Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a great program.
• So this is a great program.
• So this is a great program.
• So this is a great program.
• So this is a great program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the loan repayment program.
• It also would prohibit door-to-door commercial soliciting at private homes that display no soliciting
• That's why I do support the Rural and Family Lands Program. I think it's the best. I'm pleased...
• Family Lands Program. I think it's the best.
• Our program is a lifeline.

Bills: S0050, S0054, S0176, S0178, S0198, S0290, S0420, S0502, S0538, S0706, S0834, S0936, S0962, S1004, S1080, S7022

Keywords: veterans, treatment court, nonviolent felony, probation, mental health, cognitive function, psychotropic drugs, violent offenders, autopsy procedures, medical records, school safety, campus safety, higher education, university safety, college safety, student safety, threat assessment, violence prevention, credible threat, campus security

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills, beginning with CS for CS for SB 54, which requires district medical examiners to perform toxicology screenings for psychotropic drugs and intoxicating substances in autopsies of violent offenders and report findings to state agencies. It was reported favorably after brief discussion about how the data would be used. CS for SB 176 also passed, requiring public postsecondary institutions to make campus safety reporting and response procedures clearer and more accessible for students, faculty, and staff who receive threats. Both bills were approved without opposition in the meeting. The committee then took up the large Florida Farm Bill, CS for CS for CS for SB 290, which drew extensive testimony and multiple amendments. The bill includes changes to fair associations, a preemption on local restrictions affecting gas- and diesel-powered farm equipment, surplus of certain state-owned lands for agricultural use, a food animal veterinary loan repayment program, permanent authorization for Farmers Feeding Florida, expanded Florida Forest Service training, a ban on signal jamming devices, tougher CDL English-proficiency penalties, protections for food safety inspectors, biosolids provisions, and contractor payment enforcement. Amendments expanded veterinary loan eligibility to equine veterinarians, merged citrus research entities, made technical corrections, and revised contractor payment language; a late-filed amendment removed the bill’s disparagement clause after significant First Amendment concerns and public testimony. A separate amendment delayed biosolids compliance deadlines. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Also approved were CS for CS for SB 834, which repeals a restriction on health care sharing ministries partnering with licensed insurance agents, while adding a disclaimer requirement; SB 936, allowing temporary door locking devices at any height above the floor and directing the Building Commission to add standards to the code; and CS for SB 50, expanding veterans’ courts statewide. Later, CS for CS for SB 1004 advanced with a strike-all regulating dog and cat sales, requiring disclosure of medical records and financing terms, a three-day waiting period for financed purchases, and consumer protections against deceptive pet sales; an amendment removed an appropriation section. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 178, which directs the FHSAA to adopt rules allowing coaches to provide limited good-faith support to student-athletes, and CS for CS for SB 198, regulating virtual currency kiosks with registration, warnings, transaction limits, receipts, and refund protections. Each of these bills was reported favorably by recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stewart has a resilient pavement program Stewart has a resilient pavement program initiative<00:
• in numerous places where it prohibits in numerous places where it prohibits them<01:25:33.600>
• <01:25:45.360> So they're prohibited from doing so. So they're prohibited from doing so.
• President. have a very solid program. It's have a very solid program.
• existing LTPP program or the pavement investment program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And now you take away programs. You take away the program at Ka'iwai.
• . program. program.
• programs are being used. programs are being used.
• after school program. after school program.
• > per program or individual program per program or individual program per student?

Bills: SB3263, SB3261

Keywords: student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, athlete agents, student athletes, endorsement contracts, professional representation, registration requirements, sports law, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on Senate Bill 3263, which would create a state-supported endowment for University of Hawaii athletics NIL (name, image, and likeness) funding. University of Hawaii Athletics Director Matt Eliott supported the bill, saying NIL requires both immediate funding and a longer-term sustainable solution. He asked for several changes: lowering the initial endowment target from $10 million to $2 million so the fund could start sooner, allowing NIL reporting by team rather than by individual student-athlete, and clarifying that athletes may choose whether to use an agent, while still allowing certified agents or a parent/guardian if desired. Committee members raised concerns about using taxpayer dollars for athlete compensation, the burden on a small-state budget, and whether the university could realistically raise the required matching funds. Several senators questioned whether the university had a concrete fundraising plan and whether the endowment would meaningfully help UH compete with larger programs. Eliott said UH is already fundraising privately for current NIL obligations, had raised more than $1.6 million toward a $3 million annual goal, and would continue fundraising for both short-term needs and the endowment match. He also said the university is not trying to compete with Power Five schools on the same scale, but to be successful at its own conference level. Members also discussed transparency and privacy, with some senators arguing that if state money is used, the public should know how it is spent, while Eliott said individual student-athlete NIL information should remain private and team-level reporting would be preferable. He confirmed international student-athletes are eligible for NIL and said about 60 to 70 UH athletes are currently participating, with more than 100 expected next year. The discussion also touched on UH’s Mountain West media rights and local TV rights, with Eliott explaining that the conference distribution is expected to remain around $3.5 million and that local TV rights would be negotiated separately. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:26:26.520> people uh verification data to prohibit people uh verification data to prohibit
• , known federally as assistance program, known federally as Medicaid.
• <01:23:39.400> too, funding come certain prohibitions too, funding come certain prohibitions
• <01:23:44.840> For administrators of the program. For administrators of the program.
• , that administers the Medicaid program, that administers the Medicaid program, which<01:23:51.480

