Transcript Highlights:

• while maintaining environmental review requirements under CEQA.
• while maintaining environmental review requirements under CEQA.
• But there's an existing embedded battery program as well.
• We are reviewing the amendments.
• AB 1704 does not suspend the embodied carbon program.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• clarifies what happens after that review clarifies what happens after that review period<00:15:17.880
• elements, but at the simplified way of saying this is that our permit review can be reviewed, and if
• /c><00:21:47.440> if<00:21:47.679> say review can be reviewed and if say review can be
• through uh the veteran assistant program through uh the veteran assistant program it's<00:29:44.760
• appreciation program.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing, land use, and preservation bills. HB 1008 HD2 would require the Department of Land and Natural Resources to complete historic preservation determinations for state affordable housing projects within 90 days and create sensitivity-based review pathways. HHFDC, DLNR’s State Historic Preservation Division, and written testimony from DBEDT supported the bill as an expedited process for projects unlikely to affect significant historic resources. Members asked how the bill would define significant versus non-significant historic properties, how it would interact with Kapakai analysis, and whether burial councils had been consulted; SHPD said the bill would not replace Kapakai review and that burial councils had not been included. Written support also came from OHA, Hawaii Realtors, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce. HB 1093 would clarify the Hawaii Public Housing Authority’s powers relating to housing projects. HPHA supported the measure, saying it would align definitions with prior law and help deconcentrate poverty by allowing mixed-income rebuilding. The director also said the bill was increasingly urgent because of reported federal HUD priorities that could affect public housing and Section 8 funding. HB 1096 HD1 would repeal state low-income housing preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans, with HPHA saying federal veteran programs such as VASH are a better mechanism and that the state preference has not been used in years. HB 1411 would allow HHFDC projects to give sale or lease preferences to applicants who live or work within five miles of a project; HHFDC and the Hawaii Chapter of NAIOP supported it as a way to keep residents connected to their communities, while members raised constitutional concerns about broader local-preference policies. The committee also heard HB 367 HD1, which would create county permit exemptions for certain agricultural and maintenance activities. Written testimony included opposition from the Department of Planning and Permitting and support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Grassroot Institute, and others. A public testifier opposed the bill, arguing that permit exemptions could worsen safety and compliance problems. Finally, HB 826 HD1 would allow county planning commissions, by special permit, to authorize residential housing in agricultural districts for agricultural workforce housing, long-term rental, or fee simple ownership under certain conditions. HHFDC supported it as a faster alternative to lengthy state land-use redistricting, but the Department of Agriculture, Land Use Commission, and Office of Planning and Sustainable Development raised concerns about food production impacts, due process, service provision, jurisdictional conflicts, and the use of special permits for what could amount to district boundary changes. Public testimony was mixed, with some support and some opposition. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Things like managed care oversight, things related to program reviews, looking at different benefits
• <00:47:46.560> reviews related to uh to uh program reviews related to uh to uh program reviews
• Our program, the EIDBI program, is a heavily regulated program that is not suffering disenrollment terminations
• > program,<01:48:19.360> is<01:48:19.520> a our program, the EIDBI program, is a
• our program, the EIDBI program, is a heavily<01:48:20.239> regulated<01:48:20.960> program

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Its main responsibility is for the environmental review program, including the environmental assessment
• Its main responsibility is for the environmental review program, including the environmental assessment
• Its main responsibility is for the environmental review program, including the environmental assessment
• <00:15:42.880> program<00:15:43.519> including<00:15:44.120> the review program
• including the review program including the environmental<00:15:45.079> assessment<00:15:45.480

