Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> spreadc><01:25:16.040><c> thesec><01:25:16.200><c> typec><01:25:16.400><c> ofc><01:25:16.520
• ><c> tracesc><01:25:17.320><c> ofc> don't spread these type of traces of don't spread these type
• c> typec><01:25:19.920><c> ofc><01:25:20.000><c> stations.
• c> in these type of stations. in these type of stations.
• And so I just fear that these are the<01:26:25.920><c> typec><01:26:26.080><c> ofc><01:26:26.160>

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the journal, and then moved through a series of announcements and committee notices. Members highlighted upcoming events including Sportsman’s Day at the Capitol, Auctioneer Day, and an Earth Day press conference, and several committees announced meetings and bills to be heard later in the day. The Majority Leader also moved to make House Bill 1132, House Bill 1130, Senate Bill 136, and House Bill 1287 special orders for the next day, and the House agreed without objection. The chamber then took up House Bill 1132, concerning increasing pollinator habitats on state lands. Supporters said the bill builds on years of work to support pollinators and encourages planting native species on public lands; they also explained that the fiscal note reflects use of existing continuously appropriated funds, including GOCO lottery money and oil and gas fee revenue. After committee reports were adopted and questions about funding were answered, the bill passed as amended. The House next considered House Bill 1130, concerning baby diaper changing stations in public restrooms. An amendment was adopted that exempted local governments and expanded the small-business carveout to employers with 25 or fewer employees and no more than $3.5 million in annual revenue, while also clarifying restroom designation. Supporters argued the bill was the product of extensive stakeholder work and would improve access for families. Opponents said it imposed an unfunded mandate on businesses and raised concerns about contamination in public restrooms, including claims that some changing tables have been found contaminated with methamphetamine and fentanyl; after debate, the amendment was adopted, and discussion on the bill continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• :15.800><c> I'mc><00:04:15.920><c> herec><00:04:16.040><c> onc><00:04:16.120><c> behalfc><00:
• Um<00:45:20.640><c> andc><00:45:21.160><c> so,c><00:45:21.440><c> thosec><00:45:21.800><c> types
• types of companies that Um and so, those types of companies that the<00:45:23.480><c> Insurancec><
• c><00:47:39.840><c> typec><00:47:40.080><c> ofc><00:47:40.200><c> exemptionc><00:47:40.680><c
• > fromc> that um this type of exemption from that um this type of exemption from examination examination

Bills: SB2607, SB2031, SB2043, SB2623, SB2876, SB2396, SB2964, SB2089

Keywords: landscape architecture, licensure, educational requirements, examination, professional standards, consumer protection, junk fees, live-event tickets, short-term lodging, transparency, pricing disclosure, deceptive practices, insurance, captives, regulations, policyholders, SB2623, Hawaii pharmacy law, Board of Pharmacy, registered pharmacy technician