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , to submit the training program to J-LAC.
• As far as ASBA being able to offer a course, this bill does not prohibit ASBA from offering it.
• Schools are unable to plan for programs around speculative funding streams.
• We all know about TSM out in the West Valley, built through this program.
• in Casa Grande, also built through this program.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and recognition of Arizona School Board Association members and local school board representatives visiting the Capitol for Advocacy Day. Members also honored the House Doctor of the Day, Dr. Heather Serran, and approved the journal and attendance. The chamber then moved through a large number of Senate messages and House calendar items, including committee assignments and first and second readings of many bills. A major floor action was the unanimous adoption of SCR 1054 honoring former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, followed by remarks remembering his public service and consumer-protection work. The House also agreed to return SB 1278 to the Senate for reconsideration and referred several House bills to an additional Committee of the Whole for further amendment. In Committee of the Whole, members considered and advanced numerous bills, including HB 2055, 2150, 2426, 2456, 2457, 2728, 2755, 2918, and 2923, with several floor amendments adopted. HB 2728 drew the most debate over Department of Economic Security continuation and added policy changes affecting SNAP, unemployment, and eligibility verification; after a divided question and recorded vote, it received a do-pass recommendation by 32-25. The House also advanced HB 2134, 2142, 2289, 2290, 2331, 2379, 2397, 4026, and 4033 in later Committee of the Whole sessions, with discussion focused on school safety funding and governance, school board training, HOA disclosure reforms, tax sourcing clarity, and bond disclosure language. Several bills were retained on the calendar, including HB 4041, HB 2444, HB 4018, and HB 4070. In final third-reading votes, HB 2053, HB 2327, and HB 2416 passed; HB 2175 and HB 2492 failed; and HB 2805, which would make school board races partisan, was under debate at the end of the transcript amid strong arguments both for and against increasing partisanship in school board elections.

Transcript Highlights:

• You talked about the Guardian program now with our child care facilities.
• in the same way that a school may take advantage of the Guardian program.
• in the same way that a school may take advantage of the Guardian program.
• They're eligible for loan forgiveness in the frame program.
• However, our friends in the House sent us back an amendment which prohibits local government from prohibiting

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of member introductions recognizing interns, pages, volunteers, and the retirement of Pastor Gary Austin from the sergeant’s office. Leadership also announced that budget talks with the House were continuing and that senators would not need to plan on being in next week, suggesting progress toward a budget framework. After routine floor business, the chamber took up a major third-reading measure on citizen initiatives and several education bills, followed later by returning messages from the House on health and school-safety measures. The most extensive debate centered on the citizen initiative bill, which sponsors said was intended to protect the constitutional amendment process from fraud and abuse based on election-crime investigations and a large state report on petition fraud. Supporters argued the bill would add reasonable guardrails, prevent misuse of public funds, and preserve integrity while still allowing grassroots participation. Opponents from both parties argued it would make citizen-led amendments much harder by adding costs, deadlines, criminal penalties, and administrative burdens that would chill participation and favor wealthy or corporate interests. After lengthy debate, the Senate voted 28-10 to pass the bill. The chamber then passed several education measures with little or no opposition, including bills tied to Bright Futures, dual enrollment, Florida ABLE, teacher preparation, and other education policy updates, all by 38-0. Later, the Senate concurred in House amendments on a stem cell therapy bill, an EKG requirement for student athletes, and a cardiac emergency bill, each passing 37-0. The House also sent back a school safety bill with amendments affecting child care facility partnerships with law enforcement, temporary door locks during active assailant incidents, supervision windows, and funding for panic alarm systems; the transcript ends as that bill is being explained.

