Transcript Highlights:

• that we have is that the recommendation that we have is that the there<00:16:38.720> are<00:16
• The chair's recommendation will be to pass with tech amendments. Any comments or concerns?
• <01:31:18.960> will York and uh chair's recommendation will York and uh chair's recommendation
• The chair’s recommendation will be to pass as is. Is there any discussion? Chair votes aye.
• this measure the chair's recommendation this measure the chair's recommendation for<01:39:33.000

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Agriculture and Environment hearing on January 27, 2025, took up multiple measures, beginning with a proposed constitutional amendment, HB 559, to recognize a right to clean water and air, a healthful environment, climate, native ecosystems, and beaches. The Attorney General’s Office testified with concerns that the amendment’s broad language could create challenges for future legislatures and environmental enforcement, while the Climate Commission and DLNR supported it. Environmental and advocacy groups, including Climate Protectors Hawaii, 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others, strongly supported the measure, arguing it would strengthen decision-making and protect Hawaii’s natural resources. Committee members raised questions about how the amendment would interact with existing constitutional protections and recent litigation, and the AG’s office said the proposal could lead to broad judicial interpretation and possible liability issues. The hearing then moved on without a recorded vote on this bill. The committee next heard SB 552, which would establish a healthy soils program in the Department of Agriculture and require annual reporting and funding. The Climate Change Commission supported the bill, and the Department of Agriculture said it stood on its submitted testimony but noted existing commissions and the greenhouse gas sequestration task force already address similar objectives, suggesting SB 552 may duplicate current efforts. Agricultural and environmental advocates, including the Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and others, supported the concept of a consolidated healthy soils program, saying it would better organize existing efforts, improve access for producers, and support conservation practices. The Agribusiness Development Corporation said it would support either DOA or ADC administering the program, and committee discussion focused on implementation, program overlap, and whether the bill should better integrate existing compost reimbursement and related efforts. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was SB 678, which would create an Agricultural Development Food Security Special Fund, dedicate a portion of the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to it, and appropriate funds equal to 3% of the state budget for agriculture. The Department of Agriculture strongly supported the bill, saying the funding would align with its goals and help support farmers and ranchers. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Department of Budget and Finance raised concerns that the proposed special fund may not meet statutory criteria. Farm and industry groups generally supported the measure but suggested changes, including adding uses related to local food sourcing, distribution, and biosecurity. Committee members questioned the scale of the appropriation, noting it could amount to roughly $250 million and a major increase in DOA’s budget, and discussed whether the department could realistically implement such a large program. The hearing ended with testimony counts noted for the measures heard, and the chair indicated the committee would reconvene later for any unfinished business.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules recommends that the following bills are proper for consideration.
• And as so omitted, your committee recommends that the bill do pass, signed Kevin Payne, Chairman.
• And so as admitted, your committee recommends that the bill do pass, signed Kevin Payne, chairman.
• It recommends that the public safety amendment be adopted. The safety amendment be adopted.
• It gives Senate Bill 1107 as amended a due pass recommendation. Excellent.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All those in to be recommended to pass.
• as amended be recommended to pass. as amended be recommended to pass.
• Staff, will you recommended to pass.
• uh be recommended to pass. uh be recommended to pass.
• All those in uh be recommended to pass.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Your recommendation is adopted. >> Thank you.
• <00:52:39.520> to house draft 1 chair's recommendation to house draft 1 chair's recommendation
• house draft one chair's recommendation house draft one chair's recommendation is<00:53:59.599>
• recommendation is adopted. recommendation is adopted. >> Thank<00:54:13.280> you.
• That's it. recommendation is adopted. recommendation is adopted.

