Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:02.279> under<00:11:02.480> the<00:11:02.560> roll<00:11:02.839> call<
• <00:11:03.600> with<00:11:03.839> and<00:11:03.959> that<00:11:04.079> the
• absent<00:11:06.160> members<00:11:06.880> on<00:11:07.120> that<00:11:07.320
• 11:09.680> all<00:11:09.880> those<00:11:10.120> opposed<00:11:10.440> say
• no the<00:11:11.639> motion<00:11:12.000> prevails<00:11:12.600> Senator<00:11:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened under call, established a quorum, and adopted the committee reports. It then moved through second reading of Senate File 334 and first readings/referrals of Senate Files 645, 684, and 700, with SF 645 sent to State and Local Government and SFs 684 and 700 sent to Health and Human Services. The chamber also approved a motion to withdraw Senate File 567 from State and Local Government and re-refer it to Elections. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 5 and Senate Resolution 6, both recognizing Senate employees for years of dedicated service, including a specific recognition of David Jorgenson. The most significant floor action was a motion by Senator Rasmusson to expel Senator Nicole Mitchell and declare her seat vacant. Senator Rasmusson argued that Mitchell’s pending felony burglary case and delay of her trial justified expulsion; Senator Frentz opposed the motion, arguing the Senate should wait for the criminal process and that due process requirements had not been met. After a point of order and appeal, the President ruled the Frentz point of order well taken, and the Senate upheld that ruling by a 33-33 vote. The meeting also included several recesses and procedural calls of the Senate while the expulsion issue was debated. During announcements, members noted committee schedule changes, including cancellations or postponements for Energy and Jobs, and meetings for Judiciary, Policy, and Human Services. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, January 30th at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:07.840> requirement<01:11:08.520> that<01:11:08.640> it<01:11:08.720>
• :50.600> old<01:11:50.800> system<01:11:51.320> and<01:11:51.480> so<01:11
• <02:11:01.600> of<02:11:01.720> the<02:11:02.080> of<02:11:02.200> the
• :11:41.240> the<02:11:41.320> surety<02:11:41.640> bond<02:11:41.960> thing.
• 11:46.720> a<02:11:46.800> surety<02:11:47.120> bond<02:11:47.440> now.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:11:07.519> this<00:11:07.920> is<00:11:08.160> what<00:11:08.399>
• And<00:11:36.720> Senator<00:11:36.959> Wheeler,<00:11:37.360> I<00:11:37.440>
• :11:38.880> we<00:11:39.040> can<00:11:39.120> get<00:11:39.279> you<00:11
• c> if<00:11:40.560> you'd<00:11:40.720> like<00:11:40.880> to<00:11:40.959><
• And<00:11:41.519> and<00:11:42.640> um<00:11:43.760> I<00:11:44.000> would

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:02 Statewide Emergency Response System Monthly Update- 00:02:23 Shock Probation: Administrative Office of the Courts-00:34:28 Shock Probation: Department of Corrections Oversight-01:04:04 Adjournment-01:12:22, 958, all

Summary: The committee received an update on Kentucky’s statewide emergency responder voice system (SERVS) and the supporting microwave network, known as KYeS. Michael Brandon Marshall, the state’s statewide interoperability coordinator, explained that the project began as a replacement for Kentucky State Police’s radio system and has expanded into a statewide public-safety trunked radio system. He reviewed work completed in phases 1 and 2, including upgrades to existing tower sites, construction of new sites, installation of generators and DC power plants, and replacement of microwave routers and stations. He said the microwave upgrade is a separate but necessary part of the project and that the remaining microwave work on existing sites is expected to be finished in 2026, with roughly 20 more sites likely to move from blue to green by the next monthly report if conditions allow. Members pressed Marshall on the pace of deployment and the lack of coverage in parts of Eastern Kentucky. Senator Thomas said the coverage map was especially unfavorable to counties from Whitley and McCreary up to Lewis County and asked when that gap would be fixed. Marshall said the eastern buildout is planned, but those areas have not yet been funded; he estimated that by the end of 2026 the areas around Posts 14, 8, and 11 should be live, while other eastern post areas would remain unbuilt until additional funding is provided. He said the decision to start in Western Kentucky was technical rather than political, based on terrain and the relative ease of building coverage over flatter ground. Senator Wheeler asked whether newer low-orbit satellite systems such as Starlink could reduce the need for tower construction. Marshall said satellite technology could be a useful tool, especially for outdoor or disaster-response communications, but it cannot replace terrestrial radio for public safety because responders often work indoors and need reliable penetration through buildings. He also noted that lower-frequency spectrum such as 700 MHz is better suited for that purpose. Representative Smith asked about contracting and delays; Marshall said the Finance Cabinet’s DECA manages the construction contracts, while his office helps define the scope of work and reviews whether it is adequately met. The committee indicated it will continue to receive monthly updates on the project.

