Transcript Highlights:

• are eligible dealing with the specific resource room teacher or the speech pathologist or the occupational
• are eligible dealing with the specific resource room teacher or the speech pathologist or the occupational
• are eligible dealing with the specific resource room teacher or the speech pathologist or the occupational
• are eligible dealing with the specific resource room teacher or the speech pathologist or the occupational
• speech pathologist or the occupational speech pathologist or the occupational therapist<00:51:51.280

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we have specific wages for three occupations: certified nursing assistants, or CNAs; training medical
• Then we have specific wages for three occupations: certified nursing assistants, or CNAs; training medical
• Then we have specific wages for occupations<00:09:12.000> um<00:09:12.640> three<00:09:
• 12.959> occupations.
• <00:09:13.839> So occupations um three occupations. So occupations um three occupations.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><06:05:57.240> owner to uh mandate that it is um owner to uh mandate that it is um owner occupant
• well you know it's something occupant well you know it's something that<06:06:01.878> we've<06
• Hawaiʻi resident versus mandating owner-occupant is different, right? We do owner-occupant.
• Many of us that live in our homes get owner-occupant exemptions from the City and County of Honolulu.
• Below is to another owner-occupant, and that's how we affect the entire housing ladder, where we take

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Finance held its first informational briefing for 2025, beginning with member introductions and then hearing an economic outlook presentation from Dr. Eugene Tian of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Dr. Tian said Hawaii’s economy was in relatively good shape in several areas, especially construction, which he described as at a historical high, with construction employment above 40,000 monthly and building permit values and contracting tax base both up sharply. He also noted real estate sales had rebounded in 2024, the labor market had stabilized with unemployment around 2.9%, and initial unemployment claims were below 2019 levels. At the same time, he highlighted challenges including inflation running above the national rate, a shrinking labor force, lower employment compared with 2023, and continued weakness in visitor spending and arrivals. He said future growth would likely come from health care, professional services, construction, tourism recovery, and diversified sectors such as renewable energy, aquaculture, creative industries, and technology. Dr. Tian also discussed Hawaii’s economic structure and recovery, saying the state remains more concentrated in a few industries than the U.S. overall, with government and hospitality making up larger shares of the economy. He said non-tourism sectors had recovered, but tourism-related jobs and output were still below pre-pandemic levels, with Maui and the visitor industry still affected by the wildfire and COVID-19 impacts. He projected tourism and non-agricultural wage and salary jobs would not fully recover until 2027, and said population trends remain a concern because of aging, the likelihood of deaths outpacing births in coming years, and reliance on in-migration. After his presentation, the chair said questions would be taken later and the committee took a short break. After the break, Dr. Carano of the Hawaii Executive Director’s office presented a second outlook, saying Hawaii’s economy in 2025 looked better than 2024 overall, though he emphasized substantial uncertainty tied to the incoming federal administration. He said possible changes to tariffs, tax policy, immigration, and federal spending could raise inflation and keep interest rates higher than previously expected, which would affect housing, consumer debt, the dollar, and Hawaii’s visitor industry. He noted that U.S. visitors account for roughly three-quarters of visitor spending in the state, making federal policy especially important. He also said deregulation could be a long-term positive but would not likely have much effect in 2025 or 2026. As an additional risk, he pointed to bird flu and its effect on livestock, poultry, and egg prices. No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• have seen in the past few years in international immigration is likely due to the increase in unauthorized
• The increase in international immigration is likely due to the increase in unauthorized or undocumented

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and the other question is whether that a permanent residence is determined at the time an occupancy
• is determined at the time an occupancy is determined at the time an occupancy is<01:22:05.920>
• We—I wasn't thinking that the intent was to limit that to an occupancy by a single person. >> Oh, I see
• of one person, um says when an occupancy of one person, um I<01:27:17.280> was<01:27:17.440><
• intent was to limit that to an occupancy intent was to limit that to an occupancy by<01:27:34.800

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So they will discount rates to get to a higher occupancy number, so you will see this fluctuation in
• Some of it's driven by the property trying to get a higher occupancy rate because the more rooms you
• :56.160> you<00:16:56.320> will<00:16:56.560> see<00:16:56.720> this occupancy
• number so so you will see this occupancy number so so you will see this fluctuation<00:16:57.519>
• rate because the more higher occupancy rate because the more rooms<00:17:02.079> you<00:17:02.240

