Transcript Highlights:

• c> on<01:25:04.239> here<01:25:04.440> to<01:25:04.639> look<01:25:04.880>
• getting at<01:25:09.920> is<01:25:10.000> you<01:25:10.119> got<01:25:10.199>
• > a<01:25:10.360> program<01:25:10.560> it's<01:25:10.679> been<01:25:10.840
• <01:25:21.840> the<01:25:22.000> downfall<01:25:22.520> was<01:25:22.719> say
• from 2012<01:25:23.560> to<01:25:23.719> 14<01:25:24.480> you'll<01:25:24.719><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.000> uh<00:25:01.120> on<00:25:01.360> this<00:25:01.520> we'll<00:25
• 00:25:03.720> we'll<00:25:03.840> go<00:25:03.919> to<00:25:04.080> member
• > so<00:25:05.000> just<00:25:05.360> kind<00:25:05.480> of<00:25:06.080>
• rehash what what<00:25:07.000> your<00:25:07.120> bill<00:25:07.399> does<00:25
• for the<00:25:18.320> full<00:25:18.679> amount<00:25:19.080> of<00:25:19.240><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:03.920> for<00:25:04.040> small<00:25:04.400> firms, occupations and
• <00:25:26.560> $15.10<00:25:27.840> an<00:25:27.960> hour<00:25:28.640> with
• its minimum wage to inflation, also<00:25:34.720> set<00:25:34.960> to<00:25:35.040>
• > the<00:25:35.120> CPI,<00:25:36.080> and<00:25:36.440> Maine<00:25:36.640>
• 25:38.960> own<00:25:39.160> higher<00:25:39.440> minimums<00:25:39.880> through

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000> are<01:25:00.080> in<01:25:00.239> the<01:25:00.480> space<01:25
• :01.760> about<01:25:02.080> what<01:25:02.880> um<01:25:03.120> additional
• educational material we could<01:25:05.760> be<01:25:06.000> providing<01:25:06.480>
• <01:25:57.600> and<01:25:57.760> I<01:25:58.000> and<01:25:58.800> I
• projects like the food stakes project. projects like the food stakes project.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , projects, 500,000 square foot projects, projects, 500,000 square foot projects, even<00:09:54.560
• :02.320> seem<00:25:02.640> to<00:25:02.799> want<00:25:02.960> to<00:25:
• 03.120> be<00:25:03.559> in<00:25:04.559> and<00:25:05.360> the<00:25:05.600
• > support<00:25:10.159> the<00:25:10.960> changes<00:25:11.440> that<00:25
• So, I<00:25:15.360> sit<00:25:15.600> here<00:25:15.840> in<00:25:16.240> support

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As of today, it's at 25%.
• So, the 25% is department-wide.
• There is about 25 million already... Appropriated that remains for funding that project. Mr.
• But ultimately, whether it's a water project or a housing project, what can close and get approved is
• So again, we See projects that are taking time—projects that we lose young people who are really trying

Bills: SB48, SB64, SB100

Keywords: State Fairgrounds District, fairgrounds bonds, public financing, bond authorization, gross receipts tax, gaming tax, tax-backed bonds, infrastructure funding, Albuquerque fairgrounds, State Fair Tid, economic development, municipal bonds, revenue pledge, capital projects, New Mexico finance, special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP

Transcript Highlights:

• :25:38.760> to<00:25:38.919> wage<00:25:39.159> and<00:25:39.320> hour to
• okay<00:25:41.360> authorizes<00:25:41.960> the<00:25:42.120> LI<00:25:42.880
• law okay authorizes the LI to issue an order<00:25:44.279> of<00:25:44.440> wage<00:25
• :45.000> uh<00:25:45.159> payment<00:25:45.679> violation<00:25:46.679> to
• <00:25:47.399> found<00:25:47.679> to<00:25:47.799> be<00:25:47.960> in