Summary: The committee first heard HCR 168 and HR 158, which would create a temporary working group to study utility capacity, coastline infrastructure lifespan, and the costs of needed expansions. Public Utilities Commission staff said the commission was not the right entity to direct all of the work because it lacks authority over many affected agencies. Members discussed whether the study should be limited to a coastal area or broadened to the whole island, and in decision-making the committee amended the measure to focus on the County of Honolulu, correct references to the Public Utilities Commission, and revise the working group membership to include the PUC chair, legislative designees, and directors or designees from DLNR, DOT, HIEMA, and DCCA Consumer Advocacy. The committee then passed both resolutions with amendments; the vote was adopted unanimously, with some members excused. The committee next considered HCR 145 and HR 137, which would convene a working group on climate change impacts on insurance availability and affordability. The Insurance Division stood on its written comments, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission supported the intent, and the Attorney General opposed the measure, warning that a working group could create discoverable materials that might complicate the state’s climate litigation and noting a technical ambiguity in the reference to the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund administrator. After questions about discovery and the lawsuit, the committee amended the resolutions to replace the administrator reference with the chair of the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund Board of Directors, remove the Attorney General as convener while keeping the office as a member, and have the working group share findings and recommendations with the House CPC and Senate CPN committees instead of issuing a report. The committee passed the measures with amendments, with Rep. Martin voting with reservations. In the later agenda, the committee heard SB 2607, SD 1 on landscape architect licensure. The Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and Landscape Architects supported the bill, explaining it modernizes licensure requirements to align with national standards and clarifies the profession’s design-focused role. The bill was discussed as distinguishing landscape architecture from groundskeeping and from civil engineering drainage work. No opposition was heard. The committee also heard SB 2031, SD 2 on consumer protection and price transparency for live ticket events and short-term lodging. The Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill, saying it largely mirrors an FTC rule requiring all-in pricing and would give the state enforcement authority and remedies. The Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill as drafted and sought a limited exemption for credit card issuers relying on third-party hotel information, while the Hawaii Hotel Alliance supported the measure but asked for language deeming compliance with the federal rule sufficient for short-term lodging. Committee members questioned whether those proposed exemptions would conflict with federal law or weaken state enforcement, and the discussion focused on preemption, liability, and the value of state remedies such as restitution.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:58:52.359><c> typec><00:58:52.559><c> ofc><00:58:52.880><c> uhc><00:58:53.200><c> slide
• c><00:58:53.880><c> andc> looking forward type of uh slide and looking forward type of uh slide and
• :13.119><c> timec><01:05:13.400><c> typec><01:05:13.559><c> ofc> it's a sort of a place and time
• type of it's a sort of a place and time type of thing<01:05:13.880><c> itc><01:05:13.960><c> depends
• 12.600><c> couldc> type plans to participate so they could type plans to participate so they could

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :21:12.240><c> typec><00:21:12.400><c> ofc><00:21:12.559><c> thing.
• :54:31.520><c> thosec><00:54:31.760><c> typec><00:54:31.920><c> ofc><00:54:32.079><c> situations
• c><00:54:32.559><c> justc> agents in those type of situations just agents in those type of situations
• c><01:29:47.520><c> diversionc><01:29:48.000><c> typec> far as irrigation diversion type far as
• irrigation diversion type structures<01:29:48.639><c> wouldc><01:29:48.880><c> bec><01:29:48.960

Bills: HB0130, HB0095, HB0096, HB0097, SF0101, SF0106, SF0067, SF0123

Keywords: Second Amendment, firearms, state rights, federal regulation, law enforcement, civil penalties, government liability, concealed carry, public colleges, university facilities, weapons legislation, self-defense, campus safety, weapons, age requirement, permits, HB0097, Wyoming firearms privacy, merchant category code, MCC

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:49:41.120><c> dependsc><00:49:41.520><c> onc><00:49:41.640><c> thec><00:49:41.720><c> type
• c><00:49:41.920><c> ofc><00:49:42.040><c> chargingc> Uh depends on the type of charging Uh depends
• on the type of charging station,<00:49:42.840><c> dependsc><00:49:43.240><c> onc><00:49:43.360><
• :10.640><c> movementc><01:36:11.080><c> ofc><01:36:11.320><c> anyc><01:36:11.520><c> typec><01
• :36:11.840><c> ofc> um to movement of any type of um to movement of any type of uh uh uh plant plant

