Transcript Highlights:

• It was established in 1885 and tests the accuracy of commercial products sold by weight and volume.
• It was established in 1885 and tests the accuracy of commercial products sold by weight and volume.
• is is basically weights and testing is is basically weights and measures<00:53:45.200> for<00
• When we're testing a gallon of gas, we have something that is a gallon, right?
• prosthetic devices and biomark testing prosthetic devices and biomark testing so<01:25:46.119>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So the idea here is we're talking about reactors that would test components.
• However, regulatory barriers have limited our ability to build and test some of these systems at scale
• They essentially come down to a balancing test, equitable.
• It basically comes down to a reasonable test.
• So, looking at the cases that have applied this test in Massachusetts and federal ones, which I think

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a broad set of climate, energy, and environmental justice proposals. Early testimony strongly supported the Climate Change Superfund or “Polluter Pays” bill (H.1014/S.58), which would assess the largest fossil fuel emitters for a one-time fee based on historic emissions to fund climate adaptation. Sponsors argued the bill is modeled on Superfund cleanup principles, would target only the largest multinational polluters, would not be passed on to consumers, and would direct a significant share of funds to environmental justice communities. Committee members asked about the number of companies covered, consumer impacts, and whether the bill would address other forms of environmental destruction; sponsors said it was limited to major fossil fuel companies with a Massachusetts footprint and did not cover other pollution sources. The committee also heard testimony on a fusion energy compact proposal (S.673) that would direct the administration to develop a framework for a New England regional compact to accelerate fusion research, workforce development, and supply-chain growth. Supporters from MIT and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities said fusion could become a major clean-energy and economic opportunity, but acknowledged the technology is not yet commercially viable and still has unresolved technical, cost, and waste-management questions. Members pressed on environmental impacts, siting, waste, costs, and whether the bill would create a compact or only a framework; sponsors said it would only create the framework and that the administration would need to negotiate with other states. Another major topic was a pilot program for nature-based climate solutions (H.971/S.??), backed by legislators, Boston Harbor Now, and UMass Boston’s Stone Living Lab. Witnesses said the bill would help speed permits for research and demonstration projects such as living shorelines, marsh restoration, and hybrid “green-to-gray” flood protections, while maintaining safeguards and protecting Indigenous and historic resources. Committee members asked how the proposal would interact with other permitting reforms and whether it could conflict with housing or wetland-related streamlining; supporters said it was complementary and aimed at making projects faster, more affordable, and more data-driven. The hearing also covered climate-safe buildings and climate adaptation funding bills. Supporters of H.1004/S.583 said current building codes do not adequately account for future flooding, heat, and wind, and the bill would add climate expertise to the building board, allow stretch resilience codes, expand floodplain standards, and create a retrofit program. Related testimony backed H.938/S.572, which would create a dedicated climate and community resilience fund financed by a small fee on property insurance premiums; advocates said it would provide stable long-term revenue for adaptation, especially in environmental justice communities, and help replace unreliable federal funding. One witness from CLF supported the climate-safe buildings and funding bills but opposed S.560/H.939 as too broad. The committee also heard testimony on airport air-quality legislation (H.997) calling for more monitoring and mitigation of ultra-fine particulate pollution around Logan Airport and Massport communities. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• When approved, applicants must pass a rigorous test, maintain continuing education, and are listed on
• , applicants must pass a rigorous test, applicants must pass a rigorous test, maintain<00:28:38.559
• understand or be tested on the understanding of VA laws and regulations.
• CVSOs in Minnesota, through our national organization, must take an annual test to test our understanding
• CVSOs in Minnesota, through our national organization, must take an annual test to test our understanding

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Testing. Testing. Testing.

