information, removal of the adverse-inference language tied to self-incrimination, changes to cross-examination procedures, and narrowing an emergency exception by removing property damage and focusing on immediate threats to physical health or safety. The committee also discussed whether the hearing officer should have discretion to require a third party to conduct cross-examination, with the sponsor saying the word should remain “may” so the officer can respond to the circumstances of each case. Members opposed to the bill argued that existing campus procedures already provide adequate due process and that the proposal is unnecessary, potentially intimidating to complainants, and disruptive to university policies and collective bargaining agreements. They objected especially to language allowing the accused to be present during cross-examination of an accuser and to the use of the term “victim” before facts are established. Supporters said the bill is intended to ensure basic fairness for accused students and faculty, that the language was revised to address concerns, and that the rights listed are appropriate because serious allegations can have lasting consequences even outside the criminal context. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the committee remained in discussion/caucus over the bill language.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:13:47.000><c> typec><00:13:47.240><c> ofc> moving forward.
• There there is a type of check<00:13:47.560><c> backc><00:13:47.920><c> wherec> check back where
• /c><00:14:07.160><c> andc><00:14:07.280><c> soc><00:14:07.440><c> itc><00:14:07.600><c> wasc>
• 00:28:37.520><c> orc><00:28:37.680><c> thesec><00:28:38.000><c> typesc><00:28:38.400><c> ofc>
• needs extra help or these types of needs extra help or these types of dwellings<00:28:39.200><c> need

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> ofc><00:25:10.320><c> ac><00:25:10.559><c> preventativec><00:25:11.200><c> typec> more for
• uh more of a preventative type more for uh more of a preventative type measure<00:25:12.720><c> where
• licensed or um at a master's<00:27:17.200><c> typec><00:27:17.520><c> degreec><00:27:17.919><c>
• levelc><00:27:18.960><c> uhc><00:27:19.120><c> whoc><00:27:19.360><c> werec> master's type degree
• level uh who were master's type degree level uh who were we're<00:27:19.679><c> werec><00:27:19.919

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services opened its first hearing of the 2026 session and heard testimony on several bills, with the chair emphasizing one-minute testimony, written submissions, and live streaming. For SB 768, relating to an alternative water source income tax credit, the Department of Taxation said a drafting issue needed clarification on the $500 cap and estimated a revenue loss of $6.8 million per year beginning in fiscal year 2028. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Libertarian Party opposed the bill as an unnecessary subsidy and tax-code complication, while one supporter was noted. A member questioned the size of the projected loss and suggested future analysis of net fiscal impacts and methodology. The committee then heard SB 389, which expands a general excise tax exemption to additional health-related providers and purchases. The Department of Taxation said the change would be a minimal code adjustment but would require public education; the Tax Foundation said the bill should be framed in light of the original physician-shortage rationale for the exemption. The Hawaii National Guard and Aloha Care supported the measure, along with several other organizations and individuals, while the Libertarian Party opposed it as favoritism and tax-code complexity. A member asked about administrative burden and potential tax impact, and the department said it did not yet have a calculation but was working on one. The committee also heard SB 877, which would appropriate funds to increase Medicaid in-home services if federal matching funds are maximized, and SB 1139, which would direct DHS to expand Medicaid eligibility for children from birth to age five regardless of household income. DHS stood on written testimony for both bills, and Aloha Care, the Hawaii Medical Association, disability advocates, children’s advocates, and CARES testified in support, arguing the measures would improve access and family stability. The Libertarian Party opposed both bills, warning of higher long-term costs, entitlement growth, and reduced private-sector options. Members questioned the fiscal and programmatic differences between crisis and warm-line services during discussion of SB 787, a bill to fund a Department of Health warm line; the department said the warm line would serve noncrisis callers more cheaply than crisis staffing, and that about 34.7% of 2024 Hawaii CARES contacts were mild issues that could have been routed to a warm line. Supporters cited mental health needs after the Lahaina wildfire and the affordability crisis, while opponents argued the service duplicated existing resources and expanded government involvement.

Transcript Highlights:

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• ><00:15:53.759><c> commonc><00:15:54.639><c> uhc><00:15:54.800><c> typec><00:15:55.120><c> is
• c><00:15:55.360><c> calledc> the other common uh type is called the other common uh type is called
• for summarizing, it's easier to<00:32:55.120><c> typec><00:32:55.360><c> verbc><00:32:55.919><c>
• <c> toc> to type verb verbatim than it is to to type verb verbatim than it is to write<00:32:57.679

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:10:25.440><c> receivec><00:10:26.160><c> thisc><00:10:26.480><c> typec><00:10:26.720><c> of
• support various<00:13:31.040><c> typesc><00:13:31.279><c> ofc><00:13:31.519><c> schoolc><00:13:
• c><00:13:32.399><c> Thec> various types of school districts.
• organized<00:14:56.480><c> byc><00:14:56.800><c> districtc><00:14:57.199><c> typec><00:14:57.440
• ><c> andc> organized by district type and organized by district type and geographic<00:14:58.560><c

Keywords: 1183, house