Transcript Highlights:

• There are also some technical, non-substantive changes, and we will defer the effective date of the measure
• date of the will defect the effective date of the measure<00:01:50.399> to<00:01:50.600> July
• <00:03:21.760> to<00:03:21.920> July<00:03:22.200> 1 effective date of the bill
• to July 1 effective date of the bill to July 1 2050<00:03:23.159> to<00:03:23.319> further<
• <00:05:04.120> to the effective date of the measure to the effective date of the measure to

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection held decision-making on SB 146, SB 147, and SB 1166. SB 146 and SB 147, both relating to condominiums, were recommended to pass with amendments. The committee adopted amendments based on testimony from Anne Anderson, including mediator/arbitrator qualifications, clarifications about disputes involving managing agents, small claims timing, lien rights, and refund determinations by an early neutral evaluator. For both bills, the effective date was deferred to July 1, 2050 for further discussion. Each measure was adopted with no objections. SB 1166, relating to insurance, was also passed with amendments. The committee removed language that would have required insurers to bring claims and condition rates on doing so, replacing it with encouraging language. The amended bill adds a private cause of action against responsible parties, authorizes insurer actions under certain conditions, defines terms tied to climate-related events and fossil fuel products, and requires HPIA to report to the insurance commissioner on whether it exercised direct action rights. The effective date was likewise deferred to July 1, 2050, and the measure was adopted without objection. The committee then heard SB 985, relating to consumer protection and gift card fraud, and SB 1525, relating to electronic smoking devices and e-liquids. SB 985 drew support from a consumer fraud victim and others who said gift card scams disproportionately harm kupuna, while the Retail Merchants of Hawaii opposed the bill’s packaging/display requirements and suggested stronger penalties instead. The committee voted to pass SB 985 with amendments, deferring its effective date to July 1, 2050, and noted it would move on to Judiciary next. SB 1525 drew significant opposition from the Attorney General’s office, Department of Taxation, Department of Health, and public health groups, who argued it conflicted with federal tobacco law, was hard for Tax to administer, and would not effectively remove unauthorized vape products. After testimony, the committee recommended deferral of SB 1525 without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• defect the effective date to year 3000. defect the effective date to year 3000.
• > 3000<01:04:49.119> technical effective date to year 3000 technical effective date to
• ><01:09:13.440> and effective date to year 3000 and effective date to year 3000 and technical<
• > 3000<01:16:17.199> technical effective date to year 3000 technical effective date to
• ><01:18:31.840> and effective date to year 3000 and effective date to year 3000 and technical<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on economic development, tourism, business climate, and related policy areas. On HB 1943, which would support a DBEDT office in Korea, DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii testified in support, emphasizing Korea’s importance as a market for investment, trade, and tourism and the value of helping small and midsize Hawaii businesses access Asian markets. A later witness also tied the proposal to broader free-trade and APEC-related goals. The committees heard no opposition on that measure. The committees then heard HB 1612 and HB 1614, both supported by multiple organizations and agencies. Testimony for HB 1612 stressed Hawaii’s weak business climate and the need for policies that improve economic growth and competitiveness; the Hulamua Collaborative cited survey results showing only 19% of respondents viewed Hawaii as a good place to do business. HB 1614 also drew support, with HTC saying its focus is on economic growth. For HB 1968 and HB 1967, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, the University of Hawaii, the Chamber of Commerce, and Hulamua Collaborative largely stood on written testimony in support; the hearing notes reported nine supporters and one opponent on HB 1968, and seven supporters with one comment on HB 1967. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on HB 1589, a bill to create dementia training and recognition for businesses. Testifiers included a private citizen sharing a personal family story, the Alzheimer’s Association, and DBEDT. Supporters said the measure would help families affected by dementia, reduce stigma, and make businesses more dementia-friendly. DBEDT said the issue would be better handled by an agency with dementia expertise, while the Alzheimer’s Association said it could provide training at no cost and suggested amendments to shift implementation toward the Executive Office on Aging and to use the term “dementia business champion.” The final major topic was HB 1608, involving a space-related project and financing. Phoenix Space testified that the bill would help launch responsive space access operations at Hilo International Airport, create local jobs, and support partnerships with Hawaii institutions, while another supporter said the project could diversify the economy. A committee member raised a timing concern, noting bond cap capacity was already allocated through 2028, and the witness said they were willing to work on a solution. The hearing also included HB 1850 on capital gains taxation, where supporters argued the bill would make the tax system fairer by increasing taxes on investment income, while the Chamber of Commerce opposed it. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• date of 2026, um, make it an effective date of 2026, but<00:48:46.480> also<00:48:47.119>
• Recommendation is a Senate draft 1 to pass with blank appropriation, effective date of 20150.
• We're going to blank out the appropriation, update the effective date.
• We're going to blank out the appropriation, update the effective date.