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Labor and Technology heard several labor and personnel measures. Senate Bill 1567 would require the Department of Human Resources Development to conduct a comprehensive review of the executive branch classification and compensation system and allow it to contract with a third party outside normal procurement rules. Director Brana Hashimoto testified in support, saying the state has more than 1,400 classes of work and limited staff to keep the system current; she said outside vendor help and market data are needed to update class specifications, minimum qualifications, and pay structures. She noted the project scope and timeline would depend on funding, and said the governor had approved about $1 million for the effort. Members asked about vendor scope, comparisons to the private sector and other public employers, consolidation of obsolete classes, and whether the exemption from procurement rules would speed the work. The committee also heard Senate Bill 326 on defense of state employees, with testimony in support from HGEA, the Hawaii State AFL-CIO, and the Hawaii State Teachers Association. Senate Bill 337 would expand the pool of interest arbitrators used in collective bargaining disputes by allowing the Hawaii Labor Relations Board to request a list from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and to use arbitrators from both FMCS and the American Arbitration Association; HGEA supported the bill, saying the broader pool would improve selection and address communication issues. Senate Bill 1233 would create a State Internship and Workforce Development Program within DeHerd. The University of Hawaiʻi, HGEA, the Hawaii Primary Care Association, and the Chamber of Commerce supported it. DeHerd said the program could help place interns into vacancies and convert them to civil service jobs, but said it would need about five FTE and roughly $330,000 in salaries to administer a program serving about 50 to 75 interns at a time; members questioned whether the positions could be filled and whether the program could proceed without added resources. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1359, which would increase the employer-based composite monthly contribution to the Hawaii EUTF Benefits Trust Fund beginning in January 2026 and then tie future increases to Medicare Part B premium changes with a lag. The EUTF administrator testified, and a member noted the measure resembled a bill that had died in conference the prior year. Senate Bill 1454 would give the Labor and Industrial Relations director authority to issue wage payment violation orders, establish penalties and appeals, and broaden the definition of wage; the department supported it, explaining it would align procedures under chapter 387 with existing chapter 388 enforcement and make investigations easier. Finally, the committee moved through a series of collective bargaining cost-item bills for various bargaining units and related entities, with testimony generally in support from Budget and Finance, HGEA, UH, HHSC, UPW, and other unions and associations. One amendment request was to include bargaining units 1 and 10 in the temporary hazard pay funding bill, and the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association noted its airport firefighters unit was still in arbitration and would provide final numbers later.

Transcript Highlights:

• , helping him<00:25:14.400> move<00:25:14.640> from<00:25:14.880> struggles<00:25
• <00:25:19.360> her<00:25:19.600> support<00:25:20.080> and<00:25:20.400>
• If<01:25:03.440> there's<01:25:03.679> no<01:25:03.920> further<01:25:04.320>
• Madam<01:25:08.159> Speaker,<01:25:08.480> on<01:25:08.639> the<01:25:08.719>
• Reps<01:25:29.880> Garcia,<01:25:30.880> Herrick,<01:25:31.679> Matsumoto,<01:25

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:23.279> would<00:25:24.080> um<00:25:24.240> get<00:25:24.480> that
• >> Are<00:25:33.200> there<00:25:33.360> any<00:25:33.679> questions<00:25
• So, um,<00:25:44.240> is<00:25:44.480> part<00:25:44.720> of<00:25:44.880> this
• is<00:25:53.760> part<00:25:54.000> of<00:25:54.159> it,<00:25:54.720>
• about<00:25:56.720> that,<00:25:57.840> uh,<00:25:58.080> effect<00:25:58.559

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Estimated balances from fiscal years 25 through 27.
• we are now showing in 24-25 and so the increase funding from 24-25 to 26-27 that is shown, it would
• We're looking at $24, $25, $89 billion. That's correct.
• Is that because of projections of potential enrollment?
• That forecast differs from y'all's projections from HHS. such as these projections.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And<01:25:07.840> it<01:25:08.120> actually<01:25:09.280> make<01:25:09.520>
• c><01:25:30.640> requires<01:25:31.280> state<01:25:31.560> and<01:25:31.680>
• community<01:25:45.640> and<01:25:45.760> our<01:25:45.880> law<01:25:46.080>
• from initiating<01:25:51.480> or<01:25:51.560> prolonging<01:25:52.160> a<01:25
• <01:54:52.760> launches, project or a new project launches, project or a new project launches,

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If the Legislature— The other projects towards the UC Davis project.
• not approved specific projects.
• For those projects, UC's state share was about one-third of the total project costs, while for this project
• For those projects, UC's state share was about one-third of the total project costs, while for this project
• , and when comparing this project to other UC student housing projects, those were, ...project, and when

