Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I would the ability and access.
• This is the public defender program.
• This just has to do with the funding of the public chartered public schools, so no change between the
• </c> with the funding of the uh public with the funding of the uh public chartered<04:24:34.640><c> public
• Uh so no chartered public schools.

Summary: The Committee of Conference on HB 1 and HB 2 met to review revenue estimates and begin working through the HB 1 detail change sheet. New Hampshire Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre reported stronger-than-expected lottery performance, raising the current-year return estimate to $27 million and the next biennium estimate to $200 million, with the increase attributed to improved scratch ticket sales and sports betting not hurting revenue as much as expected. Members questioned the assumptions behind the higher estimates, including the impact of $50 scratch tickets and whether the figures accounted for future conversion from historical horse racing (HHR) machines to video lottery terminals (VLTs). McIntyre and committee members discussed machine counts, per-day revenue assumptions, and the likelihood that VLT conversion would increase revenues over time, though the timing and pace of conversion remained an open question. The committee also discussed several gaming-related policy items in HB 2, including changes to kino hours and local option games of chance, and noted that the Senate and House differed on how gaming revenues would be allocated between charities, education, and general funds. Members emphasized that revenue projections should remain conservative because operators, not the state, would control the pace of machine conversion. Representative Sweeney noted that operators could earn more per machine under the VLT model, and McIntyre said the new facilities and expansions were largely concentrated near the Massachusetts border. The committee then moved to the HB 1 detail change sheet. It agreed to Senate position on the Department of Safety’s road toll bureau and international registration program changes, which were described as a zero-cost realignment of positions, and held the Department of Corrections section for later discussion. On the judicial side, members approved a technical footnote fix, but held a new contract counsel item for involuntary mental health admissions and deferred discussion of the public defender program increase. The committee also noted no change for the PE development authority, moved safety rest area funding from HB 2 into HB 1 with no additional cost, and flagged the tourism development fund and other judicial items as issues that may depend on overall available revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• Skidmore: Palm Beach County Tax Collector has a concern about the Airbnb VRBO tax.
• Palm Beach County has a separate ordinance that allows them to audit individual units to make sure they
• The Palm Beach County Tax Collector sued and forced them to collect this and took it all the way to the
• Is there public testimony on the bill?
• Thank you for your public service.

Transcript Highlights:

• The exchange threatens the safety of our beaches, parks, and public spaces, putting children at risk
• </c> with that kind of De increasing access with that kind of De increasing access and<00:56:17.079><
• </c> believe that if we're matching public believe that if we're matching public funds<01:07:02.640><
• </c> community providers that um accessing community providers that um accessing and<01:36:55.360><c>
• </c> reasons we do um want to improve access reasons we do um want to improve access to<01:37:03.480>

