Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, Senator<00:28:15.840> Decort. Senator Decort. Senator Decort.
• Senator Kuha. Senator Lee is excused. Senator Deort is excused.
• Senator Kuha. Senator Lee is excused. Senator Deort is excused.
• >> Senator<01:04:15.200> Lee. >> Senator Lee. >> Senator Lee.
• Senator DeCoite, aye. Senator Rhoads, aye.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Transportation heard several bills, beginning with SB 2010, which would authorize impoundment of motor vehicles for certain alleged or committed traffic violations. The Department of Transportation supported the bill, while the Department of the Attorney General asked for clarification in section 4 on who could seek remedies and what remedies would be available. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, citing unclear officer-initiated impound criteria, potential strain on judicial or administrative resources, and concerns about hardship for families and indigent owners; the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill with amendments, saying it should be limited to traffic offenses and could serve as an alternative to fines or imprisonment. The chair then recessed before moving to the next items. The committee next heard SB 2527 on commercial driver licensing, which would require state and county firefighters exempt from CDL requirements to be subject to an alcohol and substance abuse policy equivalent to or stronger than federal DOT standards. DOT, the Department of Human Resources Development, county officials, and the Hawaiʻi Firefighters Association all indicated support. SB 2697, which would prohibit driving on roadway shoulders except in limited circumstances, also drew DOT support, with the Attorney General, judiciary, and others submitting comments. SB 2812, requiring driver license applicants to be tested on the dangers larger vehicles pose to pedestrians and bicyclists, was supported by DOT but opposed by the Public Defender, who argued the excessive-speeding portion was too broad for first offenses and that the DUI-related language was unnecessary because DUI relicensing already requires re-examination. SB 291, clarifying that drivers whose licenses were revoked for certain alcohol-related offenses must undergo re-examination before relicensing, received DOT support. The committee then took up SB 3044, which would remove references to pedestrian countdown timers and the requirement that pedestrians begin crossing before the timer starts. DOT opposed the bill, but Hawaiʻi Appleseed supported it, arguing the current rule is confusing and can lead to citations even when pedestrians can safely cross. The Department of Health submitted late comments emphasizing the importance of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and physical activity, and the chair noted the split in testimony. Finally, SB 2995 proposed a zero-emissions rideshare rebate program funded by a rideshare fee and administered by DOT. Earthjustice strongly supported the bill, describing it as a fee-and-rebate structure to help rideshare drivers transition to zero-emissions vehicles. A witness for Tom Yamachika suggested that if the state wants to tax ridesharing, it should amend existing tax law instead of creating a new chapter, but the bill’s supporters said DOT was better suited to administer the rebate program and that similar models exist in California and Washington. The committee also heard SB 3153, which would authorize DOT to designate airport special district zones at airports statewide to improve security and enforcement; DOT’s airports deputy director supported the measure, saying it would clarify jurisdiction and help address trespassing and hazards, and senators asked about boundaries, mapping, and coordination with the Attorney General. No votes were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to welcome our Vice Chair, Senator Aimoto, and committee members, Senators Roads and Alphante
• I'd like to welcome our Vice Chair, Senator Aimoto, and committee members, Senators Roads and Alphante
• we have, Senator. we have, Senator. >> Thank<00:32:44.320> you.
• Senator Elefante, aye. Senator Rhoads, aye. Senator Fevella is excused.
• Chang. >> I, Senator Lamos?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several housing-related measures. On SB 2068, which would create an affordable housing land inventory task force within the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to study how to maximize housing on transit-oriented development and other state and county lands, testimony was mostly supportive from agencies and housing groups, with one opposition witness. In response to questions, OPSD said it was already working on a list of potential parcels but could not yet identify unit counts or a timeline, and estimated about $250,000 would be needed for staffing and contractual support. The committees also heard SB 2227 on rental assistance, which would require HPHA to make monthly rent supplement payments, prioritize certain tenants including kupuna, allow agreements with counties and nonprofits, and create a special fund supported by a transaction fee on recordings. HPHA supported the bill, and the Department of the Attorney General said it recommended amending the measure to describe the fee as a tax. Additional testimony included support from elder and community organizations and one opposition witness. For SB 2061, relating to residential condominiums and the 99-year leasehold program, HCDA and the project developer testified in support of amendments intended to preserve owner-occupant requirements while making the project more marketable and financially feasible. Members focused heavily on parking, affordability, and financing. HCDA and the developer said the parking stalls would be unbundled from the units, that the project would be a 99-year leasehold with 60% of units reserved for buyers at or below 140% AMI and 40% market-rate, and that the state’s $15 million equity contribution would cover only part of the parking garage and commercial component. The hearing then moved on to SB 3327, relating to HCDA and complete communities, but the transcript cuts off before that measure was fully discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Har votes I. Senator Khali is excused. Senator Deort. The measure is adopted as amended.
• Senate draft 1 with amendments. Senate draft 1 with amendments.
• Senator Khali is Senator Har votes I.
• Senator Deort. The measure is excused. Senator Deort.
• Senator Haro: aye. Senator Kole: aye. Senator Zor: aye. Chair recommendation is adopted. Thank you.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard several Department of Hawaiian Home Lands measures. SB 2635 would appropriate funds for DHHL land development, land purchases, and mortgage or rental subsidies to address the wait list; DHHL and five supporters testified in favor, and the committee later recommended passage with amendments, including a date defect, with the measure adopted as amended. SB 2924 would authorize funding for a capital improvement project for the Kaneili Community Hall, access road, and parking lot; DHHL stood on testimony in support, Randall Ao and another online testifier spoke in favor, and the committee later amended the bill to shift the funding structure from general obligation bonds to general funds before passing it. SB 3127 would raise the state liability cap for DHHL-related borrowing and guaranteed loans from $100 million to $500 million; DHHL testified, no other testimony was offered, and the committee passed it with amendments, including a date defect. The committee also heard SB 3248, which establishes labor requirements for Aleha Products. No testifier from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Board was present, and there was no additional testimony or questions during the hearing. During decision-making, the chair noted there was both support and some opposition but recommended passage with amendments, including a date defect, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously. The meeting concluded after all three decision-making votes were completed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:07:14.800> Abler. Senator Abler. Senator Abler. >> Hi<00:07:17.039> Mr.
• I'm going to go to Senator Abeler, then Senator Gruenhagen on this, and then Senator Erin Maye Quade
• Senator or Senator >> Is it Yeah.
• >> Senator, >> Senator, >> Senator, >> thank<01:18:37.679> you.
• Um >> Senator Rus and Senator McQuade.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Davis >> Senator Dames, please.
• Senator<01:13:17.760> Westerm, Senator Westerm, Senator Westerm, >> Mr.<01:13:20.159>
• Senate file 3584. Senate file 3584.
• >> Senator<01:47:36.080> Pum. >> Senator Pum. >> Senator Pum.
• Senator Putnham. adopted. Senator Putnham.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• protocols, Senate Senate rules, Senate protocols, Senate Senate rules, Senate protocols, and<00:
• Senator<00:59:26.000> House. Senator House. Senator House.
• Um Senator Nelson. you owe. Um Senator Nelson.
• >> Senator<01:25:53.520> Dibble. >> Senator Dibble. >> Senator Dibble.
• Um, Senator<01:32:04.320> Droscowski. Senator Droscowski. Senator Droscowski.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Avar. the committee? Senator Avar.
• Senator<00:11:51.440> Long, Senator Long, Senator Long, >> thank<00:11:53.600> you
• And then Senator, thank you, um, Senator Avard and thank you, um, Senator Rush for taking my question
• on Senate Bill 480. on Senate Bill 480.
• >> 498. >> I’ll second. >> Senator Birdsell moves ought to pass on Senate Bill 498. >> Senator Apprentice

