Transcript Highlights:

• and Chapter 90B.
• and Chapter 90B.
• In the wake of 9/11... Thank you. ...planning requirements for nuclear waste storage sites.
• After 9/11...
• Of the 125, I mentioned 11 are sentenced and 114 are pre-trial.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on several public safety bills, with testimony first on S.2681, Colby’s Law, which would establish safety standards for BMX and motocross tracks. Supporters, including the family of a child killed at a track, argued the bill is needed because some tracks lack basic protections such as barriers, emergency plans, on-site medical staff, and adequate track maintenance. A motocross track representative opposed the bill as overregulation that could impose major costs and argued existing safety efforts and voluntary safety committees are preferable. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on S.2680, which would expand emergency preparedness requirements around aging nuclear power plants and nuclear waste sites from a 10-mile to a 50-mile radius. Supporters from Cape Cod Downwinders, Massachusetts Peace Action, physicians, and other advocates said current law is outdated and insufficient, citing risks from radioactive waste storage, limited federal oversight, and the need for broader evacuation and emergency planning. Testifiers urged the bill’s passage, and no action was taken. A major portion of the hearing focused on the Protect Act, H.5158, dealing with limits on cooperation between state/local agencies and federal civil immigration enforcement. Sheriffs testified about how ICE detainers and notification requests work in practice, emphasizing discretion, public safety, and the difference between sentenced prisoners and pretrial detainees. Supporters from labor, education, and health care groups said immigrant communities are living in fear and asked for stronger protections, including bans on 287(g) agreements and clearer limits on ICE activity in schools, hospitals, and other sensitive locations. The hearing also included testimony on H.4697 regarding training and certification of constables and civil deputy sheriffs, with the Hampshire County sheriff saying sheriffs are already working with POST and MPTC on training standards and that the bill may be duplicative.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:39.920> Speaker,<01:11:40.239> I<01:11:40.400> would<01:11:40.560>
• >> Seeing<01:11:45.360> 15<01:11:45.600> hands,<01:11:45.920> there<01:11:
• To just wrap this<01:11:50.239> in<01:11:50.400> a<01:11:50.560> bow,<01:11:50.880
• > they<01:11:54.880> are<01:11:55.120> who<01:11:55.440> they<01:11:55.600
• the goals<02:11:29.119> um<02:11:29.199> that<02:11:29.520> we're<02:11:29.760>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House first adopted non-controversial motions, then approved an urgency motion to suspend the rules so Senate File 4476, the human services program integrity package, could move quickly to conference committee before the end of session. The House then adopted a DE amendment to insert House language into the bill, and proceeded to debate several amendments focused on program integrity, fraud prevention, and reporting requirements in human services programs. Representative Schultz offered Amendment A5 to remove a sunset on the periodic data matching report requirement, arguing the report helps ensure only eligible people receive medical assistance and welfare benefits and should continue to be delivered annually. Supporters said the report had been inconsistently delivered, cited past findings of ineligible recipients, and framed the amendment as a low-cost accountability measure. Opponents, including Representative Nor, said the report had been sent to the chairs, that the issue should be handled through broader HR1-related changes and negotiations with the Senate, and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After roll call, A5 failed on a 63-67 vote. Schultz then offered Amendment A6, which would require reporting on homelessness programs, including how many people are served, total costs, outcomes, and possible recoupment of funds if reporting is inadequate. Schultz said the state spends tens of millions on homelessness programs without clear results and that better data would help the legislature make decisions and protect taxpayers. Several members supported the idea of more accountability, while others said the state already receives reports, that homelessness work is being done in partnership with stakeholders, and that the amendment was not the best approach. The discussion continued with further comments on homelessness data and program oversight, but no final vote on A6 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sections 5 through 11 of the bill amend provisions of chapter 16B which address grants management practices
• Um Um Um to<01:11:25.960> the<01:11:26.040> second<01:11:26.320> question,<01:11
• Uh so, we<01:11:33.240> did<01:11:33.440> pilot<01:11:33.800> this<01:11:34.000>
• in<01:11:34.160> 2022<01:11:35.040> and<01:11:35.160> in<01:11:35.240>
• > did<01:11:46.040> a<01:11:46.120> review<01:11:46.520> of<01:11:46.720>