• date and any defecting the effective date and any technical<00:53:23.920> to<00:53:24.400>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Human Services opened its first hearing of the 2026 session and heard testimony on several bills, with the chair emphasizing one-minute testimony, written submissions, and live streaming. For SB 768, relating to an alternative water source income tax credit, the Department of Taxation said a drafting issue needed clarification on the $500 cap and estimated a revenue loss of $6.8 million per year beginning in fiscal year 2028. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Libertarian Party opposed the bill as an unnecessary subsidy and tax-code complication, while one supporter was noted. A member questioned the size of the projected loss and suggested future analysis of net fiscal impacts and methodology. The committee then heard SB 389, which expands a general excise tax exemption to additional health-related providers and purchases. The Department of Taxation said the change would be a minimal code adjustment but would require public education; the Tax Foundation said the bill should be framed in light of the original physician-shortage rationale for the exemption. The Hawaii National Guard and Aloha Care supported the measure, along with several other organizations and individuals, while the Libertarian Party opposed it as favoritism and tax-code complexity. A member asked about administrative burden and potential tax impact, and the department said it did not yet have a calculation but was working on one. The committee also heard SB 877, which would appropriate funds to increase Medicaid in-home services if federal matching funds are maximized, and SB 1139, which would direct DHS to expand Medicaid eligibility for children from birth to age five regardless of household income. DHS stood on written testimony for both bills, and Aloha Care, the Hawaii Medical Association, disability advocates, children’s advocates, and CARES testified in support, arguing the measures would improve access and family stability. The Libertarian Party opposed both bills, warning of higher long-term costs, entitlement growth, and reduced private-sector options. Members questioned the fiscal and programmatic differences between crisis and warm-line services during discussion of SB 787, a bill to fund a Department of Health warm line; the department said the warm line would serve noncrisis callers more cheaply than crisis staffing, and that about 34.7% of 2024 Hawaii CARES contacts were mild issues that could have been routed to a warm line. Supporters cited mental health needs after the Lahaina wildfire and the affordability crisis, while opponents argued the service duplicated existing resources and expanded government involvement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2 of this act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the law
• Section 2 of this act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of law,
• This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of a local company.
• This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of a local company.
• This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as a chapter of the laws of 2025.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, adopted the resolution calendar, and heard an introduction welcoming the parents of Detective Wenjun Lu, with remarks honoring their family’s sacrifice and service. The chamber then proceeded through a lengthy reading of the calendar and passed a series of bills, most by wide margins, covering topics including social services, labor, insurance, mental hygiene, county law, education, financial services, criminal procedure, executive law, general business law, tax law, and powers and trusts law. Several measures were passed unanimously or with only one or a few dissenting votes, while others drew larger partisan splits. The main floor debate centered on Calendar 44, Assembly Bill 9516, a Correction Law bill expanding the membership of the State Commission of Correction from three to five and adding qualifications for certain appointees, including a former inmate and a health care, legal, or policy professional. Senator Murray argued the bill should require victims’ rights experience and said the criminal justice system should not ignore crime victims; Senator Salazar responded that the commission’s oversight role is focused on correctional facilities and that the bill does not exclude anyone with victims’ experience. Senators Rivera and Martins also explained their votes, with Rivera supporting the bill as part of a more rehabilitative approach and Martins opposing it, citing high recidivism and public safety concerns. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed. The Senate then completed the remaining calendar items and adjourned until Thursday, January 29 at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that the Senate concur in the House change to the effective date for Senate Bill 104.
• Senator from Lewis moves that the Senate concur in the House change to the effective date for Senate
• If not, the question for the Senate is: Does the Senate concur in the House change to the effective date
• President, I move the Senate concur in the House change to the effective date for Senate Bill 481.
• Concerning the House change to the effective date for Senate Bill 481.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate took up a series of House amendments and concurrence motions on several bills. Senate Bill 4 on crimes against public justice was amended to restore a cleaner definition of harassment and then passed 31-2. Senate Bill 59 on voter eligibility and residency requirements was amended with clarifying language on challenges to voter residency, passed 33-0, and made effective January 1, 2027. Senate Bill 104, providing raises for certain state mine inspectors, concurred in a House effective-date change and was made effective July 1, 2026. Senate Bill 200, increasing penalties and fines for assault on certain public service workers, law enforcement officers, and police animals, concurred in a technical House amendment and passed 33-0. Senate Bill 481 on elections concurred in a House effective-date change and was made effective from passage. Senate Bill 531, the First Amendment Preservation Act, was amended to add entities associated with foreign adversaries, passed 31-2, and was made effective July 1, 2026. The Senate also concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 641 on above-ground storage tanks, which narrowed the bill by reducing the tank threshold and limiting covered fluids to brine water; it passed 25-8. Senate Bill 645 on surprise billing for ground emergency medical services was amended to reduce the rate from 400% to the current CMS rate of 200% and remove some balance-billing prohibitions; it passed 29-4. Senate Bill 800 on jury service policy was amended to allow certain people with expunged or pardoned convictions to serve on juries and passed 31-2. Senate Bill 878 creating an Office of Entrepreneurship within the Secretary of State’s office had House amendments removing redundant language and increasing flexibility; it passed 30-4 and was made effective July 1, 2026. The chamber also received a Rules Committee report recommending passage of Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 5381, which concerns developing a comprehensive state energy development policy and plan for the Office of Energy. The bill was advanced to third reading with the right to amend. The Senate then moved through announcements and adjourned until the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I think the only change was that we were going to change the effective date to November 2026.
• <00:22:17.280> date<00:22:17.520> to going to change the effective date to going to
• change the effective date to November<00:22:18.360> Oh,<00:22:18.520> it<00:22:18.600>
• I think we're good to go with just amending the effective date of approval. Okay. Great.
• date, and I just change the effective date, and I guess<00:54:30.359> we<00:54:30.480> have