Transcript Highlights:

• :41.880> and<01:11:42.000> I<01:11:42.080> would<01:11:42.240> still<01:11
• Uh,<01:11:47.520> the<01:11:47.640> shortfall<01:11:48.240> we<01:11:48.360>
• <03:11:00.840> I<03:11:00.880> mean,<03:11:01.080> there's<03:11:01.320>
• 10.160> I'd<03:11:10.520> love<03:11:10.880> to<03:11:11.200> work<03:11:
• >> Any<03:11:17.080> other<03:11:17.200> discussion<03:11:17.880> on<03:11

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened under a call, established a quorum, received the House message on Senate File 4807 concerning benefits for veterans of the secret war in Laos, and voted not to concur in the House amendments, appointing a three-member conference committee. The chamber also received a batch of House files, laid several of them on the table, and adopted committee reports and other routine motions. Senate Resolution 84 was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration, and Senator Murphy designated special orders for immediate consideration. The main floor debate centered on Senate File 4059, the supplemental finance omnibus bill. Senators described the bill as a slim, supplemental budget focused on urgent affordability needs, including $52 million for state grants in higher education, $15 million for LIHEAP, school district compensatory revenue adjustments, support for public television stations facing federal cuts, Medicaid fraud enforcement, and consumer restitution for scam victims. The Jobs article was presented first, with roughly $4.9 million in Workforce Development Fund appropriations for workforce and job-training programs, including support for rural oncologist training, homelessness-related employment programs, youth training, local news talent development, transportation-related employment assistance, and manufacturing support. Several amendments were offered and debated. Senator Farnsworth offered the A14 amendment to extend unemployment benefits for laid-off Iron Range miners, but withdrew it after being told it would unbalance the bill and after receiving a commitment to continue working on the issue in conference committee. Senator Draheim offered the A18 amendment to redirect Cookie Cart funding to rural hospital maternity training grants; after debate, the Senate rejected the amendment by a roll call vote of 32 ayes and 34 nays. The discussion emphasized competing priorities between youth workforce programs and rural health care needs. The Senate then moved into Article 1 on K-12 education, where Senator Kunesh outlined provisions including anti-grooming language, a district health insurance reporting requirement, extension of a gender-neutral bathroom grant, compensatory hold-harmless aid, operating capital flexibility, literacy aid hold harmless language, and several cost-neutral district fund transfers. Senator Nelson offered the A29 amendment to require school sports teams and participants be designated by biological sex at birth; debate on that amendment began near the end of the transcript, but no final vote was shown before the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:48.000> job<00:11:48.200> that<00:11:48.360> my<00:11:48.560> dad<
• dad had for<00:11:49.600> 33<00:11:50.120> years<00:11:50.279> at<00:11:50.639><
• 11:54.959> the<00:11:55.079> Iron<00:11:55.320> Range<00:11:55.600> to don't
• c><00:11:56.040> live<00:11:56.240> through<00:11:56.519> that<00:11:56.720>
• again because that<00:11:57.880> was<00:11:58.000> a<00:11:58.200> tough<00:11:

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 3030, the Minnesota Miners Relief Act, was presented as a response to layoffs at Cleveland-Cliffs facilities in Minorca and Hibbing, where more than 600 workers were expected to be affected. Supporters said the bill combines an extension of unemployment benefits for laid-off miners with two policy provisions: a site-specific standard intended to address long-running MPCA permitting and rulemaking issues, and standards for the safe storage of reactive mine waste. Speakers argued the package would provide immediate relief while also creating more certainty for future mining jobs and critical minerals development on the Iron Range. The event featured remarks from Representatives Spencer Igo and Cal Warwas, St. Louis County Commissioner Mike Jugovich, Senator Rob Farnsworth, and union and mine representatives, all of whom emphasized the personal and community impact of the layoffs. They described the potential ripple effects on suppliers, local businesses, young workers, and public revenues, and said the bill was about livelihoods rather than politics. Several speakers stressed that the policy provisions were meant to provide clearer, safer standards rather than weaken environmental protections, and they urged bipartisan cooperation to preserve mining jobs and support the region’s long-term future. In response to questions, Igo said the bill had strong bipartisan support for the UI extension and that the policy provisions should not threaten its chances. He said the UI portion was about three pages of the six-page bill and estimated the cost to the UI trust fund at between $1 million and $12 million. He also said the other provisions would require only modest statutory changes. The bill had been heard in the labor committee and was laid over for possible inclusion or further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:21.519> it<00:11:21.839> I<00:11:21.920> can't<00:11:22.079> remember<
• /c><00:11:22.399> if<00:11:22.519> it<00:11:22.600> it's<00:11:22.839> by
• > or<00:11:24.000> bium<00:11:25.000> and<00:11:25.399> between<00:11:25.760
• c><00:11:27.279> status<00:11:27.639> is<00:11:27.800> for<00:11:28.279> this
• 11:33.240> uh<00:11:33.800> uh<00:11:33.959> the<00:11:34.040> chair<00:11

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And<00:11:18.160> just<00:11:18.399> one<00:11:18.720> final<00:11:19.200> note
• /c><00:11:26.640> chairs<00:11:27.279> House<00:11:27.600> Health<00:11:27.920><
• > and<00:11:39.279> might<00:11:40.079> also<00:11:40.640> be<00:11:41.440
• :45.920> that<00:11:46.160> was<00:11:46.240> his<00:11:46.480> job<00:11
• <00:11:52.320> I<00:11:52.560> guess<00:11:52.720> the<00:11:53.120> the<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Legislative Performance Audit and Oversight Committee met to accept prior minutes and receive updates on ongoing audits. Audit staff reported progress on three education-related reviews: special education (34 of 71 observations completed, draft expected in the second quarter and final in the summer), education freedom accounts (22 of 41 observations completed, draft expected in the second quarter and final in the summer), and the doorway program (5 of 13 observations completed, draft expected by the end of February and final by April or May). No committee questions were raised on the audit status update. The committee then discussed possible future oversight topics, beginning with SNAP and concerns about fraud and work requirements. Members suggested inviting DHS officials and contract administrators to explain program operations and compliance, and also discussed whether the Department of Justice Medicaid fraud unit or other experienced officials could provide useful context. Members noted New Hampshire’s existing oversight layers, including the Executive Council and the joint HHS oversight committee, while also expressing interest in hearing more directly from department staff about staffing and contract management capacity. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on whether to pursue an audit of special education at the local school level. Members debated whether to wait for the ongoing statewide special education review and a legislative study commission report, or to begin scoping a local audit now so work could start sooner. Supporters argued that local-level spending, identification rates, and effectiveness vary widely by district and that an audit should examine both costs and outcomes; others cautioned that the scope would need to be manageable given limited audit staff and that the statewide report may help narrow the focus. The committee also briefly discussed a potential audit of the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, but no decision was made on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:34.399> here,<00:11:35.360> Miss<00:11:35.600> Poy, Mr.
• <00:11:39.600> Miss<00:11:39.920> Reyes<00:11:40.240> Oda Mr.
• Miss<00:11:56.640> Takowuchi<00:11:57.760> here.<00:11:58.640> Mr.
• on<01:11:28.880> April<01:11:29.199> 1st<01:11:29.520> from<01:11:29.679
• <01:11:43.199> And<01:11:43.360> to<01:11:43.600> quote<01:11:43.840> from

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:11:01.440> chairman<00:11:02.399> Canon<00:11:03.399> members<00:11:04.000>
• Mental<00:11:09.720> Illness<00:11:10.720> um<00:11:10.920> given<00:11:
• /c><00:11:14.800> this<00:11:14.959> re<00:11:15.120> referred<00:11:15.440>
• <00:11:19.399> in<00:11:19.519> our<00:11:19.680> testimony<00:11:20.240>
• I will<00:11:20.760> let<00:11:20.920> you<00:11:21.120> read<00:11:21.480>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:20.040> lives<00:11:20.640> on<00:11:20.880> the<00:11:21.000> line
• Because<00:11:24.839> of<00:11:24.960> their<00:11:25.080> bravery<00:11:25.800>
• Dozens<00:11:41.600> and<00:11:41.800> dozens<00:11:42.360> of<00:11:42.520>
• To<00:11:47.000> the<00:11:47.160> Oakland<00:11:47.560> County<00:11:47.920>
• In<00:11:58.960> far<00:11:59.240> too<00:11:59.480> many<00:11:59.800> houses