Transcript Highlights:

• Prohibits<00:41:53.680> person<00:41:54.040> from<00:41:54.160> selling, Prohibits
• public safety officer benefits program. public safety officer benefits program.
• from those programs.
• share some outcomes from those programs. share some outcomes from those programs.
• <02:47:07.680> from be prohibited from be prohibited from saying<02:47:09.240> writing<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• establishes the court may not prohibit establishes the court may not prohibit to<00:26:11.520>
• <01:01:09.359> on section, but it creates a prohibition on section, but it creates a prohibition
• program? program? >> Um<01:16:04.880> 1500<01:16:06.080> 1500.
• gather those guns and make a program gather those guns and make a program where<01:27:08.639>
• This is the buyback program. firearms. This is the buyback program.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 433, which would restrict the carrying of “bladed weapons” and related items. The Office of the Public Defender, Honolulu Police Department, the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, Knife Rights, and many individual testifiers opposed the bill, arguing it is overbroad, vague, and likely unconstitutional. Common concerns were that the term “bladed weapon” could sweep in ordinary tools such as pocketknives, Leathermans, multi-tools, fishing and camping gear, and items used by farmers, ranchers, hunters, divers, and martial arts practitioners. Several speakers also warned that the bill could burden lawful self-defense and create an affirmative-defense scheme that shifts costs and proof burdens onto defendants. Supporters and opponents alike focused on the need for a clearer definition, with HPD saying a narrower definition would help distinguish ordinary tools from dangerous weapons used in assaults. Opponents repeatedly urged the committee to defer or kill the measure, citing pending and related court cases and the risk of new constitutional challenges. Some testifiers tied the bill to Native Hawaiian gathering rights and subsistence practices, saying it would interfere with hunting, fishing, and food gathering, while others argued it would do little to deter criminals and instead penalize law-abiding residents and visitors. After finishing testimony on SB 433, the committee moved on to Senate Bill 2575 relating to firearms. The transcript shows the start of that item with the Office of the Public Defender and other agencies being called, but no substantive testimony or action on SB 2575 is included before the excerpt ends. No votes or final committee actions are reflected in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• protect a popular and important program protect a popular and important program that<00:01:33.800
• public programs like child day care. public programs like child day care.
• defrauding public programs. defrauding public programs.
• <00:29:09.120> management<00:29:09.560> to right program management to right program
• the state we've prohibited them. the state we've prohibited them.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• prohibited that practice. prohibited that practice.
• Um, we've had many communities who are asking to opt into the CPACE program.
• Um, we've had many communities who are asking to opt into the CPACE program.
• Um, we've had many communities who are asking to opt into the CPACE program.
• We are the sole multi-sponsor of apprenticeship program to do that.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , participate in the federal 287 programs, participate in the federal 287 programs, increasing<01
• It's a great program.
• It's a great program.
• made it clear that government programs made it clear that government programs open<01:58:46.639>
• So, I pilot program ends and things.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• How does it expand it if it's prohibiting compensation for >> Thank you, Mr.
• This is if you don't do these other things, it's prohibited.
• Follow these rules in three, four, five, then you're prohibited.
• It also prohibits the issuance concern.
• Um, this has to do with prohibiting Um, this has to do with prohibiting state<01:15:42.800> government

