Video & Transcript Research : 'Delaware Foundation'
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FL
Transcript Highlights:
- many resources available, such as the James Madison Institute, the American Conservative Union Foundation
- many resources available, such as the James Madison Institute, the American Conservative Union Foundation
- many resources available, such as the James Madison Institute, the American Conservative Union Foundation
- We have Logan Braggdon, Foundation for Florida's Future, waiving in support.
- We have Logan Braggdon, Foundation for Florida's Future, waiving in support.
Summary:
The committee took up a series of criminal justice, health, and public safety bills, with several measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations and mostly no opposition. CS for SB 1782 on dangerous excessive speeding, CS for SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access, CS for SB 716 on mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses by registered offenders, CS for SB 1084 on intimate image dissemination and digitally forged images, and CS for CS for SB 1604 on corrections-related litigation and sentencing changes all passed the committee. Members also approved CS for SB 1838, which increases protections for court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for SB 1252, which directs FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database. CS for SB 468 on fleeing or eluding, CS for SB 490 on off-duty concealed carry for certain officers, and CS for SB 890 on blood clot screening and treatment also received favorable votes, with SB 890 drawing supportive testimony from the bill sponsor, medical and patient advocates, and family members affected by blood clots.
The most extensive debate centered on CS for CS for SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for adults trafficking children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons for sexual exploitation. Senator Martin defended the bill as a response to especially heinous crimes and argued it fit within constitutional punishment principles, while several members raised concerns about the Eighth Amendment, the risk of lengthy and costly litigation, and the possibility of retraumatizing victims. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, citing moral objections, due process concerns, and constitutional precedent; the bill nevertheless was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 572, the “Pam Rock Act,” which tightens dangerous-dog rules, adds enclosure, microchip, insurance, and penalty requirements, and allows stronger enforcement actions after serious attacks. The Rock family and animal control supporters testified in favor, describing the bill as a response to fatal dog attacks and urging stronger accountability for owners.
For SB 572, members discussed insurance requirements, the role of local authorities in classifying dangerous dogs, and whether the bill would affect ordinary pet insurance or only liability coverage after a serious attack. The sponsor said the measure is not breed-specific and is aimed at dogs that have already caused significant harm. The committee also heard testimony from family members of Pam Rock and other victims, along with supporters from animal control and sheriff’s offices. All of the bills taken up in the meeting that were voted on were reported favorably, and no roll-call votes failed.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- District, which provides its students with the academic opportunity is necessary to build a strong foundation
- And that Erica exemplifies the same values that the Rayfield Scholarship Foundation honors.
- continues to raise millions for children, for scholarship, and so we thank the whole Holt-Rae-Felk Foundation
- This budget and. of you fully funds the Foundation School Program with $75.6 billion in all funds for
- over the current law entitlement to fully fund the foundation school. program.
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 31, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , and I repeat, a Heritage Foundation database, found just 77 instances of noncitizens voting between
- That's from the Heritage Foundation.
- That's from the Heritage Foundation.
- His ocean-based climate Solutions laid the foundations for protecting coastal communities.
- HIS OCEAN-BASED CLIMATE SOLUTIONS ANT LAID THE FOUNDATIONS FOR PROTECTING COASTAL COMMUNITIES.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- A course of conduct and decision-making regimen to lay the foundation for development.
- According to the latest National Science Foundation Research and Development Survey, we have about $1.3
- The best way to do that is to get them interested in basic skills development at the most foundational
- The less obvious need that we need to balance in terms of fixing our foundation is in people in very
- The impact is on our ability to create enough change in the foundational shortfall we have right now
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- The transfer would be from the integrated formula payments line, which is where the Foundation Aid or
- Commissioner, last week I saw a comparison from the Tax Foundation that indicated that North Dakota ranks
- I would be surprised if the Tax Foundation is deducting that. But I would have to look.
- We all get that little booklet from the Tax Foundation.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- The transfer would be from the integrated formula payments line, which is where the Foundation Aid or
- Commissioner, last week I saw a comparison from the Taxpayer Foundation that indicated that North Dakota
- I would be surprised if the Tax Foundation is deducting that. But I would have to look.
- We all get that little booklet from the Tax Foundation.
Summary:
The Budget Section met to approve prior minutes and receive a series of budget, revenue, and program updates from OMB, the Tax Department, DOT, DMR, and DPI. OMB reported that general fund revenues through May were about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls, though the biennium is still projected to end with a positive balance. OMB also reviewed oil price and production assumptions, the budget stabilization fund transfer above its cap, Legacy Fund performance, federal grant applications, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting that most of the settlement funds had been deposited but a small amount of accrued interest would require a future deficiency request.