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator Jan. >> Senator Jan.
• Uh, Senator Pratt. of the committee. Uh, Senator Pratt.
• Uh, Senator<01:23:56.719> Jan, Senator Jan, Senator Jan, >> thank<01:23:58.880> you,<
• Uh Senator<01:28:40.080> P. Senator P. Senator P.
• Uh, Senator Her. Oh, I'm sorry. Uh, Senator Her.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Kunish’s Senate File 3625 and Senator Mans 3626.
• > McQuay, Uh, Senator Suzinski, Senator McQuay, Uh, Senator Suzinski, Senator McQuay, thank<01
• >> Senator. >> Senator.
• :37:01.920> McQuade, >> Senator Sinsky, Senator uh McQuade, >> Senator Sinsky, Senator
• >> Nice work, Senator Kunesh. >> Senators, Senator Kunesh, great question.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So with those preliminaries, we are going to now turn our attention to Senate Council and Senate Fiscal
• So, thank you, >> Senator<00:15:52.639> Nelson. >> Senator Nelson.
• >> Senator Nelson.
• Senator P.
• Uh, Senator Dibble were the co-author. Senator Johnson Stewart, Senator Liur, Senator House.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first bill we'll take up is Senator Rashard's bill, Senate Bill 635.
• Thank you, Senator. Senator. Senator. >> I'll<00:20:32.799> be<00:20:32.960> back.
• >> Senator<00:41:39.920> Russell, >> Senator Russell, >> Senator Russell, >
• Senator Murphy. ITL. Further discussion. Senator Murphy.
• Senator Sullivan, seconded by Senator Senator Sullivan, seconded by Senator Rosevel<01:34:46.800

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Allen, Senator Carley, Senator Figures, Senator Dean, Senator Hatcher, Senator Jones, Senator
• Price, Senator Sessions, Senator Shelnut, Senator Singleton, Senator Smitherman, Senator Stuts, Senator
• Senator Dean, Senator Hatcher, Senator Jones, Senator Price here, Senator Sessions here, Senator Shelnut
• , Senator Singleton, Senator Smitherman here, Senator Stuts, Senator Williams, Senator Woods, Senator
• Senator Smitherman, Senator Stuts, Senator Williams, Senator Woods, Senator Wagner, Senator Weaver.