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and tested subjects through YTOP.
• , remote testing.
• , us in the new contract for testing, us in the new contract for testing, remote<03:21:30.880>
• testing.
• We feel like that's remote testing.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• can immediately terminate testing.
• can immediately terminate testing.
• Um, it would have to be relevant test.
• materially changing the testing materially changing the testing environment<05:12:24.958> by<
• driving and why we have testing driving and why we have testing standards<05:17:15.360> and

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I think we're probably the first organizational test case in this and so far so good.
• 04.320> the<00:05:04.639> first<00:05:05.360> organizational<00:05:06.160> test
• probably the first organizational test probably the first organizational test case<00:05:07.039>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security met on January 13, 2026, adopted the January 7 minutes, and reviewed the committee’s work on the annual AAST/ACAS security report. The chair emphasized that the committee’s purpose is advisory only, but that its recommendations could guide the governor and legislature on improving security at the Minnesota Capitol complex. She also highlighted prior testimony about security practices in other states and said the committee’s report would likely recommend stronger screening and weapon-ban policies as part of a broader effort to prevent violence in public government spaces. Department of Public Safety advisers reported that they are still reviewing the report in detail and determining internal next steps. They also said quarterly security meetings with building tenants have been held and that internal and external tabletop exercises with law enforcement and other security partners are scheduled for the end of January. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms gave a brief update on operational security changes, including hiring additional staff with security experience, weekly security meetings with DFL and GOP chiefs of staff, installation of two security kiosks, rollout of encrypted keycard ID badges, updated emergency procedure QR-code stickers, and implementation of the State Patrol’s threat matrix and reporting protocol. The Senate also said it is continuing joint training with the House and LCC. The committee then moved into a closed session under Minnesota Statute 13D.05, subdivision 3D, to discuss sensitive security details and non-public findings from the capital security assessment. The chair stated that the closed session would cover confidential vulnerabilities and operational information, and that the committee would later reconvene in public to vote on whether certain provisions from the public executive summary should be included as recommendations in the final report.

Transcript Highlights:

• One scholar says that the burning bush wasn't a miracle; it was a test that God wanted to find out whether
• the burning bush wasn't a miracle it was the burning bush wasn't a miracle it was a<00:01:33.640> test
• 34.720> wanted<00:01:34.920> to<00:01:35.079> find<00:01:35.320> out a test
• that God wanted to find out a test that God wanted to find out whether<00:01:35.759> or<00:01

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House convened with a chaplain’s prayer delivered by Pastor Ryan Brilley of Central Lutheran Church in Elk River, Minnesota. The prayer focused on wonder, attention, and noticing the “burning bushes” in everyday life, drawing on the story of Moses and quoting Abraham Heschel in asking for grace, awe, and mystery. The presiding member then noted that January 27 was Holocaust Remembrance Day, marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and asked members to observe a moment of silence in honor of those who perished in the Holocaust. Members stood for the Pledge of Allegiance afterward. No legislation was debated or acted on. The clerk took the roll, and the House was informed that a quorum was not present. As a result, the House adjourned until 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, beyond line of sight, you can test that and look at that and experiment with that.
• 00:42:58.240> other<00:42:58.480> things You know, the beyond line of sight, you can test
• Somebody has to be the first and really test what this could look like in the future.
• <01:05:27.680> it look at it, understand it, and test it look at it, understand it, and test
• them out to see how sensors in to test them out to see how it<01:31:00.960> will<01:31:01.199

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force approved the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes and then heard a presentation from Austin Kaylor of WSP on alternative aviation fuels. Kaylor described an ongoing feasibility study focused on Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and the other four commercial airports in Kentucky, with an eye toward both near-term use of alternative aviation fuel in existing supply chains and longer-term in-state production using local feedstocks. He said Kentucky’s current jet fuel use at the five airports is about 609 million gallons annually and could approach 1 billion gallons by 2050, and he outlined potential feedstocks such as soybeans, corn, and waste oils, along with existing logistics assets like river terminals, trucking, rail, and some pipelines. He also discussed federal and state policy support, including renewable fuel credits and the recent 45Z tax credit extension, and said the study suggests significant economic-development potential if Kentucky can leverage existing infrastructure and incentives. Members asked about the cost of sustainable aviation fuel, whether taxpayers would be subsidizing it, and whether food crops would be diverted from food use. Kaylor responded that the market is increasingly using second-generation and waste-based feedstocks, that federal incentives can cover much of the price differential, and that SAF is a direct substitute for conventional jet fuel with some efficiency benefits. He said demand comes from both U.S. and foreign carriers, including major U.S. airlines that have made emissions-reduction commitments. Members also raised the possibility of locating production in Appalachia to create jobs closer to feedstock sources; Kaylor said that approach has worked in other states and could fit Kentucky’s logistics network. The committee then heard from Leif Elder of the Utah Department of Transportation, who introduced himself and said he would discuss advanced air mobility legislation in Utah. The transcript cuts off before his substantive presentation, and no further votes or actions were recorded after the question-and-answer discussion on alternative aviation fuels.

