Video & Transcript Research : 'multifamily development'

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NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Economic and Rural Development Sep 4th, 2025

Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • And welcome to the Economic Development Committee.
  • We're Meeting with Four Corners Economic Development and New Mexico Economic Development to get them
  • I have some good experience in the economic development and community development areas, and I'm excited
  • And so, again, we're looking at electrical generation via solar development, natural gas development,
  • and coal development.
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Community Affairs Jan 13th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • I haven't met the long list of development lobbyists that are on this bill.
  • To that point, the required state... scale developments.
  • plans and meet all other requirements for development review.
  • If I was writing this on behalf of a developer, I would button up a lot of it.
  • Most of us are familiar with planned unit developments.
Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 330, by Sen. Bradley, clarified the heart disease presumption for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, including allowing a prior physical exam to count if a transferring officer is not given a new one; an amendment declaring the act an important state interest was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. SB 594, by Sen. Burton, would make mobile home residents eligible for local housing assistance programs such as SHIP for lot rent and home repairs; it received supportive testimony from manufactured-home advocates and passed favorably. SB 840, by Sen. DeSigley, revised hurricane-related land-use restrictions from prior legislation by shortening the affected area from 100 miles to 50 miles, ending certain temporary limits on June 30, 2026, and exempting some water, flood, and state/federal planning matters; it passed favorably after supportive comments from local-government interests and members noting the need to fix unintended consequences of prior law. The committee also approved SB 526, by Sen. Grawe, which addresses no-damages-for-delay clauses in public construction contracts, creates a uniform commercial permit application, requires permit fee reductions when private providers are used, and adds mitigation to statewide product approval categories. County representatives testified with concerns about the contracting language, unfunded mandates, and fee reductions, but the bill passed favorably. SB 504, by Sen. Burgess, creates a statewide framework for code inspector body camera use, and SB 506, its linked public-records bill, exempts certain sensitive content from disclosure; both passed favorably with support from the sponsor and no opposition in committee. The most heavily debated measure was SB 354, by Chair McLean, which creates a “blue ribbon project” framework for very large developments that trade state preemption over local land-use regulation for reserving at least 60% of the land for conservation, agriculture, recreation, utilities, and related uses. The bill drew significant testimony from environmental groups, counties, smart-growth advocates, and local residents who argued it could weaken local control, reduce public review, and allow sprawl or inadequate infrastructure planning; supporters argued it could help address housing needs and preserve large amounts of land. The committee adopted two amendments clarifying reserve-area easements and requiring certain easements to be granted without charge, and the committee then reported the bill favorably, with some senators noting they supported it in concept but wanted further changes before later stops.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 11th, 2025

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we developed this course that was taught several times last year and in 2023.
  • So we developed this course that was taught several times last year and in 2023.
  • It's really meant to develop the individually identified professional development goals of that particular
  • We have three areas of focus for coaching: professional development, competency and skill development
  • Key accomplishments include developing the foundation.
Summary: The committee heard three presentations focused on child welfare workforce development and the needs of children in Florida’s dependency system. First, the Florida Institute for Child Welfare described its Grow Center and related initiatives, including academic curriculum enhancements, simulations, virtual reality training, coaching, on-demand learning, advanced certifications, and the planned Tallahassee learning lab opening in January 2026. Members asked about conflict resolution, domestic violence, addiction, and microcredentials; the presenter said the institute is expanding training in those areas and is working with DCF to align advanced certifications with the department’s career ladder. The Department of Children and Families then presented on the Continue the Mission initiative, which recruits veterans, military spouses, and former law enforcement officers into CPI, API, and case management roles. DCF said it has held more than 240 hiring events and hired 372 such workers since launch, while also improving recruitment and retention through higher starting pay, streamlined hiring, rebranding, wellness supports, and enhanced pre-service training. Senators asked about PTSD concerns, staffing levels, caseloads, hotline vacancies, and salaries; DCF said it had not seen direct PTSD issues from the hiring effort and provided figures including a $50,000 starting salary for CPIs, $37,000 for APIs, and average caseloads of 12 to 15 investigations for CPIs and about 10 for APIs. Finally, DCF discussed the increased acuity of children in the dependency system, explaining that fewer children are entering care overall but those who do often have more complex behavioral, mental health, developmental, or medical needs. The department highlighted a new Behavioral Qualified Residential Treatment Program (BQRTP) designed for youth who need more intensive support than traditional foster or group home settings but do not require inpatient psychiatric treatment; one facility is licensed with 12 of 14 beds filled, and DCF said it is seeking funding for placement for 230 youth total. Members pressed for details on licensure timelines, standards, funding, and the handling of crossover youth and lockouts, and DCF said it uses braided funding and works with DJJ, APD, and lead agencies through local and state review teams. A representative of the Florida Coalition for Children also testified, saying the issue is complex and multi-year, and that the coalition is working on possible legislative and programmatic solutions. The committee took no formal votes and adjourned after the presentations and discussion.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
  • like developers. I like I like rooftops. like developers. I like I like rooftops.
  • bring in more developers. Correct. bring in more developers. Correct.
  • development.
  • We got all the development development.
  • green field developments from scratch. green field developments from scratch.
Keywords: 1136, house, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