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, March 16, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:11:08.920> and<02:11:09.320> one<02:11:09.440> of<02:11:09.599> the<02
• :11:30.440> on<02:11:30.559> the<02:11:30.760> next<02:11:31.079> column<
• c><02:11:44.199> the<02:11:44.360> goal<02:11:44.599> is<02:11:44.760> to
• place<02:11:49.239> that<02:11:49.400> we<02:11:49.520> know<02:11:50.079>
• <02:11:52.119> they<02:11:52.320> have<02:11:52.599> access<02:11:53.480> and

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Finance Division 3 met for a work session on House Bill 519, which concerns funding for Waypoint. The chair noted general support for the organization but said the bill would likely need to be suspended and folded into the budget process because the committee did not yet know available revenues or what amount, if any, could be committed. Kya Fox, director of the Division for Behavioral Health, testified that the department supports the bill and the program, explaining that it had been funded with other available funds, including $100,000 for 2024 and $400,000 for 2025, under a contract running through June 30 of this year. She said the shelter serves a unique population of young adults and is part of the department’s children’s system of care and Mission Zero efforts to reduce barriers to psychiatric discharge and emergency department use. Members questioned Fox and Waypoint representatives about the budget placement of the request, the difference between the efficiency budget and prioritized needs, and whether state budget documents would show any internal Waypoint revenues. Fox said the request appears as a general fund item and that the state would not see Waypoint’s internal financial operations in the budget. A legislative member explained that prioritized needs are critical services already in place but not necessarily included in the efficiency budget, and another member said the distinction is not strictly applied. The committee also raised a separate question about how DHHS would handle any future state or federal restrictions on DEI practices; Fox said that was a question for department leadership and legal staff, but that the department follows state law and contract requirements. Waypoint CEO Bor Alvare and Director Mandy Lancaster then described the shelter and related services. They said the shelter serves ages 18 to 24, is a 14-bed open-room facility with half walls, and is staffed overnight by two full-time workers. They said admission is first come, first served, with some vulnerability factors considered, and that they do not discriminate by race, gender, or sexual orientation. They reported no known incidents of sexual violence, though some youth are turned away each night because the shelter is full. They also explained that Waypoint provides broader services beyond the shelter, including outreach, drop-in centers, housing support, rental assistance, and family mediation, and said they serve about 400 youth and young adults in Manchester alone. The discussion ended with questions about whether lowering the upper age limit would affect the program; Waypoint said most residents are already in the 18-to-23 range, but that housing shortages make the current age span important for helping young adults avoid chronic homelessness.

Transcript Highlights:

• 11:08.279> just<00:11:08.480> makes<00:11:08.800> sense<00:11:09.200> that
• ought<00:11:09.639> to<00:11:09.839> have<00:11:10.240> authority<00:11:10.800>
• this<00:11:22.480> is<00:11:23.480> this<00:11:23.600> is<00:11:23.760> the<
• <00:11:31.959> of<00:11:32.079> Labor<00:11:32.519> this<00:11:32.639> is
• <01:11:10.679> the<01:11:10.800> ed5<01:11:11.440> 11s<01:11:12.000> which