Bills: HF1234, HF3528, HF3672, HF3679, HF3680, HF1944

Keywords: payment transparency, public contracts, contractor rights, government accountability, construction payments, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, data transparency, Legislative Budget Office, state agencies, fiscal notes, public data, standard time, federal law, time zone

Transcript Highlights:

• :47.360> late<00:11:47.600> this<00:11:47.920> summer<00:11:48.560> this<
• 00:11:48.800> year.
• This bill is<00:11:50.240> a<00:11:50.399> result<00:11:50.640> of<00:11:50.800>
• 11:54.720> in<00:11:54.880> our<00:11:55.040> care<00:11:55.200> with to
• placement and treatment options<00:11:57.760> across<00:11:58.079> the<00:11:58.320>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She is also the advocacy chairperson for the Arizona chapter of the American College of Surgeons.
• We'll move on to SB 1236, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 29, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes,
• SB 1236, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 29, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding sections
• SB 1238, an act amending Title 32, Chapter 25, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Article 5 relating
• Senate Bill 1056, an act amending section 41708, Arizona Vice Statute, submitting Title 41, Chapter 4

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call showing 29 present, and approval of the prior journal. Members then recognized several guests, including Scouting America Cub Scout troops and Dr. Sarah Lee Davidson as Doctor of the Day, and Senator Kavanaugh presented a proclamation recognizing Valley Fever Awareness and the work of the University of Arizona’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence. The chamber then considered several bills in Committee of the Whole. SB 1036, dealing with unemployment insurance requirements, disqualifications, and determinations, drew the most debate; supporters said it was aimed at preventing fraud and improving compliance, while opponents argued it would add red tape and harm struggling workers. The committee adopted a Government Committee amendment and recommended the bill do pass. SB 1056, on reporting vacant budget positions, also received a do-pass recommendation, and SB 1236, concerning AHCCCS enrollment verification and presumptive eligibility, was amended with a Kavanaugh floor amendment and recommended do pass despite concerns from some members that it would restrict access for vulnerable populations. SB 1238, relating to the physician assistant licensure compact, was amended with a conforming Shamp amendment and recommended do pass. On third reading, the Senate passed SB 1036 by 17-12, SB 1056 by 17-12, SB 1126 unanimously, SB 1189 by 27-2, and SB 1211 unanimously. The chamber also substituted and passed House bills identical to earlier Senate measures, including HB 2206 and HB 2396, both on SNAP-related issues, with debate focused on food access, administrative burdens, and federal error-rate penalties. HB 2190, the physician assistant compact bill, and HB 2796, the AHCCCS-related bill, were also substituted and passed. The Senate adopted HCR 255, a death resolution for Victor E. Hardy, observed a moment of silence, and then adjourned until February 17, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a volunteer with the Hawaii chapter I'm a volunteer with the Hawaii chapter of<00:14:33.440>
• c><01:11:55.360> Quest<01:11:56.000> um<01:11:56.400> division<01:11:56.880>
• > assist<01:11:58.480> this<01:11:58.800> can<01:11:59.040> help<01:11:59.600
• I was in your testimony in relation to Chapter 711 with the unreasonable noise.
• So, if you could help us chapter 708.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and ground rules from Chair David Tarnas, including a request for two-minute testimony limits, clear speaking, Zoom etiquette, and respectful conduct. The first measure taken up was HB 2062, relating to gun violence prevention, which would appropriate funds for enforcement of gun violence protective orders and for public awareness campaigns. Judiciary submitted written testimony recommending technical changes to clarify that it does not enforce laws and instead should be funded for personnel to process temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders; the Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill and said it is well positioned to conduct public education. Support also came from county and advocacy witnesses, including Moms Demand Action, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, HGEA, and a retired police officer, while opposition testimony argued the measure raises due process and Fifth Amendment concerns and that education, not enforcement, should be the focus. The chair noted 37 testimonies in support, 103 in opposition, and three comments; no vote was taken in the portion provided. Testimony on HB 2062 emphasized both public safety and constitutional concerns. Supporters described the bill as a way to increase awareness of an existing legal tool, prevent suicides and shootings, and help law enforcement and the public understand gun violence protective orders. Opponents, including gun owners and firearms groups, argued that red flag laws can be