Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Guru? Here. Senator Nethercott? Excused. Senator Salazar? Here. Representative Angelos?
• Senator Salazar moved with that amendment. It was seconded by Senator Gurru.
• Senate third reading amendment number 19 provided $5 million of additional funds in the Wyoming
• Uh, Senate third reading number six. Uh, Senate third reading number six.
• Senate and the House position. Senate and the House position.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first addressed an unintended consequence in the Joint Conference Committee report involving dual and concurrent enrollment funding. Staff explained that a dollar-for-dollar reduction tied to Senate File 81 would have fully funded public school dual/concurrent enrollment while leaving no funds for non-public school students. Senator Salazar moved to strike that provision, the motion was seconded, and it carried. Budget and Fiscal Administrator Don Richards then walked through the conference committee report and the major adopted amendments. He reviewed Senate and House amendments affecting items such as sign language interpreters, rural veterinary education, predator management authorization, petroglyphs and pictographs, senior services, community college funding, school district entitlement payments, the School Foundation Program reserve transfer, a tourism-related rodeo museum change, archaeological work on human remains, a jet airplane reduction, abortion-related language, livestock ear tags, provider rates for developmental disabilities, student-athlete endorsement restrictions, a forensic audit for the Wyoming Business Council, and the Yellowstone tree inscription. He also described several deleted sections and policy changes, including removal of spending-policy provisions, flex authority language, and other budget sections. Richards further summarized new or revised appropriations and conditions, including funding for local cybersecurity, stormwater fees, the Wyoming Natural Resource Trust Fund, lab services, IT modernization, Wyoming Public Television, matching funds, cloud services, and restored governor FTE requests. He noted a compromise on the outdoor trails matching program, a conditional $10 million University of Wyoming operational review appropriation tied to future cost savings, and a stablecoin appropriation. He also explained that the report retained the base-bill reversion language, discussed the remaining general fund balance and statutory reserve, and said the committee would circulate the amendment and signatures for floor action later that day. The meeting then adjourned without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Mathern. Mr.
• Senator Mathern. Mr.
• Senator Marcellais. Yeah, Mr.
• Senator Marcelli. Yeah, Mr.
• Senator Marcellais—yeah, Mr.

