Transcript Highlights:

• And we we show high and project.
• our new projects hopefully come online. our new projects hopefully come online.
• It's about 25% more.
• :51.280> at<01:25:51.440> like<01:25:51.600> a<01:25:52.000> super<01:25:
• Um the the the what<01:25:57.840> I'm<01:25:58.000> showing<01:25:58.320> on<01:

Bills: SCR48, SCR28, SCR74, SCR62, SCR60, SCR89, SCR147, SCR179, SCR182, SCR59, SCR54, SCR180

Keywords: affordable housing, housing credits, perpetual credits, development, Hawaii Housing Finance, Vietnam veterans, commemorative medal, recognition, working group, Hawaii, no-bid contracts, emergency procurement, audit, state agencies, public funds, accountability, emergency response, disability access, 911 systems, life-saving measures

Transcript Highlights:

• We do<01:25:12.000> you<01:25:12.080> know<01:25:12.320> health<01:25:12.480>
• >> Um<01:25:16.239> and<01:25:16.480> making<01:25:17.120> a<01:25:17.440>
• So,<01:25:38.239> I<01:25:38.480> do<01:25:38.639> I<01:25:38.960> do<01:
• 25:39.199> think<01:25:39.440> that<01:25:39.760> there<01:25:40.000> are
• <01:25:48.400> And<01:25:48.560> so,<01:25:48.719> I<01:25:48.800> I

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 25:03.399> that<00:25:03.720> a<00:25:03.919> co-op<00:25:04.520> you<00:
• /c><00:25:07.880> incentives<00:25:08.480> you<00:25:08.600> know<00:25:08.840><
• 12.600> this<01:25:12.760> data<01:25:12.960> will<01:25:13.119> be<01:25
• of<01:25:16.600> the<01:25:16.719> steps<01:25:17.159> themselves<01:25:
• > or<01:25:19.920> is<01:25:20.000> that<01:25:20.119> not<01:25:20.239><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on March 19, 2025, and first heard SB 137 SD2 HD1 relating to electric utilities. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the Public Utilities Commission said they stood on their written comments, IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill, and Ulupono Initiative also supported it. Hawaiian Electric supported the intent but asked for an amendment, saying the bill’s definition of “acquiring entity” was too broad and could unintentionally cover purely local utility transactions. A later witness from Life of the Land supported the bill only if the merger/acquisition language were removed, arguing the PUC would not have a workable mechanism to let a cooperative intervene in a utility sale process. Committee members questioned whether the bill could still work without that section, and Ulupono said it was open to clarifying language but did not seek to remove the provision; the discussion ended without a vote in the excerpt provided. The committee then took up SB 1220 SD2 relating to a renewable gas tariff. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC again stood on written comments. HGas strongly supported the measure, saying it would create a faster, more cost-effective path for a voluntary renewable gas tariff without requiring a full rate case, while preserving PUC oversight and consumer protections. The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas also supported the bill, emphasizing that it would expand consumer choice and help Hawaii’s clean energy goals while keeping the program voluntary and shielding non-participating customers from costs. Henry Curtis of Life of the Land opposed the bill, arguing that HGas already had an active rate case and could have raised the issue there, and that the proposal did not increase renewable gas supply or speed up acquisition; he called it a gimmick. In response, HGas said the bill was mainly a mechanism to speed filing and that the details would be worked out in a PUC docket. Committee members pressed HGas on whether the measure would actually add renewable gas, what source would be used, and whether customers would simply be paying more for the same gas; HGas said it had two projects in development, including banagrass and hydrogen-related work, and that the tariff would be a voluntary opt-in rate for customers seeking renewable natural gas to meet sustainability goals. No vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, Deputy<00:25:00.480> Commissioner<00:25:00.880> Vel<00:25:01.360> has<00:25:
• absolutely<00:25:16.559> um<00:25:17.039> Ashley<00:25:17.520> has<00:25:17.760
• :25:19.200> and<00:25:19.440> share<00:25:19.679> those<00:25:20.000> things<
• > tell<00:25:46.720> if<00:25:46.960> you<00:25:47.039> want<00:25:47.120
• <00:25:48.240> Um,<00:25:49.360> yeah,<00:25:49.679> thank<00:25:49.840>

Bills: HF3580, HF3566

Keywords: agriculture, livestock, depredation, crop damage, wolf compensation, elk damage, state funding, agricultural protection, trespass, criminal penalties, farm equipment, agricultural land, 1183, house