abused, lack due process, and should not be expanded through state funding. A county neighborhood safety witness suggested an amendment to allow public, private, and nonprofit consultants to assist with training and implementation. Members asked a few questions, but the agencies with written testimony were not present, so the chair referred members to their submissions. The committee then moved to HB 2061, relating to firearms, which appropriates money for the state gun buyback program and requires at least two buyback events in each county. Written support was noted from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii County Council, the County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, with the latter emphasizing that buybacks are voluntary prevention tools that can reduce risk before crises escalate. Opposition came from the Mid-Pacific Pistol League, SDM Training Group/Bows and Bullets, and others; one witness argued buybacks are ineffective, costly, and can be vulnerable to misuse or black-market diversion, and suggested a year-round surrender option instead. The committee heard additional support from a retired police officer and from a gun violence survivor with Students Demand Action, but no final action or vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are also proud to have a Massachusetts chapter with over 600 active members.
• We are also proud to have a Massachusetts chapter with over 600 active members.
• It would specify a definition of a term for purposes of Chapter 151B that does not appear in Chapter
• Those killed included children ages 9 and 11.
• Those killed included children ages 9 and 11.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened with procedural guidance for a very large hearing, explaining testimony limits, written testimony procedures, and rules for maintaining order. Members then heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including proposals to define antisemitism using the IHRA definition, regulate facial recognition technology, restrict weaponized robotics and drone use, expand protections for journalists’ confidential sources, address access to decedents’ email accounts, and create or adjust rules around municipal enforcement and animal cruelty fines. Several sponsors and advocates asked for favorable reports, and committee members asked clarifying questions on implementation, costs, and how the bills would interact with existing law. On facial recognition, sponsors and advocates described the technology as a threat to privacy, due process, and civil liberties, and urged adoption of the Special Commission’s recommendations, including warrant requirements, notice to defendants, and limits on untargeted surveillance. Support came from legislators, the ACLU, CDT, EFF, and a UMass professor, while committee members asked about current state law and municipal bans. On robotics, Senator Moore and industry witnesses from MassRobotics, Boston Dynamics, and AUVSI supported a bill prohibiting weaponized robots and requiring warrants for certain law enforcement uses, describing it as a public-safety and trust-building measure. On the shield law bill, newspaper publishers, journalists, NEFAC, and the Reporters Committee argued Massachusetts needs statutory protection for confidential sources, citing costly subpoenas and chilling effects on reporting. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to expand the right of publicity to cover image and voice, with SAG-AFTRA members supporting protections against AI-driven exploitation and some discussion about viral content and consent. Another bill would allow limited access to a decedent’s email accounts, with one witness describing a family’s inability to use a deceased relative’s email to notify friends. The committee then took testimony on psilocybin-related bills: supporters described medical and personal benefits and argued for narrow decriminalization or study, while an opponent warned of public-health risks, impaired driving, and youth exposure; the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society supported limited, safety-based decriminalization. Finally, the committee heard strong support for a “safe reporting” bill for sex workers and trafficking survivors, with advocates saying immunity would encourage victims and witnesses to report crimes without fear of arrest, and members raised questions about how the immunity would work in practice.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:25.120> is<00:11:25.279> the<00:11:25.519> same<00:11:25.760> provision
• Um,<00:11:29.040> I<00:11:29.279> will<00:11:29.519> point<00:11:29.680> out<
• > a<00:11:32.160> bill,<00:11:32.800> Senate<00:11:33.120> File,<00:11:34.079
• <01:11:06.960> I<01:11:07.199> will<01:11:07.360> note<01:11:07.520> that
• , Senate<01:11:20.080> File<01:11:20.320> 1994<01:11:21.120> for<01:11:21.280>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , chapters and 25 undergraduate chapters, chapters and 25 undergraduate chapters, each<00:27:18.280
• Are<01:11:20.440> you<01:11:20.600> asking<01:11:21.560> for<01:11:22.000> a<
• South Carolina, and<01:11:32.280> then<01:11:32.480> after<01:11:32.760> 6<01:11
• In 6 months, I've<01:11:41.000> lived<01:11:41.360> moved<01:11:41.720> to<01:11