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held an extended hearing focused primarily on University of California budget issues, enrollment, housing, and Title IX. Chair David Alvarez opened by noting the governor’s proposed 8% ongoing General Fund reduction to UC, the deferral of compact funding, and the College of the Law budget item, while emphasizing that no votes would be taken that day. Public commenters, including UC Davis employees and lecturers, urged restoration of UC funding and opposed the hiring freeze, saying cuts would worsen staffing shortages, reduce research capacity, and harm students and patients. On UC core operations, the Department of Finance said the governor’s budget maintains the compact but defers $240.8 million in ongoing support and continues a planned 7.95% reduction, while the LAO recommended rejecting the deferrals and instead making any changes in the budget year. UC San Diego’s chancellor and UC Office of the President argued the cuts and deferrals would create major campus shortfalls, force hiring freezes, larger class sizes, fewer course offerings, delayed projects, and possible layoffs. Committee members questioned whether cuts could be shifted away from students and toward administration, discussed UCOP reserves and bond debt, and noted that UC’s budget structure makes the campus-level impact larger than the headline reduction. The committee also reviewed enrollment trends and nonresident replacement. The LAO said UC resident enrollment has grown and recommended revisiting 2026-27 targets and pausing the nonresident replacement plan if state funding does not improve. UC said it has exceeded California undergraduate enrollment and nonresident replacement goals, but warned that continued growth without funding would force enrollment reductions and harm quality. Members discussed the role of nonresident and international students, tuition rates, and the value of UC as a pathway for California students and a source of talent for the state. A separate housing item covered the state’s Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program. UC reported that recent bond savings could support additional affordable beds at UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara, but the LAO and Finance noted the Legislature would need to decide how to use the $6.2 million in savings from the original projects. The committee also heard a Title IX update from UC’s systemwide civil rights office, which described campus Title IX structures, training, and policy enforcement, and said the system has been working to improve confidentiality guidance and streamline complaint processes after survey feedback showed confusion and lengthy procedures.

Transcript Highlights:

• <04:25:01.279> So,<04:25:01.840> um,<04:25:02.640> I<04:25:03.439> I'm
• people<04:25:06.000> and<04:25:06.159> said<04:25:06.399> like,<04:25:06.720
• >> Thank<04:25:10.560> you<04:25:11.120> for<04:25:11.359> that<04:25:11.680
• :14.800> I'm<04:25:15.040> the<04:25:15.199> one<04:25:15.359> that<04:25
• <04:25:17.120> So,<04:25:18.000> I<04:25:18.319> appreciate<04:25:18.800>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > I<00:25:42.880> I<00:25:43.200> would<00:25:43.360> just<00:25:43.600><
• c> is<00:25:45.200> very<00:25:45.440> proud<00:25:45.679> of<00:25:46.720><
• barely projecting a a positive<01:25:00.400> benefit<01:25:00.880> to<01:25:01.040>
• It's it's a very small projection.<01:25:07.199> And<01:25:07.360> if<01:25:07.520>
• it<01:25:07.679> ends<01:25:07.920> up<01:25:08.080> falling projection.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• skills<00:25:02.399> because<00:25:02.640> most<00:25:02.880> individuals<00:25
• you<00:25:06.799> think<00:25:07.120> come<00:25:07.360> in<00:25:07.480>
• :08.120> a<00:25:09.120> an<00:25:09.760> a<00:25:09.960> diploma<00:25:10.880
• full<04:25:04.000> Finance<04:25:04.800> kind<04:25:05.000> of<04:25:05.720>
• /c><04:25:09.800> here<04:25:10.199> yeah<04:25:11.159> oh<04:25:11.399> fees