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee met for an organizational hearing of the Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee. Members and staff introduced themselves, with several legislators noting their backgrounds in farming, mining, water management, and outdoor recreation, and the chair reviewed draft committee rules emphasizing decorum, quorum, timely starts, and submitting bill hearing requests to the committee administrator. The committee also heard from nonpartisan staff and caucus staff who will support the committee this session. House Research and House Fiscal staff then provided an overview of the committee’s jurisdiction and the major agencies and programs it oversees. The presentation covered the Department of Natural Resources, Pollution Control Agency, Environmental Quality Board, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Metropolitan Council regional parks and water resources, Conservation Corps of Minnesota, Minnesota Zoological Board, Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources. Staff summarized the main statutory chapters and subject areas under each, including wildlife, state lands, mining, water use, air and water permitting, environmental review, wetlands, drainage, and natural resources funding. The finance portion explained the committee’s appropriation types and major funding sources, including direct, statutory, and open appropriations. Staff highlighted the general fund, bonding, the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Game and Fish Fund, and the Heritage Enhancement Account, along with how those dollars are typically used for parks and trails, habitat, land acquisition, flood and drainage projects, and agency operations. Members also discussed whether DNR and BWSR responsibilities in overlapping water statutes can conflict; staff said responsibilities are generally clear in statute, though conflicts can occur and are usually resolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• We review cases.
• Cases only come for review about two years after they occur because of Cases only come for review about
• Our review committee meets to discuss and discern the maternal mortality review cases, see whether they're
• Program.
• So you can review that.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard a detailed annual presentation from Dr. Thomas Arnold, chair of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, on maternal mortality trends and review findings. He explained the committee’s structure, the de-identified review process, and the distinction between pregnancy-associated and pregnancy-related deaths. He said national maternal mortality has declined from its 2021 peak, but mental health conditions, substance use, overdose, suicide, cardiovascular disease, hemorrhage, infection, and embolism remain major causes. He emphasized that many deaths are preventable, with especially high rates among non-Hispanic Black women and in the American Indian/Alaska Native population, and noted that a large share of deaths occur after 42 days postpartum. Committee members asked about suicide, domestic abuse, pregnancy testing in unexplained deaths, and the role of home births and midwife training. Dr. Arnold said the committee is adding a caseworker, exploring post-mortem pregnancy testing in suspicious cases, and working with coroners and forensic officials; he also said home births and untrained midwifery pose safety concerns and that better public education and facility-based care are important. The committee then heard from State Fire Marshal Dr. Matt Clark on cigarette ignition propensity standards and fire prevention. He recommended updating North Dakota’s cigarette ignition legislation to the current national standard and also considering legislation requiring fast-breakaway oxygen tubing, citing fatal fires involving smoking around home oxygen. He explained that his office verifies manufacturer testing and maintains certification for cigarettes sold in the state, but does not itself conduct the testing. Members asked about implementation, cost, and whether the standards apply in tribal communities; Clark said he would follow up with cost information and additional details, and that he had not seen evidence of a major issue on tribal lands but would look further. Christine Greff of the Department of Health and Human Services presented the North Dakota Stroke System of Care report. She described the statewide network of two comprehensive stroke centers, four primary stroke centers, and 30 acute stroke-ready hospitals, along with the stroke registry and quality-improvement efforts. She reported that most strokes are ischemic, that the median stroke patient age is 71.5, and that common risk factors include hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and diabetes. She highlighted improvements in door-to-CT, thrombolytic treatment times, dysphagia screening, EMS pre-notification, and interfacility transfer performance, and said new priorities include hemorrhagic stroke quality measures and standardized EMS stroke screening tools. Members asked about the VA hospital’s participation, and Greff said she would pursue outreach. After a break, the committee heard testimony from Taha Khan of Vertex Pharmaceuticals as part of the prior authorization study, focused on non-opioid pain treatment. He argued that prior authorization can delay access to acute pain treatment and may push patients toward opioids, especially in the critical 24- to 72-hour post-discharge window. He cited data showing that even short opioid exposure can increase the risk of long-term use and said prior authorization is often a barrier for physicians and patients. Khan recommended open access with a quantity limit rather than prior authorization, suggesting a 14-day limit supported by the product’s data and an episode-of-care approach. Members asked about dental use, payer discussions, and cost; he said the product’s wholesale acquisition cost is about $16.10 per tablet, with patient assistance available, and that he would follow up on payer and comparison-cost questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• application to the surveillance review application to the surveillance review unit<00:16:04.000>
• <00:42:53.480> board small business regulatory review board small business regulatory review
• It authorizes non-injection drug users to participate in the program and modifies liability for program
• <00:45:09.559> and users to participate in the program and users to participate in the program
• liability for program modifies liability for program participant<00:45:12.079> staff<00:45:12.319