Bills: SB2421, SB2690, SB3103, SB3137, SB3164, SB3206, SB2933, SB3133, SB3315

Keywords: cannabis, marijuana, Hawaii Cannabis Law, legalization, decriminalization, adult use, hemp, taxation, social equity, public health, primary care, health insurance, health carrier, insurance commissioner, Med-QUEST, Medicaid managed care, provider reimbursement, downcoding, prior authorization, utilization review

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1864, which would require health insurance coverage for standard fertility preservation services for people undergoing medically necessary treatment, drew broad support from SHIPA, the Department of Health, HMSA, the Hawaii Association of Health Plans, and others. Testifiers emphasized that fertility preservation is routine coverage on the mainland and important for patients facing infertility from cancer or other treatment; one patient described incurring more than $20,000 in costs. The Insurance Division flagged possible Affordable Care Act issues, a potential conflict in the bill’s language about using patient history to determine limits, and a mismatch with state medical-necessity standards. Committee discussion also focused on whether the bill should apply to all women of childbearing age rather than a narrower age-based category. HB 2305 would require nutrition and metabolic education as part of physicians’ continuing medical education. The Hawaii Medical Board opposed the measure, arguing that CME should remain flexible and tailored to each physician’s specialty and warning that topic-specific mandates can expand over time. The Office of the Governor supported the bill, saying it would help the state’s rural health transformation application and could improve federal funding prospects, though the exact impact was unclear. Members questioned whether nutrition is already covered in medical training and whether the requirement should be limited to primary care physicians; the board said Hawaii currently has no topic-specific CME mandates and that physicians can already choose relevant courses. The committee also heard strong support for HB 1597, which would establish an Alzheimer’s disease research center at the University of Hawaii. Supporters from the university, the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, and others said the center could attract federal research dollars, expand clinical trials, and help address the state’s high Alzheimer’s-related health costs. HB 2159, which appropriates funds for health care workforce development, also received broad support from the University of Hawaii, health systems, and advocacy groups, with no opposition noted. Finally, HB 2121, which would prohibit the sale and distribution of disposable electronic smoking devices, drew support from the Department of Health, youth advocates, and public health groups citing youth addiction, environmental waste, and fire hazards; the department said a separate bill, HB 1573, would be more comprehensive and better defined for enforcement and penalties. The committee ended with HB 1913, creating a veteran services mental health coordinator position at Tripler Army Medical Center, which was supported by veteran services officials and others who said veterans need better navigation and coordination for behavioral health care.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam President, your Education Committee recommended this amendment and recommended a due pass on this
• Madam President, your Education Committee recommended this amendment and recommended a due pass on this
• Recommend it, I do pass on this bill with a 5-1 vote. Please say aye.
• Your Senate Education Committee recommends a do pass on House Bill 1064.
• So we recommend that we concur. Is there any discussion?

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, pledge, roll call, and a quorum present, then approved a motion to lay over House Bill 1525 for one legislative day. It also voted not to concur with House amendments on Senate Bills 2294, 2297, 2070, 4017, and 2262, appointing conference committees for each. The chamber then took up a series of House bill amendments and final-passage votes. On amendments, the Senate adopted changes to House Bill 1229 on fleeing law enforcement and driving-record transparency after debate over insurance impacts and public safety; House Bill 1510 on teacher retention, on-site child care, and licensure study language; House Bill 1160 to restrict student personal electronic devices during instructional time; House Bill 1429 to address drone harassment and stalking of animals; House Bill 1203 to harmonize medical marijuana provisions; House Bill 1600 to create a UND immigration clinic with reporting requirements; House Bill 1130 to broaden K-12 funding formula changes and reduce state fiscal impact; House Bill 1279 to modify the coal conversion tax exemption; House Bill 1442 to adjust membership and scope of a state task force; and House Bill 1464 to convert a maternal care services proposal into a study and remove the appropriation. The Senate rejected an amendment to House Bill 1022 concerning the Retirement and Investment Office bonus program, then passed the bill. It also passed House Bill 1234 on a $90 million transfer to reduce PERS liability, while rejecting a floor amendment to it. On final passage, the Senate passed House Bills 1008 (Public Service Commission budget), 1218 (temporary moratorium and study on economic analysis for drain projects), 1234 (PERS funding transfer), 1146 (PERS defined contribution cleanup and emergency clause), 1355 (expanded notice for administrative rulemaking), 1470 (Game and Fish fee changes and guide/outfitter updates), 1029 (Capital Grounds Planning Commission duties), 1017 (Game and Fish budget), 1374 (township supervisor open-meeting exemption for on-site inspections), and 1064 (NC-SARA membership and distance education regulation). It defeated House Bill 1583 on false political advertisements with civil-action language and House Bill 1393 on earned wage access provider regulation. The transcript ends as the Senate begins consideration of House Bill 1326 on self-defense and unlawful firearm possession by felons.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendations adopted.
• Recommendations adopted.
• Okay, thank you. recommendations adopted okay thank you recommendations adopted okay thank you moving
• Recommendations adopted. Okay, thank you.
• Recommendations adopted. Okay, thank you.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh to begin, the Governor recommends Uh to begin, the Governor recommends 1.726<00:11:01.839>
• I don't know if any of that is in the governor's recommendations?
• I don't know if any of that is in the governor's recommendations?
• as a recommendation. as a recommendation.
• My question is then on the recommendations that's going to DCYF.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and whether or not the DNR takes... ...that and whether or not the DNR takes action that we're recommending
• The committee would recommend that the department make modifications to Clearinghouse Rule 25-092.
• It's really truly advisory at that point, or just a recommendation that the agency basically do a new
• Today's scenario, it's still at a point where it's a recommendation to change the current thing that's
• So it’s sort of just, we’ll take a new form of recommendation rather than modify.