Committee: House Health

Summary: The Committee on Health heard testimony on several bills. On SB 1441, which would repeal the transfer of the Oahu Regional Health Care System from HHSC to the Department of Health, the Department of Health said it strongly supports the measure and requested clarifying amendments. HHSC/Oahu Region also supported the bill and said it had no objection to the department’s amendments. In response to questions, witnesses said the agencies have been working on an MOU to support transfers of long-term care patients to Leahi, with the current goal being about 10 to 15 patients, but transfers would occur only as space and staffing allow; one patient was reportedly being admitted at the time, and the process was described as slow and case-by-case. The committee then heard SB 1443 on payment rates for state hospital patients and related Department of Health services. The hospital administrator said the bill would allow rates above Medicaid for community or foster-home placements if patients cannot be placed at Leahi or elsewhere, and would set Medicaid-level reimbursement for outside medical services used by state hospital patients. He said at least one provider was interested in offering services at that rate and that the population involved is largely non-ambulatory long-term care patients. Members asked about availability and training, and the witness said special training could be provided. SB 1322, a broad mental health bill, drew mixed testimony. The Department of Law Enforcement supported giving crisis-intervention-trained officers more discretion to transport people to medical care instead of arresting them. The Attorney General supported the bill but recommended revisions to emergency-transport language and restoring liability protections. HHSC and Queens Hospital supported the overall goal but sought amendments to preserve the mental health emergency worker role in decision-making and to avoid negative impacts on emergency departments. The Disability Rights Center and ACLU opposed parts of the bill, arguing that it weakens due process, reduces protections in involuntary treatment and transport, and should retain a three-person treatment panel rather than reduce it to one. A Queens representative said the current program works well and reported that more than 90% of MH1 cases once went to hospitals, but that figure has dropped to about 60-70%, with about 20% now diverted to community settings or the behavioral health crisis center. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Abul AI adoption in public higher education. Again, thank you very much for this opportunity.
• So we have laid that out that is public and the university can can copy of it and that that's working
• We're public to already having the conversation. But then what's the moment?
• So very proud of what we're doing in terms of accessibility and affordability.
• And we have on 2 top 25 universities for top 50 universities and 7 top 100 public universities.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:16:26.399><c> on</c> like crowds, don't go to the beach on like crowds, don't go to the beach
• Before the 1997 restricting access.
• </c><00:20:01.840><c> use,</c> would be quote held for public use, would be quote held for public use
• access.
• </c> beach in Delaware. beach in Delaware. Donald<02:35:34.640><c> J.

Transcript Highlights:

• discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in employment, housing, public
• Is it fair for people to go to the beach, come back 10 minutes late, and their car is towed?
• ,</c><00:20:12.880><c> come</c> fair for people to go to the beach, come fair for people to go to the
• And public hearings, as we all know, are not necessarily the best way to do that.
• </c><00:36:47.320><c> We</c><00:36:47.440><c> explore</c> Public-private partnership.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard several Senate concurrent resolutions. SCR 11, urging Congress to amend the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, drew support from the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women and Pride at Work Hawaii, both of which backed the measure as a statement of equality and protection for LGBTQIA+ people. A member also reminded testifiers to keep signs and statements relevant to the measure. SCR 22, recognizing the 50th anniversary of the restoration of Ahu and Aliʻa, had no testimony. SCR 58, calling for a progressive enforcement framework for parking violations in DLNR boating and ocean recreation lots, drew strong support from multiple testifiers who argued that towing is overly punitive, costly, and unfair to beach and harbor users; they favored warnings or smaller citations instead of towing and raised concerns about signage, contract oversight, and the cost of proposed enforcement technology. One member asked about whether DLNR could use HPD or other officers for citations, and the discussion focused on staffing and enforcement authority. The committee then heard SCR 60 SD1, requesting an update on the “Breaking Cycles” study on alternative rehabilitation and restorative justice models on Oahu. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation was not present, but the Corrections Reform Working Group strongly supported the resolution, saying the study reflects extensive community outreach and should not be shelved. Testifiers urged the committee to use the report to examine alternatives to a new jail, including diversion, pre-trial reform, probation reform, and renovations to existing facilities, and one testifier suggested amendments to add experts in those areas and technical assistance from the Prison Policy Initiative. Another testifier described Maui’s use of wraparound reentry services, prosecutorial discretion, and programming as an example of reducing incarceration without expanding jail capacity. SCR 184, asking the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to examine anti-discrimination laws as applied to algorithmic and automated decision systems, had no in-person testimony, with the chair noting one support and one comment submitted. The final measure, SCR 89 SD1, which would create an advisory committee under the Hawaii correctional system oversight commission to develop recommendations on alternative rehabilitation and restorative justice models on Oahu, also had no testimony from the department, but the Corrections Reform Working Group supported it as a way to ensure community input into jail planning. A later testifier echoed concerns about building a large new jail and urged the committee to consider alternatives to incarceration and to include people with expertise in diversion, pre-trial reform, and probation reform. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is 1,080 acres with public beaches, playgrounds, parks, water features, hiking trails, and has 4,700
• It is 1,080 acres with public beaches, playgrounds, parks, water features, hiking trails, and has 4,700
• It is 1,080 acres with public beaches, playgrounds, parks, water features, hiking trails, and has 4,700
• It is 1,080 acres with public beaches, playgrounds, parks, water features, hiking trails, and has 4,700
• It is 1,080 acres with public beaches, playgrounds, parks, water features, hiking trails, and has 4,700

