Transcript Highlights:

• :04.159> the<01:11:04.560> uh<01:11:04.800> the<01:11:05.040> vanity<01:11
• > all<01:11:07.840> the<01:11:07.920> fees<01:11:08.159> that<01:11:08.239
• was<01:11:13.440> actually<01:11:13.679> able<01:11:13.920> to<01:11:14.000
• <01:11:18.080> then<01:11:18.239> switching<01:11:18.560> to<01:11:18.719>
• 11:23.920> was<01:11:24.159> expected<01:11:24.560> to<01:11:24.800> continue

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sure.<00:11:41.839> I<00:11:42.000> can<00:11:42.079> give<00:11:42.560> a
• ><00:11:43.600> So,<00:11:43.839> one<00:11:43.920> of<00:11:44.000> the<
• :11:47.200> the<00:11:47.399> seasonality<00:11:48.399> of<00:11:48.640> the<
• /c><00:11:53.360> all<00:11:53.519> of<00:11:53.600> our<00:11:53.839> pro
• <00:11:57.519> all<00:11:57.680> the<00:11:57.839> projects<00:11:58.160>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:15.920> I'm<00:11:16.040> going<00:11:16.160> to<00:11:16.279> close
• 00:11:25.440> di<00:11:25.680> drama<00:11:26.240> today<00:11:27.240> oh
• <00:11:27.399> I<00:11:27.480> don't<00:11:27.639> know<00:11:27.920> not
• <01:11:07.320> may<01:11:07.560> be<01:11:07.760> better<01:11:08.040> to
• drugs<01:11:18.880> that<01:11:19.040> would<01:11:19.280> be<01:11:19.520>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > a<01:11:06.880> lot<01:11:06.960> of<01:11:07.040> times<01:11:07.280><
• <01:11:10.560> your<01:11:10.800> plans<01:11:11.199> a<01:11:11.360> full
• 43.600> to<01:11:43.840> the<01:11:44.080> plans<01:11:45.120> and<01:11:
• <01:11:51.520> So,<01:11:51.920> I<01:11:52.159> think<01:11:52.320> that
• Um, but again it<01:11:57.120> goes<01:11:57.360> back<01:11:57.600> to<01:11:57.760

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills on water, land, housing, permitting, and historic preservation. For SB 746/SD2/HD1 on invasive species, DLNR and the Department of Agriculture supported the intent but warned that a bounty approach for coconut rhinoceros beetle could have unintended consequences, divert resources from biocontrol research, and be vulnerable to abuse; Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the measure. The committee also heard SB 1541 on the WoE water system, with testimony from ADC, Kunia Village Title Holding Company, and Farm Bureau in support, emphasizing the importance of the system for agriculture and the high cost of water on lands already dedicated to farming. The most extensive discussion was on SB 66, relating to building permit review and county permitting authority. DPP opposed the bill, saying the problem is not just agency review time but the broader permitting process, including applicant corrections, outside-agency review, staffing shortages, and low pay that make it hard to fill vacancies. DPP said it already meets or beats existing review deadlines for residential permits and is using tools like electronic plans and AI to help applicants submit better plans. Several supporters, including Iron Workers Local 625, an individual witness, and Hawaii Food Industry Association, backed the bill but urged a pilot program or other safeguards; some also asked for broader permit coverage beyond single-family homes. Committee members questioned DPP about whether applicant correction time should count against the clock, whether self-certification could be used, and whether the state should fund any new mandate. The committee then took up SB 26 on affordable housing, with HHFDC, OPSD, and HCDA in support and no opposition noted. Finally, on SB 1263 relating to historic preservation, HHFDC and DLNR supported the bill, while OHA offered comments and requested amendments, especially on the new risk-based review process for high-, medium-, and low-risk areas. OHA said the new procedure should be implemented carefully and allowed more time, describing it as a pilot that should be done well to be useful while still protecting cultural and historic resources. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.480> the<00:11:00.639> impact<00:11:01.200> of<00:11:01.600> of<00:11
• we're<00:11:10.920> we're<00:11:11.200> tied<00:11:11.560> to<00:11:11.800>
• > um<00:11:21.720> a<00:11:22.360> a<00:11:23.200> price<00:11:23.600>
• c> a<00:11:30.399> gentleman<00:11:30.839> that's<00:11:31.000> going<00:11:
• :31.519> behind<00:11:31.839> me<00:11:32.320> um<00:11:32.560> who<00:11