Transcript Highlights:

• up Mr Riley if you could take the test up Mr Riley if you could take the test fire<00:02:42.360>
• <00:37:51.680> fire it was my call on the remote test fire it was my call on the remote test
• for a desk, we don't means test for a book.
• Why are we means testing for food when it's just as essential as those other two items to learn?
• for a desk, we don't means test for a book.

Bills: HF51, HF1161, HF2201, HF2786, HF1053

Keywords: HF51, Sibley County, State-Aid Highway 21, capital investment, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, transportation infrastructure, road improvements, sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, local infrastructure, county grant, Minnesota Department of Transportation, bond proceeds fund, public works, utility infrastructure, education finance, school district funding, tax base adjustment

Transcript Highlights:

• tiers do come up I'll ask when the test tiers do come up I'll ask you<00:03:56.480> to<00:03:
• We all know that assessments and testing are one of the more important pieces of the puzzle to measure
• Many standardized tests, including AP and college entrance exams as well as MCAS, are scheduled in the
• Starting school earlier allows students to receive more instructional days before standardized tests,
• And it's not just about test scores.

Bills: HF1124, HF1457, HF1803

Keywords: school calendar, education, school year, Labor Day, state law, school construction, landfill, dump site, closed landfill, contaminated site, pollution control agency, school siting, public school, charter school, environmental health, student safety, brownfield, solid waste, waste disposal site, site contamination

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:54:21.280> with with uh no and lowcost well testing with with uh no and lowcost well testing
• Last May, I needed some testing on my heart after repeated shortness of breath.
• The test came back at 50% blockage.
• The test came back at 50% blockage.
• The test came back at 50% blockage.

Bills: HF10, HF27

Keywords: undocumented immigrants, state funding, MinnesotaCare, scholarship ineligibility, state assistance, permit to carry, concealed carry, handgun permit, firearm permit, pistol training, sheriff, application process, electronic filing, mail application, fax submission, certified mail, certified delivery, gun rights, Second Amendment, firearms regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• This doesn't manage or reduce the requirement of training, of preparation, the tests that they have to
• if you just look at our state and what we're currently living... of training, of preparation, the tests
• By allowing that pathway, it would require people to get trained, to get tested, to make sure that they
• Just testing, you can hear me okay?
• Eighty percent of them have never been tested for toxicity.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened with logistical remarks about testimony procedures, time limits, accessibility supports, and the large number of witnesses. The first bill discussed was H. 451, which would allow professional license applicants who do not have a Social Security number to use an ITIN instead. Supporters said the bill would help qualified workers, especially immigrants, enter licensed trades and professions without lowering training or testing standards, while addressing workforce shortages. Committee members asked a few questions, and the bill was framed as a uniform statewide licensing reform. The bulk of the hearing focused on S. 210 and H. 1278, two bills aimed at improving wheelchair repair and warranty protections. Supporters included the Attorney General’s Office, disability advocates, wheelchair users, clinicians, and legislators, who described long repair delays, missed work and medical appointments, loss of independence, hospitalizations, pressure injuries, and other harms caused by broken wheelchairs and slow service. They argued for stronger timelines, two-year warranties, required parts availability, loaner chairs, and enforcement mechanisms, with H. 1278 modeled on a Connecticut-style repair deadline and S. 210 focused on warranty protections. Several witnesses emphasized that wheelchairs are essential medical equipment, not ordinary consumer goods. Opposition came from NCart, which said it supports solutions but raised concerns that the bills, as written, could be difficult to implement for complex rehab technology. NCart said some warranty provisions may not fit wear-and-tear components and noted that MassHealth has already taken steps such as preventive maintenance, reduced prior authorization, and transportation support. Other witnesses and advocates countered that the current market is dominated by a few profitable companies and that the legislature needs to impose clear standards because voluntary fixes have not worked. The committee also heard testimony on S. 195, a toxic-free kids bill from Senator Comerford and Representative Hawkins, which would restrict PFAS and other toxic chemicals in children’s products and create disclosure and phase-out requirements. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• These funds support the core functions of public health: our laboratory testing, our surveillance and
• our four health centers and telehealth services, we served over 45,000 patients, provided 65,000 STI tests
• , 20,000 birth control visits, and delivered abortion 75,000 STI tests, 20,000 birth control visits,
• The Betsy Lehman Center... ...is well into the preliminary stages of a pilot that will test automated
• bed someplace may not be the exact fit for a kid that's boarding, it's still a really good litmus test