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee reviewed the Department of Corrections budget, with the chair initially noting that the overall numbers looked close to fiscal year 2024 spending, except for federal funds. Department officials explained that prior ARPA expenditures and delayed revenue recognition had distorted the comparison, and that the corrected general fund spend was about $169.7 million. Members then focused on whether the budget’s staffing assumptions were realistic, especially the shift from overtime to full-time lines and the use of vacant positions to offset overtime costs. The department said it is leaning on vacancy savings, but would return for additional appropriations if unforeseen staffing problems arise. A major portion of the discussion centered on recruitment, retention, and staffing levels. Officials reported a 42% vacancy rate in enforcement ranks, down from 51% in January 2023, with 28 new officers headed to the next academy and 33 new hires already tracked. They said overtime is more expensive than regular staffing because of benefits and that it takes about 11 months for a new hire to break even. Members also asked about the split between incarcerated and supervised populations; the department said it oversees about 1,970 inmates in facilities and just over 4,000 people in the community, with 77 positions supervising the community population and the inmate population remaining the most expensive area. The committee also discussed how sentencing and statutory changes affect incarceration levels, including misdemeanor/felony thresholds and theft thresholds, with the department agreeing that such changes can significantly affect prison and jail populations. Members asked about education and recidivism, and the department said base education is the most important foundation, followed by vocational training, while noting that many incarcerated men lack a high school diploma. The department also described a $1.3 million reduction in contracted forensic evaluation services, explaining that these evaluations are court-ordered competency assessments and are not statutorily required to be provided by DOC. Finally, members reviewed victim services funding and staffing, including VOCA-supported positions, and the department explained that a new victim witness specialist would help support survivors at parole hearings and safety planning.

Transcript Highlights:

• in<00:25:09.080> the<00:25:09.200> table,<00:25:09.720> it<00:25:09.920>
• Um if Director<00:25:21.920> Hibbard<00:25:22.200> wanted<00:25:22.520> to<00:25
• Um but before<00:25:26.200> he<00:25:26.360> does<00:25:26.640> do<00:25:26.800>
• c> you<00:25:28.160> as<00:25:28.360> well<00:25:29.040> um<00:25:29.240>
• > to<00:25:47.400> opine<00:25:47.800> on<00:25:47.880> this<00:25:48.040

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As for future projections, what do we project for next biennium?
• , as far as what projects... ...projects as far as what projects should we truly be funding on high or
• For replacement projects, Deloitte is recommending a cost share percentage of 25% with a $2 million per
• supply project.
• It's not going to be a $25 million project, I'll guarantee you that.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information. The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability. The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• what's the total lapse<00:25:13.679> projected<00:25:14.640> for<00:25:14.880> for<
• /c><00:25:15.200> state<00:25:15.440> fiscal lapse projected for for state fiscal lapse
• projected for for state fiscal year<00:25:16.159> 26.
• c><00:25:23.919> to<00:25:24.159> for<00:25:24.400> about<00:25:24.640> half<
• <00:25:25.679> So<00:25:25.919> currently<00:25:26.320> we're<00:25:26.640><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, approving the prior meeting minutes with one abstention from a member who had been absent. It then received an update from DHHS Commissioner Lori Weaver on the department’s rural health transformation grant submission. Weaver said the grant was submitted ahead of the deadline, reflected input from communities and providers statewide, and would now enter a CMS review and negotiation phase. She explained that the governor’s office will oversee the grant with DHHS, that some proposals may be limited by federal parameters, and that the department may need to hire some staff to administer the grant, within the grant’s administrative cap. Members also discussed DHHS budget pressures and staffing. The department’s CFO, Nathan White, reviewed the agency’s budget mix, noting that DHHS accounts for a large share of the state’s operating and general fund budgets, and explained projected general fund lapse estimates, which he said are currently just under $20 million for the department. He also described why lapse projections are difficult to predict in DHHS because many costs are driven by utilization and because some funds are statutorily non-lapsing. White reported that vacancy rates have risen, citing about 400 unfunded positions in the current biennium and the department’s hiring freeze, while emphasizing that direct-care positions are being prioritized. Committee members raised concerns that back-of-the-budget cuts and weak revenue collections could affect the department’s ability to manage lapse projections. The committee then heard from Division of Public Health Director Ian Watt on vaccine policy and federal changes. Watt said New Hampshire continues to support access to safe and effective vaccines, including through the universal purchase program and seasonal respiratory virus guidance. He explained a recent CDC change regarding the MMRV vaccine, which now discourages the combined shot for the first dose in children under four because of febrile seizure risk, while still allowing it for the second dose. Watt said New Hampshire’s school and child care vaccine mandates remain stable, with nine vaccines required for schoolchildren and 10 for child care, and that the state continues to review federal recommendations cautiously. He also said there have been no supply or funding disruptions affecting vaccine access, and that childhood vaccine funding through commercial insurers remains intact. Finally, the Permanent Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias presented its annual report. The subcommittee said it met about six times, heard presentations on state services, silver alerts, brain health awareness, and palliative/hospice care, and began work on updating the state’s Alzheimer’s plan, which had last been updated in 2015-2016. To gather more direct input, the subcommittee formed a needs-assessment work group to develop a survey for people living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers. It recommended integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia materials into chronic disease, aging, and public health outreach; embedding cognitive health into systems of care and the state health improvement plan; adding cognitive health measures to BRFSS; and continuing partnerships with aging and advocacy organizations. Members praised the report and suggested it should clearly identify the subcommittee and include page numbers in future versions.