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:06.639> stolen<00:11:06.959> M<00:11:07.399> vehicles<00:11:08.320> in
• > past<00:11:09.040> 5<00:11:09.480> years<00:11:10.480> many<00:11:10.720
• 11:12.200> juveniles<00:11:12.920> some<00:11:13.200> as<00:11:13.360> young<
• > 12<00:11:14.000> years<00:11:14.320> old<00:11:15.320> now<00:11:15.480
• the<01:11:05.040> certainty<01:11:05.719> of<01:11:05.880> being<01:11:06.640><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh<00:11:42.600> seeing<00:11:42.920> none,<00:11:43.160> thank<00:11:43.400>
• 01:11:13.320> the<01:11:13.440> tax<01:11:13.880> for<01:11:14.400> a<01:
• 11:14.520> park<01:11:15.480> in<01:11:15.680> Ramsey<01:11:16.000> Dale
• > Park<01:11:17.920> and<01:11:18.240> the<01:11:18.920> the<01:11:19.040
• <01:11:24.080> includes<01:11:24.720> references<01:11:25.160> to<01:11:25.280><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:08.159> happy<01:11:08.440> to<01:11:08.640> answer<01:11:09.000> any<
• > questions<01:11:10.239> thank<01:11:10.480> you<01:11:11.199> thank<01:11:
• <01:11:13.000> um<01:11:13.320> we<01:11:13.640> might<01:11:14.040> have
• <01:11:20.159> we<01:11:20.480> have<01:11:21.040> uh<01:11:21.199> written
• 11:31.880> Hawaii<01:11:32.320> education<01:11:33.080> caucus<01:11:34.080>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing began with HB 1113, which would create an intensive mobile team pilot program in the Department of Health for chronically houseless individuals with serious brain disorders such as schizophrenia. The Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division strongly supported the bill, and written support was also submitted by several health and harm-reduction organizations. Members asked about the program’s size and coordination with existing services; the testifier said the team would use a low-caseload, 24/7 mobile model, coordinate with police, ERs, hospitals, housing, dual-diagnosis treatment, and other case-management resources, and continue serving participants even if they cycle through jail or hospital. The committee amended the bill to change the participant language from a maximum of 40 to “at least 40,” blanked out the appropriations section, deferred the effective date to July 1, 3000, and then adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments by unanimous vote in both committees. The next measure, HB 1140, would appropriate funds for DLNR to clean up homeless encampments on department lands. DLNR testified in support, saying it conducts about 22 to 24 cleanups per year and the bill would help it address homelessness statewide. Members asked whether the funds would be used to sweep people out of areas; DLNR said its practice is to give notice, allow time to leave, and then clean up what remains, with storage procedures for personal property. The department also said people still present are told to move to the county area across the road. DLNR confirmed the bill is not in the governor’s budget, though it is in the governor’s legislative package. The committee then heard HB 1486, which would make it disorderly conduct to remain or loiter within 20 feet of a bus stop without intent to use bus services. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal enforcement is not the right tool, could lead to arrests of people who are simply tired or unhoused, and could create a cycle of repeated low-level cases and constitutional issues around questioning and intent. HPD supported the bill, saying officers would generally try to get people to move first, but could also use field questioning, citations, or arrests depending on the circumstances; HPD said such incidents can be documented and later used in ACT or other mental-health interventions. A private resident testified in support, describing bus stops near her home as occupied overnight and burdening nearby residents and small businesses. Written support came from the City and County of Honolulu Mayor’s Office, and one individual opposed the bill. Members also asked about neighbor-island impacts, property handling, and whether the bill could help connect people to services; HPD said it had not consulted other counties and would follow up. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 877, which would prohibit encampments within 100 feet of the property line of a K-12 public or private school or school facility. DLNR stood on its written testimony, and the Department of the Attorney General raised concerns that the bill did not specify how violators would be removed, what would happen to property or the encampment, or whether the buffer zone applies only to public spaces. The AG suggested making violations petty misdemeanors and adding clearer definitions and due-process guidance. Members asked whether charter schools are included and whether private-property situations within the buffer zone should be clarified; the AG said public schools include charter schools and indicated the bill may need more specificity about private property and trespass situations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Still,<00:11:21.839> while<00:11:22.160> we<00:11:22.560> exempted<00:11:23.120>
• ,<00:11:27.040> uh<00:11:27.120> we<00:11:27.440> were<00:11:27.680> able
• > since<00:11:31.760> 21<00:11:32.160> and<00:11:32.480> 22<00:11:33.040>
• > focus<00:11:34.480> on<00:11:34.800> increments<00:11:35.920> for<00:11
• >> 11. >> 11. >> 11.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into committee and floor reports. Several measures received favorable committee reports and were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar, including Current Resolution 9, Senate Joint Resolution 23, House Bill 145, House Bill 567, and House Bill 506 with House Committee Substitute 1. The chamber also noted that House Bills 500 and 504 had already received two readings and were sent to the Rules Committee before House Bill 500 was brought up for final consideration. Most of the discussion focused on House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill. Members described it as a “good first draft” and emphasized a budget process they said was more transparent than in prior years. The bill was presented as a restrained two-year operating budget with spending growth kept at a little under 2% annually, while setting aside about 2% of projected revenues, or roughly $614 million, in the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for future needs. The budget also used base reductions in some areas while exempting others such as Medicaid benefits, SEEK, corrections, behavioral health, and veterans programs. Subcommittee chairs then outlined major spending areas. Education provisions included a 2% annual increase in base SEEK funding, transportation funding held flat, equalization for recallable nickel funding, continued retirement contributions, and major support for postsecondary access, dual credit, asset preservation, and workforce training. Health and family services provisions held Medicaid steady while adding waiver slots, behavioral health and substance use support, public health investments, and funding for rural health and laboratory capacity. Other sections covered personnel and pensions, veterans services, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, tourism, and environmental projects. The only recorded action on the floor was adoption of House Committee Substitute 1 to House Bill 500, followed by a motion for final passage of the bill as amended. The transcript ends as discussion on final passage begins, before any final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um,<01:11:05.120> it's<01:11:05.360> kind<01:11:05.440> of<01:11:05.520> like
• 11:11.600> will<01:11:12.000> uh<01:11:12.159> entice<01:11:12.640> more
• It's<01:11:14.480> not<01:11:14.640> an<01:11:14.880> easy<01:11:15.120> job<
• /c><01:11:15.679> as<01:11:15.920> you<01:11:16.080> know<01:11:16.719> and
• so if<01:11:17.600> we<01:11:17.760> can<01:11:17.920> provide<01:11:18.239>

