Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:16.359> uh<00:45:16.480> the<00:45:16.559> person<00:45:16.800> I<
• 45:23.640> an<00:45:23.800> envelope<00:45:24.200> and<00:45:24.319> see<
• :45:28.079> which<00:45:28.200> could<00:45:28.359> make<00:45:28.480> a
• > extrapolating<00:45:56.240> from<00:45:56.400> that<00:45:56.520> I<00:45:
• :45:37.520> is<01:45:37.719> kind<01:45:37.840> of<01:45:38.080> the<01:45

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 105, which would create a new conservation license plate and direct the added fee to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. The sponsor, Rep. Rosemarie Rung, said the bill would create a non-tax revenue source to help address toxic cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire lakes, ponds, and rivers. She described the public health, environmental, and economic harms from blooms, the high cost of watershed management plans and mitigation projects, and the limited current funding available through state and federal sources. She argued that a voluntary plate program could provide sustainable support and raise awareness. Supporters, including Reps. Katie Pell and McDonald, said the bill would help affected lake communities and tourism-dependent areas. New Hampshire DES testified neutrally but confirmed that blooms have increased sharply, that the agency has issued more than 120 warnings in the past two years, and that the existing mitigation fund is nearly depleted after one-time appropriations. DES said the proposed plate would not solve the entire funding need but could provide dedicated revenue for studies and implementation projects. DMV testified that the operational impact of adding a new plate would be minimal. New Hampshire Lakes also supported the bill and said survey results suggested some current Moose plate holders and new registrants would likely choose the Loon plate. Committee members asked about the health effects of cyanobacteria, the expected revenue from the plate, and whether the problem is natural or human-driven. Testimony said exposure can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal illness, and more serious liver or neurological effects, with pets and children at higher risk; one witness also cited research suggesting aerosolized toxins may affect people several kilometers from a bloom. DES explained that while lake sediments can release nutrients, the underlying problem is largely driven by watershed inputs and worsened over time. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair invited written testimony and additional questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's also a 1985 initiate of the Epsilon Zeta Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.
• He's also a 1985 initiate of the Epsilon Zeta Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.
• He's also a 1985 initiate of the Epsilon Zeta Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.
• He's also a 1985 initiate of the Epsilon Zeta Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.
• He's also a 1985 initiate of the Epsilon Zeta Chapter Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, March 26, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with 39 members present and a quorum. The session opened with an invocation by Bishop Antonio Palmer of Kingdom Celebration Center, whose remarks were journalized. The President and members also welcomed several guests to the chamber, including former Delegate Sean Terrence, students from Charles H. Flowers High School and Garrison Forest School, Dr. Lee Snyder as doctor of the day, and Dr. Barbara Ann Palmer in recognition of Women’s History Month. The President also noted that the next day would be pro forma and that some scheduled items would be moved to the following week. The Senate considered Executive Nominations Report No. 6, covering gubernatorial nominees for boards and commissions including the State Board of Education, MEDCO, and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. On motion of the committee chair, the report was special ordered to Tuesday, with members asked to review the list for recusals or related issues. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 890, which concerns an insurance premium receipts tax exemption for captive insurance procured by nonprofit hospitals and health care systems. On SB 890, the Senate adopted the committee amendments and then adopted a floor amendment offered by the bill sponsor. The amendment was described as replacing the bill’s earlier approach with a two-year moratorium on collection of any related liabilities, followed by a Maryland Insurance Administration report back on ongoing investigations. One senator raised concern that the amendment’s language could require the state to refund taxes already paid by hospitals and others, potentially costing millions, and asked for more time to review it; the motion to special order the bill was defeated. After discussion, the amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. At the close of the floor session, committee and delegation announcements were made, including Finance, Triple E, Judicial Proceedings, Budget and Tax, Executive Nominations, and several county delegations. A senator from District 6 also spoke about the anniversary of the Key Bridge collapse and thanked colleagues for bipartisan work on related legislation and recovery efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• :38.319> yeah<00:45:38.800> so<00:45:39.800> um<00:45:40.720> with<00:45:
• specifically<00:45:53.880> a<00:45:53.960> lot<00:45:54.079> of<00:45:54.200>
• > it<00:45:54.319> is<00:45:54.440> more<00:45:54.599> at<00:45:54.720> the
• > like<00:45:55.559> you<00:45:55.640> know<00:45:55.760> we've<00:45:55.880
• red imported<00:45:56.559> fire<00:45:57.040> and<00:45:57.520> you<00:45:57.800