Summary: The committee met at Spirit Lake Tribe and heard an extended discussion with Spirit Lake tribal leaders and program directors about government-to-government relations with the state. Chairwoman Street and others outlined a number of concerns and requests, including taxation of tribal and trust lands, state school support for non-beneficiary students, homelessness services, Indian-managed health care, gaming/e-tabs, the Feather Alert system, industrial farming near waterways, tourism and cultural issues, and the need for more consistent tribal consultation. Committee members responded that many of these issues had previously been passed along without direct action, and several members emphasized the committee’s role in education, communication, and preparing possible legislation or resolutions for the next session. Tribal representatives also offered to provide training on treaties, IHS 638, and compact services to help legislators better understand tribal jurisdiction and billing issues. A major portion of the meeting focused on Spirit Lake Fish and Wildlife concerns, especially jurisdictional “gray areas” around hunting and fishing on the reservation, recognition of tribal licenses, and the boundary of the reservation around Spirit Lake/Devils Lake. Tribal officials said they wanted a co-stewardship agreement or MOU with the state to clarify jurisdiction, improve cooperation, and address invasive species and aquatic nuisance species. Committee members discussed whether to draft legislation or a resolution directing the executive branch and state agencies to negotiate such an agreement, and they asked for further input from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department at a future meeting. The committee also discussed county involvement in land status changes and trust land issues, with Spirit Lake leaders describing a past Benson County resolution that tried to block fee-to-trust transfers and saying it was later rescinded. The committee then heard from Benson County tax equalization director Randy Thompson, who explained how the county values land and handles tax-exempt, inundated, and fee-to-trust parcels. Members asked about the impact of tax-exempt lands on county services and discussed prior legislation that helped counties with large tax-exempt bases. The committee also received a presentation from Dr. Steven Smith of Sisseton Wahpeton College, who described the college’s programs, economic impact, and funding needs, including support for non-beneficiary students and workforce training. Members asked about expanding tribal college education into correctional settings, and Smith said the idea was worth exploring through the tribal college system. Finally, HHS interim medical services director Christoph Framing presented remotely on 1115 Medicaid waivers and the IMD exclusion, explaining current state funding mechanisms for inpatient and residential behavioral health services and the bill draft directing HHS to pursue a waiver for IMD payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Messages from the Senate, there are none.
• Assembly Concurrent Resolution 91 by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, and others, relative to Portuguese
• This resolution also comes at a great time, as some of you may have seen yesterday.
• Move to a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, no.
• The ayes have it, the resolution is adopted.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the bill ought to pass in concurrence the bill ought to pass in concurrence with<00:01:59.680>
• in concurrence as amended. Thank you. in concurrence as amended. Thank you.
• action on Senate Bill 313 to the Senate forthwith.
• Senate forthwith.
• Bill 313 to the Senate forthwith. Bill 313 to the Senate forthwith.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House took up Senate Bill 313, relating to transforming Vermont’s career technical education system. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development described the bill as part of a broader effort to integrate CTE more fully into Vermont’s education system, with goals including universal access, more consistent admissions and credit policies, better transportation access, updated rules and procedures, and stronger alignment with workforce needs. The committee emphasized that CTE should be treated as a core part of education, not a stand-alone track, and reported the bill favorably 11-0-0 after hearing from education, labor, workforce, fiscal, and CTE stakeholders. The Committee on Education recommended a few changes, including a typo correction and removal of a legislative working group, explaining that broader education reform work already underway would make a separate working group duplicative. It added a task for the Agency of Education to study how to serve adult diploma students in CTE programs amid federal funding changes, and it supported the bill with an amendment vote of 10-0-1. The Committee on Appropriations said the fiscal impact could not yet be estimated because it depends on future rulemaking, and it recommended the bill ought to pass in concurrence as amended by a vote of 10-0-1. The House adopted the Education Committee amendment, then adopted a further amendment offered by Representative Bartley and others that incorporated language from S. 230 while removing a solicitation provision related to Department of Corrections property. The House then agreed to propose the amended bill to the Senate, ordered third reading, suspended rules to place the bill in all remaining stages of passage, passed S. 313 in concurrence with proposal of amendment, and suspended rules again to message its action to the Senate forthwith. The House then recessed until 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Joint Resolution 2 by Senator Wagner.
• Senate Joint Resolution 3 by Senator Wagner.
• >> Senate joint resolution number three by Senator<00:16:51.360> Wagner.
• Senate Joint Resolution 5 by Senator Jones, recognizing Pineywoods cattle as the official heritage
• >> Senate joint resolution number 13 by >> Senate joint resolution number 13 by Senator<00

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, the next bill on the calendar is House Concurrent Resolution 109.
• The vote is 134 ayes, 0 nays, 5 present not voting; Senate Bill 565 is passed third reading.
• Members, Senate Joint Resolution 2 is a constitutional amendment for Senate Bill 4 that will increase
• Members, Senate Joint Resolution 85 is a constitutional amendment for Senate Bill 22.
• Speaker, I move to postpone further consideration of Senate Bill 646 until 5 p.m. today.

Bills: SB4, SB23, SB3, SJR2, SJR85, SB34, SB60, SB75, SB706, SB1814, SB1220, SB523, SB565, SB1253, SB840, SB764, SB2383, SB2155, SB1535, SB1405, SB1423, SB1566, SB1804, SB1728, SB1816, SB1952, SB1948, SB2037, SB2068, SB1455, SB213, SB243, SB627, SB646, SB670, SB896, SB917, SB1184, SB971, SB1255, SB1261, SB1283, SB1358, SB991, SB1733, SB21, SB231, SB739, SB1252, SB1371, SB664, SB40, SB9, SJR1, SB687, SB1332, SB458, SB482, SB927, SB984, SB651, SB1620, SB2124, SB2448, SB841, SB843, SB402, SB2662, SB2053, SB2332, SB2112, SB745, SB1247, SB1789, SB27, SB207, SB2938, SB1901, SB1227, SB1248, SB912, SB1321, SB2143, SB2145, SB1497, SB1239, SB2180, SB1388, SB1662, SB1951, SB1537, SB493, SB378, SB1020, SB1018, SB992, SB958, SB920, SB1350, SB1762, SB552, HCR109, SB2185, SB4, SB23, SB3, SJR2, SJR85, SB34, SB60, SB75, SB706, SB1814, SB1220, SB523, SB565, SB1253, SB840, SB764, SB2383, SB2155, SB1535, SB1405, SB1423, SB1566, SB1804, SB1728, SB1816, SB1952, SB1948, SB2037, SB2068, SB1455, SB213, SB243, SB627, SB646, SB670, SB896, SB917, SB1184, SB971, SB1255, SB1261, SB1283, SB1358, SB991, SB1733, SB21, SB231, SB739, SB1252, SB1371, HB2970, HB 109, SB2308