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed a budget-related issue involving liquor commission enforcement staff and tobacco enforcement funding. A member explained that proposed cuts to “group two” enforcement positions at the liquor commission could jeopardize the tobacco enforcement money that flows to Health and Human Services, and expressed confidence that the enforcement division would ultimately be preserved. The main hearing was on Senate Bill 19, which would modernize hotel and motel statutes by repealing outdated requirements. The sponsor and the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association said the bill would remove obsolete rules such as the old guest book/card system and antiquated posting requirements for room rates and motel signs. Members questioned whether the bill would eliminate the requirement to record guest departure dates or affect inspection rights, and the witnesses said the intent was only to remove the book-and-card reference while leaving the rest of the recordkeeping requirement in place. Supporters argued the rate-posting rules are widely ignored, hard to enforce, and outdated in an era of digital reservations and variable pricing; the committee also discussed whether any consumer-protection purpose remained. The public hearing on SB 19 was then closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 280FN, which would require food delivery services to have an agreement with a restaurant or food retail store before offering delivery from that business. The sponsor said the bill restores a prior law that had sunset and was intended to prevent third-party platforms from listing restaurants without consent. Restaurant industry testimony strongly supported the bill, describing problems with unauthorized listings, delayed deliveries, and reimbursement disputes, and saying the agreement requirement protects restaurant brands and consumer expectations. Members shared examples of delivery problems and voiced support for reinstating the safeguard.

Transcript Highlights:

• That would have required a prospective owner op occupant, maybe 5 years, 10 years down the road to be

Transcript Highlights:

• post-retirement House Bill 227 limits the post-retirement qualifying period for benefits for certain occupational

Bills: HB227, HB556, HB543, HB542, HB482, HB483, HB484

Keywords: firefighter benefits, occupational disease, line of duty, disability pension, death benefits, retirement benefits, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer presumption, HIV, hepatitis, municipal firefighters, state firefighters, fire districts, workers' compensation, public safety employees, post-retirement benefits, benefit eligibility cutoff, occupational illness

Transcript Highlights:

• The only occupants of that camp from October to April are mice.
• The<01:26:32.639> only<01:26:32.960> occupants<01:26:33.840> of<01:26:34.159>
• that<01:26:34.719> bu<01:26:35.040> that<01:26:35.360> camp The only occupants
• of that bu that camp The only occupants of that bu that camp from<01:26:36.239> October<01:26
• they’re going to pay twice whatever that is because they are not planning for it to be in long-term occupancy

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1596, which would raise New Hampshire’s cigarette excise tax from $1.78 per pack to about $2.80, using an inflation-based adjustment since the rate was last set in 2008. Representative Jerry Stringham, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure would keep New Hampshire competitive with neighboring states, generate revenue, and help offset other budget pressures. He also described the bill as repealing an income-based premium charge in Medicaid/CHIP-related programs and restoring cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, arguing that the combined package would still leave the state in a positive fiscal position. He said the tobacco tax increase would likely have some cessation effect but would remain low relative to other New England states, and he cited prior testimony from health groups supporting a larger increase. Members questioned the sponsor about how the new rate was calculated, the prior tobacco tax reduction and restoration, whether tobacco companies would absorb or pass on the tax, and the fiscal note’s estimates for Medicaid premium revenue and UNH funding. Stringham said he used Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data, that the earlier 10-cent reduction did not produce the expected sales increase, and that the current bill would eliminate the premium charges now in the budget. He later clarified that the Department of Medicaid Services had updated the revenue estimate, but said the bill still showed a surplus overall. He also said the federal government already imposes a $1-per-pack tax and that New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase. Two public witnesses testified in opposition to the tax increase. Anna Bettincourt, a tobacco category manager, argued that higher tobacco taxes would unfairly target smokers, reduce New Hampshire’s tax advantage, and likely shift purchases to other states or illicit markets rather than reduce use. She said tobacco companies generally do not lower prices and that Massachusetts’ flavor restrictions had not eliminated sales. In response to questions, she maintained that a smaller increase would still be harmful and that enforcement problems make bans ineffective. The sponsor and some members countered that smokers impose higher health costs and that tobacco taxes are a policy tool for both revenue and public health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• But absent limiting occupancy in units or limiting in some other way, it sounds like this is kind of
• But but absent limiting occupancy in me.
• But but absent limiting occupancy in units<02:20:45.359> or<02:20:45.600> limiting<02:20
• <02:24:57.920> If<02:24:58.160> you paid for by the end occupant.
• If you paid for by the end occupant.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Meaning like any other occupational disease, cancer, lung disease, heart disease, the date of injury
• 38.000> lung occupational disease, cancer, lung occupational disease, cancer, lung disease,<00
• The labor department and carriers are instructed to treat PTSD like an occupational disease.
• like a disease, like an occupational like a disease, like an occupational disease.<00:26:14.960>
• <00:45:15.599> uh A16 say relative to occupational uh A16 say relative to occupational uh