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met to hear House Bill 520, which would authorize the Department of Education to issue subpoenas in investigations and hearings involving the code of conduct for New Hampshire educators. Representative Lynn, the bill sponsor, said the measure was intended to give the department standard subpoena power during investigations and in later adjudicatory proceedings, with a process for challenging overbroad subpoenas. He argued that agencies with investigative and hearing authority should also have the power to compel witnesses and documents, and said the bill was narrowed from an earlier broader draft to focus on teacher credentialing and address concerns about scope. Members raised several concerns about whether the department already has enough authority, whether the Attorney General could handle subpoenas instead, and whether the bill creates an imbalance by giving subpoena power mainly to the investigating side. Representative Burroughs said she did not feel she had enough information and was uncomfortable with the bill, especially regarding who bears subpoena costs. Representative Biron questioned the trial analogy and whether both sides truly have equal subpoena rights. Lynn responded that the investigative stage is like a grand jury process, where only the investigating body subpoenas witnesses, while the adjudicatory stage allows both sides to seek subpoenas through the hearing officer. Other questions focused on the bill’s scope. Representative Andreos asked what investigative authority the Department of Education already has, and Representative Organ questioned why the bill is limited to educators rather than also covering vendors, charter school boards, or the EFA scholarship organization. Lynn said the limitation to educators was deliberate, because earlier broader versions drew objections for being too expansive. Representative Tur asked whether the Attorney General could already handle such matters, and Lynn said that while the AG might be able to pursue some investigations or court subpoenas, agencies should be able to conduct their own internal investigations. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• > know<00:11:06.640> we<00:11:06.880> sometimes<00:11:07.279> see<00:11:07.440
• ><00:11:17.279> because<00:11:17.600> there<00:11:17.760> was<00:11:17.920> a
• > hailstone<00:11:19.680> that<00:11:19.839> was<00:11:20.000> reported<00:11
• I<01:11:24.400> feel<01:11:24.560> like<01:11:24.719> it's<01:11:25.040> pretty
• What<01:11:30.560> this<01:11:30.800> regulation<01:11:31.520> does<01:11:31.920

Keywords: 00:00:39 Roll Call 00:02:57 Severe Weather Damage 00:39:00 Work Zone Safety 00:47:12 Local Assistance Road Program 01:10:18 Admin. Regs 01:15:37 Aviation Impact Study, 958, all

Summary: The committee’s first interim meeting opened with roll call, a quorum, and a briefing from Transportation Cabinet officials on the Cabinet’s response to severe weather and tornadoes in Kentucky, especially the May 16–17 storms that caused deaths and widespread damage in Pulaski and Laurel counties, with an additional tornado noted in Washington County. Secretary Jim Gray, State Highway Engineer James Ballinger, and District 11 engineer Chris Jones described how crews in all 120 counties were placed on alert, how roads were cleared of debris, and how KYTC coordinated with emergency management, law enforcement, local governments, and utilities to restore access and power. They reported major impacts on roads, signals, and other infrastructure, including the EF4 tornado path through Pulaski and Laurel counties, and said KYTC also helped with debris hauling, airport cleanup, and delivery of water and meals. The officials gave specific recovery figures for Laurel County, including 1,800 loads of construction and demolition debris hauled, about 11,000 tons and 22,000 cubic yards removed, with roughly 50% of vegetative debris cleared at that point. They said all state roadways in Laurel County were reopened, the London-Corbin Airport was returned to flight operations by Sunday, and a transition plan was underway for Laurel County Fiscal Court’s contractor to take over debris operations. Gray also noted that KYTC had helped issue replacement IDs, licenses, registrations, and titles at no cost in disaster areas, and said the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund had raised nearly $1.5 million from more than 6,000 donors. Members praised KYTC staff as first responders and thanked them for their quick response and coordination. Several legislators recounted local impacts in Washington, Pulaski, and Laurel counties, including blocked roads, rescue challenges, looting concerns, and the scale of property damage. One member asked how KYTC inspects bridges and infrastructure after disasters to check for hidden damage, and officials said the process depends on the event and can include bridge inspections and checks of tall infrastructure such as light poles. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you wanted<00:11:00.240> to<00:11:00.320> say<00:11:00.480> like<00:11:00.800
• 11:01.920> any<00:11:02.160> more<00:11:02.320> of<00:11:02.480> that.
• <00:11:06.480> use<00:11:06.720> the<00:11:06.880> funds<00:11:07.040> or
• <00:11:13.600> any<00:11:13.839> kind<00:11:14.000> of<00:11:14.079> a
• Like<00:11:15.040> we<00:11:15.200> don't<00:11:15.360> need<00:11:15.519> a<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• will<00:11:25.680> save<00:11:26.600> the<00:11:26.680> lives<00:11:27.000><
• > call<00:11:30.600> to<00:11:30.640> me<00:11:30.760> in<00:11:30.839>
• :11:33.720> of<00:11:33.800> the<00:11:33.880> work<00:11:34.080> that<00
• been<00:11:34.480> able<00:11:34.680> to<00:11:34.760> accomplish<00:11:35.200><
• :11:37.000> who<00:11:37.160> disagree<00:11:37.760> on<00:11:38.000> on<