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the previous meeting and then heard from Minnesota FFA officers, who described FFA as a student-led agricultural education organization focused on leadership, personal growth, and career success. The students explained the three-part model of agricultural education, the size and reach of FFA in Minnesota, and upcoming events at the Capitol, including an agricultural policy experience conference and FFA Day at the Capitol. Members asked about FFA’s role in encouraging the next generation of farmers, the organization’s broader focus beyond farming to include wildlife and other natural resources careers, and the mix of rural, metro, and urban chapters. The students emphasized that FFA and agricultural educators help students discover career paths and that urban chapters are active and thriving alongside rural ones. The committee then received a presentation from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on the Agri program. The department described Agri as a legislature-created program that uses producer-payment funds to support roughly 15 grant and cost-share programs, including newer efforts such as Protect and Prepare. Testimony stressed transparency and fraud prevention: Agri is reimbursement-based, requires detailed documentation, conducts site visits on grants over $25,000, and has identified and stopped more than a dozen fraudulent applications in the past year. The department also noted a prior legislative auditor review of two larger Agri programs and said only about one-tenth of 1% of reviewed expenditures were recommended for recovery. The department highlighted the Make It Minnesota cost-share program, which helps Minnesota food and agriculture companies attend national trade shows such as Natural Products Expo West. Testifiers then described how Agri has supported their businesses: Mark Schiller of Lon Liquor in Northfield said the program helped his microdistillery expand into milling organic flour and adding food service, while Pete Gangler of Snowpack Foods in Caledonia said Agri grants supported food safety improvements, processing capacity, and a new freezer warehouse project. The department said additional grantees would testify as well, and members asked whether the department’s fraud-prevention practices could be shared with other state agencies; staff said they already are being shared through interagency best-practice efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a little bit about the Semilla project and the project for next year And this is what we are
• But thank you again, and to the Asimio Project.
• And so, this is an ongoing project.
• Only at 25% of our capacity.
• right now, no, we're only running at 25% capacity, 25% capacity, at 25% capacity.

Transcript Highlights:

• :37.559> um<00:25:37.960> that<00:25:38.279> that<00:25:38.720> uh<00:25:
• wiggle room<00:25:41.679> as<00:25:41.799> far<00:25:41.960> as<00:25:42.440>
• > um<00:25:43.360> uh<00:25:43.960> exposure<00:25:44.480> to<00:25:45.200><
• :25:49.120> operating<00:25:49.640> expenses<00:25:50.080> and<00:25:50.240>
• :25:12.359> we<02:25:12.479> still<02:25:12.720> get<02:25:12.960> a<02:25

Bills: HF2432

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:25:15.920> and<00:25:16.040> I<00:25:16.120> think<00:25:16.400> that
• c><00:25:16.720> we<00:25:17.120> as<00:25:17.400> as<00:25:17.600> a<00:
• <00:25:26.880> as<00:25:27.080> I<00:25:27.160> was<00:25:27.360> doing
• <00:25:35.080> services<00:25:35.520> and<00:25:35.600> I<00:25:35.640> could
• Um<00:25:37.720> I<00:25:37.880> asked<00:25:38.160> a<00:25:38.200> couple

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity met and first heard a presentation from Johnny Cole III, president and CEO of the African American Forum in Lexington. Cole described the organization’s 30-plus year history, its signature events and programs, and its mission to promote African American arts, culture, education, and community development. He said the group has reached more than 60,000 people through events and more than 90,000 students through its arts partnership work, and estimated its programs have generated about $4.5 million in local economic impact. He also outlined a proposed legacy project in Lexington’s First Council District that would include a facility, culinary kitchen, food court, mobile truck, and expanded communications and internship opportunities, and said the organization was seeking a $3 million state request to help purchase a building and expand its mission. The committee then discussed a juvenile justice funding proposal presented by Senator Catoria Herring. Herring said the bill would create a juvenile justice fund for prevention, early intervention, alternatives to detention, re-entry, and wraparound services, with money coming from state appropriations, gifts, grants, and federal funds. She said the proposal was based on her experience in juvenile justice and on concerns that the state has invested heavily in detention facilities but not enough in upstream services. She cited recent facility spending and said the bill would seek $9 million. Members asked how the fund would work, who could apply, and how it would be overseen; Herring said she envisioned a grant program open to local governments, law enforcement, nonprofits, and school districts, with reporting requirements and oversight through the juvenile justice system. No vote was taken, and the discussion ended with general support and a suggestion to adjust the request amount to a round $9 million figure.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:25:12.080> time<01:25:12.159> it<01:25:12.400> gets<01:25:12.560> to<
• Um, and<01:25:22.239> by<01:25:22.480> that<01:25:22.800> time<01:25:23.360>
• I<01:25:36.320> believe<01:25:36.560> we<01:25:37.600> said<01:25:37.760
• support<01:25:41.040> that<01:25:41.360> as<01:25:41.600> a<01:25:41.920>
• >> The<01:25:45.920> the<01:25:46.080> the<01:25:47.120> law,<01:25:47.760