• :11:49.240> R<03:11:49.400> has<03:11:49.680> been<03:11:49.800> adopted.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And GMA 11 has four.
• It's about 11 and a half billion acre feet.
• In GMA 11, several runs were made, were completed.
• p.m., May 11 a.m. on.
• Are there problems with Chapter 36 we need to fix?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• after Section 1 the following section, Section 1A: notwithstanding the provisions of Section 10 of Chapter
• Section 13D of Chapter 265 of the general laws as appearing in the 2024 official edition is hereby amended
• after Section 1 the following section, Section 1A, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 10 of Chapter
• Ordered, that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet Wednesday next at 11 o'clock a.m.
• The ayes have it, and the House stands adjourned to meet at 11:00 a.m.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and scheduling matters. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of an order extending the Committee on Public Health’s reporting deadline to December 19, 2025, and also recommended suspending Joint Rule 12 to send two petitions to committee, including one on a confirmatory deed in Marlborough and another on regulation of Oregon transparent vehicles. The House suspended the necessary rules and adopted those procedural actions. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported six House bills for consideration: bills concerning the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, official marine flora, Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, Oker-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome Awareness Day, the appointment of the police chief in Fall River, and the Monson Select Board. The House suspended Rule 7A, gave the bills second readings, and ordered them to third reading. The House then acted on several bills from third reading. It concurred with a Senate amendment to House Bill 4645, the bill on assault and battery upon a transit worker, after adopting a further House amendment. The House also adopted an amendment and passed to be engrossed House Bill 4178, allowing Adam T. Jankowski to take the civil service exam for police officer in Haverhill notwithstanding the age requirement. House Bill 4503, amending the charter of the town of Hudson, was amended by substitution and passed to be engrossed. Finally, House Bill 4645 was passed to be enacted, and the House adopted an order to adjourn and meet again Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then on page 11, he’s referring to some chapters. He adds on page 12.
• I was on page 11, and that talks about the $250 on line 7.
• That is the new chapter coming over; it’s existing law.
• And then 11 days, it's $50.
• I think it's 10 or 11. You notify us in writing.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 2156, a campaign finance and reporting bill tied to the Secretary of State’s new software system. Members and staff walked through the bill section by section, explaining that much of the text is existing law being reorganized into a new chapter, with technical updates to make reporting easier and more consistent in the new electronic “checkbook” format. The bill also adds or clarifies several categories and definitions, including political donations and volunteer appreciation, and changes the reporting threshold from $200 to $250 to align with a separate inflation-adjustment bill. Other discussed changes included using the deposit date as the contribution receipt date, removing contributor addresses from public disclosure, adding non-statewide political parties to disclosure requirements, and adding political committees to the foreign-national contribution prohibition. The Secretary of State’s office testified that the new software is being developed with a vendor already used in other states, and that it will automatically track contributions, expenditures, balances, deadlines, and reminders, while preserving current public/nonpublic disclosure rules. Members asked about public access, enforcement, maintenance costs, training, and whether the system would allow both checkbook-style entry and aggregation; staff said both options would be available and that the system would flag discrepancies and carry amendments forward through later reports. The committee also discussed late-filing and amendment fees, keeping some existing deadlines such as the 48-hour supplemental statement, and making late fees more visible to the public. The committee adopted the proposed amendments by voice vote and then passed the bill as amended on a 13-0 roll call vote. Members expressed appreciation for the work of the bill sponsor and the Secretary of State’s office, and the chair indicated the bill would likely go to caucus and then the floor before moving to conference with the Senate if needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under chapter 141 of the Health and Safety Code, DSHS already has regulatory oversight on camps and youth
• And then just 11 last question.
• The 11 counties above us all have a medical examiner.
• Thank you for this opportunity again, Ken Flipping, text chapter of US Green Building Council.
• You represent the Lone Star chapter of Sierra Club and yourself, and you're for the bill.