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:10 Discussion of 25RS HB 414 00:44:26 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 414 00:50:25 Discussion of 25RS SB 27 00:53:44 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 27 00:55:49 Discussion of 25RS SB 93 00:57:57 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 93 00:59:29 Discussion of 25RS SB 132 01:37:39 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 132 01:40:55 Discussion of 25RS SB 153 01:42:05 Roll Call Vote on 25RS SB 153 01:43:46 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Health Services Committee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 414 with a committee substitute. The bill, described by sponsors and supporters as a continuation of prior maternal-health legislation, was framed as a clarification of medical standards and an effort to improve care for women and families facing complicated pregnancies. Representative Tate, Representative Nemes, Adair Wushar of Kentucky Right to Life, and Dr. Jeff Goldberg of ACOG Kentucky all testified in support, saying the substitute was developed collaboratively to reduce confusion in the law and help physicians provide evidence-based care without fear of criminal penalties. Supporters said the committee substitute was intended to define what is not an abortion under Kentucky law and to spell out medical treatments for conditions such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, sepsis, hemorrhage, preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, and fetal demise. Dr. Goldberg said current statutes contain significant ambiguity and have created unintended barriers to treating pregnancy complications, including emergency situations, and he gave examples of patients who were delayed or harmed because physicians were uncertain about what the law allowed. Representative Nemes said the measure was the result of unusual cooperation among groups that do not usually agree and described it as a first step toward fixing a discrete problem. Representative Wilner raised concerns that the language could effectively require a patient to be in severe distress before treatment is clearly permitted and that it was too prescriptive about how physicians should manage miscarriages. In response, Dr. Goldberg and the sponsors said the substitute was not perfect, was meant as a short-term solution, and was designed to give doctors more confidence in providing routine, medically necessary care for pregnancy complications. The transcript indicates the committee substitute was adopted, but no final vote on the bill itself is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> So,<01:11:09.840> as<01:11:10.159> far<01:11:10.239> as<01:11:10.400>
• > I<01:11:10.560> know,<01:11:10.800> you<01:11:10.960> folks<01:11:11.199><
• And I'm<01:11:20.080> wondering<01:11:21.199> um<01:11:21.280> for<01:11:21.679>
• > is<01:11:32.239> do<01:11:32.480> you<01:11:32.640> have<01:11:32.719><
• > 90%<01:11:35.840> of<01:11:36.640> uh<01:11:37.679> um<01:11:37.920>

Bills: HB2101

Keywords: aquatic life, commercial aquarium purposes, Hawaii, environmental protection, sustainability, Native Hawaiian values, marine resources, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Water and Land heard testimony on House Bill 21101, which would ban or otherwise end commercial aquarium collection. Chairs opened the hearing with a short time limit for testimony and noted they would move to decision-making before the next committee meeting. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it appreciated the bill’s intent and stood on written testimony, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the measure as part of its legislative package, citing community calls to ban the practice. Many other organizations and individuals also testified in support, including environmental, Native Hawaiian, and community groups, with arguments focused on reef protection, public trust, cultural concerns, and the view that the trade is extractive and not sustainable. Supporters repeatedly cited declines in yellow tang and other reef fish, especially on West Hawaii and Oahu, and argued that reef recovery has not occurred where collection pressure existed. Several testified that legal aquarium collection has not occurred in West Hawaii since 2017 or on Oahu since 2021, and that the state should not reopen an industry that has been effectively shut down for years. Others said the program is fiscally inefficient because permits generate little revenue compared with the cost of administering and enforcing the program, and that aquaculture or other alternatives could provide jobs without removing wild fish. Native Hawaiian speakers and civic club representatives emphasized traditional and customary practices, community stewardship, and the need to protect resources for future generations. Opposition testimony came from aquarium fishers and related advocates who argued the fishery has been shown sustainable, that the EIS process was completed, and that the bill would unfairly target one user group over another. They said the trade provides livelihoods for local families, that management is solid, and that the legislature should not ban a fishery after requiring compliance with environmental review. Some opponents also argued that fish populations have increased in recent years and that the issue reflects broader user conflict rather than science. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the chair continued taking testimony, including on Zoom, as time allowed.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000> is<00:11:00.279> now<00:11:00.639> I<00:11:01.000> actually<00:11
• <00:11:02.480> of<00:11:02.680> where<00:11:02.800> it<00:11:02.959> is
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• <01:11:19.719> thank<01:11:19.880> you<01:11:20.040> madam<01:11:20.360>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