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1790 HD1, which would require law enforcement and oversight agencies to collect and report data on stops, use of force, and complaints to the Hawaii Crime Lab, which would publish incident-level information and annual reports. Supporters, including the Office of the Public Defender, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ACLU of Hawaii, Hawaii Justice Rising, and the Policing Project, said the bill would improve transparency, help identify disparities, and support better policy and accountability. OHA requested amendments to ensure Hawaiians are identified as a distinct category in the data, and the University of Hawaii’s Ashley Rubin said the Crime Lab would work with agencies to make implementation as seamless as possible. The Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill’s intent but asked for a longer timeline and culturally appropriate methodology, while HPD opposed the bill as written, saying it would require too many new data points, create a significant administrative burden, and rely on subjective perceptions of race and ethnicity; HPD also noted it is piloting an e-citation system that could help with data collection. Committee members questioned HPD about current manual processes and technology options. The chair reported 18 testimonies total: 15 in support, one in opposition, and two with comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1611 HD1, which would phase down the general excise tax on groceries and nonprescription drugs until a full exemption takes effect in 2034. The Department of Taxation offered technical recommendations, including clearer definitions for groceries and nonprescription drugs and a technical change regarding the county surcharge exemption. Supporters, including the Hawaii Public Health Institute and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, argued the GET on groceries is regressive and worsens food insecurity, especially for low-income households, and said the bill would provide needed relief. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered technical concerns, including a possible wholesale-tax enforcement issue once the exemption is fully phased in. The excerpt ends during testimony on HB 1611, with no final committee action shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I<01:25:21.360> can't<01:25:21.680> see<01:25:21.800> you<01:25:21.920> all
• Um Chair Fateh,<01:25:23.920> would<01:25:24.040> you<01:25:24.080> mind<01:25:24.280
• Uh yes, and folks<01:25:27.480> also<01:25:27.720> have<01:25:27.840> the<01:25:
• Um<01:25:32.560> so,<01:25:32.920> College<01:25:33.240> Possible,<01:25:33.760>
• <01:25:35.440> Many<01:25:35.640> of<01:25:35.760> you<01:25:35.840> know

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:34.000> It<00:25:34.240> was<00:25:34.400> just<00:25:35.039> we
• <00:25:36.559> You<00:25:36.720> may<00:25:36.960> not<00:25:37.120> cut<
• <00:25:37.919> You<00:25:38.000> may<00:25:38.159> cut<00:25:38.320> it
• <00:25:40.240> money<00:25:40.720> at<00:25:40.960> that<00:25:41.279> time
• the<00:25:42.480> tree<00:25:42.720> is<00:25:42.880> cut.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting opened with roll call and approval of the prior minutes, including a requested correction to Thomas Han’s statement about a Granite State Division of the Society of American Foresters subcommittee studying the timber yield tax and current use forest land tax assessment formula. The correction was adopted, and the minutes were then approved as amended. The main agenda item was a hearing of landowners on forest taxation and carbon credits. Several scheduled speakers canceled, so the committee received a letter from Ross Karen, a Coos County landowner and forester, who opposed carbon credit sales because of “leakage” and argued that diverse local markets and productive forests are better than carbon sales. Aean Kelly of White Mountain Lumber and the Randolph Town Forest also testified, saying many Coos County landowners and forest managers have declined carbon credit offers because they do not fit New Hampshire’s working-forest tradition. He argued that carbon agreements should be treated on a level playing field with traditional harvesting and that, if they are to be encouraged, they should face a fiscal adjustment comparable to the timber tax. Kelly also gave a detailed history of the timber tax, explaining that it was created in 1948 to replace uneven local property taxation on standing timber, discourage clearcutting, and stabilize the tax base while preserving working forests. He said the tax was intended to be collected when timber is harvested, not to stop logging, and that a later commission found the 10% rate roughly matched the revenue towns lost. In response to questions, he said pre-1948 assessments varied widely by town and tax collector, and that carbon projects today are already being valued by sophisticated models, so he believes carbon should be included in the assessment system. He also said short-term carbon agreements may simply monetize existing forest value, while 100-year agreements raise enforceability concerns. No votes or other formal actions were taken beyond approving the amended minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any<00:25:28.559> questions<00:25:29.120> about<00:25:29.840> that<00:25:30.159>
• We're<00:25:34.159> with<00:25:34.320> you<00:25:34.559> so<00:25:34.799>
• translating<00:25:41.919> this<00:25:42.240> all<00:25:42.400> this<00:25:42.640
• Um<00:25:54.240> so<00:25:54.480> the<00:25:54.799> next<00:25:55.440> scenario
• :25:43.360> thanks<01:25:43.600> to<01:25:43.760> them<01:25:44.000> for