State Affairs Apr 9th, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • So they've developed over the years, if Mr.
  • In terms of data center development, yes. Mr.
  • Rhett Bennett: Developer lens into the process and how it's going and the development and growth ahead
  • I think we want the economic development.
  • Developers don't know when they'll get service, to what degree they'll get Developers don't know when
Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss data centers and their impact on Texas's energy infrastructure. The meeting featured testimony from key representatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and ERCOT, who outlined the evolving landscape of energy generation and the challenges posed by the rapid growth of data centers. Notably, ERCOT reported over 450,000 MW of generation resources planned for connection, with a significant portion attributed to data centers, which now represent around 87% of new large load interconnection requests. The committee explored proposed changes to the interconnection process, including a new 'batch study' approach aimed at streamlining the approval of multiple projects simultaneously. This change is intended to address the challenges of managing numerous simultaneous requests and to provide more certainty for developers regarding their energy needs. Testimonies emphasized the importance of ensuring that the costs of infrastructure upgrades are borne by the data centers rather than residential ratepayers, with discussions around the financial commitments required from developers. Several data center developers also provided testimony, highlighting the economic benefits of their projects, including job creation and increased local revenues. They expressed concerns about the potential for a moratorium on future growth due to the new interconnection rules and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address water usage and environmental impacts. The committee plans to continue discussions on these topics in future hearings, with a focus on balancing economic growth with energy reliability and resource management.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

89th Legislative Session Apr 3rd, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Refer the committee to trade workforce. and economic development.
  • Association's books and records for the Committee on Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development.
  • Relating to the reimbursement of infrastructure costs incurred by developer of certain housing developments
  • and Tourism Officer for the Committee on Trade. workforce and economic development.
  • AG 4866 by Vassiliou, ruling the review adoption modification land development.
Bills: HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Commerce (02/06/2025)