Bills: SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• So why, I think this effective date should be effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of
• Well, okay, let me ask you about the effective date.
• So there were, that in itself, depending on the effective date.
• So there were, that in itself, depending on the effective date.
• So there were, that in itself, depending on the effective date.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2401, which would require physicians to complete continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health as part of the state’s rural health transformation effort. HHS supported the bill, saying it would help physicians better address chronic disease and preserve federal grant points tied to the state’s application. A member of the public also testified in favor, arguing that better nutrition education could improve diabetes outcomes and reduce costs. The committee then adopted an amendment to add the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice to the background-check statute so the occupational therapy compact could proceed, and it passed the bill as amended on a roll call vote. The committee next heard House Bill 1621, which would require the Presidential Fitness Physical Fitness Test in elementary, middle, and high school physical education courses. HHS said the bill was part of the rural health transformation application and could help preserve federal funding, but members raised many questions about the test’s criteria, adaptive options for students with disabilities, equipment needs, and whether the bill should apply to non-public schools. Senator Clemens offered an amendment to limit the requirement to public schools, but it failed. Senator Hogan then offered an amendment to clarify exemptions and allow DPI to align implementation with federal guidance; that amendment passed. A further amendment adding language allowing DPI to establish criteria for and exceptions to the test also passed. The committee then approved the bill as amended on a roll call vote. The committee also considered House Bill 1622, which joins North Dakota to the physician assistant licensure compact. HHS said the compact would improve access to care, especially in rural areas, support military families, and help preserve rural health transformation funding. Members noted the compact had been discussed in a prior session and that many earlier concerns had been resolved. After brief discussion about the compact process and its consistency with other interstate compacts, the committee voted to do pass the bill. Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 2402, which expands pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution powers. HHS and the Board of Pharmacy supported the bill as a way to improve access to care and maintain rural health transformation funding. Senator Roers introduced a detailed amendment negotiated with the Board of Medicine and Board of Pharmacy to narrow and clarify the bill, including notification requirements, limits on certain drug categories, and patient-protection language for therapeutic substitution. The Board of Pharmacy then testified in support of the broader bill and explained the CLIA-waived testing provisions and the repeal of the older, narrower pharmacist-testing language. The hearing and amendment discussion were still underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The other change, which is absolutely necessary, is the effective date of the bill wasn't changed in
• <00:06:00.880> wasn't effective date of the bill wasn't effective date of the bill wasn't changed
• <00:06:12.720> 1, the effective date can't be January 1, the effective date can't be January
• Are, upon this passage, the effective dates? Okay.
• <00:09:27.200> effective<00:09:27.600> upon mentioned the effect effective upon mentioned