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held an introductory informational hearing for the new session, with Chairs Marjorie Decker and Senator Michael Driscoll outlining the committee’s scope and emphasizing the impact of the federal landscape on Massachusetts public health. They noted the hearing would focus on testimony from agencies and advocates, with short testimony limits due to the hybrid format. No votes were taken; the meeting was for briefing and discussion of priorities. Commissioner Robbie Goldstein of the Department of Public Health described the department’s budget and federal funding, warning that recent CDC grant terminations could cut nearly $100 million and affect lab testing, surveillance, vaccines, and community engagement. He highlighted DPH priorities including racial equity, maternal health, substance use and child welfare coordination, emergency preparedness, data transparency, and public hospital quality. MassHealth Assistant Secretary Michael Levine discussed MassHealth’s role covering about 2 million residents and its priorities in health equity, behavioral health, primary care, member independence, and customer service, while noting the agency relies heavily on federal Medicaid dollars and would face major strain from federal cuts. Several advocacy and provider groups focused on reproductive health and maternal health. Planned Parenthood warned of threats to Title X, 340B savings, and other federal funding, and supported a bill to eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass for abortion care for young people. Reproductive Equity Now urged stronger shield-law protections and changes to Massachusetts’ later-abortion framework. Dr. Indyamaka Anugaka called for full implementation of the maternal health law, better reimbursement for doulas and midwives, stronger data collection, and support for full-spectrum pregnancy care coverage. The Health Policy Commission said new maternal health and primary care task forces would begin work soon. Mental health and health system access were also major themes. The Mass Medical Society urged action on vaccine hesitancy, removal of non-medical school vaccine exemptions, and primary care reform. The Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and the Children’s Mental Health Campaign opposed proposed cuts to DMH and substance use services, called for more school-based supports, and raised concerns about inpatient capacity, including a unit serving LGBTQ youth. The Massachusetts Nurses Association and 1199 SEIU warned that staffing shortages, low wages, workplace violence, hospital closures, and possible Medicaid cuts threaten patient care and the health care workforce. The Betsy Lehman Center also urged investment in automated patient-safety monitoring to reduce harm and costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Basically, every gallon of gas is taxed at one-fourth of a cent for testing.
• That will be coming to the DEQ, and we will be testing fuel, primarily diesel and gasoline, as we move
• But our petroleum testing lab and our feeding fertilizer lab might move sooner. Okay.
• And that's really associated with the PFAS, testing the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which a
• For the petroleum testing laboratory, we hired a chemist for that position.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December 10 minutes and then received a DEQ base budget summary and agency overview. DEQ staff explained that the agency is largely federally and special funded, with major ongoing costs in salaries, operating expenses, grants, and continuing appropriations. Director Dave Glatt and accounting director Beth Jacobson highlighted core programs, the move to a new chemistry laboratory, the new state fuel inspection program, wastewater-related funding from HB 1577, and implementation of SB 2267 for on-site wastewater rules. They also noted the agency’s spending patterns, possible federal EPA cuts, and the likelihood of some fee adjustments or program changes if federal support declines. Members asked about DEQ’s travel, field offices, future staffing, and how the agency would respond to reduced federal regulation. DEQ said most staff are based in Bismarck, with field offices in Fargo, Sawyer, and Gwinner, and that travel is driven by inspections and spill response. Glatt said the agency would continue to rely on science and law, and that any future federal retrenchment could mean more state responsibility but likely not a wholesale increase in FTEs. The committee also discussed a feedlot enforcement case in the Minot area, with DEQ explaining its role in ensuring compliance, permitting, and animal-waste management standards. The Department of Health and Human Services then presented on FTE block grant reporting, TANF balances, child care transfers, and the Rural Health Transformation Program. Donna Ockland explained that no line-item transfers had occurred yet for the new rural health work, but about 33 positions were planned and some current staff time could be reimbursed through approved cost allocation. HHS also reviewed TANF’s frozen eligibility and block grant structure, the transfer of up to 30% of TANF funds to child care, and recent program changes that increased benefits and raised the income limit. Staff said the department is using TANF more strategically to support child care and other allowable uses, while still carrying over unused funds as many states do. Finally, Pat and HHS staff gave an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying the first funding opportunity was being posted and that the state is on track to obligate the federal funds within the required timeline. They described priorities such as workforce retention, preceptor development, technical assistance for critical access hospitals, community wellness projects, and ambulance upgrades. Members asked about rural versus urban eligibility, immigrant recruitment, evaluation of year-two funding, and how the program would address varied local workforce needs. The meeting then shifted to an Office of Management and Budget update on the new State Hospital project, where Lindsay Ashley reported continued construction progress, updated cost information, and selected alternates, with photos and details showing work underway in multiple building sections.

