Transcript Highlights:

• You know, the resulting budget balancing requires reductions in all areas. And as Mr.
• <00:30:44.799> And<00:30:45.360> as requires reductions in all areas.
• And as requires reductions in all areas.
• passed last year, along with the transportation reduction affecting both charter and traditional public
• , which needless to say would reductions, which needless to say would have<01:14:00.080> devastating

Bills: HF3790, HF3654, HF3371, HF3470, HF1099

Keywords: education finance, lease levy authority, graduation ceremonies, school districts, Minnesota Statutes, local revenue, funding increase, education, state appropriation, local control, HF3371, local optional revenue, school finance, general education aid, school district funding, referendum revenue, referendum market value, equalization aid, state aid, property tax levy

Transcript Highlights:

• and that it will go up year after year at a time when cities could potentially be facing other reductions
• statute, supporting aging in place through care navigation, caregiver support, and demonstrated reductions
• So with this bill, the county's emission reduction strategies to protect those of us that live there,
• So if my county has an emission reduction strategy to protect critical infrastructure, reduce long-term
• This would prohibit a local government even from having any reduction goals related to trying to reduce

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and included several member introductions recognizing guests, interns, firefighters, and a doctor of the day. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and began taking up a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate measures before final passage. The first major bill, health care patient protection, required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, a pediatric emergency care coordinator, and readiness assessments; it passed 36-0. A public records bill protecting victim identities and temporarily exempting the name of a law enforcement officer who is a victim also passed after questions about access for victims of police misconduct, with a 33-4 vote. The Senate next approved a local government cybersecurity bill creating a state-administered program through Florida Digital Service to help counties and cities strengthen cyber defenses, with priority for rural and fiscally constrained governments; after amendments, it passed 37-0. A clerks of court bill allowing clerks to retain all revenue above projections and, through a House amendment, revising legal notice and traffic citation distribution provisions, passed 38-0 despite debate over impacts on municipalities and law enforcement. The chamber also passed a trademark modernization bill and a septic system permit bill intended to reduce delays for builders; the septic bill was amended to align the House and Senate versions and passed 38-0. The longest and most contested item was the elections bill, which updated citizenship verification procedures using REAL ID and state databases, changed candidate qualification rules, and altered election administration provisions. Numerous amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to exempt certain seniors, preserve student and retirement-center IDs, allow attestations in place of documentary proof of citizenship, and require human review over automated systems. One amendment to delay implementation until July 1, 2027, was also debated. The transcript ends while debate is still underway on the elections measure, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So one will be called the watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction special fund.
• So one will be called the watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction special fund.
• So one will be called the watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction special fund.
• So one will be called the watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction special fund.
• So this will reduction special fund.

Bills: HB1617

Keywords: carbon emissions, tax credit, fossil fuel, agriculture, food security, environmental tax, greenhouse gas, 910, house, all

Summary: The committees heard testimony on HB 1949, which would create a public dashboard for the green fee to improve transparency and accountability. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, and many community and conservation groups was generally supportive, with several speakers urging that the governor’s project recommendations remain largely intact and that community-driven projects continue to guide spending. One amendment was suggested to place the dashboard at the Department of Budget and Finance for fiscal expertise, while other testimony favored keeping it with the commission. Members asked about procurement, ETS involvement, recurring hosting costs, and whether the dashboard could be funded from green fee revenues; the commission said it could work with ETS and that green fee funds could reasonably be used. The committees then voted to pass HB 1949 with amendments. The committees also heard HB 2618, which would require the governor to submit a separate bill for amounts tied to any increase in the transient accommodations tax and, in later discussion, was expanded into a broader restructuring of future green fee allocations. Testimony from the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition, and others supported the bill and emphasized the value of more predictable, dedicated funding for conservation and climate-related work. During decision-making, the chair described amendments creating several special funds under DLNR, including a watershed biodiversity and wildfire risk reduction fund, an aquatic resources conservation fund, a coastal restoration fund, a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund, and a green fee special fund for remaining revenues, with recommended amounts discussed for some of the funds. The committees voted to pass HB 2618 with amendments. The hearing then moved to HB 1644, a consumer protection measure for residential solar sales that would require compliance with consumer protection laws, licensing or contractor affiliation for sellers, and a standardized disclosure form. Testimony in support came from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and several solar companies and individuals. Supporters said the bill would address complaints about third-party sales practices and improve disclosure, especially around financing. The committee then began hearing HB 2243, which would require electric utilities to provide public, electronic customer bill impact analyses and annual reports to the Public Utilities Commission; the Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC offered comments supporting the measure’s intent.