The committee then considered Emergency Commission requests. It approved requests for Public Service Commission abandoned mine lands federal authority, an Attorney General FTE and related funding for criminal investigator work tied to the Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. After discussion, the committee also approved DPI’s request for a $500,000 transfer for the food vendor program, despite questions about the program’s savings and cash-flow structure. Later, the Tax Commissioner presented the primary residence credit program, reporting that current biennium costs are expected to exceed the appropriation by about $22 million and explaining how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran credits and the 3% property tax levy cap.
The Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board reported strong returns for both funds, and DOT sought and received approval for two flexible fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. DOT also updated members on Highway 85 construction and said remaining flex fund dollars were essentially fully allocated. DMR reported on the abandoned well plugging and site reclamation fund, noting North Dakota’s relatively small orphan well inventory, current and projected fund balances, rising remediation costs, and a possible need to adjust the fund cap in future sessions. Finally, DPI outlined the new integrated formula gap funding program, explaining that it compensates school districts that cannot reach the assumed 60-mill local contribution because of the 3% levy cap; the first year’s gap funding totaled about $1.8 million, with future costs expected to grow.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- Before the same bill, we now have Doug Howgate from the Mass Taxpayers Foundation to testify.
- Before the same bill, we now have Doug Howgate from the Mass Taxpayers Foundation to testify.
- Chair Eldridge, Chair Madaro, members of the committee, Doug Howgate for the Mass Taxpayers Foundation
- Howgate from the Mass Taxpayer Foundation said that it's unfair for corporations that the state doesn't
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue, chaired by Senator James Eldridge and Representative Adrian Madaro, opened its hearing with a moment of silence for the late Lowell State Senator Ed Kennedy and reviewed hearing procedures and deadlines. The committee then took testimony on several corporate tax bills, including S. 2033/H. 3110 on offshore tax avoidance, H. 3248 on a manufacturing tax exemption, H. 3057 on a tiered corporate minimum tax, and S. 2041 on a corporate tax haven blacklist, along with a separate business interest deduction bill. No votes were taken during the hearing.
Supporters of S. 2033/H. 3110, including labor unions, health care workers, educators, public health advocates, seniors, and several legislators, argued that Massachusetts needs new revenue to offset federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, health care, education, and other services. They said the bill would raise roughly $400 million annually by increasing the share of offshore profits included in the state tax base from 5% to 50%, and they framed it as a fairness measure that would require large multinational corporations to pay more while leaving most local businesses and workers unaffected. Testimony emphasized risks to MassHealth, PCA services, adult dental care, hospitals, schools, and public health programs if new revenue is not raised.
Opponents, including the Mass Taxpayers Foundation and the Council on State Taxation, argued the proposal is poor tax policy and likely unconstitutional because it would tax foreign-source income without allowing foreign tax credits or a comparable apportionment method. They said Massachusetts should take a broader, coordinated approach to federal tax changes rather than a standalone bill, and warned of litigation risk and possible double taxation. Supporters such as MassBudget and former tax counsel Don Griswold countered that the bill is a reasonable rough-justice approach, consistent with federal and neighboring-state treatment, and that it would primarily affect a small number of very large multinationals. On S. 2041, the Global Business Alliance opposed the proposed tax haven blacklist, while supporting a separate bill allowing business interest deductibility.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Jun 15th, 2026
Business, Professions and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- The Kaiser Family Foundation has identified 565 distinct areas in California experiencing dental health
- Hospital, Washington Hospital District, Plumas District Hospital, Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation
- Hospital, Washington Hospital District, Plumas District Hospital, Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation
- I will just say also, you know, there are physicians that enjoy an employment model in a foundation setting
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- hand in keeping all of us focused on what our end goal is, which is to make sure that we set the foundation
- which is to make sure that we<00:04:59.000>
set <00:04:59.440>the <00:04:59.560>foundation - > for<00:05:00.480>
Act <00:05:00.720>255 <00:05:01.919>the we set the foundation - for Act 255 the we set the foundation for Act 255 the way<00:05:02.280>
that <00:05:02.600>
Summary:
The Committee on Water, Land, Culture, and the Arts held a confirmation hearing on GM 742 for John Komeiji, the gubernatorial nominee to serve as chairperson of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority through 6/30/2029. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. The executive director of the authority, representatives of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Corporation and the Mauna Kea observatories, and authority member Noenoe Wong-Wilson all praised Komeiji’s leadership, describing him as fair, transparent, steady, and effective at building trust and relationships among stakeholders. Chris Matsuda also supported the nomination, citing Komeiji’s presence at community workshops, his neutral facilitation of public discussion, and his careful handling of the authority’s work on observatory leases and the comprehensive EIS.