Bills: HB1736, HB1620, HB1695

Keywords: animal control, spay and neuter, pet overpopulation, sterilization, counties funding, tax designation, veterinary care, electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, energy policy, rebate program, environmental impact, renewable fuels, sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1737, which clarifies allowable uses in agricultural districts for farm dwellings and farm employee housing, and HB 1604 HD2, which creates an agricultural workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Testimony on HB 1737 was overwhelmingly supportive, with county agriculture officials, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union backing the measure; one witness asked for a definition of “affordable” to guard against misuse of farm housing. For HB 1604, the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, with OHA requesting disaggregated data and a seat on the working group. Committee discussion focused on housing shortages, possible misuse, affordability, and whether innovative housing models such as modular, tiny, and container homes should be considered. The committee then took action on both measures. HB 1737 HD3 was recommended to pass with amendments that would limit farm employee housing to agricultural employees and their immediate family members actively engaged in the farm operation, add a grandfathering provision for existing permitted housing, preserve county zoning authority, clarify that ag tourism must be secondary and not occur in employee housing, delete a square-footage-per-acre ratio, and defer the effective date to July 1, 2050. HB 1604 HD2 was also recommended to pass with amendments adding OHA and a housing-shortage organization to the working group, expanding its scope to include modular, tiny, and container homes and permitting/zoning streamlining, and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. Both motions were adopted unanimously by the members present. The joint hearing then moved to HB 1736, which would establish a spay and neuter special fund and require sterilization and declaration provisions for cats, with some discussion of dogs. DLNR and the Hawaiian Humane Society supported the bill, while Pacific Pet Alliance objected to the broader requirements and the inclusion of dogs; the Hawaiian Humane Society and American Bird Conservancy supported cat-focused sterilization and the special fund, while some testifiers opposed mandatory sterilization as too costly or intrusive. Members raised questions about toxoplasmosis, trap-neuter-release, enforcement, neighbor-island access, and funding needs, and DLNR indicated additional funding and third-party contracting would likely be needed. The transcript then began HB 1620 HD2 on energy, which would increase the environmental response energy and food security tax and shift funds from the hydrogen fueling subaccount to EV charging infrastructure; state agencies generally stood on written testimony in support, while the Tax Foundation objected to special fund earmarks and noted the bill raises only one part of the barrel tax structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> typec><00:49:51.599><c> ofc><00:49:51.760><c> workc> agencies to to make this type of work
• agencies to to make this type of work happen<00:49:52.880><c> andc><00:49:53.119><c> perhapsc><00
• c> types of issues types of issues >> contractor<01:29:29.199><c> wouldc><01:29:29.360><c>
• :31:18.639><c> inc><01:31:18.800><c> thesec><01:31:19.040><c> typesc><01:31:19.199><c> ofc><01
• :31:19.280><c> casesc> manufacturers in these types of cases manufacturers in these types of cases

Bills: HB1991, HB1776, HB1897, HB1900

Keywords: liquor tax, alcohol, inflation adjustment, small craft breweries, public health, tenant rights, housing stability, landlord-tenant code, eviction prevention, multilingual resources, condominium, dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration, attorneys' fees, common expenses, construction defects, building code, statute of repose, statute of limitations

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1991, which would change Hawaii’s liquor excise tax structure to an ABV-based system. The Department of Taxation and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii took no position and stood on written comments. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and an individual testifier who described surviving a drunk-driving crash, argued that higher alcohol taxes reduce alcohol-related harms, save lives, and generate additional state revenue. The public health witness cited alcohol-related harms as a major preventable cause of death and said the tax increase would have only a small annual cost for most consumers. Most industry testimony was in opposition. Representatives of Lanikai Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, the Wine Institute, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association said the bill would sharply raise taxes on beer and wine, squeeze already thin margins, and threaten local jobs and businesses. They argued Hawaii producers already face high costs for labor, energy, shipping, and compliance, and said an ABV-based tax would be difficult to administer, would require additional testing and labeling work, and could reduce consumer choice. Several industry witnesses urged lawmakers to instead adopt a small-producer or class 18 carveout, with one suggesting a cap tied to 60,000 barrels. Committee members questioned the brewers about alcohol content testing, labeling, and whether smaller producers already measure ABV. Witnesses said many local producers do not certify ABV for in-state sales, that yeast and fermentation can vary by batch, and that an ABV-based system could require more testing than current practice. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• > inc><00:25:15.520><c> non-stickc><00:25:16.080><c> typec><00:25:16.400><c> stuffc><00:25:16.720
• ><c> orc><00:25:17.279><c> orc><00:25:17.440><c> arec> cook in non-stick type stuff or or are cook
• in non-stick type stuff or or are they<00:25:17.760><c> actuallyc><00:25:18.080><c> addingc><00:
• c><00:45:43.920><c> typesc> defined, there's over 8 to 15,000 types defined, there's over 8 to 15,000
• types of<00:45:44.960><c> PASc><00:45:45.520><c> contc><00:45:46.079><c> uhc><00:45:46.720><c>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:01:40 Chair Comments 00:02:51 Rep. Nima Kulkarni PFAS Presentation 00:04:35 EEC PFAS Presentation 00:39:36 Rusty Cress PFAS Presentation 01:01:10 Chair Comments on Admin Regs and Reports Received 01:14:41, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 03:02.159><c> undoc><00:03:02.560><c> whatc><00:03:02.720><c> Ic><00:03:02.959><c> justc><00:
• :09.360><c> typec><00:03:09.440><c> ofc><00:03:09.599><c> otherc><00:03:09.840><c> thing.
• c><00:03:10.159><c> So,c> motion or some type of other thing.
• toc><00:03:10.879><c> justc><00:03:11.760><c> coverc><00:03:12.000><c> myc><00:03:12.159><c>
• ><c> toc><00:03:14.879><c> comec><00:03:15.040><c> upc><00:03:15.360><c> andc><00:03:15.680><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> umc><00:04:29.880><c> uhc><00:04:30.120><c> whenc><00:04:30.320><c> wec><00:04:30.479><c>
• c><00:04:54.199><c> isc><00:04:54.400><c> upc><00:04:54.560><c> toc><00:04:54.720><c> thec>
• the funds to be used<01:27:52.280><c> forc><01:27:52.440><c> anyc><01:27:52.560><c> typec><01:
• 27:52.719><c> ofc><01:27:52.880><c> housingc><01:27:53.159><c> financingc> used for any type of
• housing financing used for any type of housing financing including<01:27:54.239><c> notc><01:27:54.400