Keywords: property tax, homestead exemption, school funding, state aid, constitutional amendment, elderly, disabled, ad valorem taxation, school district funding, SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• Messages from the Senate. There are none.
• Assembly Concurrent Resolution 51 by Assemblymember Haney and others relative to Irish American Heritage
• hope is that you'll vote for this resolution.
• On this resolution on St.
• The ayes have it, the resolution is adopted.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to Health Services: Senate Bill 38 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 9; to Natural Resources and Energy
• 51, and 52, as well as Senate Resolution 32.
• Senate Resolution 33, a resolution adjourning the Senate in honor and loving memory of Robert E.
• Senate Resolution 33, a resolution How.
• Senate Resolution 33, a resolution adjourning<00:22:26.400> the<00:22:26.559> Senate<00

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, then completed the roll call and declared a quorum of 34 members. The chamber excused absent senators and approved the journal from Friday, January 9, 2026, without objection. No bills or resolutions were introduced at the first opportunity, and there were no orders of the day before the body recessed for a Rules Committee and Committee on Committees meeting. After reconvening, the Committee on Committees reported referrals: Senate Bill 38 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 to Health Services; Senate Bills 29 and 49 to Natural Resources and Energy; Senate Bills 10, 27, 40, and 51 to State and Local Government; Senate Bills 28 and 30 to Transportation; and Senate Resolutions 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 32 to the Senate floor. During announcements, one senator spoke at length in support of laws restricting transgender girls and women from competing in women’s sports, urging courts to uphold those laws in pending cases. Other members announced committee schedule changes and made several co-sponsorship requests, all accepted without objection. The clerk then reported new bills and resolutions, including measures on evictions during extreme weather, student journalist freedom, network authority, motor vehicle operation, the Kentucky Horse Park, the Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund, pension oversight, financial training for local boards of education, health care workforce recruitment and retention, and tallow-based cosmetic products, along with two resolutions honoring Robert E. Bob Pernell, Sr. and former Governor Martha Lane Collins. The Senate then adjourned until 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Awa here. Senator Chang here. Senator Dit excused. Senator Deort here.
• Senator Awa, are you going to cast a no vote on the resolution? Any other no votes?
• Senator DeCorte said the resolution has been adopted. On page five, third reading.
• HB 386 passes third reading. resolution. Senator Deort. Mr. resolution. Senator Deort. Mr.
• Senator Senator Senator Decort<00:13:42.560> said<00:13:42.880> resolution<00:13:43.600