Bills: HB1, HB 2, HB18, HB19, HB20

Keywords: youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license

Transcript Highlights:

• Um powers that chapter 127A provides.
• <00:11:00.399> Uh<00:11:00.720> and<00:11:01.279> we the bill that is before
• Uh and we feel<00:11:01.760> it<00:11:02.000> doesn't<00:11:02.160> go<00:11:02.399
• > far<00:11:02.640> enough<00:11:03.279> because<00:11:04.480> um I feel
• Shortly after I because of chapter 127A.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2145, which would establish a statutory right for the public to record law enforcement activities in public. Supporters, including the Libertarian Party of Hawaii and the ACLU of Hawaii, said the bill would clarify First Amendment protections, reduce confusion, and provide a private right of action if the right is violated. Most written testimony was in support, while the Maui Police Department and Honolulu Police Department submitted opposition. A senator asked about existing court cases, and the ACLU witness said courts have consistently recognized a right to record officers in public so long as recording does not obstruct police activity. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2151 on emergency management. Testimony from the Office of Information Practices and HEMA focused on proposed changes to Chapter 127A, including limits on emergency powers and a two-thirds legislative override. Earthjustice and other supporters argued the bill was needed after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s Nakoa decision, which they said read emergency powers too broadly and could allow suspension of laws for long-term policy issues rather than true emergencies. HEMA opposed the restrictions, saying emergency managers need flexibility to respond to unknown, statewide crises such as tsunamis, hurricanes, war-related threats, and large disasters, and objected especially to limits on the governor’s ability to suspend public records requirements during emergencies. Several witnesses, including the Public First Law Center, said the bill was a step in the right direction but suggested amendments to better define emergencies and make clear the changes respond to the Nakoa decision. Committee members questioned whether the proposed limits would hinder disaster response and whether the legislature already has tools to override emergency proclamations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill moves the focus from Chapter 751 to Chapter 39 to deal with substance misuse and to provide
• The bill moves the focus from Chapter 751 to Chapter 39 to deal with substance misuse and to provide
• Senators, on tab 11, we're going to move to CS for Senate Bill 1030.
• Affirmative on Tab 8, Tab 12, Tab 10, Tab 11, Tab 7, Tab 3, and Tab 2.
• Tab 12, Tab 10, Tab 11, Tab 7, Tab 3, and Tab 2. Senator Rodriguez. Thank you.

Bills: S0006, S0036, S0560, S0778, S0844, S0864, S1002, S1016, S1022, S1030, S1630

Keywords: child welfare, negligence, settlement, injury compensation, Department of Children and Families, nursing title, advanced practice registered nurse, advertising, professional standards, disciplinary action, psychotropic medication, community-based care, liability insurance, forensic services, defendants, mental health, judicial system, defense, legal definitions, sickle cell disease