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have trailer bill language for the Delta Conveyance Project.
• Hazardous Waste Control Account in 25-26 and ongoing.
• And $1.7 million from the Toxic Substances Control Account in 25-26.
• do on behalf of the state water project.
• Sustainable Transportation Equity Project.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, he took<00:25:40.440> some<00:25:40.600> liberties<00:25:41.000> in<00:25:41.080
• Buried<00:25:46.280> in<00:25:46.360> that<00:25:46.600> song<00:25:47.000> is
• The<00:25:52.120> movement<00:25:52.520> you<00:25:52.640> need<00:25:52.840>
• It's<00:25:55.240> the<00:25:55.320> same<00:25:55.560> slogan<00:25:55.880>
• <00:25:57.360> end<00:25:57.480> of<00:25:57.520> that<00:25:57.720> year

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committee held a joint hearing recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and focusing on civic education, free speech, voting, and Minnesota’s America 250 commemorations. Opening remarks emphasized the importance of education, Indigenous land acknowledgement, and the idea that democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. The chair then invited student debaters from the Minnesota High School League to testify about how debate, free speech, and evidence-based reasoning have shaped their education and civic participation. The students argued that debate teaches critical thinking, helps young people engage with difficult issues, and should be protected as part of a healthy democracy; one also urged lawmakers to move beyond empty promises and take action on issues such as eviction moratoriums, ICE collaboration, and protest protections. Commissioner Willie Jett of the Minnesota Department of Education testified that public education is where citizenship first becomes real, and that schools, libraries, and educators help students learn to listen, question, debate respectfully, and understand both the ideals and failures of American history. He said democracy is something each generation must learn and strengthen, and thanked the committee for convening the hearing. Former students Sarah Griffin and Charlie Crocker then offered tributes to Senator Swedzinski, describing how his teaching encouraged civic engagement, disagreement, and action, and how his classroom shaped their lives and public service. Their remarks emphasized that democracy is not a spectator sport and that ordinary people build it through small, courageous acts. Secretary of State Steve Simon followed with testimony on Minnesota’s civic culture and voter participation. He said Minnesota has long ranked near the top nationally in voter turnout, including youth turnout, and attributed that to a combination of good election laws and a strong pro-voting culture. He highlighted school-based civic education efforts such as pre-registration for 16- and 17-year-olds and the Students Vote mock election program, and noted that Minnesota’s congressional delegation was unanimous in supporting the Voting Rights Act in 1965 as an example of the state coming together on major moral questions. The Minnesota Historical Society then began its presentation on America 250, with Kent Whitworth describing the organization’s role, the new edition of the Northern Lights curriculum, and broader commemorative activities; Dr. Bill Convery introduced historical context about how Americans have celebrated independence and how the semiquincentennial can leave a legacy for future generations.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:02.200> Um<00:25:02.680> I<00:25:02.800> would<00:25:03.160> not
• Um I would not have considered<00:25:05.440> University<00:25:05.880> of<00:25:05.920><
• considered University of Alabama if it was<00:25:07.280> not<00:25:07.720> a<00:25:07.800
• >> But<00:25:09.840> that<00:25:10.240> I'm<00:25:10.480> I >> But that, I'm—I
• some things on projections. some things on projections.