In his remarks, Komeiji described the authority’s work as implementing Act 255 by building a new state agency, developing a master plan, drafting rules and regulations, and beginning the process for a comprehensive environmental impact statement related to observatory leases. He said the authority is trying to balance community voice, cultural and spiritual concerns, and the state’s policy supporting astronomy. He also discussed staffing and recruitment challenges, saying the authority is repurposing positions, using special project positions, and looking for creative ways to recruit qualified staff despite the controversy surrounding Mauna Kea. He noted that the authority is working through asset transfers from UH, managing operational needs, and addressing a projected $4 million federal funding gap affecting CMS.
Members asked about timelines, contingency planning, staffing capacity, and financial sustainability. Komeiji said the authority is on track for the master plan and EIS, but would return to the legislature if delays require more time. He acknowledged that no detailed contingency plans have been developed yet for possible IT or other implementation problems, but said the board is continuing to monitor progress. He also said the authority is accelerating contracts to encumber funds while available and expects to cover planned EIS and master plan consultant costs if funding remains at current levels. After discussion, the committee voted to advise and consent; the chair and acting vice chair voted aye, with excused absences noted for Senators Inouye, Chang, and Lamosao. The measure was adopted and the committee adjourned.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Brian Augusta, on behalf of the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation and a number of other organizations
- It's foundational to justice, fairness, and democratic participation.
- Inclusion, it's, you know, I think as the resolution says, these are essential foundations for achieving
- the American dream and the foundation of who we are as Americans.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Thu Apr 23, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 50
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Care, Department of Health, Hawaii Primary Care Association, Papa Ola Lokahi, Hawaii Community Foundation
- Association, Papa Ola Lokahi,<00:12:43.200>
Hawaii <00:12:43.480>Community <00:12:43.839>Foundation - , Lokahi, Hawaii Community Foundation, Lokahi, Hawaii Community Foundation, American<00:12:45.480
Bills:
SCR96, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166, SCR182, SCR7, SCR59, SCR58, SCR60, SCR89, SCR184, SCR11, HB2296, HB2315, HB2343
Keywords:
electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Health; Co-founder, Jenna's Promise; current resident, Jenna's Promise; Executive Director, Vermont Foundation
- of Recovery; a person in recovery and a former resident of Vermont Foundation of Recovery; Executive
- Health; Co-founder, Jenna's Promise; current resident, Jenna's Promise; Executive Director, Vermont Foundation
- of Recovery; a person in recovery and a former resident of Vermont Foundation of Recovery; Executive
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional in honor of Earth Day, then referred three Senate bills to money committees under House Rule 35A: S. 173 to Appropriations, and S. 232 and S. 327 to Ways and Means. The chamber also adopted JRS 50, a joint resolution setting weekend adjournment so the House and Senate would reconvene no later than April 28, 2026. Several members then made announcements recognizing guests and interns in the gallery, including a homeschooling eighth grader, UVM interns, a constituent shadowing a member, family members, and a Civil Air Patrol delegation.
The House next took up S. 89, expanding survivor benefits, and passed it in concurrence with proposal of amendment. It then considered S. 157 on recovery residence certification. The Human Services Committee described the bill as making permanent a temporary framework for certified recovery residences, placing oversight with the Department of Health, requiring standards, data collection, and annual reporting, and preserving resident protections such as written agreements, notice, grievance procedures, and alternative housing arrangements. The committee also said the bill would modernize definitions and repeal the sunset on the current framework. Human Services voted 9-0-2 to recommend the strike-all amendment, and Ways and Means reported the bill favorable 11-0-0, noting no fiscal impact unless a future fee is proposed and enacted. The House adopted the amendment, ordered third reading, and moved the bill forward.