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services heard and advanced a series of health, child welfare, aging, disability, and public records bills. CS/SB 1002, on child welfare and parental substance abuse, was described as clarifying that acute or chronic parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect when it creates an ongoing risk to a child; it passed after limited questions and supportive testimony from Florida Smart Justice Alliance. CS/SB 1630, a broad aging and long-term care modernization bill, would streamline eligibility screenings, allow temporary DOEA services during emergencies or lead agency failures, tighten oversight of area agencies on aging, permanently establish the Florida Alzheimer’s Care Center of Excellence, and expand guardianship training and enforcement tools; it drew support from AARP, area agencies, and the Alzheimer’s Association and was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1022 to add Bay County and Pompano to the Florida Children’s Initiatives, and CS/SB 1030, via strike-all amendment, to streamline regulation of substance abuse and behavioral health providers and clarify background screening and privacy rules. Several bills focused on health care practice and patient access. CS/SB 36, with an amendment, allows nurses with doctoral degrees to use appropriate titles while requiring clear identification as nurses and making misuse grounds for discipline; nursing organizations supported it and it passed. CS/SB 844 requires physicians and nurses to complete a one-time, board-approved continuing education course on sickle cell disease care management, with multiple patients and advocates testifying about delayed care, bias, and the need for better provider education; the bill was reported favorably after an amendment aligning it with the House version. CS/SB 560 streamlines procedures for psychotropic medication for children in DCF custody by reducing duplicative reports, clarifying evaluator qualifications, limiting repeated background checks, and simplifying consent documentation; an amendment removed postsecondary education language, and the bill passed. The committee also approved a public records exemption bill for a uterine fibroids research database (CS/SB 864). The committee also advanced measures affecting disability services and forensic care. SB 6, a claims bill, would pay $3.8 million to a trust for a child who suffered severe abuse-related injuries after DCF involvement; it passed without opposition. SB 778 updates the definition of forensic clients so certain individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism found incompetent to proceed can be housed in the same secure forensic setting, reducing duplicative staffing and space needs; it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1016 codifies the Working People with Disabilities Program, allowing eligible developmentally disabled adults to work while retaining Medicaid waiver benefits and requiring notice to enrollees; advocates described the bill as essential to employment and independence, and it passed. Throughout the meeting, most bills received supportive public testimony, few questions, and unanimous or near-unanimous favorable votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate to adjourn after it has completed its labors today, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, until Monday, May 11
• Completed its labors today, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, until Monday, May 11, 2026.
• Senate request consent to the House to adjourn for more than three days during the time period of May 11
• House Bill 1452, amending Title 41, Chapter 1, Article 5, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• 11-669, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 12-1139, relating to residential construction.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:11:02.720> was<00:11:02.880> to<00:11:03.040> go<00:11:03.160> to<00
• <00:11:03.959> court<00:11:04.360> instead<00:11:04.680> of<00:11:04.880> the
• Court<00:11:47.160> it<00:11:47.360> looks<00:11:47.639> like<00:11:48.279> civil
• > house<01:11:01.840> is<01:11:01.960> going<01:11:02.080> to<01:11:02.199
• paying<01:11:08.040> for<01:11:08.760> a<01:11:09.000> referee<01:11:10.000>

Bills: HF414, HF768, HF359

Keywords: data practices, filing fee, government transparency, complaints, public access, free speech, human rights, censorship, protected speech, Minnesota Department of Human Rights, real property, partition, eminent domain, transfer on death deeds, property rights, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So um as it<00:11:03.279> relates<00:11:03.680> to<00:11:04.160> Mount<00:11:04.480
• > Alla,<00:11:05.200> um<00:11:05.680> we<00:11:06.160> um<00:11:06.399><
• :11:15.200> up<00:11:15.600> include<00:11:16.240> um Mr.
• :11:23.280> written<01:11:23.600> testimony<01:11:24.080> with<01:11:24.320>
• .<01:11:28.640> Written<01:11:29.040> comments<01:11:29.600> and<01:11:30.159>

Bills: SB1406, SB521, SB3247, SB1654, SB1112, SB1301, SB2443, SB2996

Keywords: historic preservation, burial sites, DHHL, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, DLNR, Department of Land and Natural Resources, section 6E-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, Hawaii Register of Historic Places, National Register of Historic Places, cultural resources, archaeology, land use review, environmental review, state historic preservation officer, Hawaiian home lands, project permits, consultation, concurrence, nonconcurrence