Keywords: Education - Room 216, 22 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several education-related bills. Senate Bill 2071 would allow school boards to vote on providing health insurance to board members and their dependents using local, not state, funds; it was advanced after Senator Brian objected that it could create an incentive for people to seek school board seats for the insurance benefit. Senate Bill 2072 would move the deadline for teacher supply cards earlier, from August to July, using EF funds, and it was reported. Senate Bill 2103 would require school boards to adopt policies banning or restricting student cell phone use during school and class time, and it was also reported. Senate Bill 21103 would remove a requirement that school counselors follow the National Association of School Counselors’ code of ethics and instead align them with the Mississippi teacher code of ethics; it passed without opposition. Senate Bill 2236 would authorize the use of LifeVac choking devices in schools, with the sponsor saying the devices are inexpensive and could be provided free to districts; it passed as well. The committee then spent most of its time on Senate Bill 2242, the Mississippi Math Act, which would create a statewide math improvement initiative within the Department of Education. The bill would deploy math instructional coaches, require K-5 universal math screeners three times a year, create individual math plans for students below benchmark, support algebra readiness, protect data under FERPA, and establish a fund for grants and other deposits. Senator Boyd said the bill is modeled on efforts in other states, especially Alabama, and is intended to build on Mississippi’s literacy reforms by focusing on support, intervention, and professional development rather than retention or punishment. Members raised concerns about cost, the proposed anti-lapsing language for the fund, and whether the bill should require high-quality instructional materials statewide rather than leaving curriculum choices to local districts. Senator Hopson estimated the program could cost about $3.5 million and suggested the anti-lapsing language might be removed or handled through appropriations. Senators Blunt, Hill, and Wiggins argued that the success of literacy reforms came from requiring standardized, high-quality instructional materials and accountability, not home rule alone. Senator Wiggins offered an amendment to require high-quality instructional materials for math statewide, and Senator Boyd said he was supportive of that as a friendly amendment. The discussion ended with the amendment still being worked through and the bill not yet finally disposed of in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.720> as<00:11:01.040> public<00:11:01.440> schools<00:11:01.920> week
• Resolution adjourning<00:11:09.040> the<00:11:09.200> Senate<00:11:09.519> in<00
• in honor and loving<00:11:10.480> memory<00:11:11.040> of<00:11:11.440> Joseph<
• ><00:11:36.560> that<00:11:36.800> we<00:11:36.959> will<00:11:37.120> be
• <00:11:38.079> Senate<00:11:38.399> Bill<00:11:38.800> 33<00:11:39.519> and