Transcript Highlights:

• But um it it<00:25:03.760> was<00:25:03.919> very<00:25:04.159> important<00:25:
• of<00:25:09.520> our<00:25:09.679> border<00:25:10.000> states<00:25:10.400>
• c><00:25:15.440> reach<00:25:15.679> out<00:25:15.840> to<00:25:16.000> these
• /c><00:25:17.760> uh<00:25:18.240> thank<00:25:18.480> you<00:25:18.559> for<
• > you<00:25:24.480> for<00:25:24.720> what<00:25:24.880> you<00:25:25.120

Keywords: Voter List Maintenance - State Board of Elections -- 05:38 State Employee Health Insurance Plan – 44:18 Discussion of HB 622 (2025 RS) – 01:01:43, 958, all

Summary: The Interim Committee on State Government met on July 29, established a quorum, approved the June 24 minutes unanimously, and heard an update from the State Board of Elections on voter list maintenance. Taylor Brown, the board’s general counsel, explained the federal NVRA requirements and Kentucky’s statutory process for maintaining voter rolls, including use of USPS change-of-address data, ERIC reports, and agreements with non-ERIC states. He said Kentucky has entered or discussed agreements with several states, and that the board sends postcards to voters believed to have moved; if a voter does not respond to an 8D2 postcard and does not vote over two federal election cycles, the registration may be removed. He also described other removal categories such as death, felony conviction, incompetency, duplicate registrations, and self-requested cancellations. Brown reported that between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the board removed 284,381 registrations from the rolls, including 42,675 for death, 5,940 for felony conviction, 5,527 for registration in another state, 578 for incompetency, 223 based on jury questionnaires indicating non-citizenship, 746 self-removals, and 3,381 duplicates, along with 225,311 removals through the address-maintenance program. He said Kentucky’s total registrations decreased by roughly 169,000 over the year and are now below the Census Bureau’s estimate of the state’s voting-age population. Brown emphasized that receiving a postcard does not mean a voter has been purged and that failure to vote alone does not trigger removal. Members asked about the 223 non-citizen-related removals, the availability and effectiveness of alternatives to ERIC, the partisan criticism of ERIC, and how duplicate registrations are identified. Brown said the non-citizen jury questionnaire cases had been referred to the Attorney General for further review, that Kentucky currently has no organized alternative to ERIC but is pursuing reciprocal agreements with states such as Florida, and that ERIC recently changed bylaws to remove a postcard requirement that had been costly for member states. On duplicates, he said the board uses multiple data points, not just name and address, and noted that fuller Social Security data could improve accuracy. Committee leaders praised the board’s work and said they wanted to meet before session to discuss possible statutory changes to improve voter list maintenance.

Transcript Highlights:

• :43.760> the<00:25:44.279> gross<00:25:45.279> amount<00:25:45.679> that<
• <00:25:47.440> We<00:25:47.679> just<00:25:48.279> made<00:25:49.279> everybody
• So 100% of<00:25:52.400> that<00:25:52.640> money<00:25:52.880> will<00:25:53.120
• 25:55.200> Wjek,<00:25:55.840> who's<00:25:56.480> online<00:25:56.880> to
• <01:25:56.800> the<01:25:56.960> chair<01:25:57.199> is<01:25:57.360> that

Keywords: 1187, senate, all