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on SB 284, which would remove the requirement that wiretapping applications to a designated judge be accompanied by a written memorandum from the Department of the Attorney General. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill as drafted and instead proposed a new emergency-wiretap procedure allowing county prosecutors to seek immediate judicial authorization in exigent circumstances, followed by AG review and a follow-up application within 48 hours. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported creating an emergency exception, citing a kidnapping case involving a missing material witness and the need to obtain live phone location data quickly, but asked that the AG be required to respond clearly within the follow-up period. The AG said the current wiretap process often arrives incomplete and noted a prior Honolulu application that was returned for more information and then abandoned. The committee also heard public testimony, including one speaker in support and another in opposition, and discussed whether the proposed emergency process should include imminent danger findings and what happens if the follow-up application is not approved. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript. The committee then took up SB 295, which increases penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and makes related changes. The Deputy Public Defender opposed the bill’s higher penalties, arguing that not all restraining-order cases involve domestic violence and that the measure could affect family disputes, property conflicts, custody battles, and other non-domestic situations. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney supported the bill, saying it would create a more uniform and efficient charging framework and that violations of court orders can be serious even when the conduct appears minor in isolation. Domestic violence advocates also supported the measure, emphasizing the need for meaningful enforcement and deterrence; one witness cited statewide data showing thousands of TRO petitions but relatively few convictions and fines. A representative from the Domestic Violence Action Center supported the bill but requested amendments to reduce unintended consequences for survivors. During discussion, the committee focused on the proposed minimum sentence, with the Domestic Violence Action Center recommending reducing it from 15 days to 5 days. The witness explained that longer minimums can create hardships such as job loss, housing instability, and child care problems, while still allowing time for survivors to access shelter and services. The committee chair indicated support for amending the bill to reflect that recommendation. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney also clarified that the bill is intended to address violations of already-issued protective orders after judicial review, not the initial issuance of restraining orders, and said the office supports eliminating the distinction between domestic and non-domestic protective-order violations because charging decisions are often made under time pressure. Multiple individuals and organizations signed up in support, and one witness testified in opposition. No vote or final committee action was announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Program.
• to another program.
• Review and update on the CalAIM and Home and Community-Based Alternative Waiver Program.
• Aaron Levi representing On Lok PACE program, the nation's first PACE program.
• This is to implement program integrity for two skilled nursing facility programs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• budget but also support program integrity.
• integrity across DHS programs.
• But there's other programs too.
• than it is in managed care programs.
• are. outdated programs are.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then our trace program.
• Page three of the handout shows the list of programs, and page four provides a list of those programs
• The first answer is it depends on the program and what we do is take a case by case look at each program
• and those programs requirements in law.
• Now, in different programs, we've got, uh, the podiatry program, for example.

Transcript Highlights:

• came out the the teacher prep programs came out the the teacher prep programs that's<00:09:11.160
• process uh the curriculum review process uh the intervention<00:53:18.880> review<00:53:19.440
• and say well these this of the program and say well these this program<01:04:08.720> is<01:04
• really about the impact of the program really about the impact of the program at<01:04:25.920>
• MathCore is a great program.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Account program. Account program.
• As was noted by UNH, programs are typically on a seven-year cycle for a full review, and those results
• We currently do have a process in place to do program reviews, which we envision we would slip this into
• <01:35:42.480> reviews process in place to do program reviews process in place to do program
• . programs. programs.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Block Grant Program and the Bridge Formula Program added by the IIJA has been especially helpful in
• The other programs certainly are the safety program that I mentioned in my testimony.
• One of the challenges, too, has been in the TAP program, the Transportation Alternatives Program, to
• Another program I'm especially proud of, the Clean School Bus Program, is also in jeopardy.
• program.

Keywords: Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, IIJA, bipartisan infrastructure, funding flexibility, NEPA, environmental reviews, bureaucratic delays, federal funding, infrastructure investment