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee of conference on HB 718 met to reconcile House and Senate language. Members discussed two main parts of the bill: provisions requiring the Department of Education to report on rules that exceed state or federal requirements, including any fiscal impact on school districts, and language related to the new Pasquaney school district and its tax-rate setting timeline. Conferees said they were agreeable to the Senate’s additions on reporting and the handling of indeterminable fiscal impacts. The group focused on a House amendment, 2725H, which made two technical changes to the Senate language: adding the word “certified” to align with existing statutory language and changing the bill’s effective date to “upon passage” so the Department of Revenue Administration could act in time. A further clarification was proposed to specify July 1, 2025, for the tax-rate language, and members agreed to that change as well. There was some concern raised that the bill’s underlying special education implications could have indeterminate fiscal effects on school districts, and one member said that without a fiscal note they could not support it. After discussion, the House members voted in favor of the three changes, the Senate member present also supported them, and the chair announced the result as effectively unanimous. The committee then said the report would be drafted and the bill would move forward, with HB 102 mentioned as another item to be placed on consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• Similarly, this has an effective date of January 1st, 2027.
• Um, again, uh, some different effective dates.
• This will be effective October 1st, 2029. States haven't received guidance to date.
• This will be effective October 1st, 2029. States haven't received guidance to date.
• 2027 effective date. 2027 effective date.