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing focused on a bill reorganizing Hawaiʻi’s biosecurity and invasive species framework, including moving or renaming responsibilities within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and clarifying the role of the Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council (HISC). Testimony from the Hawaiian Invasive Species Council, DLNR, Oʻahu and Big Island invasive species committees, the Sierra Club, farmers, and community members generally agreed that invasive species management is critical, but many opposed consolidating HISC or broader biosecurity functions into a single department. Supporters of the existing interagency model emphasized HISC’s statewide coordination role, its links to DLNR and other agencies, and its ability to fill gaps with federal funding and cross-agency collaboration. Several testifiers raised concerns that the bill could weaken existing authority or create unintended legal and operational problems. The Sierra Club and others warned about possible interstate commerce issues, loss of authority to regulate movement of infested material within an island, and the need to preserve HISC as an independent or elevated coordinating body rather than placing it inside one agency. Community testimony described real-world impacts from little fire ants, coqui frogs, and landscaping-related introductions, and argued that the current system has produced service gaps and duplication when funding or responsibilities shift. One testifier also urged removing hemp movement reporting provisions, saying they do not aid biosecurity and should be treated like other crops. DLNR and Department of Agriculture representatives said they support the overall goal of stronger biosecurity but stressed that invasive species work is broader than agriculture alone. They noted that DOA, DLNR, and other partners each have different missions and capabilities, and that staff safety, terrain, and training matter when responding in remote areas. The department said it was recruiting for new positions, with some of the 44 funded positions still being finalized, and that implementation would require phased rulemaking, standards, training, and outreach. Members asked about the bill’s practical impact, staffing needs, and whether inspectors are prohibited from hiking; the department said no blanket prohibition exists, but staff use judgment based on safety and terrain. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it also establishes a 45 day deadline for cities to respond to an installation application so applicants
• looked, but, but the biggest issue I have, I think, is that they're already within the water code in Chapter
• Chapter 49 allows for that. 5 people filled out the petition.
• Uh, that is not the case for our mud at 3:45 and I suspect that is not the case for many other muds either

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a Navajo chapter house that received DOE funding. They've completed their project.
• I do have like Three Navajo Chapter Houses. One of them that Mr.
• You'll see in the LFC recommendation that 44.9, about 45 million in parentheses, represents a deduction
• This 45 million credit Takes into account about 60% of that predicted enrollment decline.
• of the reason I always point this out is if you look at line 14, the one you called out, it's about 45

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My first successful legislation, AB 45, was the most strict hemp law in the country when it was enacted
• Ryan Flanagan on behalf of the Recycled Materials Association, West Coast chapter. Same thing.
• Tim Madden, representing the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians.
• Also representing the California Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, California Society of
• Macedo not voting. [03:03:45] On AB 1341, Hoover, Chen, aye. On the consent calendar, Chen, aye.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of bills, with most measures drawing support from industry, professional, local government, and advocacy witnesses, and several receiving committee amendments before moving forward. AB 8 on hemp and cannabis drew the most extensive debate: supporters said it would close loopholes around intoxicating hemp products, strengthen enforcement, and bring THC products into the regulated cannabis supply chain; opponents, including small cannabis farmers and environmental groups, warned it could undermine Proposition 64’s closed-loop system, harm California cultivators, and reduce tax revenues for youth, environmental, and law enforcement programs. The author said the bill was intended to protect consumers and children and to work further with stakeholders. AB 476 on copper theft was presented as a public safety and infrastructure bill to tighten reporting, documentation, and penalties for scrap metal theft; supporters from cities, utilities, broadband, and recycling-related groups described major losses and outages from copper theft, and the remaining opposition moved to neutral after amendments, with the bill advancing with committee support. The committee also heard AB 985, which would allow nationally certified anesthesiologist assistants to practice under direct supervision of licensed anesthesiologists to address anesthesia workforce shortages. Supporters, including the California Society of Anesthesiologists, medical groups, students, and patients, said it would expand access and bring California in line with other states; nurse anesthesiology groups expressed concerns and sought further clarification, but there was no formal opposition at the hearing. AB 506, aimed at online pet sales, would void contracts that fail to disclose an animal’s origin or veterinary records or that require non-refundable deposits; animal welfare groups said it would curb puppy mill pipelines and deceptive online sales, and there was no opposition. AB 876, on certified registered nurse anesthetists, generated the sharpest health care policy dispute: supporters said it would codify existing practice and clarify CRNA duties, while physicians and medical associations argued it would expand scope too far and reduce patient safety. After a roll call, AB 876 passed the committee 9-0, as amended, to Appropriations. Other bills advanced with broad support after amendments. AB 432, the Menopause Equity Act, would require continuing medical education on menopause-related care for certain physicians; the author and medical experts said the bill addresses widespread gaps in menopause treatment and research, while CMA and ACOG opposed the mandate as an inappropriate CME requirement, though they agreed the underlying problem is real. The bill passed on call, as amended, to Health. AB 759 would allow eligible architectural candidates to use the title “architect in training” to encourage completion of licensure and improve diversity in the profession; it passed unanimously, as amended, to Appropriations. AB 967 would create an optional expedited licensure fee for out-of-state physicians to reduce delays in bringing doctors into California’s workforce; supporters said it would help address shortages and improve patient access, and the bill was presented with support from medical stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have about 52,000 kids in our public school system as we speak today, with 45 public schools.
• Johns County actually attend a 45-minute e-bike training course that was put on by the St.
• So we had a mandatory 45-minute class. It was taught by our youth resource deputy sheriff.
• On average, we pay about $45 million of invoices a day.
• Additionally, Chapter 320.02 would be amended to exempt active duty members of the U.S.