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we strongly recommend her to be nominated. Thank you.
• So we strongly recommend her to be nominated. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, next testifier.
• Chair, your recommendation is adopted. Thank you.
• Chair, your recommendation<00:13:25.640> is<00:13:25.720> adopted.
• recommendation is adopted. Thank you. recommendation is adopted. Thank you.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs met on April 14, 2026, to consider GM 644, the nomination of Kayla Curvelo to the Hawaii Island Burial Council, shifting her seat from the at-large/large landowner position to the Kona representative seat. Testimony in support came from SHPD Administrator Jessica Pap, who said Curvelo has served faithfully and has strong ties to the Kona community, and from OHA’s Leiloha Macouani, who noted Curvelo has served on the council since 2021 and as chair since August 2025. Curvelo, appearing on Zoom, described her family’s deep roots in Kona and said her focus would be on supporting community and descendant voices in burial matters. In response to questions, she emphasized that burial council decisions should be handled case by case, especially in situations involving inadvertent discovery of iwi, preservation in place, or relocation. She said the council’s role is to listen to families, SHPD, and community needs, and to balance cultural practice, changing conditions, and respect for kupuna and ʻāina. Members asked about her vision for the council and whether iwi could be moved when necessary. Curvelo said relocation can be appropriate when done properly, but there is no single rule; each situation depends on the family, the site, and conditions such as coastal erosion or high surf. After discussion, the chair recommended advise and consent. The committee voted to adopt that recommendation, with Chair Richards, Vice Chair, Senator Kealoha, and Senator Dela Cruz voting aye; Senator Ihara was excused. The nomination was forwarded to the full Senate for confirmation, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:06.000> suggested to incorporate recommendations suggested to incorporate recommendations
• We also recommended that this legislature revise its approach to funding.
• <00:38:01.280> to audacity to make some recommendations to audacity to make some recommendations
• We also recommended that the uh needs.
• And I particularly appreciate your recommendations to the state.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The recommendation is adopted. Chair: "Thank you."
• Chair: "The recommendation is adopted." Thank you very much.
• Recommendation is adopted. Any noes? Recommendation is adopted. Chair: "And with that, we are..."
• Seeing none, the recommendation is adopted.
• The chair's recommendation is to defer that indefinitely.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Labor and Technology committee heard testimony on SB 447, a Department of Health pilot program related to recruitment, and SB 1043, a tax measure. On SB 447, the Department of Health said the pilot had streamlined hiring by delaying minimum-qualification review until later in the process, while the Department of Human Resources Development objected that parts of the bill could conflict with civil service rules, due process rights, and equal pay requirements. Several labor and employee groups testified, with some supporting the pilot as a way to address vacancies and others warning about merit-system concerns. The committee later voted to pass SB 447 as is. On SB 1043, testimony was mixed but largely focused on the bill’s tax changes, especially the proposed increase to the general excise tax and exemptions or credits for lower-income households. Supporters, including labor groups and housing/worker advocates, argued the bill would reduce burdens on working families, help with food insecurity, and keep residents in Hawaiʻi. Opponents, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and some community witnesses, said the general excise tax is regressive and would raise costs across the state. The committee voted to advance SB 1043 with substantial amendments, deleting most of the bill except section two and setting a far-future effective date, while noting the fiscal impact had not been provided. The committee also deferred SB 633 and later deferred SB 1633 for further decision-making, scheduling continued consideration for February 12, 2025, in Room 225. The hearing included standard instructions on one-minute testimony, written testimony, and Zoom procedures, and the committee adjourned after taking the above actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:51:59.280> of report the same, the recommendation of report the same, the recommendation
• Senator David Meuse for the minority of the committee. recommendation the bill ought to pass. recommendation
• The recommendation that the amendment.
• following amendment and recommendation. following amendment and recommendation.
• <05:24:45.280> that the same with the recommendation that the same with the recommendation