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with an overview from the Legislative Budget Assistant Office on how Ways and Means will work with agencies and leadership during the budget and revenue-estimating process. Staff explained that the governor’s budget is still being developed, agencies are cautious about going on record early, and the committee will use worksheets and updated fiscal reports to track estimates. The presentation emphasized that the fiscal year 2025 budget status is a point-in-time snapshot and remains fluid because the annual comprehensive financial report has been delayed, which could change the beginning balances for both the general fund and education trust fund. The budget update highlighted that the general fund is currently stronger than originally assumed, while the education trust fund is weaker. The speaker said the general fund began FY25 with a much larger balance than expected, while the education trust fund came in lower due to higher-than-budgeted adequacy spending and weaker business tax performance. Revenue trends showed the general fund slightly ahead year to date, but the education trust fund down significantly. The committee also discussed unbudgeted appropriations, including attorney general litigation, legal settlements, abandoned property claims, adequacy true-ups, and education freedom accounts, as well as the role of lapses and off-budget items in the final balance. Members asked about the delayed liquor commission audit and whether it could affect revenue forecasts. Staff said the delay was mainly caused by the commission’s switch in point-of-sale systems and staffing losses, but did not expect major ongoing reporting issues. They also noted that liquor fund variances are more likely tied to Medicaid expansion costs than to commission operations. The governor’s office was said to be working on possible budget reductions, but no January request to the fiscal committee was expected. Commissioner Lindsay Stepp of the Department of Revenue Administration then presented an overview of state revenue sources, focusing first on the meals and rentals tax. She explained that DRA administers 14 taxes that account for most state revenue, and that meals and rentals tax growth has slowed after strong post-pandemic gains. She described factors affecting the tax, including employment, inflation, fuel and food prices, wages, and weather, and noted that online platforms like Airbnb have improved compliance by collecting and remitting tax on behalf of hosts. Members asked about short-term rental compliance and how DRA identifies unlicensed rentals; Stepp said referrals, anonymous tips, and platform data help enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mental Health Professionals Licensing Board; the Board of Nursing Home Administrators; the Board of Occupational
• Mental Health Professionals Licensing Board; the Board of Nursing Home Administrators; the Board of Occupational
• Mental Health Professionals Licensing Board; the Board of Nursing Home Administrators; the Board of Occupational
• Mental Health Professionals Licensing Board; the Board of Nursing Home Administrators; the Board of Occupational
• Mental Health Professionals Licensing Board; the Board of Nursing Home Administrators; the Board of Occupational

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the list of cancers that may qualify a peace officer, firefighter, or fire investigator for the occupational

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement met and first announced that HB 2691 would be held and not heard further that day. The chair also limited testimony to three speakers for and three against, with two minutes each unless extended by a minority leader. The committee then took up HB 2993, which would allow the Department of Public Safety to spend on legal services independent of the Attorney General and, as amended, redirect $5 million from the Consumer Protection Consumer Fraud Revolving Fund to the Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission Fund. Supporters argued the bill would give DPS outside counsel and shift money toward front-line public safety work; opponents said it was political retaliation that would weaken consumer protection enforcement and divert funds from Arizonans who benefit from AG actions. The committee adopted the chairman’s amendment and then approved HB 2993 on an 8-6 vote, with one absent. The committee next heard HB 2231, a clarifying bill updating the list of cancers covered under the occupational disease presumption for firefighters, peace officers, and fire investigators. The sponsor and firefighter testimony said the bill does not expand benefits but fixes a drafting problem, including a disputed comma that had been used by insurers to challenge claims; the Industrial Commission was listed as neutral if needed. Members discussed whether the presumption is rebuttable and how punctuation affected the statute’s meaning. During roll call, several members explained their votes in favor as a matter of grammar and statutory clarity, and the committee passed HB 2231 by a 14-0 vote with one absent. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• AND TAILLIGHTS FROM EACH OTHER WE ARE POTENTIALLY GOING TO HAVE MORE HEAD ON COLLISIONS THAT THE OCCUPANTS

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Business and Commerce Code, Finance Code, Insurance Code, Labor Code, Natural Resources Code, Occupations
• court somewhere has said... ...that a city can't regulate towing because there's a provision in the Occupations
• understand where agricultural, business and commerce, finance, insurance, labor, natural resources, occupations
• We've heard about towing regulations and the interaction between a city's towing ordinance and the Occupations