Bills: HR1

Keywords: January 6 insurrection, pardon, law enforcement, violent crimes, public safety, justice system, political accountability, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not have a sunset date.
• This is again an a sunset date.
• Uh and it does not have a sunset date. Uh and it does not have a sunset date.
• sunset date. sunset date.
• stimulating effect um and incentivize stimulating effect um and incentivize Minnesotans<01:01:02.640>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Tax Expenditure Review Commission met on June 17, 2026, approved the January 20, 2026 minutes, and then adopted updated commission procedures. The procedural changes, presented by Legislative Budget Office Director Christian Larson, required a quorum of voting members to complete evaluations before a formal recommendation vote, and allowed members to bundle or unbundle tax expenditures for voting. The commission approved the revised procedures by roll call vote, with five ayes and four excused. The commission then reviewed member evaluation summaries for tax expenditures presented in December 2025 and January 2026. It first considered the alcoholic beverage tax credits for small brewers and microdistilleries, and after discussion voted to recommend repeal of those two expenditures, while leaving the small winery credit for a later meeting because it lacked enough member responses under the new procedures. The vote on the repeal recommendation passed 4-1, with Commissioner Marquart voting no. The commission next approved the lawful gambling bundle, which included bingo, raffle, and related exemptions. Larson reported that most members recommended continuation for each item, and the commission voted to recommend continuing all six lawful gambling expenditures. It then reviewed the residential utility services bundle—residential heating fuels, residential water services, and sewer services—where members generally favored continuation but several noted possible modifications or caps for higher-income users; the commission voted to recommend continuation of the bundle. Finally, the commission reviewed the data center equipment sales tax exemption, which Larson said had an estimated annual revenue loss of $95 million and was intended to create jobs in construction and data center industries. Members raised questions about its effectiveness and whether the exemption should be modified or capped, but the commission ultimately voted to recommend continuation. The meeting concluded with these recommendations set to be included in the commission’s 2026 annual report.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that the Senate concur in the House change to the effective date for Senate Bill 104.
• Senator from Moles moves that the Senate concur in the House change to the effective date for Senate
• The clerk of the House announced the House changed the effective date only as it relates to committee
• President, I move the Senate concur in the House change to the effective date for Senate Bill 481.
• Senator from Lowell's motion... ...effective date for Senate Bill 481.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate considered a series of House amendments and effective-date changes on several bills and largely concurred with the House changes. SB 4, relating to crimes against public justice, was amended to restore a cleaner definition of harassment and then passed 31-2. SB 59, on voter eligibility and residency requirements, was concurred in and passed 33-0, with an effective date of January 1, 2027. SB 104, concerning state mine inspectors, had its effective date set to July 1, 2026 by a 33-0 vote, and SB 200, increasing penalties for assault on public service workers, law enforcement officers, and police animals, was concurred in and passed 33-0. SB 481, relating to elections, was made effective from passage by a 33-0 vote, and SB 531, the First Amendment Preservation Act, was amended to add entities associated with foreign adversaries and passed 31-2, with an effective date of July 1, 2026. The chamber also concurred in House amendments to SB 641 on above-ground storage tanks, narrowing the bill to brine water storage and reducing tank capacity thresholds; it passed 25-8. SB 645, prohibiting surprise billing for ground emergency medical services, was amended to reflect a lower reimbursement rate and removal of some balance-billing language, then passed 29-4. SB 800, clarifying jury service policy to allow some people with expunged or pardoned convictions to serve, passed 31-2. SB 878, creating the Office of Entrepreneurship within the Secretary of State’s office, was concurred in, passed 30-4, and made effective July 1, 2026 by a 34-0 vote. Later, the Rules Committee reported House Bill 5381, a measure to develop a comprehensive energy development policy and plan for the Office of Energy, recommending it do pass. The Senate advanced the bill to third reading with the right to amend. The session then moved to remarks and adjourned until the next day at 11 a.m., with the Rules Committee scheduled to meet at 10:45 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• each team and defect the date to 20150. each team and defect the date to 20150.
• defect the effective date of the measure defect the effective date of the measure to<00:04:38.080
• Recommendation is to pass with amendments, removing the appropriation, inserting an effective date upon
• Effective date to 2050. Any discussion? >> Chair, Vice. >> All members present. Anyone voting no?
• Effective date to 2050. Any amendments. Effective date to 2050. Any discussion?

Bills: SB2088, SB2925, SB3263, SB2047, SB2087, SB2100, SB2268, SB2353, SB2781, SB2902

Keywords: coconut trees, tax credit, natural management, Hawaii, agriculture, biosecurity, environment, coconut rhinoceros beetle, student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, pharmacy benefit managers, maximum allowable cost, drug pricing