Summary: The committee held a panel discussion on micro-mobility device regulation and enforcement, focusing on e-bikes and e-scooters. Sheriff Robert Hardwick and Chief Jamie Cruz described serious injuries involving children, including crashes at high speeds, and argued that current law is outdated because it folds e-bikes into the bicycle statute. They urged a separate statewide framework with clearer age limits, licensing or training requirements, helmet rules, and penalties for modifying devices to go faster. Both also emphasized that parents should bear responsibility and that enforcement should include education, progressive discipline, and, if needed, civil citations. FDOT District 6 Secretary Daniel Iglesias and DHSMV representative Lonnie Groner said their agencies are prioritizing education, outreach, and better data collection. They noted that micromobility devices are increasingly common, create safety and accessibility issues on sidewalks and shared-use paths, and are difficult to track because crash reports often do not identify them consistently. Members discussed whether motorized devices should be barred from sidewalks, whether riders should be licensed and insured, and how enforcement could be made uniform statewide. The panel also said manufacturers have not been meaningfully engaged and that local approaches vary widely. The committee then heard 2026 legislative priorities from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue and DHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. Perdue outlined FDOT’s large five-year work program, ongoing congestion-relief projects, investments in ports, airports, rail, workforce, heavy equipment, facilities, and cybersecurity, and the need to do more with flat revenues. Kerner summarized DHSMV’s agency bill priorities, including requiring a Florida address and proof of residence for vehicle registration, updating identification requirements, aligning tank vehicle and motor carrier rules with federal standards, improving IFTA administration, raising the crash-report damage threshold, and allowing electronic notices. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's like 36 off to 45 depending upon the length and all that other stuff. >> The but that's for the
• But if you look back to chapter 15 of the Florida State statute, you'll see all of the state symbols
• The cities have issues with what's going on, then go to the county and ask for 45 day limit.
• As mentioned earlier, you know, Chapter 3.27, was passed a number of years ago that controls this.
• If it complied with the 45 days, it would make more sense.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> No,<00:45:33.839> I<00:45:34.079> don't<00:45:34.640> I<00:45:34.880>
• We're<00:45:52.319> going<00:45:52.400> to<00:45:52.560> do<00:45:52.800>
• It<00:45:58.880> being<00:45:59.119> 9:45,<00:45:59.760> open<00:45:59.920>
• We<01:45:17.600> will<01:45:17.760> open<01:45:17.920> a<01:45:18.159> public
• <01:45:30.320> How<01:45:30.560> is<01:45:30.719> everyone<01:45:31.119>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:45:20.319> which<00:45:20.560> is<00:45:20.720> specifically<00:45:21.359><
• <00:45:23.599> that<00:45:23.839> would<00:45:24.000> damage<00:45:24.319> the
• :45:25.119> the<00:45:25.359> child<00:45:25.599> and<00:45:25.920> a<00:
• excludes<00:45:36.800> good<00:45:37.119> faith<00:45:37.520> protective<00:45:
• The<00:45:46.720> second<00:45:46.960> thing<00:45:47.040> this<00:45:47.280>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000> the<02:45:00.279> the<02:45:00.439> keys<02:45:00.840> and<02:45
• it's<02:45:05.319> uh<02:45:05.479> you<02:45:05.600> can<02:45:06.319>
• <02:45:07.439> going<02:45:07.560> to<02:45:07.680> be<02:45:07.800> rolling<
• <02:45:09.399> going<02:45:09.520> to<02:45:10.439> uh<02:45:10.600> take
• lips off of<02:45:13.080> the<02:45:13.200> hook<02:45:14.160> and<02:45:14.680>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:36:25.040> 386 consistent uh with HRS chapter 386 consistent uh with HRS chapter 386 Hawaii
• be moving on. minutes it could be take 10 minutes uh minutes it could be take 10 minutes uh but<00:45
• :57.160> we<00:45:57.319> know<00:45:57.480> we<00:45:57.680> accommodate
• <00:45:58.319> that<00:45:58.839> uh but we know we accommodate that uh but we know we
• Fourth, we will adopt D’s amendments to separate subsection H on page 9 to be a new section in chapter