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Housing and Public Safety/Water and Land hearing first took up HB 1096, which would repeal statutory tenant-selection preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans in state low-income housing. HPHA testified in support, saying the change was a housekeeping measure because the same preferences already exist in administrative rules and could be adjusted later to align with other local preferences, while also noting the federal VASH program provides stronger veteran housing support. Several members questioned why the preference should be removed at all, emphasizing that veterans have long been underserved and asking for a stronger justification; the committees ultimately deferred HB 1096. The later Housing/Hawaiian Affairs agenda heard HB 606 HD1, a measure to extend Act 279 funding and related exemptions for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Supporters argued the bill would give DHHL more time to use the $600 million appropriation to acquire land, work with developers, and address a wait list of about 29,000 applicants, while also helping restore Hawaiian communities and reduce the Hawaiian diaspora. Opponents focused on accountability and oversight, saying DHHL needs clearer plans, measurable goals, and stronger safeguards before receiving more money, and warning that prior spending and strategic-plan changes had reduced the number of applicants served. The committee also heard testimony that the bill would help DHHL fulfill long-standing obligations to Native Hawaiians and that the housing need affects the broader state, not only Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> thatc><00:09:06.080><c> ac><00:09:06.320><c> particularc><00:09:06.800><c> typec> and expectation
• that a particular type and expectation that a particular type of<00:09:07.279><c> businessc><00:09
• <00:09:31.839><c> orc><00:09:32.160><c> typec><00:09:32.399><c> ofc><00:09:32.560><c> project
• c><00:09:32.880><c> thatc><00:09:33.200><c> wasc> project or type of project that was project or
• type of project that was anticipated<00:09:34.320><c> doesc><00:09:34.560><c> notc><00:09:34.800>

Bills: HF4598, HF4884, HF3732

Keywords: workers' compensation, Minnesota workers' compensation, Workers' Compensation Advisory Council, reinsurance association, Workers' Compensation Reinsurance Association, WCRA, occupational disease, presumption, first responders, firefighter cancer, PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, police officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician, correctional officer, security counselor, public safety dispatcher, temporary total disability, permanent partial disability

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> butc><00:14:59.760><c> Ic><00:14:59.920><c> doc><00:15:00.160><c> alsoc><00:15:00.480><c>
• c><00:15:04.880><c> Uhc><00:15:05.120><c> wec><00:15:05.360><c> relyc><00:15:05.600><c> onc
• havec><01:17:00.960><c> bipolarc><01:17:01.440><c> typec><01:17:01.679><c> onec> individuals
• who have bipolar type one individuals who have bipolar type one disorder.<01:17:02.640><c> uhc><01
• intramuscular so um those intradermal intramuscular so um those type<01:37:26.480><c> ofc><01:37:26.639