Bills: HB151, HB152, HB138, SB221, SB190, SB69, SB225, SB272

Keywords: fire chaplains, distinctive license plate, firefighter, volunteer service, criminal penalties, sales tax exemption, baby supplies, baby formula, maternity clothing, menstrual hygiene products, pregnancy, pregnant defendant, incarceration, jail intake, pregnancy test, bail, pre-incarceration probation, supervised probation, electronic monitoring, electronic supervision

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we are<00:25:26.880> here<00:25:27.600> uh<00:25:27.760> in<00:25:28.080>
• support<00:25:28.480> of<00:25:29.039> this<00:25:29.279> bill<00:25:29.600
• :25:32.240> um<00:25:32.400> that<00:25:32.640> we<00:25:32.880> just um
• <00:25:38.080> Um<00:25:38.400> we<00:25:38.640> feel<00:25:38.799> that<
• :25:49.040> if<02:25:49.200> you<02:25:49.439> want<02:25:49.520> to<02:25

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, 25% of the overall projected project cost. think that um that option is always think that um
• I mean, 25% of the overall projected project cost.
• I mean, 25% of the overall projected project cost.
• I mean, 25% of the overall projected project cost.
• of the overall dollars I mean 25% of the overall projected<00:48:49.720> project<00:48:50.079

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational briefing on construction defects and operational problems at the newly opened Hawaii State Hospital Halola building, a $160 million facility with 144 beds for forensic patients. Department of Health and DAGS officials described ongoing issues identified before and after occupancy in April 2022, including anti-ligature safety defects, roof and building-envelope leaks, drainage problems, plumbing failures, HVAC corrosion and moisture-control issues, mold, and corroding materials. They said the problems have affected patient areas, showers, hallways, the gym, and other parts of the building, creating daily operational and safety challenges for staff and patients. Officials said the state believes the defects are the responsibility of the design-builder, Hensel Phelps, but that they are working with the company and its subcontractors to address the problems while preserving the state’s legal position. The Attorney General’s office said it is conducting an inquiry and asked agencies to limit comments to factual matters. Witnesses explained that some defects appear to be latent and that repairs are being documented through photos, invoices, and testimony. They also said some work is being done by Hensel Phelps and some by other contractors, with efforts to preserve evidence for possible future claims. Committee members questioned how the defects were missed during design-build inspection, whether the state should pursue litigation sooner, and how evidence would be preserved if outside contractors make repairs. Officials said the state has two funding requests pending: about $8 million for emergency repairs and about $28.8 million for longer-term repairs, for a total near $40 million, while noting that additional defects may still be discovered. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. uh<02:25:32.960> the<02:25:33.200> judiciary<02:25:33.920> with<02:25
• > the<03:25:04.720> state<03:25:04.880> is<03:25:05.040> not<03:25:05.200
• <03:25:26.239> rental<03:25:26.640> operators<03:25:27.200> may<03:25:27.359
• An<03:25:52.640> analysis<03:25:53.120> of<03:25:53.279> federal<03:25:53.520>
• 25:54.880> of<03:25:55.279> first<03:25:55.439> half<03:25:55.600> of<03:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2021, a transportation measure creating a framework for electric bicycle and micromobility regulation. The bill would define electric bicycle and electric micromobility device, set age and helmet rules, restrict class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks, allow limited sidewalk use for class 1 and 2 bikes, prohibit high-speed electric devices and certain nonconforming devices in specified locations, update county tax definitions, and change related terminology. Testimony was largely supportive from DOT, police, Honolulu officials, Hawaii Bicycling League, AAA Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and several individuals, while DCCA’s Insurance Division asked for clarity on whether insurance would be required. Committee discussion focused on safety, enforcement, and the fact that no insurance market currently exists for these e-bike classes; members also discussed the need to target bad actors rather than ordinary riders. The chair then proposed and the committee adopted amendments to HB 2021, including clarifying that road-legal, permitted, classified electric bicycles are not subject to insurance requirements at this time; allowing properly classified electric bicycles on sidewalks at 10 mph or less subject to county restrictions; barring high-speed electric devices and other nonconforming devices from public roadways; authorizing impoundment of non-road-legal or improperly registered devices; and requiring direct parental supervision for riders under 16 on class 2 or 3 e-bikes. The committee also made technical and effective-date changes. The recommendation to pass HB 2021 with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present. The committee next took up HB 1641, a related transportation bill addressing high-speed electric devices. The chair explained that the measure would prohibit the sale, lease, rental, distribution, possession, or operation of high-speed electric devices and establish penalties, but the committee’s version would narrow the focus to devices covered by HB 2021. The amended bill would prohibit offering high-speed electric devices for lease or rent, require sellers to comply with the new regulatory framework, ban operation on bicycle lanes, highways, roadways, and streets, and set a civil penalty of $250 to $1,000 per violation. After no further questions, the committee voted to pass HB 1641 with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then moved to HB 1709, which would transfer regulation of the Hawaii Water Carrier Act from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation and make conforming changes with an appropriation. DOT testified in support, while the PUC and DCCA’s Consumer Advocacy Division raised concerns about preserving consumer protections and the complexity of moving the regulatory framework. Young Brothers supported the bill and said the current system is outdated, but the discussion remained ongoing; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1709 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:04.720> If<00:25:04.960> not,<00:25:05.279> do<00:25:05.520> we<00
• <00:25:10.320> Senator<00:25:10.720> AA,<00:25:11.279> Senator<00:25:11.679>
• <00:25:29.440> If<00:25:29.600> not,<00:25:29.919> do<00:25:30.080> we<00
• <00:25:34.559> Senator<00:25:35.039> AA<00:25:36.480> 24<00:25:36.960> eyes
• <00:25:38.480> HB<00:25:38.960> 1098<00:25:39.679> SD1<00:25:40.320> passes