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Butler here. Senator Kley, Senator Chestine here. Senator Coleman here.
• Senator Figures here. Senator Gaban. Senator Hatcher here. Senator Hovie here. Senator Kelly here.
• Senator Butler here. Senator Cornley. Senator Chestine. Hi. Senator Coleman. Hi. Senator Figures.
• Senator Gab. Senator Hatcher. Hi. Senator Hovie. Hi. Senator Kelly. Hi. Senator Melson. Hi.
• Senator Roberts. Senator Sessions. Hi. Senator Woods. Hi. Senator Weaver. Hi. Senator Bell.

Bills: HB139, HB220, SB274, SB282, SB277

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senator from Ro. >> Senator from Rutland. >> Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senate Finance will meet at 1:30. >> The senator from Washington. >> Senator Pro Tem's Committee will
• Senate Finance will meet at 1:30. >> The senator from Washington. >> Senator Pro Tem's Committee will
• Senate Finance will meet at 1:30. >> The senator from Washington. >> Senator Pro Tem's Committee will
• Senate Finance will meet at 1:30. >> The senator from Washington. >> Senator Pro Tem's Committee will

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will come back to order. Senator Johnson.
• At the front of the line should be Senator Johnson, Senator Murphy, I'll join them, and Senator Hoffman
• Senator Hoffman. Senator Hoffman.
• <00:21:23.440> Johnson,<00:21:24.280> Senator be uh uh Senator Johnson, Senator be
• Senator for motion to adjourn. Senator for motion to adjourn.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate convened for opening day with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call establishing a quorum. The agenda included receipt of executive and official communications, first reading of introduced Senate bills, and adoption of authors’ motions, all handled without recorded debate. Senator Fateh was noted as intending to vote remotely under Rule 40.7. The main focus of the meeting was a series of remarks centered on grief, recovery, and the start of the session after recent violence and loss. Senator Hoffman delivered an emotional address describing the attempted assassination that injured him, his wife Evette, and their daughter Hope, thanking family members, first responders, law enforcement, medical staff, and colleagues from both parties for their support. He said the experience reinforced the importance of family, community, decency, and governing in good faith, and he pledged to protect vulnerable Minnesotans and pursue truth and fairness. Senate leaders responded with tributes and messages of support. Senator Johnson acknowledged the deaths of former Speaker Melissa Hortman and Bruce Anderson, the injuries to the Hoffman family, and the chamber’s increased security measures, while welcoming new members Senators Holmstrom and Hemmingsen-Jaeger. Senator Murphy praised Hoffman’s return and his commitment to lead with dignity and compassion. The Senate then moved to adjourn, and the motion prevailed, adjourning the body until February 19 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:04.800> I senator? Seeing none. Thank you. I senator? Seeing none. Thank you.
• >> Yes, please, Senator. Oops. Thank you, Chair. >> Yes, please, Senator. Oops. Thank you, Chair.
• Hey, I'm Senator David Waters, District 4, here to introduce Senate Bill 668, authorizing a historic
• Um I think as a Hampshire Senate.
• So all Senate bills need to be acted on by the... >> Um we'll go now to Senate Bill 668.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:29:19.520> Rose,<00:29:20.000> you Senator Rose, you Senator Rose, you >&
• >> Yes,<01:26:35.520> Senator. >> Yes, Senator. >> Yes, Senator.
• Senator Waters. Senator Waters.
• >> Senator<02:23:13.760> Waters. >> Senator Waters. >> Senator Waters.
• >> Senator, >> Senator, >> Senator, >> thank<02:47:08.319> you.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator<00:32:40.960> Oshley. Senator Oshley. Senator Oshley.
• >> Senator<00:43:40.240> Yan. >> Senator Yan. >> Senator Yan.
• Just Just Just >> Senator<01:06:50.640> Al. >> Senator Al. >> Senator Al.
• Senator<01:19:57.120> Evans. Senator Evans. Senator Evans.
• senator Tim McHugh representing Senate senator Tim McHugh representing Senate District<01:53:49.360

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward.
• Senator<00:06:29.280> Sullivan. Senator Sullivan. Senator Sullivan.
• >> Yes,<00:16:22.320> Senator. >> Yes, Senator. >> Yes, Senator.
• >> Um,<00:17:30.799> Senator, >> Um, Senator, >> Um, Senator, >> you<00
• Thank you, Senator Wood. if if Senator Fenton wants to move it if if Senator Fenton wants to move it

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, let's start with Senate Bill 444.
• motion on Senate Bill 482? motion on Senate Bill 482?
• favor of Senate Bill 482, please say I. favor of Senate Bill 482, please say I.
• Senator Murphy, you got it. Oh, Senator Murphy, I think you want it. Sure. Okay.
• >> Okay.<01:40:23.440> Senator, >> Okay. Senator, >> Okay.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all