Summary: The joint committee on Ways and Means and Consumer Protection met for decision-making only on two agendas and took action on a large number of Senate bills, with no oral testimony heard. On the 1016 agenda, the committee recommended passage of measures including SB 2088, SB 2925, SB 2781, and several others, and passed a number of bills with amendments. Notable amendments included SB 3263, which adopted AG amendments related to the name, image, and likeness endowment trust fund; SB 2047 on pharmacy benefit managers, which incorporated Hawaii Pharmacist Association changes; SB 2087 on health insurance, which added Insurance Division clarifications; SB 2100 on pesticides, which added a blank appropriation; SB 2353 on outdoor signage, which removed provisions related to the Wiki special district; and SB 2902 on renewable energy, which clarified certification standards for portable solar devices and exempted them from certain disclosure requirements. Most recommendations were adopted without objection, though a few members noted reservations on selected bills. The committee also deferred one bill on the agenda, SB 3327. The committee then moved to the 1015 agenda and acted on additional measures. SB 2003 was passed with amendments tied to Act 255, including a repeal trigger if deadlines are missed; SB 2497 on utility-related transparency drew the most discussion, with one member warning about litigation and costs while another argued it was simply about electricity-rate transparency, and it ultimately passed with PUC-related amendments and an exemption for utility cooperatives. Other measures were passed unamended or with technical or fiscal amendments, including bills affecting land planning, tax credits, conveyance tax language, shoreline maintenance, and community improvement projects. Several bills had appropriations blanked or effective dates deferred to 2050, and many were adopted with members noting reservations rather than opposition. On the 1017 agenda, the committee continued approving measures, including SB 709 on crisis intervention officers and assisted community treatment, SB 2153 on defining bona fide farmer/agriculture activity, SB 2694 on water rate adjustments, SB 3025 on income eligibility limits, and SB 3085 on the Hawaii film studio, which included a five-year repeal provision if the studio has not relocated. The committee also passed numerous other bills unamended or with technical amendments, often deferring effective dates or blanking appropriations. Across both agendas, the committee’s actions were largely consistent: bills were advanced with amendments tailored to agency requests, technical corrections, or fiscal adjustments, and votes were generally unanimous or near-unanimous with occasional reservations recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:16.360> to<00:10:16.560> July effective date of this measure to July effective
• <00:10:53.800> date changes, and defect the effective date changes, and defect the effective
• There are also some technical non-substantive amendments, and we'll add a defective effective date of
• Technical non-substantive amendments, and we'll defect the effective date of this measure to July 1,
• the effective date until July 1st, 2050. the effective date until July 1st, 2050.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard several measures and took testimony without questions on SB 2431 relating to health savings accounts and SB 2797 relating to consumer protection. For SB 2797, the DCCA Office of Consumer Protection offered comments, Retail Merchants of Hawaii opposed the bill over gift card fraud compliance costs and legal risk, and AARP Hawaii supported it. The committee also heard SB 2946 on foreclosures, where the Hawaii State Bar Association’s Collection Law Section and several lenders, associations, and individuals opposed the measure, while the Hawaii Bankers Association and others offered comments. SB 2961 on insurance drew comments from the Insurance Division and Hawaii Insurance Council, with NAMIC opposing and some individuals supporting. SB 2948 on insurance fraud received comments from the Insurance Division and support from the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, with NAMIC and the Alliance for Responsible Consumer Legal Funding also commenting. No votes were taken during the hearing portion, and the committee recessed after testimony. The committee then reconvened for decision-making on the 9:30 agenda. SB 2431 was passed with amendments, including DOTAX-requested changes, a five-year limit on credit carryforwards, removal of an aggregate cap, a rural definition, transparent reporting, technical amendments, and a deferred effective date of July 1, 2050. SB 2797 was also passed with DCCA-requested amendments, technical changes, and the same deferred effective date. SB 2946 was deferred because there was no testimony in support. SB 2961 was passed with amendments, but after Senator McKelvey raised concern that policy-limit language could undermine the bill, the committee removed two policy-limit amendments before adopting the recommendation. SB 2948 was passed with amendments deleting certain definitions, aligning penalties and public-records provisions, adding coordination and disclosure clarifications, and making technical changes; one no vote by Senator Awana was recorded, with the rest in favor. The committee also considered SB 3000 from a prior hearing and recommended passage with amendments clarifying the Attorney General’s authority, creating a special fund, and addressing concurrent actions, again with a deferred effective date and one no vote by Senator Awana. In a joint CPN/GVO agenda, SB 2258 relating to school agriculture procurement targets was passed with amendments after the Department of Education said it would need to follow up on whether changing the target period from calendar year to school year would create procurement or scheduling issues; the committee added technical changes, a deferred effective date, and routed the bill to Ways and Means, with a note that Education should also have received it. In a later joint CPN/AEN hearing, SB 2452 relating to climate-friendly insurers drew strong opposition from the Insurance Division and several insurance groups, who warned it could push insurers out of the authorized market and into the surplus lines market, raising costs; Senator Dela questioned whether the bill would worsen an already strained market, while the division said the legislature could make the policy choice but warned of market disruption. The hearing then moved to SB 2760 on invasive species, where DLNR, DAB, CGAPS, and the Oahu Invasive Species Committee generally supported broader inspection and quarantine authority, civil penalties, and longer interim-rule authority, while committee members asked about staffing, treatment capacity, and implementation for non-agricultural commodities such as building materials and vehicles.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair is going to recommend that we pass with amendments, changing the effective date to January 1st,
• Chair is going to recommend we pass with amendments, change the effective date to January 1st, 2077.
• <00:21:38.159> date amendments changing the effective date amendments changing the effective
• <00:22:10.720> date<00:22:10.960> to amendments, change the effective date to amendments
• , change the effective date to January<00:22:11.520> 1st,<00:22:12.000> 2077.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Labor and Technology and Public Safety and Military Affairs heard testimony on several measures. SB 3082, relating to military families and leave protections, drew support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the military community relations office, the Hawaii National Guard, and the U.S. Department of Defense, all of whom said the bill would align state law with federal standards and better account for military-related leave needs. SB 3110, relating to the Hawaii National Guard, was supported by Department of Defense witnesses who said it clarifies that employees of the Guard’s youth and adult educational programs are excluded from collective bargaining. The committees also heard SB 3251, which would prohibit certain state law enforcement agencies from hiring former ICE or Border Patrol agents as law enforcement officers. The main testimony in support argued the bill could help prevent local police staffing losses to higher-paying federal agencies and avoid future workforce instability if federal funding changes. The measure drew significant public testimony, with the chair noting 62 testimonies in support, five in opposition, and three comments. Members discussed the bill’s impact on recruitment and retention, and one member voted with reservations while another voted no. Later, the committees heard SB 3095 and SB 3264, both concerning Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund salaries. EUTF testified in support of SB 3095, which would allow the board to set salaries for investment office staff, and SB 3264, which would authorize the board to set the salary for an assistant administrator. After testimony, the committees moved into decision-making and passed SB 3082, SB 3110, SB 3251, SB 3095, and SB 3264 with amendments, generally including technical changes and revised effective dates of January 1, 2077 for the EUTF salary bills and SB 3082.