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• original ones where they were talking about the different sites for the landfill, one of which is in Eva Beach
• But the point being that if you drive into Eva Beach down Fort Weaver Road, one of the considerations
• But the point being that if you drive into Ewa Beach down Fort Weaver Road, one of the considerations
• But the point being that if you drive into Ewa Beach down Fort Weaver Road, one of the considerations
• couldn't be a potential site in other places that those communities ... ... that if you drive into Ewa Beach

Transcript Highlights:

• Public safety is fire and law enforcement typically.
• Chair: We will move to public testimony. I have a couple public appearance cards.
• But I also want to acknowledge that we heard some public testimony about rising costs and public safety
• Public health services? Meal programs?
• Representative Eskamani: The public beach. Laurie Wilson Park over in your neck of the woods.

Transcript Highlights:

• families have access to food and what they need.
• Every campus, every student should have access.
• And frankly, I don't think there is a threat in public society on LGBT.
• And so that in and of itself provides greater access.
• By expanding access, this will ensure that more students have access to these critical resources.

Committee: House Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise to present SB 168, our public resources trailer bill.
• The legislative directors in Long Beach don't have that same responsibility.
• Derek was born in Arcadia and Scott grew up in Manhattan Beach.
• Derek was born in Arcadia and Scott grew up in Manhattan Beach.
• Within Public Safety Subcommittee 6 on public safety, this agreement shows responsibility and addresses

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a largely procedural session with several unanimous-consent motions, guest introductions, and budget-related trailer bills. Members also adopted resolutions recognizing June as Dairy Month and June 2026 as Electronic Dance Music Month, and later approved H.R. 88 commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Guest introductions highlighted the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Kappa League, Assembly staff member Mukhtar Ali, and Jennifer Levy, who is advocating against drunk driving after the death of her son. On the floor, the Assembly considered a series of Senate budget trailer bills presented by Assembly Member Gabriel. SB 170 reorganizes housing and homelessness agencies; SB 171 makes labor-related cleanup changes; SB 172 addresses general government, broadband, and NextGen 9-1-1; SB 174 extends remote court hearings and related court provisions; SB 177 advances options related to Medi-Cal and employer contributions; SB 180 extends the California Competes tax credit and conforms tax treatment for certain savings accounts; SB 169 covers transportation and DMV-related provisions; SB 168 creates a zero-emission vehicle incentive program and other clean-energy changes; SB 166 implements natural resources and environmental protection budget items; SB 165 extends the skilled nursing facility financing framework; SB 163 updates developmental services; and SB 135 funds higher education initiatives, including community college enrollment and Cal Grant changes. Most of these measures passed with bipartisan support, though several drew opposition over concerns about bureaucracy, fees, oversight, or policy direction. The Assembly also passed SB 719, which updates vehicle-related protections for domestic violence survivors, SB 97, an urgency bill making clarifying changes to digital financial asset law, SB 1350, which supports hydrogen and clean energy development, and SB 1344, which aims to reduce meritless lawsuits delaying affordable and supportive housing projects. AB 182, which sets the order for proposition numbers on the November ballot, was approved despite criticism that it manipulates the ballot numbering process. Votes on the measures were recorded, with many passing on strong margins and several transmitted immediately to the Senate or Governor as noted in the proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Feldman, just to summarize our public testimony procedure for today's hearing, each author Public testimony
• I'm a deputy public defender in L.A.
• public must attend in person.
• access.
• Even in counties where there are blanket policies against the public having access to remote proceedings

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I would the ability and access.
• This is the public defender program.
• This just has to do with the funding of the public chartered public schools, so no change between the
• </c> with the funding of the uh public with the funding of the uh public chartered<04:24:34.640><c> public
• Uh so no chartered public schools.