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• 12.480> a<00:11:12.640> woman<00:11:12.800> in<00:11:13.040> a<00:11:13.279
• Um we at<00:11:19.279> United<00:11:19.760> Spinal<00:11:20.240> have<00:11:20.560
• last three years.<00:11:30.399> So<00:11:30.560> we're<00:11:30.880> very<00:11
• <00:11:51.279> Uh<00:11:51.519> the<00:11:51.760> thousand<00:11:52.560>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

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• :14.560> it<03:11:14.800> I<03:11:15.120> don't<03:11:15.279> have<03:11:
• Speaker.<03:11:23.840> Just<03:11:24.080> having<03:11:24.399> been<03:11:24.640
• > to<03:11:30.240> make<03:11:30.319> it<03:11:30.800> so<03:11:31.040>
• it worked<03:11:31.520> for<03:11:32.000> the<03:11:32.319> number<03:11:32.479

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 69, which would require local school boards to publicly vote on whether to accept or reject charitable gifts or donations, prompted by a case in which a church offered to pay off school lunch debt but the offer was refused and families were sued instead. Senator Keith Murphy said the bill is intended to force transparency and public accountability in similar situations, while acknowledging that boards may still reject gifts with strings attached or for ethical reasons. Members raised questions about anonymity, privacy, and whether school boards already have authority to address meal debt before litigation. Murphy said the bill was aimed at cases where money is refused and families are sued, and he said he would accept amendments to make the vote requirement apply to both accepted and rejected gifts. The hearing on the bill was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 206, which requires public schools to adopt policies limiting student cell phone use during the school day. Trisha Milo, presenting for Senator Rashardi, said the bill is meant to improve focus, reduce distraction and cyberbullying, and create more consistent policies across districts, while still allowing exceptions for medical, disability, language support, and instructional needs. Committee members questioned whether districts would retain flexibility, whether the bill should apply to charter schools and other devices, and whether the annual policy-update requirement and enforcement language were too prescriptive. Milo said districts would still have flexibility in how they write their policies and that she would seek clarification from the senator on several drafting questions. Becky Wilson of the New Hampshire School Boards Association testified in support of the general concept of a cell phone policy, saying many districts already have some form of policy, though not all do, and that existing sample policies are outdated. She said the annual update requirement would likely be burdensome and that the enforcement language seemed intended to ensure administrative involvement rather than teacher discipline, but she suggested the wording may need revision. Members also discussed whether very small districts or districts without schools should be covered and whether the bill should better distinguish between classroom enforcement and student discipline. The chair closed the hearing on Senate Bill 206 after no further testimony, and the committee moved on to the next bill.

Transcript Highlights:

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• 00:11:00.480> of<00:11:00.640> resolutions<00:11:01.120> on minute.
• <00:11:02.480> They<00:11:02.720> are<00:11:02.959> Senate<00:11:03.360>
• They are Senate Concurrent Resolutions<00:11:04.600> 163<00:11:05.600> and<00:11:05.920
• and Senate Resolution 132<00:11:08.560> requesting<00:11:09.040> the<00:11:09.279>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Health and Human Services heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 58 and Senate Resolution 42, which urge counties to install special-needs recreational playground equipment in parks and playgrounds. Testimony came from the Disability and Communication Access Board, the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Disability Rights Center, Autism Moms of Kona, and a Pacific Disability Center representative, all supporting the resolutions. Several testifiers asked that the term “special needs” be replaced with “access and functional needs,” and one requested language broadening the measure to explicitly include developmentally and intellectually disabled youth. A committee member also discussed the need for inclusion and the benefits of accessible play for all children. After questions, the chairs said they would adopt amendments from the Disability and Communication Access Board, Autism Moms of Kona, and Tina Marie Kira, along with technical, non-substantive changes. Both committees then voted to recommend passage of SCR 58 and SR 42 with amendments, with members voting aye and some excused. The committees then heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 163 and Senate Resolution 132, which request counties to adopt flexible setback requirements for state buildings and facilities to improve land use efficiency and public service delivery. Testimony in support came from the Grassroots Institute and the Department of Accounting and General Services. The chairs moved the resolutions forward with technical, non-substantive amendments, and both committees adopted recommendations to pass SCR 163 and SR 132 with amendments before adjourning.