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• state is wrong and even when the state loses in things like eminent domain cases, tax challenges, occupational
• like eminent domain cases, tax things like eminent domain cases, tax challenges,<00:29:59.680> occupational
• <00:30:00.360> licensure challenges, occupational licensure challenges, occupational licensure

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 5055, the governor’s supplemental tax budget. Commissioner of Revenue Paul Marquart outlined the proposal as a balanced budget package that would leave a positive bottom line in the current biennium and beyond. He emphasized family-focused tax relief, especially a new refundable young child credit for children ages 0 to 4, which would provide up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more, benefit about 104,000 families, and phase out at higher incomes. He also described federal conformity changes, including updates to business interest deductions, dependent care credits, and Section 179 expensing, along with omitted federal items such as research expensing and opportunity zones due to cost and policy concerns. Marquart also defended broader tax modernization proposals, including expanding the sales tax to selected consumer services such as accounting, banking, brokerage, and legal services while lowering the statewide sales tax rate, and creating a social media tax on consumer data collection that would fund an AI readiness special revenue fund rather than the general fund. He said these changes would make the sales tax less regressive and better aligned with the modern economy. Additional provisions mentioned included a gun-related gross receipts tax on firearms and ammunition, cannabis tax technical changes, historic structure rehabilitation conformity, and added auditors for tax compliance. Testimony from outside groups was mixed. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project supported the governor’s approach as a response to federal tax and spending changes, praised the decision not to conform to opportunity zones or federal no-tax-on-tips/overtime provisions, and urged even stronger revenue measures. Brian Lake of the Minnesota State Bar Association strongly opposed the proposed sales tax on consumer legal services, arguing it would burden low- and middle-income people in sensitive cases and create unfairness when individuals litigate against the state. Tanner Fritsinger of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees supported the sales tax base expansion and the social media tax as ways to broaden revenue without raising the base rate. The committee chair thanked the commissioner and then began hearing public testimony, with additional testifiers queued up.

Transcript Highlights:

• And act relating to professions and occupations. You're recognized to explain your bill.
• House Bill 3462 by Hayes of the House and Bullard of the Senate, an act relating to professions and occupations
• House Bill 3462 by Hayes of the House and Bullard of the Senate, an act relating to professions and occupations
• And occupations. Representative Page now moves by patch to the bill. Will there be debate?

Bills: HB4420, HB3974, HB3016, HB3062, HB3021, HB3145, HB4128, HB3131, HB3015, HB3472, HB3453, HB1638, HB4126, HB2696, HB2710, HB3552, HB3031, HB3544, HB3521, HB4490, HB4488, HB1746, HJR1069, HB4428, HB4429, HB1170, HB3538, HB4124, HB3904, HB4106, HB2999, HB3982, HJR1077, HB3464, HB2588, HB3462, HB4440, HB3674, HB3345, HJR1067, HB4326, HB4331, HB4337, HB4338, HB4359, HB4392, HB3557, HJR1076, HB4003, HB3495, HB3497, HB3501, HB3505, HB3749, HB3011, HB4336, HB4346, HJR1087, HB3240, HB3647, HB3796, HB3969, HB3972, HB3983, HB3984, HB3989, HB3383, HB3130, HB4358, HB3327, HJR1055, HB3386, HJR1089, HB3087, HB2970, HB3314, HB4129, HB4199

Keywords: reading, intervention, literacy, education, third grade retention, teacher training, funding, Strong Readers Act, tort claims, inmate housing, government immunity, public trust, private prison, emergency legislation, vision screening, binocular vision, kindergarten, elementary education, health, firearm rights

Transcript Highlights:

• through early part of 2027, and then we'd begin construction in September of next year in 2027, with occupancy
• year<00:15:02.320> in<00:15:02.480> 2027<00:15:03.400> with<00:15:03.640> occupancy
• /c><00:15:04.280> of<00:15:04.400> that<00:15:04.600> new year in 2027 with occupancy
• of that new year in 2027 with occupancy of that new facility<00:15:05.280> space<00:15:06.000

Bills: HF3599, HF3761, HF3523, HF3515, HF573

Keywords: water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, bond issuance, Becker, sewer improvements, sanitation, Hibbing, state bonds, infrastructure funding, capital investment, safety improvements, mobility, U.S. Highway 12, bonds, transportation funding, trails, Prior Lake, bond funding, recreational improvements

Transcript Highlights:

• and 568; to Families and Children Committee: Senate Bill 257 and House Bill 611; to Licensing and Occupations
• 257, House Bill 611. to<01:58:25.920> licensing<01:58:26.400> and<01:58:26.719> occupations
• to licensing and occupations. to licensing and occupations.

Keywords: 958, all