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, called the roll, excused absent members, and approved the prior day’s journal. The chamber then received House messages noting passage of House Bills 1, 422, 568, and 627, and heard second-reading reports for several measures, including bills on the state dog breed, mortgage loan income limits, virtual currency kiosks, agriculture, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Committee reports also advanced a number of bills from Appropriations and Revenue, Health and Services, Natural Resources and Energy, and State and Local Government, with many sent to the Rules Committee for further action. New bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on transportation, tobacco/nicotine/vapor products, Public Schools Week, and honoring Joseph H. Mattingley Jr.; the Rules Committee later posted several bills for the next day and committee referrals were announced. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 98, relating to welding safety. The sponsor explained that the bill requires inspections by American Welding Society-certified personnel on certain projects where those standards apply, citing a prior school structure collapse in Kentucky as the public-safety rationale. After debate, the bill passed by a vote of 33-4. The chamber next considered Senate Bill 122, which updates alternative sentencing law to allow judges to consider caregiving responsibilities when sentencing defendants. A floor amendment, developed with input from judges, broadened and clarified the caretaker definition and moved the language into the existing sentencing statute while preserving judicial discretion. Supporters said the bill is intended to help keep families together without mandating probation or reducing penalties; after the amendment was adopted, the bill passed 35-2. Later, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 57 honoring Father Patrick McDow on his ordination, and Senate Resolution 60 was read in full to honor the YMCA on its 175th anniversary in the United States, highlighting the organization’s history and Kentucky service. Members also announced upcoming committee meetings, including a special Health Services Committee meeting on artificial intelligence in rural health, and other committee schedules. The session concluded with the Senate in recess for committee meetings and then returning to report additional committee referrals and announcements.

Transcript Highlights:

• > we<01:11:19.760> do<01:11:20.159> with<01:11:20.320> with<01:11:20.719>
• Thank<02:11:10.480> you,<02:11:10.719> Madam<02:11:11.040> Chair,<02:11:11.280><
• > on<02:11:13.520> one<02:11:13.760> last<02:11:14.400> this<02:11:14.560
• 11:16.480> bill<02:11:16.719> here,<02:11:17.280> but<02:11:17.760> just<
• House<02:11:32.960> Bill<02:11:33.599> uh<02:11:33.920> 1227<02:11:35.280> um

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><01:11:10.880> the<01:11:11.120> House<01:11:11.600> standing<01:11:12.000>
• so<01:11:20.560> you<01:11:20.719> had<01:11:20.880> those<01:11:21.120>
• Um,<01:11:23.120> please<01:11:23.360> note,<01:11:23.600> this<01:11:23.760>
• There'll<01:11:30.560> be<01:11:30.719> a<01:11:30.880> bigger<01:11:31.360>
• :11:57.440> each<01:11:57.600> of<01:11:57.760> those<01:11:58.000> items.