The final major item was S. 239, creating a child abuse and neglect reporting working group. The Human Services Committee said Vermont’s mandated reporting system has not been substantially reviewed in over a decade and that the bill would convene experts to review the law and recommend updates. Committee testimony emphasized that Vermont has a very high reporting rate but relatively low rates of substantiation and referral to supportive services, and members said the working group should examine reporting before, during, and after a report, including alternatives when in a child’s best interests. The committee’s strike-all amendment added findings, narrowed and prioritized the working group membership to people with direct child-serving or mandated-reporting experience, set deadlines for an interim report by April 1, 2027 and final recommendations by October 1, 2027, and required the first meeting by August 15. The committee also heard from a wide range of child welfare, education, law enforcement, and advocacy witnesses.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HOU, EIG-HOU Public Hearings 04-16-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- DBEDT in support, County of Hawaii Mayor's Office in support, Big Island Housing Foundation in support
- Big Hawaii Mayor's Office in support, Big Island<00:07:26.480>
Housing <00:07:26.760>Foundation - <00:07:27.200>
in <00:07:27.320>support, Island Housing Foundation in support, Island - Housing Foundation in support, Hawaii<00:07:28.360>
Island <00:07:28.640>Chamber <00:07
Summary:
The Committee on Housing heard and acted on three measures related to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) and affordable housing policy. First, it considered GM 681, the nomination of Garth Yamanaka to the HHFDC Board of Directors. Yamanaka testified that he supports using all available tools to increase housing production, including open space and park dedication where feasible, more revenue-neutral and workforce housing, and a broad mix of housing types. Senators questioned him on priorities such as perpetual affordability, state- and county-owned projects, and whether HHFDC should focus more on revenue-neutral housing; he generally supported greater flexibility and more options, while emphasizing the need to consider feasibility and local market needs. The committee recommended GM 681 for advise and consent and adopted that recommendation unanimously, with Senator Fevella excused.
The committee then heard GM 764, the nomination of Susan Coons to the HHFDC Board. Coons said she supports prioritizing state and government lands for affordable housing but stressed that the government cannot solve the housing shortage alone and should continue to engage private and nonprofit partners. In response to questions, she said HHFDC should give greater priority to perpetual affordability and could potentially devote more resources to revenue-neutral, income-blind housing, but she cautioned against blanket policies and said decisions should be guided by data, community needs, and project readiness. She also supported the idea of a 100,000-unit housing plan and said HHFDC should focus on more specific policies and projects. The committee recommended GM 764 for advise and consent and adopted the recommendation.
Finally, the committee considered HCR 83, which supports using the dwelling unit revolving fund for pre-development costs through interim loans for government affordable housing projects. HHFDC testified in support and explained that it already has authority to make pre-development loans, but the resolution would provide policy support and comfort to the board. Members asked about loan security and default; HHFDC said such loans would typically be secured by land collateral and that it would not expect to forgive the loans. The committee agreed to pass the resolution with amendments, including adding committee report language about default and collateral and noting HHFDC’s existing authority. In a joint portion with the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, the committees also took up HCR 98 HD1 and recommended it pass with amendments to clarify that the countywide housing pattern book applies only to the City and County of Honolulu and involves collaboration between Honolulu housing and planning agencies. All recommendations were adopted, and the hearing adjourned.
NE
Nebraska 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Morning Session Apr 9th, 2026
Nebraska Unicameral Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- things about property taxes with the property tax credits and the Education Future Fund and the foundation
- It would be a foundational change. It would be long term.
- I think foundation aid works well.
- That would be a good avenue to increase revenue towards schools from the state, to increase foundation
Bills:
LB737, LB753, LB788, LB913, LB1055, LB1195, LB1216, LB1256, LB429, LB721, LB722, LB727, LB743, LB745, LB749, LB778, LB787, LB365A, LB823, LB900, LB903, LB940, LB954, LB1127, LB1127A, LB1205, LB1240, LR293, LR296, LR422, LR505, LR507
Keywords:
LB737, Olmstead, developmental disabilities, disability services, community-based services, integrated settings, DHHS, Department of Health and Human Services, stakeholder advisory committee, independent consultant, public hearing, legislative oversight, disability rights, community integration, housing, employment, education, transportation, community supports, self-advocacy
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Repealing César Chávez Day in Minnesota 3/23/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I want to say to our community loud and clear that this is not a betrayal but the very foundation of
- betrayal but clear that this is not a betrayal but the<00:03:27.840>
very <00:03:28.200>foundation - the very foundation of justice. the very foundation of justice.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Next up is Tom Yamachika for Tax Foundation of Hawaii on Zoom.
- Tom Yamachika from Tax Foundation.
- >> [clears throat] Uh, next up, Tax Foundation of Hawaii, Tom Yamachika on Zoom.
- Tom Yamachika from Tax Foundation.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several measures related to Hawaii’s film tax credits, timeshare registration, and a Hawaii Technology Development Corporation matching program. For HB 1939, witnesses from the Governor’s office, DBEDT, the Department of Taxation, the Attorney General’s office, film industry groups, neighborhood boards, and others discussed changes to film tax incentives, including local hire requirements, indigenous content, and possible bonus credits. Supporters said the bill would diversify the economy and strengthen local jobs, while DBEDT and others raised operational, fiscal, and legal concerns about administering the multiple bonus options, defining indigenous content, and tracking compliance. The committee noted strong support in testimony and moved the bill forward with a Senate draft, including an amended effective date and a change to apply the bill to costs incurred rather than taxable years.