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• committee recommendation? committee recommendation?
• committee's recommendation of ITL. committee's recommendation of ITL.
• Well, if that was have recommended this.
• <06:39:35.200> to apart and make recommendations to apart and make recommendations to mitigate
• <06:41:45.600> of But it also found the recommendation of But it also found the recommendation

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It has had an under consideration report, same with the recommendation that it do pass.
• It has had an under consideration report, same with the recommendation that it do pass.
• It has had an under consideration report, same with the recommendation that it do pass.
• It has had an under consideration report, same with the recommendation that it do pass.
• It has had an under consideration report, same with the recommendation that it do pass.

Bills: HB145, HB164, HR1, HB20, HB65, HB66, HB80, HB306, SB29, SB37, HB99, HB206, HB213, HB270, SB104, SB193, HB38, HB254, HB256, SB58, SB64, HJM1, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM13, HM47, HM20, HM51, HM1, HM31, HM35, HM36, HM46, HM53, HM54, HM39, HM29, HM43, HM59, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB253

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation, subpoena power, public corruption, criminal activity, Zorro ranch, Santa Fe County

Transcript Highlights:

• This body will review and propose recommendations to streamline existing programs.
• over 40 pages, so I highly recommend people take a look at it—some of the high-level recommendations
• So that was another key recommendation that folks really want to prioritize.
• So that's a recommendation I would make as well.
• So that's a recommendation I would make as well.

Summary: The hearing opened the Select Committee on Effective Postsecondary Career, Technical Education, and Workforce Development Programs at Santa Ana College, with Assemblymember Mike Fong emphasizing the need for affordable, accelerated pathways into high-demand careers and noting his bill AB 1098 creating the California Interagency Education Council. Chancellor Marvin Martinez welcomed the committee and urged changes to AB 927 to remove the “duplication” barrier for community college bachelor’s degrees, arguing that applied baccalaureate programs can lead to high-wage jobs and expand access for low- and middle-income students. The first panel focused on statewide workforce trends and policy. California Community Colleges Vice Chancellor Anthony Cordova highlighted credit for prior learning, Strong Workforce funding, dual enrollment, and apprenticeship growth, asking the Legislature to restore and increase Strong Workforce funding and expand applied baccalaureate degrees. LAEDC’s Josep Bilayo described regional labor market data showing growth in health care, education, construction, bioscience, and clean energy, while stressing the need for employer-led, data-driven programs, wraparound supports, and flexible funding. Andrew Gonzalez of the Building and Construction Trades Council argued that registered apprenticeship must be paid, combine classroom and on-the-job training, and end in a portable credential; he also promoted apprenticeship readiness programs, community workforce agreements, and stronger exposure to trades starting in K-12. Eric Morrison Smith of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color discussed the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Grant Program and related youth apprenticeship recommendations, including bridge programs, intermediary infrastructure, reduced employer barriers, and better coordination of state funding. A later panel highlighted Santa Ana College’s fire technology and firefighting academy programs. President Annabelle Neri and Vice President Jeffrey Lamb said the college is one of the state’s largest fire training providers, with strong partnerships with local fire agencies, law enforcement, and the U.S. Forest Service, and with high job placement and six-figure starting salaries for some graduates. They also described related certificates, advanced officer training, wellness services, and workforce preparation such as mock interviews and sponsorships. Throughout the hearing, members and panelists repeatedly stressed the importance of aligning education with labor market demand, expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning, and using regional collaboration to connect students to living-wage careers.