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • But I don't think that's reasonable for the rest of the development world. Thank you.
  • I don't think it's a major deterrent to development when you decide you're going to develop that piece
  • when you decide you're going development when you decide you're going to<00:09:34.440> develop
  • <00:09:51.640> if their town is going to get developed if their town is going to get developed
  • <00:11:43.480> is<00:11:43.920> and promoting development is and promoting development
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • development. Okay. development. Okay.
  • development of the Crossroads<00:15:20.800> development<00:15:21.320> site<00:15:21.600
  • Crossroads development site in Lebanon. Crossroads development site in Lebanon.
  • In KPDA funds to develop two 60,000-square-foot spec buildings to further develop the industrial area
  • development authority. development authority.
Summary: The committee first discussed and approved a new airport-related project involving two 60-by-80 corporate hangars. Members asked about how the project would generate revenue, and staff explained that hangar rent and fuel sales would help repay the costs, with more than half of the funding coming from the FAA. The project was approved by roll call vote. The committee then approved two large capital pool projects: a $1,715,120 roof replacement and skylight project for the Libraries and Archives building in Frankfort, and a $2,105,400 exterior renovation project for several state buildings, including Health and Family Services, the Kentucky History Center, and the State Office Building. After that, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented one loan increase and five grant reallocations. The loan increase was for Springfield’s wastewater treatment plant project, rising by $262,300 to just over $2.88 million because bids came in higher than estimated. Members asked about the delay between approval and bidding, and staff explained the design, environmental review, and state approval process can take one to two years. The committee approved the six action items, and then received informational updates on additional water projects that required no action. The Cabinet for Economic Development next presented one forgivable loan and 11 KPDI/KPDI EDF grant projects. The loan was a $1 million forgivable loan for the Perry County Economic Development Board to acquire the Coalfields Industrial Building, with repayment forgivable if a project creates at least 75 jobs. The grant projects included site-readiness and industrial development work in Pendleton, Elizabethtown/Hardin, McCreary, Floyd, Marion, Fleming, Graves, Eddyville/Lyon, Caldwell, Mercer, and Johnson counties. Members asked how local match percentages are set and were told they are based on county population and updated every two years; staff also explained that beneficiaries usually provide the match and are reimbursed after submitting costs. The committee approved the action items. Finally, the Office of Financial Management presented two new debt issues and three SFCC debt issues. The new debt items were a Kentucky Housing Corporation bond authorization of up to $600 million for single-family mortgage revenue bonds, including a $100 million initial transaction, and a $5.5 million multifamily conduit bond for 98 apartments in Lexington. Informational items covered University of Kentucky refunding bonds and Turnpike Authority refunding bonds, both of which produced savings. The three SFCC debt issues for Campbell, Edmonson, and Perry counties were then approved by roll call vote. The meeting ended with brief discussion of the upcoming calendar and scheduling before adjournment.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Hopefully I can contribute to the development of this important energy source.
  • Are you committed to maximizing access to development of those resources in a responsible manner?
  • My position on this is that we need to develop a series of mechanisms for financing of reactors.
  • But can we develop, can we work towards developing a better strategic approach?
  • Resource Management Plan amendment prohibiting new coal development in eastern Montana.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • By publishers and content developers.
  • The literacy network, one component of that, is to provide professional development.
  • school literacy programs, employ and develop literacy coaches and specialists, and develop... ...and
  • Increased teacher capacity through special development coaching.
  • So that's what I would ask staff to do: work with the appropriate development policy committees to develop
Keywords: 988, house, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Rules - Legislative May 12th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • The developer puts up all the money. The developer takes all the risk.
  • This has to do with economic development taxes.
  • to develop it themselves?
  • To develop it themselves.
  • There's no active developer right now that's trigger-ready, but the There's no active developer right
Summary: The Legislative Rules Committee met with a quorum and held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1694, along with related Senate Bill 1688, both described by the sponsor and supporters as a modernization and expansion of the Missouri Downtown and Rural Economic Stimulus Act (MODESA). Senator Steve Roberts said the bills would broaden redevelopment tools, extend timelines, expand residential incentives, and help projects in St. Louis and other communities without using general revenue. Supporters from the Cordish Companies, the City of Kansas City, Greater St. Louis Inc., Historic Revitalization for Missouri, and BioSTL emphasized past redevelopment successes, including Power & Light, Ballpark Village, and potential reuse of large vacant buildings such as the AT&T Tower and Railway Exchange Building. They argued the proposal would leverage private investment, create jobs, and provide a predictable statewide framework. One witness opposed the bill, arguing it would create more bureaucracy, rely on tax abatements and TIF, and burden taxpayers. Committee members asked questions about the bill’s scope, rural component, fiscal note, and specific redevelopment targets, and the public hearing then closed. After a brief stand-at-ease, the committee entered executive session and adopted a substitute for the combined Senate Bill 1694/1688 package, then voted do pass on the House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bills 1694 and 1688 by a vote of 10-0. The committee also considered Senate Bill 1586, a solid waste measure, and voted do pass Senate Substitute Number 2 for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1586 by a vote of 8-2. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 889, a cleanup bill removing obsolete statutes, and voted do pass the House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 889 by a vote of 8-0 with two members voting present. The meeting then adjourned.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • The developer develops the land, gets them prepped for the elementary school or the high school that
  • What about the develop? You guys... Them. What about the developer? You guys understand?
  • c> a Development Corporation to develop a Development Corporation to develop a plan<00:48:54.240>
  • Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation<00:49:
  • Um having oriented development.
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committees heard several housing-related bills and resolutions. HB 1298 HD3 would create a government employee housing revolving fund and a government employee 99-year leasehold rent-to-own program; testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC, labor groups, and the Maui Chamber, with the Tax Foundation and Budget and Finance raising concerns about the revolving fund. The committees recommended passage with non-substantive amendments for clarity and consistency, and the motion was adopted. HB 741 H2, which would exempt certain affordable housing projects financed by a certified nonprofit CDFI from prevailing wage requirements, drew support from housing advocates and opposition from several construction unions; the chairs said they were concerned about the labor objections and deferred the measure, with the labor committee agreeing to defer it as well. The housing committee then took up HB 417 HD1, which creates a housing efficiency and innovation subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund and allows HHFDC to transfer funds between the subaccount and the main fund without legislative approval. Testimony was largely supportive. The chair described a series of amendments, including changing the funding-efficiency standard, adding perpetual affordability language, allowing any land tenure type, broadening eligible financing tools, adding priority criteria for mixed-income projects and government-employee projects, and inserting blank appropriations tied to a requested $75 million per year and a $75 million subaccount appropriation for the HCDA 99-year leasehold project. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. HB 422 HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and move remaining balances to the school facilities special fund, drew broad support from housing and taxpayer groups and opposition from the Department of Education and some individuals. The School Facilities Authority and DOE argued the current system had not produced enough usable land or school sites and suggested narrowing the exemption to government housing projects’ construction costs instead of repealing the fee entirely. Members pressed DOE and SFA on how much land had actually been obtained and whether the fee had been effective; the discussion highlighted concerns about unused balances, school overcrowding, and the role of the Land Use Commission and county zoning in securing school sites. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion shown. The committee also heard STR 60/SR 45, urging HHFDC to develop a plan to meet housing demand, and STR 77/SR 60, addressing continued eligibility for housing credits for certain projects after repeal of Act 31; both sets of resolutions had HHFDC support, with DHHL supporting STR 77/SR 60 and Johnny May Perry opposing both.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • In terms of data center development, yes.
  • Rhett Bennett: Developer lens into the process and how it's going and the development and growth ahead
  • We're developing the well-publicized Stargate project in Abilene.
  • I think we want the economic development.
  • I lead market development and policy for Google Data Centers.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Education Postsecondary Feb 18th, 2025