Transcript Highlights:

• But in Hawaii, for the past three years, it's actually meant a reduction because in federal fiscal year
• <00:17:31.039> because<00:17:31.440> in<00:17:31.760> federal meant a reduction
• because in federal meant a reduction because in federal fiscal<00:17:32.400> year<00:17:32.720
• <00:18:01.760> and we've had to make this reduction and we've had to make this reduction and
• >> There's no any there's no reduction. >> There's no any there's no reduction.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held an informational briefing on the federal shutdown’s impact on state benefits, with the main focus on SNAP. DHS Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division Administrator Scott Morish explained that SNAP serves about 86,229 households statewide, or 168,947 individuals, and averages roughly $58–60 million in monthly federal benefits. He said USDA directed states to suspend November SNAP benefits effective November 1 if the shutdown continues, while existing October balances on EBT cards remain usable and cash benefits such as TANF, General Assistance, and AABD are not affected. DHS said it has continued processing applications, recertifications, interviews, and required reporting, and has posted public guidance on its website. Morish also reviewed other SNAP-related changes taking effect November 1 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded able-bodied adult work requirements and tighter non-citizen eligibility rules. He said the work requirements now extend from ages 18–54 to 18–64 and apply to additional groups previously exempt, while only lawful permanent residents, COFA residents, and Cuban or Haitian entrants will remain eligible among non-citizens. He also noted Hawaii’s ongoing SNAP benefit reduction tied to a federal calculation error in the thrifty food plan, which has lowered benefits by about $8 per person per month for the past three years. On the state response, DHS said it is working with the Hawaii Food Bank and seeking $2 million in state funding to support it, and is also developing a Hawaii Relief Program using TANF reserve funds. The program is intended as a short-term housing and utility assistance program for families with dependent children under 300% of the federal poverty level, with up to four months of assistance. Senators questioned why rainy day funds were not being used and whether the state could directly fund EBT cards; DHS responded that the TANF approach was the fastest available option, that EBT delivery involves significant technical and administrative mechanics, and that the department is still in discussions with the vendor and other stakeholders about additional options.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is because the Department of Agriculture has shared that certified farms show a significant reduction
• reduction uh reverse osmosis<00:41:57.319> those<00:41:57.440> sort<00:41:57.599> of
• We have a 45% reduction in nitrogen loss.
• We have a 45% reduction in nitrogen loss.
• So the, uh, it would be the reduction in the taxes that would be due, assuming no credits applied.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• about this division and what we'll be looking at as far as future work on the budget and possible reductions
• <00:06:42.680> in<00:06:43.319> um<00:06:44.319> in possible reductions in um
• in possible reductions in um in Appropriations<00:06:47.639> that<00:06:47.880> is<00:
• We have a pretty significant reduction within one area.
• <01:33:10.800> transpired<01:33:11.400> after reductions transpired after reductions transpired

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Division 3 opened a work session focused on direct care agencies, with the chair saying the day would center on the Veterans Home and other state hospitals and homes. Members first discussed the upcoming Finance Committee process, including how many bills would be assigned to Division 3, whether they would appear on the House calendar, and how much time would be allowed for each bill. The chair said the division would likely spend about an hour on each bill, then return for a second day of review before making recommendations. Staff later identified three bills expected on the calendar: House Bills 704, 751, and 54. Members also raised a question about the use of educational trust fund money in the budget, but that issue was deferred. The main presentation came from Kim McKay, commandant of the New Hampshire Veterans Home, who described the facility as a long-term care intermediate facility serving eligible veterans. She said the home is licensed for 250 beds, budgeted for 225 veterans, and currently has 135 residents with four more scheduled to arrive. McKay highlighted improvements over the last two years, including a reduction in the admission wait list from more than a year to about three to six months, the creation of an LNA training program, energy-saving and Wi-Fi upgrades, and a new electronic learning management system that will provide mandatory training and continuing education units for staff. She said the home’s long-term goal is to return to a 225-bed census, but staffing remains the biggest hurdle. Members asked about admissions, wait times, staffing, vacancies, and the home’s use of contract nurses. McKay explained that the wait time is measured from the initial application date, not from a completed packet, and that staff now help families gather records and paperwork more quickly. She said the home averages about 45 deaths per year, residents stay about 2.5 years on average, and the vacancy rate is around 35 percent, though some positions are intentionally held open until census grows. She attributed staffing shortages largely to retention problems, citing higher private-sector pay, bonuses, and more flexible hours, and said the home has a handful of contract nurses, mainly on second shift. On finances, she said pharmacy services are contracted, the VA reimburses some medication costs based on disability, and the home is pursuing federal changes to cover high-cost medications and catastrophic disability cases. The discussion also covered the home’s off-book donation account, which is overseen by the state and transferred into the state system when funds are spent.