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 295, section 1, as amended by Laws 2022, chapter 11, section 17, and Laws 2024, chapter 70, section
• by law 22 chapter 11 17 chapter 12 in law 20 24 chapter 70 section one we link to Department of Environment
• By law 2022, chapter 117, chapter 12, and Laws 2024, chapter 70, section 1, relating to the Department
• It also amends section 49-818 and is amended by Laws 2023, chapter 78, section 1; Laws 2017, chapter
• Senate Bill 1162 amends Title 36, Chapter 4, Article 4.1, relating to health care.

Summary: The Senate met in floor session, began with prayer and the Pledge, approved the journal, received communications, and handled a return of Senate Bill 1456 from the House for reconsideration. Members then moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars, considering and amending bills on court fees, information technology, environmental quality, agricultural property inspections, property tax notices, veterans services, zoning and electric generation siting, fuel and gas resilience, and disturbing religious services. Several amendments were adopted, including changes to HB 2265 on criminal court fees, HB 2311 on conversational AI disclosures and privacy limits, HB 2986 on environmental quality/fuel resilience, HB 2104 and HB 2105 on agricultural property inspection rules, HB 2406 on veterans services, HB 2494 on electric generation siting and environmental compatibility, HB 2696 on fuel and gas prices, and HB 4117 on interference with religious services. Most of these bills were reported out of committee with do pass recommendations, though members raised concerns on HB 2311 and HB 4117 about privacy, free speech, and prosecutorial discretion. The chamber then took up a long series of third readings and final votes. Bills passed included HB 2015 on single-audit compliance, HB 2041 on child neglect and poverty factors, HB 2048 on AHCCCS prescription drug coverage, HB 2417 on excessive speed, HB 2611 on child welfare, HB 2793 on annexation, HB 2950 on special districts, HB 2995 on family law, HB 4018 on county officers, HB 2404 on mental health services, HB 2279 on limitations of actions, HB 2502 on the state retirement system, HB 2733 and HB 2953 on pharmacy regulation, HB 2979 on credit unions, HB 4042 on parent-child relationship determinations, HB 4010 on health professional regulatory boards, HB 4043 on public schools, HB 4049 on the Attorney General, HB 2265 on court fees, HB 2311 on information technology, and HB 2986 on environmental quality. HB 2601 on state highways and routes failed. Several members explained votes on bills involving fiscal impacts, child welfare, road safety, annexation, and criminal justice concerns. The Senate also adopted a group concurrence motion on several conference committee reports, including HB 2003, HB 2010, HB 2133, and HB 2874, and then voted on those measures. HB 2003 on driver’s license instruction permits, HB 2010 on advertising, HB 2133 on disclosure of sexual material and synthetic depictions, and HB 2874 on campaign committees and termination statements were all advanced after conference committee action, with debate on HB 2133 focusing on First Amendment and content-moderation concerns. The session ended with introduction of a large package of transportation-related appropriations bills and a motion to suspend certain committee notice rules for Appropriations to hear legislation and strike-everything amendments on short notice.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year we had 45 different funding sources to be able to make it work.
• So if you look to section two, this is in the obscenity control chapter.
• So if you look to section two, this is in the obscenity control chapter.
• that we're using in that chapter, and we're not having to page through 13 different chapters in order
• 45% said they are. So less than half. And so what are the barriers?