Transcript Highlights:

• These products often lack safety testing, proper labeling, and are sold without age restrictions.
• These products often lack safety testing, proper labeling, and are sold without age restrictions.
• Consumers shouldn't need a chemistry degree to understand what's in their beverage or whether it was tested
• Rather than prohibition, we support implementing age restrictions of 21 plus, comprehensive testing requirements
• Consumers shouldn't need a chemistry degree to understand what's in their beverage or whether it was tested

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on a wide range of alcohol, liquor licensing, and hemp-derived beverage bills. Early in the hearing, there was a procedural dispute when Senator Jacob Oliveira attempted to testify virtually on S. 279; the House chairs declined to recognize virtual testimony from a committee member, and Senator Pavel Payano instead read prepared remarks supporting the bill to return liquor license authority to municipalities. The committee then heard testimony on H. 437/S. 279 from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Cohasset Town Manager Christopher Senior, both of whom argued that local control would streamline licensing, better match modern community needs, and support downtown economic development. A Lexington business owner also supported local licensing flexibility for a paint-and-sip business seeking a beer and wine license. The committee also heard extensive testimony on hemp-derived beverage regulation, including H. 357 and S. 222. Supporters from the Commonwealth Beverage Coalition and Theory Wellness said the products are already widely available in unregulated settings, including gas stations and smoke shops, and argued for a regulated framework with age limits, testing, labeling, and local public health funding. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild supported regulation of low-dose hemp beverages but asked that breweries be allowed to participate using their existing retail and distribution rights. The Guild also supported H. 478, which would allow limited self-distribution by pub breweries, saying it would reduce inefficiency and help small breweries grow. Several bills modernizing alcohol licensing laws were also discussed. Representative Ruel supported H. 477, describing it as a cleanup measure that would remove the contiguous-premises requirement, add a character standard for applicants, and extend public notice periods. Representative Sangiolo testified in support of H. 3893, a local liquor-license bill tied to economic development and new businesses in Lexington, including a movie theater, coffee shop, and paint studio. Fable Brewing Company also supported the local license bill, saying the licenses are needed before they can finalize leases and open. The committee then heard opposition from the Massachusetts Package Stores Association and several retailers, who warned that the retail tier is under pressure from oversaturation, declining revenues, and expanded competition, and opposed a long list of bills they said would further weaken existing stores or the three-tier system. At the end of the hearing, Representative McKenna testified in support of H. 437 and S. 279, emphasizing municipal autonomy and the importance of on-premises licenses for restaurants and other economic-development projects. The chairs noted that additional written testimony could still be submitted on bills that did not receive in-person testimony. The hearing concluded with a motion by Representative Sangiolo, seconded by Representative LeBoeuf, to close the hearing, which passed by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• a reason that our people voted to make sure that, you know, divided party and equal that they are testing
• a reason that our people voted to make sure that, you know, divided party and equal that they are testing
• a reason that our people voted to make sure that, you know, divided party and equal that they are testing
• <00:07:59.199> They<00:07:59.599> making equal that they testing us.
• They making equal that they testing us.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The solution does not, however, change any test for determining a worker’s status under state law, nor
• does the legislation preclude the application of such tests.
• Texas uses a different test called operations and control and direction.
• Texas uses a different test called operations and control and direction.