HB 1941, also relating to taxation and film incentives, drew mixed testimony focused on the interaction between physical production and post-production credits. DBEDT, the Honolulu Film Office, and the Hawaii Film Alliance said the bill’s structure could discourage productions, especially because many productions complete post-production elsewhere and because the measure would be difficult to administer and verify. They urged keeping physical production and post-production separate or addressing post-production through workforce development instead. After hearing the testimony, the chair deferred HB 1941 for further work rather than advancing it.
The committee also heard HB 1946 on timeshare registration, which had support from industry representatives and DCCA. The bill was advanced with a Senate draft incorporating DCCA’s requested language providing that renewal applications are deemed approved after 30 days unless a deficiency letter is issued. Finally, HB 2545 on HTDC’s matching program for federal SBIR/STTR awards was advanced with a technical amendment clarifying that the federal awards are separate and should be referenced in the alternative. All three of those measures were adopted unanimously by the members present.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. (3-19-26)
Natural Resources & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- That is the foundation of a real energy plan.
- That<00:05:08.400>
is <00:05:08.600>the <00:05:08.680>foundation <00:05:09.280>- of<00:05:09.400>
a <00:05:09.480>real <00:05:10.000>energy That is the foundation- of a real energy That is the foundation of a real energy plan.<00:05:11.320>
The <00:05:11.400 - of<00:05:09.400>
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- through, it's good when you can at least get something on the books and, like you said, to lay that foundation
- books and like you said to<00:17:16.240>
lay <00:17:16.319>that <00:17:16.559>foundation - <00:17:17.199>
upon <00:17:17.600>which <00:17:17.839>you to lay that foundation - upon which you to lay that foundation upon which you can<00:17:18.480>
build <00:17:19.120>
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- particularly in demolition where you could get in find a piece of asbestos or whatever mastic on the foundation
- whatever<00:10:28.120>
mastic <00:10:29.000>on <00:10:29.160>the <00:10:29.240>foundation - ,<00:10:29.800>
you whatever mastic on the foundation, you whatever mastic on the foundation
Bills:
SF0052
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Tax Foundation of Hawaii with comments on Zoom. >> Not present. >> Not present.
- Tax Foundation of Hawaii with comments on Zoom. >> Not present. >> Not present.
- Tax Foundation of Hawaii with comments. >> Not present. >> Not present.
- Tax Foundation of Hawaii with comments. >> Not present. >> Not present.
Keywords:
owner-builder, exemption, housing crisis, contractor, leasing restrictions, affordable housing, construction, regulations, teacher housing, housing vouchers, teacher retention, Hawaii Department of Education, hard-to-staff schools, housing, first-time home buyers, savings account, tax deductions, homeownership, savings accounts, tax deduction
Summary:
The House Housing Committee heard testimony on several housing-related bills. HB 1743 would expand the owner-builder exemption by repealing a leasing restriction and requiring notice when a leased residential structure was built by an unlicensed contractor. Subcontractors Association of Hawaii and the Contractors Licensing Board opposed the bill, warning it could encourage unlicensed contracting and weaken consumer protections, while Hawaii Realtors, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, BIA Hawaii, and others supported it as a way to increase housing flexibility. After questions about whether licensed electrical and plumbing work would still be required, the committee voted to pass HB 1743 with amendments and a defective date.
The committee also heard and advanced HB 2122 HD1 on teacher housing, which would create a teacher housing assistance program using vouchers from the teachers housing revolving fund. Testimony included support from the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus, and individuals, with the Office of Collective Bargaining in opposition and the Department of Education offering comments. The bill was voted out as is. The committee then considered HB 1756 and HB 1837, both updating the individual housing account program to reflect current housing prices; supporters including Housing Hawaii’s Future and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs said the limits were outdated and needed inflation adjustments, and HB 1756 was passed with amendments while HB 1837 was deferred as nearly identical.
HB 1729 would disallow the state home mortgage interest deduction for second homes. Hawaii Realtors opposed it, while Housing Hawaii’s Future supported it as a way to prioritize first-time homebuyers and reduce competition from second-home buyers. The chair noted a possible revenue savings estimate and the committee passed the bill with amendments, with several reservations. Finally, HB 2559 would prohibit real estate brokers from marketing residential property to limited exclusive groups of buyers, which the Office of Consumer Protection said needed an enforcement clarification and the Realtors said could affect some legitimate private-listing situations. The chair proposed replacing the outright ban with a disclosure requirement for private listings, and the committee passed HB 2559 with amendments. The hearing then adjourned after the chair thanked members, staff, and the public.