Summary: The committee first approved the December 16 minutes and then heard a presentation from Dr. Ramona Danielson on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their economic and public-system impacts. She explained that ACEs are population-level risk indicators, not individual diagnostic tools, and said higher ACE exposure is associated with more chronic illness, mental health challenges, child welfare and justice involvement, and lower workforce participation. She cautioned that precise dollar estimates are difficult because of the many interacting factors across the life course, but said the direction of the impact is clear and that evidence-based interventions and protective factors can reduce harm. Members asked about definitions of a “healthy family,” same-sex couples, divorce, substance abuse, trends in ACEs, and home visiting; she emphasized supportive relationships, protective factors, and the importance of positive childhood experiences. The committee then heard from Allison Mahoney and Missy Barranco, along with a recorded family story from Abby, about evidence-based home visiting programs in North Dakota. Abby described how Healthy Families North Dakota supported her family after a premature birth and NICU stay by providing weekly in-home coaching, developmental screenings, postpartum mental health check-ins, referrals, and parenting support. The presenters explained that home visiting is voluntary, relationship-based, and usually begins prenatally or shortly after birth, with referrals coming from hospitals, WIC, pregnancy navigators, human service zones, self-referrals, and other community partners. They said North Dakota currently has four main evidence-based models operating through 12 organizations, with Healthy Families available in all 53 counties, though only a fraction of eligible families are served. Funding was described as a patchwork of federal MIECHV/Title IV-E, Medicaid, state and tribal funds, philanthropy, charitable gaming, and other grants; members discussed whether the Legislature or agencies should expand support and how to improve outreach and sustainability. Finally, the committee received a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, focusing on AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sextortion, and chatbot-related risks. The report summarized federal and state law, including North Dakota’s existing computer-generated image provisions, the federal PROTECT Act, the Take It Down Act, and recent federal executive orders on AI policy. Members discussed the need for child-safety protections, the limits of executive orders, and broader concerns about AI’s effect on critical thinking and misinformation. The committee then heard from BCI Special Agent Cassidy Halsef, who said AI is already driving a sharp rise in child exploitation cases in North Dakota, including AI-generated explicit images of real minors and school-based incidents involving mass-shared manipulated images. She said investigators are seeing more cyber tips, more difficult forensic work, and lasting harm to victims and families, and urged stronger legal penalties, specialized training, victim services, and prevention education in schools and communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• McKenna, or Sutton, moves to amend the bill by adding the following section: Chapter 11 of the General
• Soter of Bellingham moves to amend the bill by adding the following section: Section 11 and a half of Chapter
• 191, by inserting after the word 'meanings' the following: 'Abortions as defined in Section 12K of Chapter
• information solely for the purposes of payment, treatment, or health care operations, as defined by 45
• the Commissioner of Public Health shall convene a technical advisory group to review section 70I of chapter

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first took up several routine matters, adopting resolutions recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival and congratulating Father Gerald Francis Finnegan, S.J., on his long ministry. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition establishing a sick leave bank for a Massachusetts State Police employee to go to the Committee on Public Service. The chamber then moved to Senate Bill 2543, An Act Strengthening Health Care Protections in the Commonwealth, and adopted the Ways and Means amendment before sending the bill to third reading. Later, after the bill was released from third reading, the House considered it on final passage. Supporters described the measure as protecting reproductive and gender-affirming care, patient data, providers, and Massachusetts residents from out-of-state interference, while also incorporating federal emergency care requirements. Amendment 4, which would have barred state funding for campaign ads discouraging pregnant women from using pregnancy resource centers, was rejected. Amendment 8, which would have broadened the bill to include refusals of care and other preventive care for adults and minors, was also rejected after opposition argued it could allow one parent to block care for a child. Amendment 6, as changed, narrowing certain data protections to abortion-related care, IVF, and gender-affirming care, was adopted. The House also adopted Amendment 7, clarifying that businesses handling information for payment, treatment, or health care operations would not violate the bill, and Amendment 9, directing the Commissioner of Public Health to convene a technical advisory group to review a section of the General Laws. After these amendments, the bill passed to be engrossed by a vote of 136-23. The House then observed a moment of silence for victims of the Gabriel House assisted living fire in Fall River and adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Kenya Corey with the National Waste and Recycling Association of Florida Chapter, waiving in
• Chapter 718. That is the bill, Senators. Thank you, Senator McLean.
• I met with President All-Briton about 45 days ago, and he said, look, we have to come up with a plan.
• The odds were 45 to 1. No one believed in her, but she won that race by almost five lengths.
• I've been in Ocala for 45 years.