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with SB 1442, which would update the statute governing the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division and clarify its role as the state Medicaid provider of intensive mental health services for children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance. The Department of Health testified in strong support, saying the current statute is outdated and warning against any unfunded mandate because the division relies on federal funding and faces uncertainty about future resources. Written testimony from several organizations also supported the bill. The committees took no immediate action and said they would hold decision-making until later. The hearing then moved to SB 479 on ABLE savings accounts. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the measure, arguing that ABLE accounts help people with disabilities save money without losing benefits and that the state needs more outreach and staffing to expand participation. A testifier with a disability said the bill would help people keep Social Security and housing stability. The chair indicated an intention to move the bill forward, and asked about funding; the discussion settled on a requested appropriation of about $75,000 for incentives. Next, SB 1245 on reimbursement of pharmacists drew broad support from the Hawaii Pharmacists Association, rural pharmacies, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, and others, who said the bill would improve access to care, especially on neighbor islands and in rural communities, and help pharmacies participate in 340B-related services. The Insurance Division and HMSA raised concerns about bill language, saying it could be read to cover pharmacists outside an insurer’s network and that the scope of reimbursable services needed clarification; the pharmacists’ association said the bill is intended to apply only to in-network pharmacists and should continue to reference existing scope-of-practice law. The hearing also took up SB 1279, which would allow pharmacists to authorize medications via telehealth under certain circumstances. The State Board of Pharmacy opposed the bill, citing patient safety, a pilot project with reported errors, concerns about controlled substances and unregulated technicians, and the view that in-person pharmacist services are safer and already available on the affected islands. Several pharmacies and health care groups supported the measure as a way to preserve 340B access and improve service on Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, while some local pharmacies said they already provide in-person service and opposed remote dispensing. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:19:20.800><c> onc><00:19:20.919><c> thec><00:19:21.000><c> taxc><00:19:21.320><c> wasc
• 46.720><c> thisc><00:31:47.160><c> typec><00:31:47.440><c> ofc><00:31:47.600><c> fundc><00:31
• type of fund to to last in for this type of fund to to last in perpetuity<00:31:49.520><c> inc><00
• c><00:32:08.040><c> Soc><00:32:08.200><c> youc><00:32:08.320><c> gotc><00:32:08.480><c> itc
• c><00:36:54.720><c> Andc><00:36:55.080><c> ifc><00:36:55.240><c> wec><00:36:55.320><c> arec

Bills: HF3279, HF1879, HF1417, HF2462

Keywords: housing, sales tax, homeownership, rent assistance, community stability, education, counseling, financial assistance, housing development, culturally appropriate services, HF1417, manufactured home parks, manufactured housing, mobile home parks, housing development fund, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, MHFA, infrastructure grants, infrastructure loans, affordable housing

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1053, signed David C. Farnsworth, Chairman. Mr.
• SB 1053, signed David C. Farnsworth, Chairman. Mr.
• Signed David C. Farnsworth, Chairman. Mr.
• SB 1015, signed David C. Farnsworth, Chairman. Mr.
• , a jaywalking arrest, any type of... ...any type of arrest, a jaywalking arrest, any type of interaction

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and several guest introductions, including recognition of Lutheran Day at the Capitol and the doctor of the day. The chamber also handled routine business such as journal approval, temporary committee substitutions, and multiple motions to move into Committee of the Whole for floor consideration of bills and resolutions. A series of election, campaign finance, immigration, and public safety measures were taken up. Bills and resolutions discussed included SB 1003 on election canvass certification, SB 1006 and SCR 1002 on campaign finance disclosure thresholds, SB 1037, SB 1040, SB 1057, SB 1060, SB 1141, SB 1168, SB 1237, SB 1289, SCR 1010, SCR 1013, and SCR 1014 on various election administration topics, plus SB 1055 and SB 1152 on immigration enforcement and benefits, SB 1058 on firearm transaction merchant codes, SB 1093 on rioting, SB 1308 on a foreign adversary fraud office appropriation, and SB 1160 on drones in entertainment districts. Most of these measures received do-pass recommendations, several with committee or floor amendments, and some were retained on the calendar. The most extensive debate centered on social policy bills affecting transgender people and minors, including SCR 1006, SB 1015, and SB 1095. Opponents argued these measures were discriminatory, harmful to trans youth and families, and an improper intrusion into medical and school decisions; supporters framed them as protecting parental rights, privacy, and children from irreversible medical decisions. SB 1049 on spousal maintenance also drew opposition over a proposed four-year cap. Later, the Senate took third-reading votes and passed SB 1049, SB 1053, SB 1415, SB 1015, SB 1095, and SCR 1006, with recorded roll-call tallies generally around 16-11 or 17-10 on the more contentious measures, and the bills were transmitted to the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> toc><00:52:14.200><c> bec><00:52:14.400><c> somec><00:52:14.680><c> typec><00:52:14.880>
• <c> ofc><00:52:15.160><c> ac> would need to be some type of a would need to be some type of a reimbursement
• :12:33.040><c> typec><04:12:33.199><c> ofc> this type of this type of operation<04:12:35.199><c>
• thosec><04:39:49.120><c> asc><04:39:49.360><c> ac><04:39:49.560><c> typec><04:39:49.760><c> of
• c> thatc><05:25:42.280><c> thosec><05:25:42.480><c> typesc> half a cow half a pig that those types