Education Postsecondary

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is a booming industry that can be developed further.
  • Also with a particular emphasis on workforce development.
  • This is a booming industry that can be developed further.
  • Workforce development as well.
  • Economic Development Administration called tech hubs.
Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary heard a presentation on Florida’s maritime and ocean economy from Florida Atlantic University, the College of the Florida Keys, and Star Center. Speakers emphasized the importance of maritime industries such as aquaculture, marine engineering, shipbuilding, transportation, coastal resilience, and offshore renewable energy, and described workforce programs, certifications, and partnerships designed to train students and workers for these fields. They also highlighted federal and state initiatives supporting ocean economy research and commercialization, including tech hubs and innovation programs. The committee then considered SB 312 relating to the Florida Institute of Human and Machine Cognition. Senator Gates explained that the bill would allow IHMC to create a subsidiary to commercialize research, similar to Moffitt Cancer Center. Senator Fine offered and the committee adopted a friendly amendment addressing board membership concerns tied to a University of West Florida trustee. However, after questions arose about whether the bill and analysis aligned on whether subsidiaries would be for-profit or not-for-profit, the bill was tabled. Finally, the committee took up SB 270 on the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The bill would extend eligibility for students in certain military/public-service family situations, giving families more time to establish Florida residency after returning to the state. Senator Fine’s amendment was adopted to add AP Capstone Diploma students to the automatic Bright Futures eligibility provisions, alongside IB and Cambridge AICE students. The committee then reported the bill favorably as amended by a vote of 7-0, and adjourned.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Session - 2026-04-30 - 1:00PM