Transcript Highlights:

• The effective language is in Section 9 there at line 27.
• date of 2026 is for going forward in 2026 with the new law.
• So, for example, on page 15, you'll see some dates there.
• Chairman, Representative Rohr, are you talking about the hard dates, the reporting dates?
• The effective date is designed to cover when, to coincide when that software kicks in.

Bills: SB2156

Keywords: campaign finance, disclosure, political contributions, election transparency, North Dakota Century Code, 908, all

Summary: The committee met to reconsider and further amend Senate Bill 2156, a campaign finance/reporting bill tied to Secretary of State filing requirements and new software implementation. Members and legislative counsel explained that the bill would keep current law in place for 2025, then take effect January 1, 2026, when the new system is expected to be ready. Discussion focused on hard reporting dates, how year-end and quarterly reports would be handled, which entities must disclose balances, and clarifying that some provisions apply to statewide political parties and certain political committees but not to candidates or candidate committees in the same way. Representative Steiner walked through the amendment, describing it as mostly technical and intended to align reporting deadlines with fixed calendar dates, simplify compliance, and preserve existing treatment for some balance disclosures. Members asked about public availability of certain filed information, the meaning of references to beginning and ending balances, and whether the new fines and other provisions would also be delayed until 2026. Legislative counsel said the bill’s effective date would cover the entire act and noted some disclosure questions were not clearly answered in current law. The committee adopted the amendment and then approved Senate Bill 2156 as amended on a do-pass motion. The roll call was unanimous, and the chair adjourned the meeting, noting the changes were intended to help the Secretary of State’s office and candidates transition to the new reporting system.

Transcript Highlights:

• THAT WILL REQUIRE THE LAUNCH DATE TO BE DELAYED.
• BUT THE SHIFT IN THE GO LIVE DATE WAS NECESSARY HOW CAN WE LIVE DATE WAS NECESSARY HOW CAN WE ENSURE
• SO I BELIEVE A DATE IS A DATE, YOU SHOULD TRY TO STRIVE TOWARDS SO THAT JANUARY DATE WAS VERY IMPORTANT
• SO BASED ON THE WORK WE DID MOVE THE DATE TO APRIL 2026.
• I AM STILL PUSHING TOWARDS BEATING THE APRIL DATE.