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee opened by noting member absences and then reviewed the governor’s HB 2 trailer bill language creating a solid waste site evaluation committee. The chair explained that Finance would want the committee’s input on the proposal and also announced a temporary change to the committee’s schedule, with additional Wednesday meetings planned around school vacation. The committee then moved into a work session on several bills. On HB 150, Representative Ktoa offered a simple amendment changing food-processing language from “washed and rinsed” to “cleaned and sanitized” in the processing area. Members agreed the change better matched food safety practice, and the committee indicated support for advancing the bill. On HB 307, dealing with homestead food production areas, members discussed proposed amendment language that would add clearer sanitary requirements, including handwashing access, sanitary storage, sanitizable food-contact surfaces, and pest exclusion. The committee also discussed whether to replace “potentially hazardous food” with “time temperature control safe food,” but several members favored keeping the existing term because it is already well defined in food safety law. The bill was held for further amendment work rather than being executed immediately. The committee spent substantial time on solid waste legislation. For HB 479, members recalled a prior plan for a letter to the solid waste working group and agreed to proceed with the bill in executive session, with an offer of drafting help from Representative Bixby. For HB 77, which would require DES to establish site-specific setback distances for proposed new landfills, Representative Penza said his amendment was not ready yet but was close, and the bill was left for further discussion. The most detailed discussion was on HB 2115, which would require landfill permit applicants to submit a report on the project’s harms and benefits. Representative Germana explained an amendment that would replace section one, expand the list of benefits to include economic potential and infrastructure improvements, and set up a third-party review process in which the applicant submits a list of reviewers, DES screens the list, and the commissioner selects a reviewer if no agreement is reached within 60 days. Members asked about who could serve as contractors, whether they had to be local, and how DES would judge qualifications; the response was that environmental engineering and similar firms could be used, local or outside the community, and that the process would remain somewhat flexible. Representative H. Haskins asked whether the legislature or subcommittee would be formally notified of preliminary review problems, and the chair said no additional notification process would be built in beyond existing practice. The committee planned to continue work on the bills in upcoming executive sessions, including after school break.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, this<00:15:40.639><c> typec><00:15:40.880><c> ofc><00:15:41.040><c> expertisec><00:15:41.600
• ac><01:17:13.760><c> VLAXc><01:17:14.400><c> typec><01:17:14.719><c> programc><01:17:15.120><
• c> orc><01:17:15.440><c> somethingc> to like a VLAX type program or something to like a VLAX type
• c><02:08:26.320><c> Ic> behavior, those types of things, which I behavior, those types of things,
• c><04:12:05.600><c> ofc> ability of DOE to handle this type of ability of DOE to handle this type

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> isc><00:01:19.720><c> alignc><00:01:20.400><c> thec><00:01:20.680><c> statec> what this
• c><00:26:17.760><c> Umc><00:26:18.040><c> ifc><00:26:18.320><c> youc> different types of vehicles
• ><c> typec><00:30:05.280><c> definedc><00:30:06.520><c> wouldc><00:30:06.760><c> requirec> would
• > hasc><00:40:18.120><c> differentc><00:40:18.640><c> typesc> City of Saint Paul has different
• types City of Saint Paul has different types of<00:40:19.280><c> characteristicsc><00:40:20.000><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> 20c><00:09:48.959><c> yearsc><00:09:49.120><c> ofc><00:09:49.360><c> ofc><00:09:49.600><c>
• 16:46.240><c> typec><00:16:46.480><c> 2c> chronic weight management and type 2 chronic weight management
• and type 2 diabetes<00:16:47.279><c> taskc><00:16:47.600><c> force.
• Um and so when we bring these type<01:14:03.440><c> ofc><01:14:03.679><c> bills,c><01:14:04.560><
• c> myselfc> type of bills, I try to educate myself type of bills, I try to educate myself um um um