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures affecting Hawaiian affairs, historic preservation, water access, and land governance. SB 1406 would let the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands assume historic preservation review for projects on lands under its jurisdiction, except for properties listed or nominated for the state or national historic registers. DHHL supported the bill, while a descendant testifier strongly opposed it, arguing that burial and preservation review protects ancestors and should not be streamlined or reduced. No questions were raised and the bill was moved on after testimony. SB 521 would require DHHL to work with county water boards or water departments to provide potable and agricultural water on Hawaiian homelands, with agreements made public. DHHL said it already works with counties but objected to the bill’s mandatory language, saying it could undermine the department’s discretion and independence. A public testifier supported the measure, and committee discussion focused on how water requirements could affect subsistence lots and infrastructure decisions. The committee then took up SB 3247, which would create a Royal Mausoleum Commission within DLNR to oversee preservation, operations, and outreach at Mauna Ala. State Parks said it valued existing collaboration with the aliʻi trusts but wanted clarity on roles, coordination, and funding if a new commission is created. The Royal Order of Kamehameha strongly supported the bill as a culturally grounded way to protect the site, while several other testifiers opposed it, saying the real issue is the curator selection process and warning that a commission could add bureaucracy and delay. The committee also heard SB 1654, authorizing transfer of certain state lands to DHHL, and SB 112, which would add the DHHL chair or designee to the Hawaii Community Development Authority; the Attorney General and HCDA offered technical and policy comments, with HCDA opposing the board change and DHHL supporting participation to protect beneficiary interests. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:11:01.279> I'll<00:11:01.440> be<00:11:01.600> standing<00:11:01.839> by
• The<01:11:01.760> recommendation<01:11:02.320> on<01:11:02.560> this<01:11:02.840
• 01:11:06.880> contents<01:11:07.199> of<01:11:07.360> the<01:11:07.520> measure
• insert<01:11:08.320> the<01:11:08.480> Senate<01:11:08.920> position<01:11:
• > don't<01:11:19.199> have<01:11:19.360> to<01:11:19.440> do<01:11:19.520

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 302, which would expand access to medical cannabis by removing the in-person provider-patient relationship requirement and related restrictions. The Department of Health supported the bill, and multiple advocates and organizations testified in support, including the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Cannabis Reform, Marijuana Policy Project, and others. Supporters said the measure would improve access for patients, especially on outer islands, and some urged broader amendments allowing providers to certify cannabis for any medical condition and to speed registration and treat in-state and out-of-state patients equally. No opposition was heard, and the bill was left with no questions after testimony. The committee also heard HB 1052 HD1, which clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission may use universal service fund monies to provide free telecommunications access for individuals with print disabilities. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the DCCA Division of Consumer Advocacy, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Human Services, the Public Utilities Commission, and the National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii. Witnesses described the program as an important accessibility service that has been operating under prior appropriations and should continue under the universal service program. HB 1482, relating to controlled substances and hemp/synthetic cannabinoids, drew support from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Health, Honolulu Police Department, and others, with some comments from the Attorney General’s office. Supporters said the bill would clarify that delta-8 THC is a controlled substance and help enforcement against illegal hemp products and synthetic cannabinoids. Testimony and questioning focused on the need for better lab testing capacity, retail registry and age-gating, seizure authority, nuisance abatement, and possible use of special funds or appropriations to support enforcement. Members also discussed enforcement of illegal hemp businesses and whether additional funding or statutory changes would be needed. Finally, the committee took up HB 712, a 340B drug-discount measure affecting safety-net providers and contract pharmacies. Hospitals, health centers, and provider groups testified in support, saying the bill would protect access to discounted drugs and preserve funding for services such as chronic disease management, transportation, and specialty care. Pharmaceutical-industry representatives opposed the bill or sought amendments, arguing the 340B program has expanded beyond its original intent and lacks transparency, and they requested reporting or audit-like provisions to verify claims and revenues. Members questioned both sides about alleged abuse, the growth of contract pharmacies, and whether the bill should include transparency requirements before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I'm going to come to the minority caucus at 10:30 and then 11:00 with the Republican caucus,
• I think I'm going to come to the minority caucus at 10:30 and then 11:00 with the Republican caucus,
• Chairman, replace line 107 on page four with the following: Article one of chapter 30 of title 36.
• <00:31:29.679> However, one of chapter 30 of title 36.
• However, one of chapter 30 of title 36.

Bills: HB589, HB591, HB609, HB614, SB57, SB280, SB332, HB589, HB591, HB609, HB614, SB57, SB280, SB332, HB627

Keywords: Jefferson County, building regulations, zoning, public health, building commissioner, permits, construction, land use, county tax, lodging tax, Henry County, transient accommodations, hospitality industry, local act, sheriff, sheriff's office, task force, abandoned property, stolen property, unclaimed property