Summary: The committee of conference on HB 1 and HB 2 met to review revenue estimates and begin working through a side-by-side of the budget. New Hampshire Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre testified that lottery revenues are outperforming prior estimates, projecting a $27 million return to the state this year, up $7 million, and $200 million per year in the next biennium, up $6.5 million per year. He attributed the increase to stronger scratch ticket sales, no negative impact from Massachusetts sports betting, and overall better performance. Members questioned the assumptions behind the higher numbers, including the proposed $50 scratch tickets, the effect of inflation, and whether the projections were conservative enough. McIntyre said the $50 ticket could produce modest growth and that the estimates were intentionally cautious. The discussion also covered gaming revenue assumptions for historical horse racing and video lottery terminals, with McIntyre saying the state market is not yet saturated and that future conversions from HHR to VLTs should be net positive for the state. Members also discussed differences between House and Senate revenue numbers for gaming, including machine counts, daily revenue assumptions, and the tax split. The Senate version used higher machine counts and a 31.25% tax rate, with a quarter-point reserved for responsible gaming and the remainder split between charities and the state. The House had used a 30% rate with a different distribution. McIntyre and committee members also reviewed House Bill 2 items affecting Kino hours and local option games of chance, with McIntyre explaining that the bill would expand playing hours and shift towns to an opt-out model. No votes were taken during the lottery discussion, but the committee indicated it would continue refining the revenue model and circulate the spreadsheet used for the estimates. The committee then moved through the HB 1 detail change sheet, accepting several Senate positions and holding others for later. It agreed to a zero-cost realignment in the Department of Safety moving the international fuel tax agreement function from administration to motor vehicles, and it restored eight passenger motor vehicle inspection positions for later discussion in HB 2. The Department of Corrections reorganization was set aside for a later, more detailed discussion. The committee also accepted no-change positions for the Department of Employment Security and agreed to a technical footnote fix in the Judicial Council section. It discussed a new HB 2 item moving contract counsel for involuntary mental health admissions from the judicial branch to the Judicial Council, funded at $100,000 per year, and noted that the public defender funding issue would be revisited when the overall budget picture is clearer. The meeting ended with the committee continuing its review of the remaining pages of the detail change sheet.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1177, public monies gender transition prohibition. SB 1178.
• SB 1177, public monies gender transition prohibition.
• SB 1182, represented communities instruction public schools.
• SB 1185, public notices publication errors emissions.
• SB 1222, light rail public monies prohibition.

Summary: The Senate convened with a prayer by Rabbi Mendel Soup of Lake Havasu and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Senator Carroll, then completed an electronic roll call and approved the journal for January 20, 2026. The chamber recognized several guest groups and visitors, including CRNA Capital Day participants, rural electric cooperative representatives, AEA Retired members, March of Dimes advocates, students and school officials, and other invited guests. Senators used points of personal privilege to highlight the work of these groups and to introduce visitors in the gallery. The body then read a long list of bills on second reading, covering a wide range of topics including child welfare, public school safety, health insurance, water policy, taxation, housing, elections, public safety, transportation, and abortion-related measures. The Senate also received first-reading introductions and committee referrals for additional bills on subjects such as motor vehicle booting fees, traumatic event counseling, election procedures, assisted living, short-term rentals, and various appropriations and policy changes. No substantive debate or votes on the bills were recorded in the transcript. After committee reports were noted and the Senate briefly recessed for bill assignments, the chamber returned to order and continued with first reading and reference of more bills and resolutions. At the end of the session, the Majority Whip moved to adjourn, and the Senate adjourned until Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1177, public monies gender transition prohibition. SB 1178.
• SB 1177, public monies gender transition prohibition.
• SB 1182, represented communities instruction public schools.
• SB 1185, public notices publication errors emissions.
• SB 1222, light rail public monies prohibition.