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Liz Miranda.
• We have a bunch of members who are online virtually: Senators Joanne Comerford, Senator Julian Cyr, Senator
• We have a bunch of members who are online virtually: Senators Joanne Comerford, Senator Julian Cyr, Senator
• I thank you for Senator Kennedy, who's my senator.
• Senator, Senator. I'm trying to push you up. Right. All right.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on “Protecting Equity in Higher Education” and emphasized that no bills were being heard. Members and witnesses focused on the effects of recent federal actions on DEI, admissions, financial aid, student loans, international students, and campus equity efforts in Massachusetts. Opening remarks from the co-chairs and the chair of Higher Education highlighted Massachusetts’ investments in free community college, expanded financial aid, and early college programs, while warning that federal policy changes could undermine those gains. Testimony from BU law professor Jonathan Feingold argued that many DEI practices remain legally defensible after Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, and that the decision did not end all race-conscious or equity-oriented efforts. He said the Trump administration’s anti-DEI actions and funding threats were legally suspect and had created confusion and a chilling effect. Bahar Akman-in-Boden of the Hildreth Institute testified that proposed federal cuts to TRIO, Gear Up, Pell Grants, SEOG, work-study, and student loan programs would disproportionately harm low-income, first-generation, Black, Latino, and other underserved students, and urged the state to prepare hold-harmless and advising supports using Fair Share revenue. Commissioner Noe Ortega described Massachusetts’ long history of equity in higher education and said the state has expanded aid, success programs, and early college, but still has work to do on attainment and completion. He said the state responded to SFFA by creating ACARE and continuing to defend equity practices, while also warning that federal disruptions and “dear colleague” letters have created uncertainty. In the second panel, state university leaders and campus officials said federal threats to Pell, DEI grants, Medicaid, and international student policies could affect access, campus operations, and the economy; they stressed that most state university graduates stay in Massachusetts and that institutions are continuing their equity practices despite federal pressure. Roxbury Community College’s president said RCC remains committed to open access and inclusion, noted enrollment growth, and said executive orders do not change existing law or the college’s obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in further receipt of communications transmitting the noted Senate concurrent resolutions, all
• <00:24:23.200> concurrent transmitting the noted Senate concurrent transmitting the noted
• Senate concurrent resolutions,<00:24:24.240> all<00:24:24.400> having<00:24:24.720>
• resolutions, all having been adopted in the<00:24:25.520> Senate.
• STR 1770, Senate Bill 344, Senate no.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, we're going to move on to the next two measures: Senate Concurrent Resolution 41 and SR25, encouraging
• Senator Chang is excused. Senator Decoy is excused. Uh, I vote aye, and Senator Favlla is excused.
• Senator Richards, aye. Senator Ko is excused. I'll vote yes. Senator W. Hi.
• Senator<00:32:51.919> Decoy<00:32:52.559> is Senator Decoy is Senator Decoy is excused.
• Senator Richards I. Chair votes yes. Senator Richards I.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions focused on agriculture, invasive species, biodiversity, and clean energy finance. STR 34/SR 20 asked Hawaii’s congressional delegation to urge USDA to address unequal treatment of Hawaii in exporting agricultural goods; the Department of Agriculture supported the measure. STR 41/SR 25 encouraged each county to develop its own biosecurity plan, with testimony from the Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, and the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species supporting county-level planning and coordination. Testifiers emphasized the importance of local response capacity for invasive species, while also noting that quarantine authority should remain at the state level; one witness requested an amendment to include possible legislative changes needed at the state and county levels. STR 110/SR 91 requested a study on the feasibility of a state green bond program, with support testimony submitted by Coalition Earth and no oral testimony from the energy office. Members asked questions about how county biosecurity plans would interface with existing state efforts, and witnesses described current interagency work and county response plans already being developed for species such as little fire ant, coconut rhinoceros beetle, and coqui frogs. The discussion also referenced a recent Oahu coqui detection on Sand Island and the need for flexible treatment options. For the green bond measure, members described it as a potential tool for renewable energy goals. No opposition testimony was presented on the measures discussed. On decision-making, the committees recommended passage of STR 34/SR 20 with technical non-substantive amendments, STR 41/SR 25 with the suggested amendment from CAPS, STR 56/SR 40 without amendment, and STR 110/SR 91 with technical non-substantive amendments. The recommendations were adopted by the committees, and the agenda concluded with adjournment.

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2TIi5oFXnk, 2026-06-21T07:17:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 0:30 Senate Bill 16: 1:40 Votes on Senate Bill 16: 20:50 Senate Bill 157: 23:17 Votes on Senate Bill 157: 47:58 Adjournment: 51:43, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAyuDV2_rnU, 2026-06-21T07:17:05+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:15 Senate Bill 10: 02:02 Senate Bill 17: 10:36 Senate Bill 57: 16:20 Senate Bill 63: 26:19 House Bill 161: 28:00 Adjournment: 34:43, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules reports recommending that the following resolutions ought to be adopted: resolutions
• The resolution is adopted. Mr. Tarr of Westport moved suspension of the rules.
• Paper from the Senate: a petition.
• The paper from the Senate: a petition of Nick Collins and Daniel J.
• I would also like to thank my senator from Salem and the senator from New Bedford for their work on this