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Having<00:42:10.160><c> thesec><00:42:10.480><c> typesc><00:42:10.800><c> ofc><00:42:10.960><c>
• studiesc><00:42:11.520><c> atc><00:42:11.760><c> thatc> Having these types of studies at that
• Having these types of studies at that time<00:42:12.240><c> whenc><00:42:12.560><c> awardingc><00
• of the different fund this and some of the different types<01:01:02.240><c> ofc><01:01:02.480><c> ways
• c><01:01:04.160><c> notc><01:01:04.400><c> lookc> types of ways where we can just not look types

Bills: HB0078, SF0012, SF0013, SF0052, SF0069, SF0070

Keywords: forest health, grant program, state forester, wildfire prevention, environmental conservation, habitat improvement, military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, funding, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment, referral bonus, military service, eligibility expansion, incentive program, wildlife management, environmental restoration

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:26.280><c> it'sc><00:01:26.759><c> stillc><00:01:27.000><c> inc><00:01:27.159><c> its
• /c><00:15:31.440><c> ifc><00:15:32.240><c> ifc><00:15:32.480><c> thisc><00:15:32.720><c> type
• c><00:15:32.920><c> ofc><00:15:33.199><c> workc> um now if if this type of work um now if if this
• type of work was<00:15:36.079><c> wasc><00:15:36.360><c> modifiedc><00:15:37.040><c> outc><00:
• <c> typec> And then you can remind me of your other question, Representative Long.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on House Bill 271, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). The chair and several members expressed reservations about repealing a requirement that was only created in 2021, arguing that licensure should include some measurable demonstration of competency and that it is too early to judge whether the current standard is working. Members also raised concerns about the social work compact and the lack of uniformity across states, saying that changing the requirement now could undermine the standards New Hampshire agreed to at the outset. Testimony in support of the bill argued that the LSWA exam is a barrier for applicants because the level is intended for people without formal social work education, and the exam is the same national exam used for licensed social workers. The witness said there is only one LSWA in New Hampshire, so there is little pass/fail data, but noted that the Association of Social Worker Boards reported 78% of its membership favored retaining the exam. Supporters also emphasized that LSWA holders complete 30 hours of training and extensive supervised hours, and that they are not intended to work independently. Opponents or skeptics questioned whether the exam is the right measure for this role and asked for data showing actual failures or barriers. The discussion turned to possible alternatives, including a different exam, a practical skills assessment, or broader rulemaking authority for the board to set LSWA criteria. One suggestion was to amend the law to give the board authority to develop appropriate standards in rulemaking, rather than naming a specific exam in statute. Members also discussed whether the board could create a more suitable assessment and noted that the current law requires a national proctored examination approved by the board, but there is no national exam specifically for LSWA. No final vote or action was taken in the excerpt, and the subcommittee indicated it would gather more information, including the existing rule language, before moving the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> longerc><00:01:01.560><c> ac><00:01:01.600><c> partc><00:01:01.960><c> ofc><00:01:02.040>
• , um<00:02:21.400><c> thatc><00:02:21.680><c> typec><00:02:21.920><c> ofc><00:02:22.080><c> thing
• c> um that type of thing you could use it. um that type of thing you could use it.
• any any any any bias<00:30:00.920><c> ofc><00:30:01.040><c> anyc><00:30:01.200><c> typec><00:30
• c><00:30:01.880><c> Itc><00:30:01.960><c> soundsc> bias of any type against them?

Bills: HB0116, HB0056

Keywords: water rights, beneficial use, industrial production, hydrogen, applications, public welfare, carbon capture, energy standards, public utilities, environmental regulation, state law, 916, all