• Whether someone is an employee or not will still be subject to a test.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation heard several bills, mostly local memorial highway designations and transportation-related regulatory measures. Senator Hinojosa presented SB 1351 to designate part of US 281 in Hidalgo County as the Jose Rodriguez Lua Memorial Highway in honor of a Border Patrol processing coordinator killed by a drunk driver; a family member testified emotionally in support, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending SB 2245 on bonded titles for vehicles when a lienholder has gone out of business, SB 1568 on animal-friendly specialty license plates with a second “spay, neuter, adopt” plate, SB 2589 on handling closed county roads in Webb County, SB 1104 on allowing large retailers to use one fingerprinted employee of record across multiple Texas locations, SB 1423 naming the Bill Stout Parkway in Longview, and SB 1931 naming part of US 83 the Rodolfo Valdez Memorial Highway. Most of these bills drew supportive testimony or were presented as local measures with no opposition. The committee also took up broader policy bills. SB 215 would create a digital identification program for Texas driver’s licenses and certain other licenses, but the sponsor said he was mainly laying the bill out for discussion and study; testimony was limited and the bill was left pending. SB 2707 would clarify that government entities such as TxDOT and the military remain exempt from fees on oversized/overweight permit authority, though a county commissioner raised questions about road-use impacts and fee revenue. SB 2807 drew the most discussion: it would prevent a motor carrier’s use of safety technology, training, and related practices from being used as evidence that an independent contractor is actually an employee. Supporters said the bill would encourage adoption of safety tools like cameras and braking systems without increasing misclassification risk, while opponents from the trial lawyers’ side warned the wording could conflict with existing labor-code definitions and create litigation. The sponsor and committee members discussed possible clarifying floor amendments. After public testimony, the committee voted on the pending bills. All measures were reported favorably on 6-0 votes, with committee substitutes adopted where applicable. SB 1351, SB 1423, SB 1568, SB 1931, SB 2245, SB 2589, SB 2707, SB 2807, and SB 2841 were all sent to the full Senate, and several were recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee recessed subject to the call of the chair after completing the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also has the benefit of not only being a longer test but also provides a male patient solution, eliminating
• the administration of basic maintenance medications or essential services like vaccinations, health testing
• A great example that I think is tangible to many of you is test and treat in community pharmacies, the
• ability to go in and get a test for flu.
• Same for strep testing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're simply asking that we have an opportunity to test this.
• So we're simply asking that we have an opportunity to test this.
• 00:34:36.879> to asking that we have an opportunity to asking that we have an opportunity to test
• this the industry is willing to test this the industry is willing to sponsor<00:34:40.520> and
• We're amending this to make it so this limited license would only allow someone who took the test in

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on April 1 at the State Capitol and heard four measures. HCR 45/HR 38 urged the Public Utilities Commission to support transferring regulatory authority over motor carriers, water carriers, and other transportation means to the Department of Transportation; both the PUC and DOT testified in support, and members discussed that the resolution was largely symbolic because statutory changes would still be needed. HCR 58/HR 54 requested a geothermal energy working group; the Consumer Advocate, PUC, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Life of the Land supported it, while Students for Justice in Palestine at UH opposed it, citing an active injunction, environmental risks, and the need to prioritize Native and local community voices. Members asked about the injunction and community representation, and the PUC said it would support including Hawaiian community members in the working group. HCR 91/HR 87 sought insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices; a 14-year-old amputee testified in support, describing the need for sports prosthetics and arguing that coverage should allow people with limb loss to participate fully in school and athletics. HCR 102/HR 98 urged the Real Estate Commission to allow the salesperson exam to be administered in Japanese for timeshare sales; the Real Estate Commission opposed, while ARDA supported it, arguing there is a shortage of bilingual real estate professionals and that Japanese-language testing would help the timeshare industry and Japanese visitors. Members questioned the limited-license concept and public protection concerns, and the committee later amended the measure to a limited real estate salesperson’s license for timeshare sales, changing the target from Japanese-speaking visitors to Japanese nationals, before passing all four measures out of committee, with HCR 102 passing with amendments and the others passing as is.