Transcript Highlights:

• increased economic growth, healthy reserve accounts, and conservative spending policies, additional tax reductions
• period. ...growth, healthy reserve accounts, and conservative spending policies, additional tax reductions

Summary: The Arkansas House convened in an extraordinary session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Members granted several leaves of absence and recognized visiting state troopers and the nurse of the day. The clerk then read the governor’s proclamation calling the special session, which cited the state’s strong finances and outlined the session’s purposes: reducing individual income tax rates to a top rate of 3.7% and corporate tax rates to a top rate of 4.1%, along with authorizing payment of legislative expenses and per diem for the special session. The House adopted motions to suspend House Rules 41A and 41B, which normally require bills to be on the desk for 24 hours before final passage and limit how soon filed bills can be placed on committee agendas, as well as Rule 60A on committee meeting notice requirements, for the duration of the special session. House Bill 1001, a revenue and tax bill, was then read a second time. The House also directed the clerk to notify the Senate and governor that it was ready for business. Before adjourning, the House set a meeting of the Revenue and Tax Committee for 5:15 p.m. that day. A motion to adjourn until 9:30 the next morning was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• increased economic growth, healthy reserve accounts, and conservative spending policies, additional tax reductions
• enacted to... ...growth, healthy reserve accounts, and conservative spending policies, additional tax reductions

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The Arkansas House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, and granted several leaves of absence. The chamber recognized visiting state troopers and the nurse of the day before receiving the governor’s proclamation calling the General Assembly into extraordinary session. The governor’s call stated the special session was convened to consider tax relief measures, including changes to individual income tax brackets and rates with a top rate of 3.7% effective January 1, 2026, and changes to corporate income tax brackets and rates with a top rate of 4.1% effective January 1, 2027. The call also included payment of legislative expenses and per diem for the special session. The Speaker reminded members that only items germane to the call could be considered. The House then adopted motions to suspend House Rules 41A, 41B, and 60 for the duration of the special session, allowing expedited bill handling and committee notice. House Bill 1001, titled Revenue and Tax, was read a second time. The House notified the Senate and governor that it was in session and ready for business, then adjourned until 9:30 the next morning. An announcement noted the Revenue and Tax committee would meet later that day at 5:15 p.m. in Big Mac B.

Transcript Highlights:

• back of the budget reduction. back of the budget reduction.
• So, it occurs to me if we're not willing to make an investment to support the SNAP program's reduction
• additional 4 million dollars when they're already facing a 51 million dollar back to the budget reduction
• You know, you also saw a net effective reduction to the county contribution in that year because of the
• You know, you also saw a net effective reduction to the county contribution in that year because of the