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, discussing the ongoing implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Chairman Capito highlighted the bipartisan nature of the legislation and the necessity of refining existing provisions to ensure effective delivery of transportation projects. Notable emphasis was placed on the need for flexibility in funding to address inflation impacts and delays caused by bureaucratic hurdles, especially relating to environmental reviews under NEPA. Witnesses from state transportation agencies provided valuable insights into real-world challenges faced in project execution, ultimately underscoring the importance of continuous federal support for infrastructure development. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of federal funding freezes by the previous administration, which have reportedly hindered several ongoing and planned projects. This issue raised significant concern among committee members, who urged the need for reliable funding and the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that could cause delays in project implementation. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the members to work collaboratively to overcome these challenges and ensure a smooth path forward for critical infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Partners Legacy Program.
• Partners Legacy Program.
• Partners Legacy Program.
• programs that they receive funding for. programs that they receive funding for.
• So, Hennepin County has an easement program. Dakota County has an easement program.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Do I items selected for further review.
• <00:03:25.280> um those uh accepted contracts reviewed um those uh accepted contracts reviewed
• <00:36:51.280> from robust dual enrollment program from robust dual enrollment program from
• So yes, to your enrollment program.
• I'm the program administrator for Ridesmart Kentucky, the motorcycle rider education program.

Keywords: This meeting will take place Upon Adjournment of both Chambers. An exact time is not given or known at this time., 958, all

Summary: The Government Contracts Committee met for its first 2026 meeting, approved the December 9 minutes, and reviewed 337 contracts totaling about $71.8 million. After a motion to consider the routine contract lists without objection passed, the committee pulled several items for discussion, including contracts from the Council on Postsecondary Education, the Department of Highways, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission, and Kentucky State University. Most items were ultimately approved by roll call votes. For the Council on Postsecondary Education item, members discussed why the contract was not handled through the usual Finance Cabinet bidding process. Staff explained it stemmed from House Bill 200 and the healthcare workforce incentive fund, which uses a separate competitive award process and steering committee under different statutory standards. The committee accepted that explanation and approved the contract. Department of Highways staff then explained the difference between scour assessments, which evaluate erosion and foundation risk around bridge piers, and load ratings, which assess the bridge structure itself. Members also questioned a larger engineering contract increase; staff said it reflected progression from preliminary engineering to final design on a phased project and estimated the funding split at roughly 80% federal and 20% state. Those highway contracts were approved. The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission presented a legal services contract. Officials said the new corporation had identified legal needs, issued an RFP, and awarded four firms to create a pool of counsel to avoid conflicts as the agency now licenses racing, sports betting, and charitable gaming. They also said an emergency contract was needed after a temporary restraining order was issued in litigation involving charitable gaming machines and alleged losses to charities. The committee asked about the litigation and the affected organizations, and the contract was approved. Kentucky State University then defended a marketing/enrollment contract despite financial concerns, saying the work was intended to raise awareness of the university, improve enrollment, and support financial stability. University officials also said they were tightening student payment enforcement and collection practices, including payment plans and holding students accountable for balances. That contract was also approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:27.600> would uh long-term sustainable program would uh long-term sustainable program
• Uh, has the department conducted an actual study in another program or existing program or proposed program
• proposed<00:24:19.120> program<00:24:19.679> in existing program or proposed program
• have a paid family leave program, right? have a paid family leave program, right?
• <00:31:21.440> However, since it is their program. However, since it is their program.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 106L and the conduct review committee. 106L and the conduct review committee.
• Uh, the retiree health program, which is a benefit program, is $31.8 million.
• many incidents that we review.
• <03:22:01.359> By registration plan programs. By registration plan programs.
• . that program.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They actually met with the parents to try to mediate a visitation program.
• The guidelines are an Excel program, a wonderful Excel program that's split between the percentages of
• Is there a web portal where parents could go in and review it and look this up?
• The chart into the Excel program.
• Appreciate you all being here and meeting that and having those reviews.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think they have a great program.
• We have funded a lot of different programs for them.
• The safety plan was not reviewed.
• Nine of them were finishing the program, and 4 were identified to have completed the program.
• critical review is sent up to me for my review.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:28.400> the EPA and DOH will together review the EPA and DOH will together review the
• The Navy has completed and EPA has reviewed their asset management program and emergency response plan
• To be completed is an initial flushing program and a unidirectional flushing program, and a plan
• connection control program. connection control program.
• The current reviewing that report.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Special Committee on Red Hill received an update from the Hawaii Department of Health and EPA Region 9 on regulatory oversight of the Red Hill facility, the Navy drinking water system, and ongoing environmental investigation and cleanup. The agencies reviewed the authorities governing the work, including DOH’s emergency orders, EPA’s 2023 administrative consent order, and the older 2015 agreement, and explained that the newer framework is being used for most current oversight because it includes closure, remediation, drinking water protections, and stronger community engagement requirements, even though some requirements overlap. EPA and DOH reported major milestones and current work. Defueling was completed in March 2024, with about 104 million gallons removed, and the agencies said this eliminated the risk of another catastrophic release. They described the current tank-closure phase, expected to finish in July 2029, along with site assessment, site investigation, remediation, and long-term monitoring that may continue through at least 2040. They also summarized drinking water actions: emergency response flushing and sampling after the 2021 spill, lifting of the public health advisory in 2022, completion of extended drinking water monitoring in 2025, and ongoing system improvements such as repairs, flushing plans, valve work, complaint-response protocols, and upgrades to storage tanks and pumps. Members asked several questions about monitoring results, the meaning of TPH, the status of the 2015 agreement, and the Navy’s groundwater model. EPA said its sampling and the Navy’s results were in alignment during extended monitoring, and that it plans to issue a summary report covering the full response period. On the groundwater model, EPA and DOH said they have not yet approved it for decision-making, are reviewing it iteratively with outside experts and University of Hawaii data, and may approve it for specific uses in the future. DOH said its latest comment letter states the model cannot yet be used for decision-making purposes, and noted that UH’s separate modeling work is contingent on funding and may not be completed until next spring. The agencies also said they continue community outreach through open houses, webinars, neighborhood boards, legislative hearings, and fuel tank advisory committee meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Why are we getting rid of the Victim and Witness Protection Review Committee?
• H.B. 1095, Criminal Offender Substance Abuse Pilot Program, by Rep. Koster.
• , and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will manage the program.
• and the Civil Culture Disaster Recovery Grant Program.
• Rehabilitation does work when they can get the programs.

Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections, and local government bills. Early measures included HB 743 on social media use by minors, which would require platforms to provide access to parents and law enforcement with a warrant; PCS for HB 1049 on protection of court officials; PCS for HB 491 restricting warrantless government use of AI cameras to detect concealed firearms; and HB 1053, an FDLE agency bill that removed obsolete provisions, renamed a program, combined reports, expanded security-related definitions, and added support for retired police dogs. All of those bills were reported favorably, with HB 1053 adopted as amended after some questions about eliminating the Victim and Witness Protection Review Committee and related reporting changes. The committee also approved HB 4075, a Leon County local bill capping reimbursement for inmate medical transport and care at Medicare-based rates, and HB 1095, a Hillsborough County pilot program for probationers with substance-abuse conditions that uses frequent testing and short jail sanctions for violations; both were reported favorably as amended. Several bills focused on law enforcement and public safety. HB 1129 clarified that victims’ identifying information, including names, is protected from public release under Marsy’s Law, and its amendment added a 72-hour confidentiality period for law enforcement officers involved in critical incidents, with possible extension if safety concerns remain; the bill passed favorably as amended. PCS for HB 1371 addressed a range of protections and tools for law enforcement and first responders, including limits on vehicle kill switches, funding for critical infrastructure mapping, a 25-year minimum for attempted first-degree murder of specified justice personnel, and procedures after exposure to bodily fluids; it was reported favorably. HB 857 increased penalties for assault or battery on utility workers and was also approved. HB 317 required written, sworn complaints against law enforcement and correctional officers, imposed penalties for false complaints, and limited the use of unsubstantiated investigations in personnel files; it passed despite opposition from some law enforcement groups and support from others. The committee spent substantial time on HB 903, a corrections bill that would tighten inmate complaint procedures, authorize tracking of inmate movement, adjust execution-related provisions, streamline mental health and competency processes, and change contracting authority for prison services. Members raised concerns about costs, civil rights, and the statute of limitations, but the bill was reported favorably as amended by a 14-3 vote. HB 181 on objective parole guidelines, which would require the Commission on Offender Review to incorporate vocational, educational, and self-betterment programming and provide its statistical analysis to legislative leaders, drew strong support from criminal justice reform advocates and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved HB 1455 on repeat sexual offenders, which creates mandatory minimum sentences for subsequent specified sexual offenses and bars gain time or discretionary early release; an amendment increased one mandatory minimum from 10 to 20 years for selling or buying minors for sexually explicit conduct. Throughout the meeting, several bills drew testimony from law enforcement, industry, advocacy groups, and members of the public, with votes generally favoring the measures.