Summary: The committee first handled Senate confirmations, hearing two support waivers from the Florida Swimming Pool Association, and then voted to recommend confirmation of all appointees in a block vote. It then took up several bills, adopting amendments and reporting each measure favorably: CS/SB 462 on transportation, which included FDOT authority over speed limits, EV-related funding, MPO changes, workforce grants, and an I-4 widening report; SB 1574 on energy infrastructure investment, creating a PSC mechanism for renewable natural gas infrastructure cost recovery; SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, limiting local government energy-source restrictions; and SB 726 on swatting, adding liability for prosecution/investigation costs and restitution for injuries or property damage. The committee also approved CS/SB 496 on timeshare management and CS/SB 1076 on roof contracting, both with technical or clarifying amendments. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 408 on thoroughbred permit holders and decoupling live racing from gaming licenses at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. Senator Burgess presented a strike-all amendment that would delay decoupling for seven years, with a three-year notice period and a four-year guarantee of racing and current purse/breeder award structures. The sponsor and supporters said the longer runway was intended to create room for negotiations and align Florida with other pari-mutuel operations. The committee heard extensive public testimony, overwhelmingly opposed, from horsemen, breeders, veterinarians, farm owners, sales companies, and related businesses who warned the bill would reduce racing, depress breeding, threaten tens of thousands of jobs, and harm a major agricultural industry. A few speakers, including representatives of the Miccosukee Tribe, opposed the bill as a casino expansion that would benefit out-of-state interests and undermine existing gaming arrangements. No final vote on SB 408 was taken in the portion provided, and the committee continued public testimony after a recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:07.119> was<00:45:08.119> able<00:45:08.440> to<00:45:08.599> supply
• > fresh<00:45:10.960> food<00:45:11.319> because<00:45:11.599> I'm<00:45:
• :14.680> uh<00:45:14.960> this<00:45:15.280> year<00:45:16.280> I'm<00:45
• a<00:45:21.040> qu<00:45:21.280> an<00:45:21.480> acre<00:45:22.160>
• I<00:45:22.319> got<00:45:22.599> a<00:45:22.800> 30<00:45:23.160> acre

Bills: HF44, HF2102, HF2279, HF2280, HF2281

Keywords: HF44, Casey Jones State Trail, Pipestone Trailhead, Currie Loop, Minnesota bonding bill, capital investment, state bonds, bond proceeds fund, Department of Natural Resources, DNR, trail rehabilitation, trail reconstruction, recreational trail, bike trail, hiking trail, infrastructure, state trail, Pipestone, Currie, bonding authorization

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:14.960> We<00:45:15.080> are<00:45:15.160> now<00:45:15.520> on
• c><00:45:20.800> for<00:45:20.960> Water<00:45:21.480> Month<00:45:21.880> in
• the state.<00:45:23.200> I<00:45:23.280> don't<00:45:23.720> show<00:45:23.920>
• We<00:45:27.080> have<00:45:27.200> Board<00:45:27.400> of<00:45:27.520> Water
• Mary, are<00:45:56.160> you<00:45:56.280> going<00:45:56.440> to<00:45:56.520>

Bills: SCR8, SCR40, SCR83, SCR179, SCR90, SCR94, SCR159, SCR165, SCR177

Keywords: building permits, seniors, health care, disability, safety modifications, county regulations, expedited processing, environment, pollution, tourism, disposable bodyboards, polystyrene, marine ecosystems, lithium-ion batteries, environmental safety, recycling, public safety, waste management, Honolulu, Maui County