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:10.320> Is language or is this this prohibition?
• Is language or is this this prohibition?
• prohibition then would be the spotlight. prohibition then would be the spotlight.
• And we've seen cuts to funding for critical services and programs.
• And we've seen cuts to funding for critical services and programs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said that, conversely, all other programs in their book of business—the non-state program and the
• state program—are also set at $1 million.
• For non-state programs, he gave examples such as a public service district or a solid waste authority
• The bill also prohibits a policyholder from bringing a cause of action or any other action against an
• Instead of a blanket prohibition, the amendment... Guidance claims.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee met with a quorum present and first approved the March 4, 2026 minutes. It then took up Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 55, a workers’ compensation cleanup bill from the Insurance Commissioner’s office. Counsel explained that the bill modernizes outdated code after privatization of the workers’ compensation system, repeals obsolete provisions, updates references to the Insurance Commissioner, reduces the Workers’ Compensation Board of Review from five members to three, and makes related technical changes. The committee adopted a strike-and-insert amendment and a title amendment, and then reported the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass. The Insurance Commissioner and a senior senator both spoke in support, describing the bill as part of the long-term cleanup of the privatized system and noting the reduced caseload on the Board of Review. The committee next considered Engrossed House Bill 5463, which would lower the required insurance coverage for county boards of education from $1.25 million to $1 million per occurrence and eliminate the separate $5 million excess coverage requirement. BRIM’s executive director testified that the agency had difficulty finding a market partner for the excess coverage and that the premium cost exceeded $5 million, creating a burden for county boards. Some senators raised concerns that reducing coverage could limit recovery for victims in serious claims and that the change might reduce protections for school systems. When the motion to report the bill was put to a vote, the result was tied, and the chair declared the bill not passed. The committee then approved Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 4869, which creates guaranteed issue rights for Medicare supplement policies in West Virginia. Counsel explained that the bill allows certain policyholders to replace a Medicare supplement policy during an annual birthday period without medical underwriting, and also grants a guaranteed issue right for certain individuals losing Medicaid eligibility. The bill also requires annual reporting on premium trends and gives the Insurance Commissioner rulemaking authority. The motion to report the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass was adopted. Finally, the committee considered Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 5462 on mine subsidence insurance. Counsel explained that the bill would allow the mine subsidence fund to reduce payments by amounts already received by a policyholder and, as introduced, would bar actions against insurers for claims reported to the board. A proposed strike-and-insert amendment would have replaced the blanket bar with a 90-day pre-suit notice requirement and limits on damages, but after discussion from senators, counsel, BRIM, and the Insurance Federation, the committee rejected the strike-and-insert and also rejected a separate amendment to strike the setoff language. The committee then reported the bill to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass, and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill establishes a state-backed loan program as well as a credit enhancement program that involves
• <00:35:48.280> administrators and overseas PACE program administrators and overseas PACE program
• <00:37:49.000> uh commercial Pace um financing program uh commercial Pace um financing program
• first. ...discuss it with the entities that run those programs first.
• It simply prohibits arbitrary breed restrictions and breed discrimination.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 5, 2025, and heard testimony on several bills. HB 918, relating to labeling, drew support from the Department of Health, INDA (the nonwoven fabrics industry), and Hawaii Realtors. INDA said the bill aligns with do-not-flush labeling laws in other states but raised a concern about the six-month compliance deadline tied to FIFRA approval. In response to committee questions, witnesses explained that the bill is aimed mainly at disinfecting wipes, that most products are already labeled nationally, and that the proposed timing issue could be addressed by using Oregon’s approach. No vote was taken on the measure during the portion shown. The committee also heard HB 1482, relating to controlled substances. HPD supported the bill, and Aloha Green Holdings and the Department of Health both said they supported the intent but recommended technical amendments. Their testimony focused on clarifying the treatment of Delta-8 THC, distinguishing synthetic or artificially derived cannabinoids from naturally occurring forms, and avoiding confusion in the hemp law. Members asked whether Delta-8 would show up on drug tests; witnesses said it would test positive for THC and would not be distinguished from Delta-9. The bill was then set aside as the committee moved on. HB 981, relating to attorney’s fees, drew opposition from a law firm representing homeowners and associations, which argued the bill would limit access to legal services, favor developers and contractors, and make settlement harder. The witness suggested instead using existing consumer-protection fee-shifting concepts, and committee members explored whether a capped fee award or a broader attorney-fee rule would be more appropriate. The committee then took up HB 807 and HB 336, both relating to condominiums. HB 807 received support from the Green Infrastructure Authority and the Hawaii Bankers Association, while one testifier urged deferral over unresolved questions about commercial PACE financing; the bank association asked for more time to work with HGIA, and the chair indicated decision-making could be deferred to allow that discussion. On HB 336, the Community Associations Institute opposed the bill as removing checks and balances, while the Hawaii Workers Center and others supported it as a step toward clearer enforcement of health and safety issues in condominiums and rental housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• about this program it's a mandatory about this program it's a voluntary<00:06:33.440> partnership
• This program builds upon the Housing Champions program that already exists, and it really exemplifies
• upon<00:13:39.079> the program this program builds upon the program this program builds upon
• long-term services and support programs long-term services and support programs and<00:27:52.600
• and that type of program.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It would also prohibit the court from suspending, deferring, or withholding adjudication of guilt or
• A final concern today is with the subsection on discretionary diversion programs.
• We believe those programs are well intended and offer a second chance for first-time offenders.
• She said it is time to update the law and provide a program that is fair and equitable.
• It affects after-school programs, the start times...

Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills. CS for CS for CS SB 138, Trenton’s Law, would broaden DUI and boating-under-the-influence laws to cover any impairing substance, increase penalties for refusal to submit to breath or urine testing, allow blood warrants in misdemeanor DUI/BUI cases, enhance penalties for DUI with death or vehicular homicide involving prior convictions, and authorize DUI diversion programs. Supporters included law enforcement and prosecutors, who said the bill addresses gaps involving over-the-counter drugs and refusal cases; the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about the breadth of the “any impairing substance” language and record consequences for first refusals. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 400, which removes the repeal date from Florida’s Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children, and CS for SB 102, which creates a workforce credentialing program for exceptional student education students, especially those with autism, to earn badges for job skills and safety-related competencies. SB 102 drew questions about fiscal impact and teacher training, with supporters emphasizing workforce readiness and parent involvement while some members raised concerns about costs and implementation. SB 130, which updates compensation for wrongfully incarcerated people found factually innocent, was also reported favorably after supporters argued Florida’s current law is too restrictive and too few exonerees have been compensated. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 296, which repeals the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and returns the decision to local districts, while requiring districts to document their analysis of sleep, safety, transportation, and other impacts. An amendment added a reporting requirement to show how districts considered later start times and any unintended consequences. The bill drew broad support from school officials and education groups, with members noting transportation and extracurricular challenges. Finally, SB 234, dealing with criminal offenses against law enforcement officers, was reported favorably after debate over whether the bill should retain “good faith” language and how it would affect defenses and officer accountability. The committee also passed CS for SB 274, designating a portion of International Drive as Harris Rosen Way and adding a memorial designation for the late Senator Geraldine Thompson near the Wells Built Museum; members praised both honorees and the bill was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after recording one member’s request to be shown voting yes on the first bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• :58:13.680> placed measure repeals the prohibition placed measure repeals the prohibition placed
• That's why we have the restricted license program.
• It should be, 'Nothing in this section shall prohibit.' I'm sorry." "A long day."
• It should be, 'Nothing in this section shall prohibit.'"
• "Oh, I said 'provide,' and it means 'prohibit.' I'm sorry." "A long day."

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures. HB 1957, relating to safe entryways, would create enforcement procedures in large cities to prevent personal property from blocking private doorways or entrances. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended moving the offense to the criminal code, adding clearer definitions to avoid vagueness, and including notice, inventory, storage, and property-disposition procedures to address constitutional concerns. No other testimony was offered and no questions were raised. HB 25003/HB 253, relating to fireworks, would expand civil asset forfeiture for certain fireworks offenses, revise the definition of aerial device, and clarify air-delivery offenses. The Attorney General supported the bill but suggested removing the 25-pound weight threshold to avoid unequal treatment of similar offenses. The Department of Law Enforcement also supported the measure, saying it would improve clarity for evolving fireworks investigations and prosecutions. The committee took no action during testimony. HB 2137, relating to artificial intelligence, would prohibit certain harmful uses of realistic AI-generated digital imitations, require disclosures, and create civil remedies and fines. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the bill, while the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women opposed it on First Amendment grounds. The Motion Picture Association, Recording Industry Association of America, and SAG-AFTRA also opposed the bill but said they preferred a different framework, the federal “No Fakes” model, and were willing to work with the committee on amendments. The Attorney General had suggested constitutional amendments, which the chair said would be considered later. The committee also heard HB 2198 on prediction markets, with the Honolulu prosecutor strongly supporting inclusion of prediction markets in the gambling definition because of concerns about speculative betting on events and national security-related outcomes. HB 1511 on consumer protection drew support from the Office of Consumer Protection and the Insurance Division, with OCP proposing clearer disclosure for license and registration renewal solicitations. HB 1897 on condominium alternative dispute resolution received supportive comments from the Real Estate Commission and CI. HB 1642 on crypto kiosks drew strong support from OCP and AARP Hawaii for a ban on kiosks accepting U.S. currency, but opposition from Hill Ventures, which argued for regulation and guardrails instead of a ban. HB 1753 on social media account deletion received supportive comments from DCCA on clarifying deletion of unique identifiers and inferences. HB 1654 on anonymous complaints against public employees drew strong opposition from the Attorney General over implementation and due process concerns, while the Government Employees Association supported it as a way to screen baseless complaints; the committee then moved on to HB 1659 on collective bargaining, with testimony beginning as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Providing clarity in the mascots prohibition and opening programs and grants more clearly for tribal
• <00:20:26.559> STARS<00:20:27.640> program of Alternative Programs STARS program of
• program.
• program.
• program.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all