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: Division Three of the Finance Committee met in work session on April 20, 2026, to consider Senate Bills 481, 603, and 663, with the discussion focused primarily on SB 481, relative to the sale of the Sununu Youth Services Center property. The chair explained that the bill was advisory only and that the committee’s recommendations would go to full Finance on April 27. For SB 481, members reviewed conflicting provisions in the prior budget law about whether sale proceeds should go to the general fund or the Youth Development Center Claims and Administration Settlement Fund, and the bill was described as a compromise that would direct proceeds to the general fund before June 30, 2027, and to the settlement fund after that date. It was noted that the settlement fund had originally received about $20 million and had roughly $10 million remaining. The committee also received an extensive update from DCYF Director Marie Noonan on the new Youth Development Center in Hampstead. She reported that construction remained on schedule, with major structural and interior work complete, substantial completion expected in late summer or early fall 2026, and occupancy anticipated in early 2027. The presentation highlighted the facility’s design features, including single-occupancy bedrooms, sensory rooms, an education wing, medical and clinical suites, visitation space, a gym, and multiple outdoor courtyards, all intended to support a trauma-informed setting. Members asked about the facility’s funding, square footage, fencing, and scanner; staff said the building is about 34,000 square feet, funded entirely with federal ARPA state recovery funds to date, and that the scanner is on site but not yet operational pending policy and staff training. Committee members also raised concerns about the facility’s design and security. In response, DCYF said some concrete walls are required for structural and safety reasons, but they are being painted to maintain a brighter environment, and that the fencing will be about 15 feet high with privacy netting because the campus is shared with Hampstead. Officials said the new facility is legislatively limited to a maximum of 12 youth, while the current center can house 12 to 18, and emphasized that courts ultimately determine placements. No votes or final actions were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I guess the last thing I'll say is there was reference to Massachusetts and the budget reduction.
• Massachusetts and the budget reduction. Massachusetts and the budget reduction.
• unrelated to reductions in rates. unrelated to reductions in rates.
• Not only does this program provide a significant reduction in fuel usage to eligible families, but it
• in fuel usage to significant reduction in fuel usage to eligible<01:04:14.720> families,<01:04

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The next three requests are actually reductions that create savings in the general fund.
• in um that create actually reductions in um that create Savings<00:29:03.399> in<00:29:03.559
• in the funding for the data a reduction in the funding for the data disaggregation<00:30:14.159>
• We think we can still move forward on this work with less resources, so we are suggesting a reduction
• <00:30:49.440> of<00:30:49.799> $1.7 suggesting a reduction of $1.7 suggesting a reduction

Bills: HF10

Keywords: undocumented immigrants, state funding, MinnesotaCare, scholarship ineligibility, state assistance, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 905 addresses the affordability crisis through a series of long-term accountability and cost reduction
• So where we achieved some reductions on some of these bills, we paid for them in increases in borrowing
• of refinery work happening now and a reduction of jobs, that it's something that is not going to replace
• And I understand we're trying to strike a balance between our greenhouse gas reduction goals and cost
• The bill retains the requirement to establish a demand response program to address GHG reduction.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 804, the Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Act, from Senator Arreguín. He said the bill would designate the State Fire Marshal as the safety regulator for intrastate hydrogen pipelines and require hydrogen-specific standards, while not mandating any pipeline construction or bypassing environmental review. Supporters included labor groups, utility employees, and the City of Burbank, while Air Products opposed unless amended, citing concerns about the bill’s specificity, fee structure, and the need for a hydrogen-specific rulemaking process. The committee discussed safety, fees, and regulatory certainty, and later passed SB 804 on a 9-0 vote to Emergency Management with commitment to take amendments. The committee then took up SB 905 by Senator Becker, aimed at reducing electricity rates by changing utility incentives. The bill would tie part of executive compensation to keeping rates below inflation, require more performance metrics, and allow the CPUC to consider lower returns on equity for certain lower-risk investments and alternative financing options. Support came from consumer, environmental, agricultural, and large energy user groups, while Southern California Edison, CalChamber, PG&E, and utility labor groups raised concerns that the bill could reduce investment, create regulatory uncertainty, and raise borrowing costs. After extensive discussion about utility affordability, wildfire costs, and capital markets, the committee passed SB 905 on a 7-1 vote to Appropriations. SB 913, also by Senator Becker, would create a clearer pathway for distributed energy resources such as batteries and smart thermostats to participate in the resource adequacy market and compete with utility-scale resources. Supporters said the bill would better use existing grid capacity, lower costs, and build on the state’s Demand Side Grid Support Program; PG&E opposed unless amended, saying the use case was not yet proven and was already being addressed in other rulemakings. After the committee accepted amendments, one opposition group moved to neutral and another said it might do so after reviewing the changes. The bill passed 8-0 to Appropriations and was placed on call. Several other measures were heard and advanced, including SB 1196 on faster utility hookups for small energization projects such as ADUs and EV chargers, SB 931 reauthorizing the Diablo Canyon Essential Services Mitigation Fund through 2028, SB 1158 reducing the frequency of joint reliability assessments from quarterly to twice yearly, and SB 1245 directing further study of California’s gasoline market and potential use of non-CARBOB fuel during supply disruptions. SB 1196 and SB 931 both passed with broad support and no opposition after amendments, SB 1158 passed without testimony, and SB 1245 drew strong support from consumer and environmental advocates but opposition from fuel industry and business groups concerned about costs, confidentiality, and fuel standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this would actually be a reduction of...
• So this would actually be a reduction of one hour for that particular program type that currently exists
• So this would be actually a reduction of. full-time in a center, you're currently required 13 hours.
• So this would be actually a reduction of one hour for that particular program type that currently exists
• The reduction in meeting frequency over time reflects the overall stability and functionality of the