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with ceremonial and procedural business, including adoption of resolutions recognizing the National Asian Pacific American Caucus and several orders extending reporting deadlines for committees, all of which were adopted by suspension of the rules. The House also concurred with a Senate petition concerning accidental death benefits for the surviving spouse of a former Boston firefighter, referring it to the Committee on Public Service. The chamber then took up several Ways and Means bills and local matters, including human trafficking recognition training for certain hospitality workers, teacher benefits under the Retirement Plus program, and land/easement measures for Westford, Wellesley, and Bourne. Most of these items were advanced to third reading after amendments were adopted. The House also moved through a series of local bills on the calendar, ordering multiple measures to third reading, including bills related to Watertown digital legal notices, Newton alarm divisions, Springfield property tax assessment, Natick’s charter, Beckett conservation commission membership, and Leicester stabilization funds. Later, the House considered and passed two major bills to be engrossed by roll call vote. H. 4361, relative to benefits for teachers, was supported by members who described it as a long-sought fix to Retirement Plus enrollment problems caused by unclear implementation and communication years ago; it passed 158-0. H. 4360, requiring human trafficking recognition training for certain hospitality workers, also drew strong support from members and advocates emphasizing victim identification, hotel and motel staff training, and anti-trafficking enforcement; an amendment updating the training language was adopted, and the bill likewise passed 158-0. The House then recessed until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• similar Senate Bill uh Senate Bill similar Senate Bill uh Senate Bill 277<01:14:50.080> which
• Resolutions are symbolic.
• rules prevent them from taking up concurrent resolutions.
• rules prevent them from taking up concurrent resolutions.
• concurrent concurrent resolutions<01:54:34.679> so<01:54:34.960> if<01:54:35.119> this

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Brew, no. Senator Beck, yes. Senator Benson, no. Senator Ber, no. Senator Brennan, yes.
• Senator Guling, no. Senator Hardy, no. Senator Harrison, no. Senator Hashim, no.
• Senator Hefern, yes. Senator Engel, yes. Senator Lion, no. Senator Major, no. Senator Matoss, yes.
• Senator Bohosski, no. Senator Watson, no. Senator Week, yes. Senator Weston, yes.
• ><01:28:36.000> Senator The senator from Washington, Senator The senator from Washington, Senator