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• important work<00:25:04.159> all<00:25:04.360> of<00:25:04.520> these<00:25:04.720
• work to do but<00:25:24.840> we<00:25:24.960> could<00:25:25.159> rightly<00:25:
• :44.080> all<00:25:44.320> of<00:25:44.440> them<00:25:44.640> have<00:25
• 50.320> to<00:25:50.480> help<00:25:50.720> them<00:25:50.919> heal<00:25
• > yes<00:25:56.480> it<00:25:56.640> started<00:25:56.960> with<00:25:57.120

Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:25:03.600> There<00:25:03.840> is<00:25:04.000> a<00:25:04.240> SNAP<
• 00:25:16.720> to<00:25:16.880> just<00:25:17.039> try<00:25:17.200> to<00
• 25:37.120> a<00:25:37.279> lot<00:25:37.360> of<00:25:37.440> our<00:25:37.679
• I<00:25:43.279> want<00:25:43.440> to<00:25:43.520> be<00:25:43.679> very
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Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 1:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2189, described as a transfer bill that brings forward code sections tied to the various funds used to compose the budget. With no questions, the committee adopted a title sufficient do pass motion and reported the bill. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2190, which would raise Mississippi’s rainy day fund cap from 10% to 15% of general fund revenue. The chair explained that the change would gradually build the reserve over time to a little over $1 billion, and clarified in response to questions that the figure did not include money being used for PERS or capex. The bill received a title sufficient do pass recommendation. Next, Senate Bill 2717 was presented as a modernization of the My Kids youth court information system, which was described as 35 to 40 years old and antiquated. Senator Wiggins said the bill follows an audit and would support an $8 million replacement effort, with a three-year implementation and training period, and that the new system would be cloud-based and allow better data sharing among youth court-related agencies while preserving county-level protections. Senators raised concerns about prior ARPA funding, disclosure of youth court records, and the effect of a repealer in current law; Wiggins and others said related disclosure issues were being addressed in separate Judiciary A bills. The committee then voted title sufficient do pass. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 2896, a DPS-requested measure tied to pay increases for highway patrol, Bureau of Narcotics, and Bureau of Investigation personnel, with the chair saying the proposal would keep the bill alive through a reverse repealer in the committee substitute. Finally, the committee considered companion bills Senate Bills 2898 and 2924 to provide $20 million to MEMA’s Disaster Assistance Trust Fund in response to the recent ice storm and to cover state disaster expenses. Members discussed federal disaster reimbursement rules, the distinction between individual assistance and public assistance, insurance requirements, and the need for local governments to document eligible expenses. Both bills were adopted by title sufficient do pass, and the committee also passed Senate Bill 2917, which changes Mississippi Valley State University’s request from a new residence hall to repair and renovation of existing residence halls. The chair then set remaining bills aside for a later meeting and the committee rose and reported.