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 06:13.440> funding<00:06:14.240> to<00:06:14.479> prevent<00:06:14.880> reductions
• additional funding to prevent reductions additional funding to prevent reductions in<00:06:15.680
• Last year at Catholic Charities, we experienced funding reductions that the of the folks that we serve
• <00:10:54.000> that Catholic Charities experienced funding reductions that required us, or
• And now, when they're on a fixed income and we're seeing these reductions come, it's just required that

Bills: HF4210, HF4212, HF4549, HF4464, HF4546, HF4447

Keywords: senior nutrition, older adults, aging services, home-delivered meals, congregate dining, meal delivery, grocery delivery, food insecurity, nutrition support, area agencies on aging, Minnesota Board on Aging, human services, special revenue fund, nonprofit grants, SNAP outreach, medically tailored meals, rural nutrition, food access, transportation services, elderly

Transcript Highlights:

• It minimizes the impact of cost containment on local governments by restoring one-third of reductions
• <00:24:32.800> most<00:24:33.160> notably restoring 1/3 of reductions most notably
• restoring 1/3 of reductions most notably by<00:24:34.600> fully<00:24:34.960> funding<00
• of being offered, and proposed additions to the budget must be included as identified offsetting reduction
• offsetting reduction. offsetting reduction.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 16, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened on Monday, March 16th, with an invocation focused on safety during storms, support for first responders, and recognition of Women’s History Month. A quorum was present, and the President noted the chamber was preparing for a very busy week, with possible double sessions and a Saturday session if needed. The House message on House Bill 297, concerning adult education and high school diploma pathways, was received and referred to the appropriate standing committees. The chamber then took up several committee reports, mostly adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection. Among the bills advanced to third reading were SB 85 on use of Information Technology Investment Fund revenues, SB 520 on public safety spending flexibility in charter counties, SB 558 creating a Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program, SB 641 on procurement exceptions for historic preservation services, SB 647 establishing a catastrophic disability benefit tier for certain law enforcement retirement members, SB 654 raising the State Police mandatory retirement age to 62 and adjusting DROP rules, and SB 668 on Children’s Cabinet funding for local management boards. SB 756, a Baltimore City PILOT/tax exemption bill for a Downtown Rise District project, was also advanced. Several bills were special ordered to allow time for amendments or further discussion. SB 334 on machine gun convertible pistols was special ordered to the next day after members said amendments were not ready. SB 309, concerning a statewide sales and use tax exemption for precious metal bullion or coins, was also special ordered for the next day so members could add co-sponsors. SB 818 on State Center development contract requirements and an advisory group was special ordered to the appropriate time the next day after discussion of its community input and federal-law compliance provisions. The Budget and Taxation Committee then reported on the fiscal 2027 operating budget, SB 282, and the budget reconciliation and financing act, SB 284. The committee chair said the budget left a $250 million cash surplus and $2.2 billion in the rainy day fund, kept general fund spending below the current year, imposed no tax or fee increases, and funded priorities including behavioral health in schools, child care scholarships, local government disparity grants, nursing homes, developmental disabilities services, public schools, Medicaid, energy assistance, and economic development. Both SB 282 and SB 284, along with their committee amendments, were laid over until the next day for second reading debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe it was a percentage reduction.
• when we've had to make reductions in new grants to subgrantees.
• If we were to request or had a way to ask for more money, that would mean a reduction to another state
• when we've had to make reductions in new grants to subgrantees.
• If we were to request or had a way to ask for more money, that would mean a reduction to another state