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Chang: I. Senator Sanur: I. Senator W is excused. The recommendation is adopted.
• Senator Sanur I. Senator W is I. Senator Sanur I.
• Senator Gabbert is excused. Senator Chang: I. Senator Sanur: I. Senator W: excused.
• We do have one other hearing item, which is House Concurrent Resolution 55, requesting the judiciary
• Senator Chang: aye. Senator Sanventura: aye. Senator Wise is excused.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met in a room change and first considered two judicial confirmations. It recommended consent for Governor’s Message 767, confirming Kanoi A.D. Jackson as circuit court judge for the Third Circuit (Hawaii County) for a 10-year term, and the motion was adopted with members voting aye and some members excused. The committee then recommended consent for Judicial Communication 28, confirming Sonia H. Toma as district family court judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County) for a 6-year term. The chair noted prior concerns about the nominee, but said staff reviewed court records and found nothing problematic; the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously among those present. After a brief recess, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 55, which asks the judiciary to convene a working group to study the effectiveness of existing laws on domestic violence, temporary restraining orders, protective orders, and harassment by stalking in preventing continued abuse and harassment. Testimony was generally supportive. The Office of the Public Defender asked to be included on the working group and requested representation from the Hawaii Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers as well. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence also supported including public defenders and said the effort needs funding to be effective. Other testimony emphasized survivor experiences, privacy concerns, and the need for broader research and protections for injured parties. The chair recommended passing HCR 55 with amendments to include the public defender and a representative from the Hawaii Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, to allow the judiciary authority to add other participants, and to make additional text changes including removing redundant language. The committee voted to adopt the amended recommendation, and the resolution passed with members voting aye and some excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Cathey, present. Senator Wheat, present. Senator Allain, present.
• Senator Bass, here, present. Senator Fesi, here, present. Senator Jackson-Andrews.
• The first item on our agenda today is House Concurrent Resolution 77 by Representative Butler.
• Thank you, Senator Wheat. I appreciate that. Senator Bass. Thank you, Senator Kathy. Mr.
• Thank you, Senator Wheat. I appreciate that. Senator Bass. Thank you, Senator Cathey. Mr.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development met on May 12, 2026, approved the April 28 minutes, and heard extensive testimony on House Concurrent Resolution 77, which urges federal action to address labor shortages affecting Louisiana’s crawfish industry and other seasonal employers. Representative Butler, Commissioner Strain, industry representatives, landscapers, nursery operators, and Farm Bureau supporters argued that H-2A/H-2B visa limits and processing delays are hurting crawfish processors, landscapers, nurseries, and related businesses, causing lost production, higher costs, and broader economic harm. Members emphasized that the workers discussed are legal guest workers, not illegal immigration, and several senators voiced support. HCR 77 was reported favorably, with a motion to co-author also noted. The committee then considered House Bill 81 on property rights and accountability for violations. Representative Boyer presented the bill, but Senator Long asked that it be voluntarily deferred so he could work on possible amendments and improve the measure before it advances. The author agreed, and the bill was deferred. The committee also heard and acted on several bills related to agricultural policy and food systems. House Bill 512, concerning cell-cultured meat, was presented as a measure to protect livestock producers and allow continued research while prohibiting the product; after questions about research and labeling, it was reported favorably. House Bill 717, a labeling companion measure for cell-cultured meat, was also reported favorably. House Bill 1194, which would direct the LSU AgCenter to study food deserts and develop a plan, drew concern from the AgCenter over capacity and funding; members agreed to report it without action so it could be recommitted to finance and worked on further. Finally, House Bill 663, revising the membership of the Delta Economic Research and Sustainability District board, was presented on behalf of the absent author and reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Concurrent Resolution 145 and the appropriated funds to fund an actuarial study and a legal analysis
• Concurrent Resolution 145 and the appropriated funds to fund an actuarial study and a legal analysis
• Concurrent Resolution 145 and the appropriated funds to fund an actuarial study and a legal analysis
• um from last year's session under Senate um from last year's session under Senate concurrent<02:
• c> concurrent resolution 145 and the concurrent resolution 145 and the appropriated<02:18:35.040>

Bills: HB20, HB2612, HB2404, HB2459, HB2194, HB1880, HB2284, HB1969, HB2458, HB1546, HB2161, HB1721, HB1641, HB2137, HB1782, HB2360, HB1965, HB1897, HB1513

Keywords: lava insurance, homeowners, insurance market, subsidy, Hawaii, mortgage, debt, secured transactions, real property, Hawaii Revised Statutes, cooperative associations, electric utility cooperatives, agricultural cooperatives, mutual help, food innovation, agribusiness, food safety, market access, branding, economic diversification

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 20, which would create a lava zone insurance subsidy/fund. The Insurance Division opposed the bill, arguing that lava zones 1 and 2 are the highest-risk areas, that a subsidy would not reduce the underlying risk or loss costs, that it could invite similar subsidy requests for other hazards, and that the bill may conflict with HICV by diverting funds from the CRF. Members discussed the lack of authorized homeowners insurance in those lava zones, the role of HPIA and the surplus market, and the difference between the proposed lava-zone subsidy and the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. The chair noted 37 submitted testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on HB 20 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2612, relating to mortgages, which would clarify that a mortgage does not exist independently of the debt it secures and is not independently enforceable from that debt. The Hawaii Credit Union League and Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill, while several individuals testified in support, arguing it would restore Hawaii’s long-standing lien-state rule and prevent so-called “zombie mortgages” after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s White decision. Supporters said the bill would protect borrowers from delayed foreclosures and predatory lending practices, while opponents and the Insurance Division emphasized that foreclosure actions still require proof of standing and possession of the note, and that lenders generally pursue foreclosure without seeking deficiency judgments. Committee members questioned the Insurance Division about how the current market works, whether lenders could wait out the statute of limitations and then foreclose only on the mortgage, and whether equitable tolling or later defaults could allow refiling. The division said it is still trying to attract authorized insurers back into the lava-zone market, but has seen little progress. No vote or final action on HB 2612 was taken in the excerpt provided.