Transcript Highlights:

• recommendation.
• recommendation.
• Violations only to reject the MPRO recommendation.
• days in order to review that recommendation.
• I have a really quick recommendation.

Bills: HB2510, HB3589, HB4611, HB4655, HB4665, HB4666, HB4670, HB4700, HB4730, HB4798, HB4838, HB5136, HB5243, HB5302, HB5539

Keywords: assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense, personal assistance, group home, regulation, health and safety, inspections, resident care, criminal background checks, adoption, parental rights, registry, vital statistics, disclosure, counseling, foster care, independent living, financial literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommended and certified for placement on the local and un-contested calendars.
• Senate with recommendation that it do pass and be printed. Will the clerk call the roll? In court.
• Full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed.
• Okay, Senator Bettencourt moves that Senate Bill 1860 be recommended and certified for place.
• Recommended and certified for placement on the local and uncontested calendar. Is there objection?

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:45.440> the two sides and staff has recommended the two sides and staff has recommended
• c> house<00:18:41.919> language Um staff recommends the house language Um staff recommends
• attainment goal and make recommendations attainment goal and make recommendations um<00:35:28.320
• <00:37:09.440> um<00:37:10.079> recommended temporary uh and so on. um recommended
• Uh it was a staff recommendation. recommendation. recommendation.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The conference committee received a nonpartisan walkthrough of the House and Senate side-by-side for higher education-related legislation, with staff identifying Senate-only, House-only, identical, and technical-difference provisions. Topics included paid blood donation leave for Minnesota State employees, a revised higher education attainment goal, athletic fee restrictions, developmental course disclosures, American Indian Scholars Program eligibility, protections and definitions for pregnant and parenting students, online program management contracts, student aid reporting, work-study and dual training grants, private and out-of-state postsecondary education regulation, private career school licensing and data privacy, college savings plan changes, and several University of Minnesota-related provisions. House-only items also included an unemployment insurance aid adjustment, a $1.5 million ongoing appropriation for an identity verification system to combat enrollment fraud, and $5,000 for Bemidji State University reforestation; Senate-only items included Board of Regents appointment language, limits on for-profit control of medical school curriculum, and reporting on for-profit funding in medical education. After the walkthrough, the committee moved to adopt the same and similar provisions and direct staff to make technical corrections. A senator asked about proposed adjustments to the pregnant and parenting student language, and the chair said amendments would be considered after adopting the same and similar provisions. The motion to adopt prevailed. During public testimony, Sydney Spre of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees supported the Senate’s paid blood donation leave language, saying it would create parity for Minnesota State employees and encourage blood and plasma donation. Commissioner Dennis Olsen of the Office of Higher Education thanked the committee for adopting most of the agency’s proposed language and said he was available to help clarify remaining differences. In response to questions, he explained the Senate’s higher education attainment goal proposal, saying it would extend and broaden the existing goal, raise the target from 70% to 75%, expand the age range, and use additional metrics and partner agencies; he also said the overall attainment rate had been 63.5 under the prior goal. The transcript ends as the commissioner was being asked whether the proposal would require additional appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• File item four is SB 1175... ...recommendation to consent calendar.
• Motion is do pass as amended with recommendation to consent calendar.
• Motion is do pass to Appropriations with recommendation to consent.
• Motion is do pass as amended to Appropriations with recommendation to consent.
• Motion is do pass to Appropriations with a recommendation to consent calendar.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• OMES may make recommendations to the Long Range Capital Planning Commission for the sale of state-owned
• LOFT found that 11 out of the 20 most recent OMES recommendations for the sale of property stemmed from
• We will always recommend state space when it is available to fill that need.
• , shall and recommend are two different terms in my mind.
• LOFT also had several recommendations for the Office of Management and Enterprise Services.

Keywords: 914, all