Transcript Highlights:

• perspective, and that she thinks that is the technically correct approach to the effective date, but
• August 1 since that's typically effect August 1 since that's typically the<01:14:05.840> date
• <01:15:52.199> Act<01:15:52.520> date couple years from the effective Act date couple
• c><01:15:59.560> don't<01:15:59.719> think the effective Act date but I don't think the
• effective Act date but I don't think it<01:15:59.920> changes<01:16:00.320> the<01:16:

Bills: HF390, HF1202, HF550

Keywords: government data, data practices, record keeping, penalties, legal enforcement, public meetings, transparency, government accountability, interagency groups, Minnesota Statutes, redistricting, Bipartisan Commission, Minnesota Constitution, census, legislative districts, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:12.320> of definition regarding the date of definition regarding the date of employment
• 7/1/2026 to 11/2/2027 as well as to remove a reference to the co-chairs and the effective dates on passage
• <00:18:20.640> dates<00:18:21.280> uh<00:18:21.600> on co-chairs and the effective
• dates uh on co-chairs and the effective dates uh on passage.<00:18:22.799> The<00:18:23.039><
• <00:19:13.840> on bill has a very dimminimous effect on bill has a very dimminimous effect

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:37.080> date<00:04:37.240> of Efficiency uh then at effective date of Efficiency
• Recommendation is we're going to put an effective date of 2491 into this measure.
• Recommendation is we're going to put an effective date of 2491 into this measure.
• Uh, just we're going to put an effective date on the measure. That's all.
• Uh, just we're going to put an effective date on the measure. That's all.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee met on February 4, 2025, for decision making on previously heard measures, then later held hearings on additional bills. Early action focused on several measures that were amended and advanced, including SB 161 on state project exemptions from county permitting, which was heavily revised to allow programmatic or project-specific agreements with counties, require public reporting of exempted projects, and create a working group to study broader permitting and construction coordination issues. The committee also advanced SB 635 on energy efficiency with changes shifting survey leadership to the Hawaii State Energy Office, SB 700 on resilience hubs after narrowing it to focus on emergency-service-capable hubs and removing distributed energy language, SB 869 on community outreach boards with a technical amendment, SB 1081 on a legislative budget office by converting it to a feasibility study, SB 711 on gubernatorial appointments with a salary threshold change, SB 405 on neighborhood board agendas with a committee-report note about OIP concerns, SB 381 with privacy issues deferred to Judiciary, SB 2 as a two-year pilot for fruit tree planting in selected districts, SB 239 on disaster preparedness with sheltering revisions, and SB 998 as introduced with a cost estimate for site selection work. Several measures were deferred or not advanced, including SB 615, which was deferred indefinitely, SB 1132, which the chair said would be set aside in favor of another childcare bill, and SB 111, which was not taken up further because of confusion during an earlier hearing. During the later hearing portion, SB 1175 on procurement drew testimony from the State Procurement Office, which supported the bill but corrected its estimated database revision cost from $7,500 to $30,000; the Department of Transportation also appeared, while the General Contractors Association submitted opposition. Committee members questioned whether the past-performance database should include more detailed quality information and whether a one-year post-completion review would be useful, but no amendment was adopted at that time. SB 1587 on retainage received written support from the Subcontractors Association of Hawaii and no opposition in the room. SB 1543 on government accountability, which would require justification for outside consultants and cap consultant spending, drew opposition from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Hawaii, which argued it could slow procurement, reduce flexibility, and worsen delays given existing vacancies and limited in-house expertise. The Public First Law Center supported the related transparency bill discussed in the hearing, arguing it would close a loophole by making contractor-created records used in government functions subject to disclosure under UIPA, while the Attorney General’s office opposed it. The transcript ends with that testimony still underway, and no final vote is shown for the later hearing bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:43:00.319> date<00:43:00.720> that really leading an effective date that really
• leading an effective date that this<00:43:01.359> shall<00:43:01.599> take<00:43:01.760
• Yeah, and largely that we are adopting just a Senate position of this with the effective date. uh<00:
• Yeah, and largely that we are adopting just a Senate position of this with the effective date.
• effective effective date.<00:46:06.400> That<00:46:06.720> was<00:46:07.040> pretty

Keywords: 910, house, all