Summary: The committee heard a series of Arkansas Department of Human Services budget presentations and questions, beginning with the Secretary’s Office and then the Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services. Staff described the divisions’ appropriations, funding sources, and major programs, including senior centers, Meals on Wheels, mental health grants, substance abuse treatment, community alcohol safety, the Medicaid tobacco settlement program, and crisis stabilization units. Members raised concerns about flat or limited funding for senior services, the use and tracing of federal block grants, the lack of a funding source for the veterans’ mental health grant, and the mechanics of the community alcohol safety and treatment programs. The committee also discussed patient benefits funds at state facilities, transportation for senior center clients, and whether some special-language appropriations or fund balances should be revisited. Executive recommendations were adopted for the divisions considered. The committee then reviewed the Division of Children and Family Services and the Division of County Operations. Questions focused on foster care growth, adoption subsidies, professional fees tied to staff training and onboarding, vacancies, the Children’s Trust Fund, and TANF subgrants. Members asked about the reduction or elimination of TANF funding to child advocacy centers and other subgrantees, and DHS explained that prior reserves had been spent down and that the department was now trying to live within the annual TANF block grant and rebuild reserves. County operations questions also covered summer EBT, SNAP employment and training, the farmers’ market program, and the expected impact of a federal SNAP administrative match change, which DHS estimated would increase state costs by about $24 million annually, with roughly $18 million affecting the current year because the change begins October 1. Executive recommendations were again adopted. Finally, the committee heard from the Division of Developmental Disability Services and the Division of Medical Services. DDS testimony covered vacancies, staffing shortages, human development center construction and repairs, the reopening of the Boonville work training program, and funding for infant infirmary and child/family life programs. Medical Services testimony covered the Medicaid program, the current FMAP rate, the Our Kids B CHIP program, Medicaid payments to schools, nursing home distress funding, and large appropriation lines used to provide flexibility for claims and potential facility closures. Members asked for more detail on school Medicaid payments, reserve balances, and why some appropriations were much larger than actual spending. In each division, the committee moved and adopted Executive REC after questions concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'll just highlight the ones that are relevant to this, which are energy, which is a 30% reduction
• in building energy use per square foot by 2030, and a 15% reduction in water use per square foot.
• energy energy, which is a 30% reduction energy energy, which is a 30% reduction in<00:13:42.240>
• c><00:13:46.639> in<00:13:46.959> water<00:13:47.200> use by 2030 and a 15% reduction
• in water use by 2030 and a 15% reduction in water use per<00:13:47.680> square<00:13:47.920><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• federal match money to go with that is that again we're taking what would have been a 3.9% average reduction
• ><00:09:21.040> average<00:09:21.360> rate<00:09:22.480> a<00:09:22.720> reduction
• uniform is an average rate a reduction uniform is an average rate a reduction that<00:09:23.279>
• > the<00:29:21.200> um executive council about the um executive council about the um reductions
• to meet the back of the reductions to meet the back of the budget.<00:29:25.360> And<00:29:25.840

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on December 19, with Senators Long and Lang serving as replacements. The committee approved the November 21 minutes and adopted the consent calendar after removing two Department of Health and Human Services items for separate discussion. It then took up an HHS request involving nursing facility rates, where Nathan White explained that $2.2 million would be transferred from a long-term care Medicaid eligibility contract to the nursing facilities budget. He said the funds would offset an otherwise projected 3.9% average rate decrease and bring the overall average change to zero for the next six months, with rates reset again in July under state law. Members asked about the budget adjustment factor, bed counts, and whether additional funds could raise rates further; White said the factor is statutory, capped at 28.76%, and that more money would lower the factor and increase rates. The committee also corrected a date in the request from February 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026, and approved the item. The committee next approved another HHS item related to rural health transformation grants. Members confirmed the request covered the full amount applied for this biennium, and asked about the technology component. HHS said the grant is not solely about AI, but about broader technology improvements such as electronic medical records, back-end systems, and tools to improve access and sustainability in underserved areas. The committee approved that item as well. The Judicial Council then requested funds for contract attorneys providing indigent defense on a fixed-fee basis. The council said current funds had already been exhausted and that the new appropriation would be used immediately. Members questioned the size of the request and the number of people awaiting counsel; the council reported about 150 incarcerated people and about 300 non-incarcerated people waiting for counsel, more than in recent years. It attributed the increase to competition for attorneys, public defender offices closing intake in some locations because of caseload limits, and broader case and court-system changes. One member raised constitutional concerns about delays in counsel for incarcerated defendants. The committee ultimately amended the request downward to $1 million, approved it, and then approved a motion to place several annual financial reports on file and release them to the public when available. The committee also discussed dashboard reporting from HHS, asking for more detail on community mental health center caseloads and budget-reduction information, and HHS agreed to provide more useful monthly detail.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have made a reduction, which is positive, but we can do more when you consider the number of open
• We have<00:26:20.880> made<00:26:21.760> a<00:26:22.000> reduction<00:26:22.480>
• have made a reduction which is positive but<00:26:23.679> we<00:26:23.840> can<00:26:24.000
• And there was a statistically significant reduction in recidivism for those who participated in this
• in recidivism for those who reduction in recidivism for those who participated<00:37:34.320> in