Vermont House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • . development. development.
  • This program will will be developed This program will will be developed through<00:26:00.920>
  • <00:26:36.000> Grant Rural Industrial Development Grant Rural Industrial Development Grant
  • <00:27:19.720> district designated downtown development district designated downtown development
  • Are you ready development as amended?
Keywords: 926, house, all
Summary: The House opened with a devotional performance by four Vermont music therapists, followed by remarks recognizing music therapy as an evidence-based profession and welcoming the performers to the chamber. The body then handled several referral and procedural matters: Senate Bills 212 and 328, and Senate Bill 325 after an Environment Committee report, were referred to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A because of revenue impacts. The House also read HCR 263, congratulating the 2026 Mount Mansfield Union High School Division 1 championship girls basketball team, and members offered brief congratulations and announcements, including a birthday greeting for the Chief of Staff, notice of an art social, and a reminder about the House Adjournment Pool benefiting Good Samaritan Haven. The House voted to move Senate Bill 206, relating to licensure of early childhood educators, from Government Operations and Military Affairs to Human Services. It then took up House Bill 951, the state budget bill, suspended rules to consider it immediately, and voted not to concur with the Senate’s proposal of amendment. The House requested a committee of conference and appointed Representatives Shay, Feltes, and Lumley to serve on the House side, then suspended rules again to message its action to the Senate forthwith. In the orders of the day, the House passed House Bill 902 on amendments to the City of Barre charter, and passed Senate Bills 142, 179, 227, 230, and 298 in concurrence with proposals of amendment. Action on Senate Bill 223, relating to water quality, was postponed for two legislative days. The House then considered Senate Bill 327 on economic development, hearing detailed testimony from the Commerce and Economic Development, Ways and Means, and Appropriations committees. The bill would support small businesses, repeal the VEGI sunset, create hospitality and culinary workforce initiatives, revise the Rural Industrial Development Grant Program, authorize cash rounding when pennies are unavailable, and establish a C-PACE financing program. Ways and Means offered nine amendments, including changes to VEGI limits, grant language, rounding notice provisions, and C-PACE timing and tax clarifications; the House adopted the amendments and proposed the bill back to the Senate as amended.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Higher Education - 03/06/25

Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • research staff that are helping develop research staff that are helping develop those<00:19:12.200
  • <00:19:36.799> different using these funds to develop different using these funds to develop
  • <00:38:11.720> and uh and then not only we developed and uh and then not only we developed
  • <00:42:04.480> a they've already uh developed a they've already uh developed a flourishing
  • Health to support locally developed Health to support locally developed research<01:13:00.560>
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

State Affairs Apr 9th, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • There's a lot to get developed as you can imagine.
  • Witness: Yeah, in terms of data center development, yes.
  • and how it's going and the development and growth.
  • economic development as well.
  • When developers and operators need large loads, who should bear that cost?
Keywords: 1184, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Jose Palayo, Director of Workforce Development at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation
  • I'm the director of Workforce Development with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation
  • importance of workforce development.
  • Workforce development boards, the regional planning units, there's 15, there's 45 workforce development
  • Economic Development Corporation and, you know, LAEDC and all the regional economic development corporations
Summary: The hearing opened the Select Committee on Effective Postsecondary Career, Technical Education, and Workforce Development Programs at Santa Ana College, with Assemblymember Mike Fong emphasizing the need for affordable, accelerated pathways into high-demand careers and noting his bill AB 1098 creating the California Interagency Education Council. Chancellor Marvin Martinez welcomed the committee and urged changes to AB 927 to remove the “duplication” barrier for community college bachelor’s degrees, arguing that applied baccalaureate programs can lead to high-wage jobs and expand access for low- and middle-income students. The first panel focused on statewide workforce trends and policy. California Community Colleges Vice Chancellor Anthony Cordova highlighted credit for prior learning, Strong Workforce funding, dual enrollment, and apprenticeship growth, asking the Legislature to restore and increase Strong Workforce funding and expand applied baccalaureate degrees. LAEDC’s Josep Bilayo described regional labor market data showing growth in health care, education, construction, bioscience, and clean energy, while stressing the need for employer-led, data-driven programs, wraparound supports, and flexible funding. Andrew Gonzalez of the Building and Construction Trades Council argued that registered apprenticeship must be paid, combine classroom and on-the-job training, and end in a portable credential; he also promoted apprenticeship readiness programs, community workforce agreements, and stronger exposure to trades starting in K-12. Eric Morrison Smith of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color discussed the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Grant Program and related youth apprenticeship recommendations, including bridge programs, intermediary infrastructure, reduced employer barriers, and better coordination of state funding. A later panel highlighted Santa Ana College’s fire technology and firefighting academy programs. President Annabelle Neri and Vice President Jeffrey Lamb said the college is one of the state’s largest fire training providers, with strong partnerships with local fire agencies, law enforcement, and the U.S. Forest Service, and with high job placement and six-figure starting salaries for some graduates. They also described related certificates, advanced officer training, wellness services, and workforce preparation such as mock interviews and sponsorships. Throughout the hearing, members and panelists repeatedly stressed the importance of aligning education with labor market demand, expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning, and using regional collaboration to connect students to living-wage careers.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 02/19/25

Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:03:14.200> Partners employers Workforce Development Partners employers Workforce Development
  • the director of Workforce Development the director of Workforce Development for<00:47:41.040>
  • <00:55:02.520> for director of Workforce Development for director of Workforce Development
  • gain paid career experience develop gain paid career experience develop critical<01:03:22.119>
  • the Workforce Development through the Workforce Development<01:06:40.960> Fund<01:06:41.760><
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:14:41.800> and committee on Economic Development and committee on Economic Development
  • <00:19:31.679> first relating to Economic Development first relating to Economic Development
  • <00:20:53.320> in development in development in support<00:20:55.880> uh<00:20:56.880><
  • the Agri Business Development the Agri Business Development Corporation<00:35:28.040> we<
  • Corporation. are in Jeopardy of being developed the are in Jeopardy of being developed the wrong<00:
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1061 on digital equity. Testimony was strongly supportive, including from Rosie Davis of the Maui County Area Health Education Center, who said Molokai and Maui need better digital access for telehealth and clinic services. Members discussed whether the bill should be consolidated with other digital broadband measures and asked about funding; the chair noted the draft used general funds but said federal money was now available for the navigator program. The committee later recommended SB 1061 be passed with an SD1, technical amendments, and an effective date of July 1, 2050, with members voting aye. The committee then heard SB 135 on macadamia nut labeling. Hawaiian Host Group and several supporters argued the bill would help align the industry around a processing solution and support growers and jobs, while the MacNut Association and Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company opposed it, saying the state lacks enough processing infrastructure and that existing law already covers labeling. In questioning, members focused on the lack of a current processing facility and the timeline for a new one on Hawaiʻi Island. After hearing mixed testimony, the committee deferred the bill indefinitely. The committee also considered SB 1657 and SB 1539 relating to the Agribusiness Development Corporation. Testimony on both measures was generally supportive, with ADC describing the Wāhō water system as serving about 5,000 acres and over 70 farmers, mostly small and medium growers, and saying the proposal would help expand service without asking for more water. The committee later voted to pass SB 1657 and SB 1539 with SD1s, technical amendments, and a July 1, 2050 effective date. Finally, the committee took up SB 891 on economic development and gaming. The hearing drew extensive testimony, including support from Boyd Gaming and Stanford Carr Development, and opposition from Native Hawaiian speakers who said Hawaiians must have a seat at the table and raised concerns about self-determination and outside control. Members questioned the scope of the proposed gaming working group, the number and makeup of members, and the need to review prior gaming bills and studies. In decision-making, the committee passed SB 891 with an SD1 and major amendments: adding tourism references, changing expense reimbursement rules so private gaming representatives pay their own expenses, expanding the working group to include Native Hawaiian, social services/behavioral health, DBEDT, law enforcement, and tax/professional expertise seats, deleting one proposed seat, and adding a July 1, 2050 effective date. The committee also reported that the recommendations were adopted by vote.