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions related to water, coastal management, and permitting. Early measures included SCR 8 on faster county action for certain home-modification permits for older adults and people with disabilities, SCR 40 on banning disposable body boards, SCR 83 on creating a lithium-ion battery disposal facility, SCR 179 on enforcing Maui fire-code provisions for brush clearance and emergency access, and SCR 90 on kupuna-friendly permit requirements. No testifiers were present for those measures, and the chair moved through them without taking votes in the portion provided. The most extensive discussion was on SCR 94, endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, and SCR 159, urging shared guiding principles for restoring and maintaining Waikiki’s beaches and shoreline. University of Hawaii testimony said the surfing-reserve designation would bring recognition, could help attract grants, and would require a stewardship committee and management plan, but would not itself block beach nourishment or shoreline restoration. Members asked about possible effects on dredging, beach nourishment, and shoreline structures; the witness said impacts on surfing were not expected to be immediate or significant. For SCR 159, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the resolution but requested clarifying amendments to broaden references to law, stakeholder collaboration, and coastal science expertise. The Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association also supported the measure, emphasizing coordinated maintenance, public access, and the economic importance of Waikiki beaches, while noting that existing legal agreements and court decisions should be reflected in the resolution. The discussion also covered whether the state and private owners share repair and maintenance obligations for Waikiki seawalls; testimony said existing agreements remain relevant but must yield to current law. The committee also heard SCR 165 designating March as Water Month, with support from the Board of Water Supply and others, and SCR 177 requesting DAGS to convene a cooperative working group on state projects needing county permits. Mary Alice Evans said the latter would help expedite permitting, especially for housing and other state projects, and would complement efforts to standardize county permitting processes. No final votes or dispositions were announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.000> Swan<00:45:00.400> I'm<00:45:00.520> a<00:45:00.760> strong<00:45
• live on a<00:45:10.520> street<00:45:11.000> on<00:45:11.200> the<00:45:11.319><
• <00:45:13.119> but<00:45:13.839> I'll<00:45:14.000> be<00:45:14.119> a<00
• c> I<00:45:16.079> live<00:45:16.319> with<00:45:16.440> my<00:45:16.599>
• <00:45:18.400> like<00:45:18.680> $33,000<00:45:19.680> per<00:45:19.880>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Housing held a public hearing on several bills. HB 576, relating to restrictions on the transfer of real property under chapter 201H, drew support from HHFDC and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which said the bill would waive transfer restrictions that conflict with DHHL’s program implementation. HB 421, relating to contractors, drew opposition from the Contractors License Board and DCCA/RICO, who said the measure would weaken owner-builder restrictions meant to prevent circumvention of contractor licensing laws; Hawaii Roter and the Grassroot Institute supported it. Members questioned whether the bill would still bar resale within a year and whether subcontractors would still need licenses. HB 367, relating to building permits, received support from the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Grassroot Institute, with comments from DLNR; testimony urged the bill to be expanded to include zoning permits as well as building permits to avoid confusion, especially on Kauaʻi. HB 826, relating to housing, received mixed testimony. HHFDC and several local and advocacy groups supported it, while the Sierra Club raised concerns about converting agricultural lands to residential use, possible impacts on food security, property values, taxes, and the need to account for public trust and traditional practices. HB 525 also drew support from HHFDC and three individuals, with no opposition noted. HB 252, relating to managing agents, was supported by the Hawaiʻi Council of Community Associations and opposed by the Community Associations Institute and several individuals, who argued that commercial management experience is not the same as condominium management and preferred language tied to industry certifications and a later effective date. HB 709, relating to trespassing, was opposed by the Honolulu Police Department, which said officers would have difficulty verifying ownership or tenancy in the field, that the bill could require a separate enforcement team, and that the sheriff’s division is better suited to handle evictions. Hawaiʻi Realtors and the Grassroot Institute supported the measure. Finally, HB 431 HD1, relating to housing, received broad support from the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, HHFDC, DHS, the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions, OHA, county housing offices, and multiple nonprofit and political groups. Supporters emphasized the bill’s funding for housing and supportive services, with the homelessness office describing the measure as unprecedented and saying it could help the state cut homelessness in half over the next few years.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:16.640> Chairman,<00:45:16.960> and<00:45:17.359> thank<00:45:17.520>
• I just want<00:45:19.200> to<00:45:19.760> follow<00:45:20.079> up<00:45:20.240>
• <00:45:40.240> Um<00:45:40.960> if<00:45:41.200> in<00:45:41.440> fact
• :45:43.920> the<00:45:44.079> SNAP<00:45:44.319> funding<00:45:44.560> is
• > we<00:45:51.280> what<00:45:51.680> the<00:45:52.000> way<00:45:52.160>

Keywords: 1189, house, all