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety heard several resolutions, including HCR 944/HR 90 to request a gubernatorial proclamation designating Hawaii as a Purple Heart state on August 7, 2025; HCR 205/HR 197 urging Maui County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite a permanent replacement for the Kulani Hakoi Bridge; and HCR 164/HR 159 urging counties to maintain an electronically accessible list of hurricane refuge shelters. No one testified on the first two measures. On the hurricane shelter resolution, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the intent and requested a wording change from “special needs” to “access and functional needs.” The committee then heard HCR 70, which asks the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to expand personal and professional development programs to include community service programs. Director Tommy Johnson said DCR supports the intent and described existing community service work lines at Kulani, the women’s correctional facility, and Wawa, including tasks such as pothole repair, tree trimming, and school grounds work. In response to questions, he said participation depends on inmate eligibility, volunteer status, and whether the work would interfere with programming; inmates must have no serious misconducts in the prior year and no escape attempts. He also explained that some work lines are tied to security classifications and facility type. The committee spent the most time on HCR 153/HR 148, which requests DCR to incrementally reduce the number of inmates housed in private out-of-state facilities. The ACLU of Hawaii strongly supported the resolution, arguing that private prisons are unsafe and that Hawaii should bring incarcerated people home. The ACLU cited federal findings and actions against private prison contractors, conditions at the Saguaro facility in Arizona, and the need for in-state rehabilitation and oversight. Director Johnson also supported the measure in principle but said population levels, security classifications, and available in-state facilities limit how quickly people can be returned. He said DCR provides annual reports on inmates eligible to return and suggested more frequent reporting could be considered. Committee members discussed benchmarks, quarterly reporting, parole, and reintegration services, and the ACLU argued that other states have reduced or phased out private prison use through sentencing reform, parole changes, and reintegration programs. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• note that you have, that Representative Shawnberger's verse addressed, does show that there's a reduction
• ><00:58:33.520> that<00:58:33.760> there's<00:58:34.000> a<00:58:34.160> reduction
• <00:58:34.480> in<00:58:35.280> uh does show that there's a reduction in uh does show
• that there's a reduction in uh in<00:58:35.839> the<00:58:36.240> in<00:58:36.400>
• in ETF revenue taking the the reduction in ETF revenue and<01:17:02.159> converting<01:17:02.560

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 302, which would allow the state treasurer to invest public funds in precious metals and digital assets. The sponsor was not present, so Representative Urs introduced the bill briefly and said he did not know much about it. No one from the Treasury Department testified, and members repeatedly noted the treasurer’s absence. Susan Elme testified against the bill, arguing that these investments are highly volatile and contrary to the treasury’s duty to remain stable and liquid. She said the bill should be killed. In questioning, she estimated the 5% cap in the bill would amount to roughly $10 million, depending on available funds, and said such investing would be more appropriate for an individual day trader than for the state treasury. Members also discussed prior legislative experience with Bitcoin-related proposals and raised concerns about whether the treasury had the staff expertise to manage commodity or digital asset investing. The committee did not take a final vote; instead, it agreed to hold a work session and seek additional information from the treasurer, with a plan to revisit the bill on April 1.