Transcript Highlights:

• We the next 3, you have 3 public pirates systems in Florida.
• that are non public.
• So the next areas, public policy, we are active in public policy.
• country storming the beach, right?
• We like to say we're halfway between the beaches in Disney.

Transcript Highlights:

• Represent Morris, you're Public Health. Represent Morris, you're Public Health.
• And I just want the public to know that's the my goal is to public to know that's the my goal is to public
• These are beach lake lodge. These are beach lake lodge.
• To this, my public affairs team has this, my public affairs team has this, my public affairs team has
• on the publication of local weeks on the publication of local weeks on the publication of local newspaper

Bills: HB 10 , HB 12 , HB 147 , HB 1522 , HB 422 , HB 675 , HB 204 , HB 748 , HB 912

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up, we have HB 511, HD1, SD1, relating to public lands.
• Next up we have HB 1137, relating to restoration of beach lands.
• This is changing the definition of restoration of beach lands. On our side, I am present.
• HB 1137, relating to restoration of beach lands.
• This is changing the definition of restoration of beach lands. On our side, I am present.

Transcript Highlights:

• We encourage the public to provide written testimony, APR.comby.combe.com.
• Wow, no public comment. Oh, wait, there we go. We have some public comment. Wow, no public comment.
• We have some public comment.
• of access to our coastline and our beaches.
• Protecting public access and coastal resources sits at the heart of this work, and I'm proud to present

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> types of actions that our uh public types of actions that our uh public wants<00:03:15.040><c> uh
• </c> also going to have some limited public also going to have some limited public notice<00:04:36.479
• </c><00:04:42.639><c> notice</c> 30 days without that public notice 30 days without that public notice
• </c> potential impacts on public potential impacts on public participation<00:15:39.360><c> and</c><00
• Uh, brief recess. beaches. So, when the word facilities beaches.

Bills: HB1979

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1979 HD3, which would shorten the time to file certain judicial challenges to environmental assessments and environmental impact statements for affordable housing and clean energy projects, and would also affect transfer of some environmental court appeals to the Supreme Court. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the amended bill, saying the changes were improved from earlier versions and that the shorter filing period was reasonable for these priority projects. Hawaii Gas asked that the bill’s clean energy definition be broadened to align with existing renewable energy law so emerging technologies like renewable hydrogen and renewable gas would be included. Kauai Island Utility Co-op and Greenpeace Hawaii testified in support and opposition, respectively, with supporters arguing the bill would reduce litigation uncertainty and opponents saying the shorter deadline would limit public participation and not solve the real causes of project delays. Opposition testimony came from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, 350 Hawaii, and others, who argued the bill could chill legitimate public-interest claims, especially where there is limited public notice, and that environmental review was being unfairly blamed for delays caused by permitting, financing, or infrastructure problems. Several speakers said the measure would reduce transparency and make it harder for communities to respond in time. One testifier from Earthjustice said the environmental review process itself is not the problem and should not be weakened for projects that still need public disclosure and community engagement. The committee then moved to decision-making and, citing the volume of opposition and concerns about public participation, transparency, and whether the bill would actually improve timelines, the chair deferred HB 1979 HD3 indefinitely. The hearing was adjourned after the vote decision was announced. The transcript then shifted to HB 2585, relating to tourism and statewide standards for agritourism. Testimony was mixed: farmers and agricultural groups described agritourism as essential to keeping small farms and ranches viable, while also urging safeguards so it would not be abused or displace real agricultural production. Some speakers warned the bill’s revenue-based limits could unintentionally shut down existing farm stays and related operations, especially in Maui County. The Hawaii Farm Bureau said it supported the intent but wanted clearer protections for bona fide agriculture and more flexibility around revenue requirements and force majeure situations. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.