Bills: SF0032, SF0010, SF0001, HB0001

Keywords: 911 services, emergency response, grant funding, next generation technology, government accountability, public safety, mental health, detention, competency evaluation, treatment, contractual agreements, Wyoming, budget, funding, education, wildfire prevention, healthcare, community colleges, grants, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:06.560> be<00:11:06.640> done<00:11:06.800> in<00:11:07.040> four >
• reminder,<00:11:11.680> we<00:11:11.839> have<00:11:11.920> a<00:11:12.079
• <00:11:13.360> Um,<00:11:13.839> so<00:11:14.160> we're<00:11:14.399> I
• <00:11:21.120> so<00:11:21.279> we<00:11:21.360> can<00:11:21.440> keep
• .<00:11:22.320> Um,<00:11:23.279> next<00:11:23.440> item<00:11:23.600> on

Bills: HB1719, HB1742, HB1737, HB2049, HB1725, HB1726, HB1738, HB1799, HB1700

Keywords: housing crisis, manufactured homes, factory-built housing, zoning, relocatable housing units, farm employee housing, agriculture, Hawaii Revised Statutes, agricultural districts, land use, regulation, renewable energy, community development, housing, affordable housing, real estate, state regulation, building codes, construction, permitting

Summary: The joint public hearing covered several housing-related bills and one building-code measure. HB 1719 would make manufactured homes a permitted use by right on residentially zoned lots in the urban district, HB 1742 would authorize self-contained relocatable housing units with restrictions, and HB 1737 would clarify that a farm dwelling in an agricultural district may include an accessory employee housing structure. Testimony on these bills was overwhelmingly supportive from groups including Hawaii Realtors, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, Housing Hawaii’s Future, the Modular Building Institute, the Hawaii Farmers Union, and others, with a few agencies offering comments. No one testified in opposition on HB 1719 or HB 1742, while HB 1737 drew one opposition and one comment in addition to broad support. No votes were taken during the hearing segment provided. A major portion of the hearing focused on HB 2049, which restructures the conveyance tax into a marginal-rate system and changes how the revenue is allocated, including funding for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the rental housing revolving fund, while also affecting the legacy land conservation fund. Supporters, including DHHL, Hawaii Appleseed, Aahu Youth Action Board, Hawaii YIMBY, and others, argued the bill would help Native Hawaiian housing and, for most transactions, function as a tax cut. Opponents, including NAP Hawaii, Hawaii Realtors, Hawaii Land Trust, Mhai Land Trust, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, objected to using conveyance tax as a revenue-generating tool and raised concerns about higher upfront costs and reduced funding for other housing uses. Committee members and staff discussed the bill’s revenue estimates, the reduced percentage but higher cap for the land conservation fund, the effect on rental housing funding, and the bill’s cost-of-living adjustment language; staff said a line-by-line comparison of the current and proposed tax structure would be provided before decision-making. The hearing also took up HB 1725, which would extend the state building code adoption cycle from two years to six years, apply the IRC to triplexes and fourplexes, allow counties to adopt more or less stringent amendments, and appropriate funds for code adoption work. Most testimony supported the bill, with advocates saying the current process is unmanageable, too resource-intensive, and creates confusion because state and county codes can diverge; supporters said a longer cycle would improve clarity and allow more focused review. The International Code Council and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers opposed the measure, warning that delaying adoption could have negative consequences and urging the committee to let an existing statewide code-adoption strategy proceed first. Members asked about sequencing, county implementation, and whether the longer cycle would create catch-up problems, but no action was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:06.160> relevant<00:11:06.560> to<00:11:06.720> the<00:11:06.959>
• > case<00:11:07.839> of<00:11:08.000> a<00:11:08.240> person<00:11:08.480
• /c><00:11:12.399> court<00:11:12.640> by<00:11:13.200> July<00:11:13.600> 1,<
• :11:25.360> record<00:11:25.760> clearance,<00:11:26.240> which<00:11:26.480>
• :11:32.720> do<00:11:32.880> this<00:11:33.200> by<00:11:34.079> filling<

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs held an information briefing on expungement and record clearance, with Chair David Tarnis and Vice Chair Mahina Poo Poy emphasizing second chances and the legislature’s recent work on state-initiated relief. The chair reviewed prior measures, including Act 62 (2024), which created Hawaii’s first state-initiated expungement pilot for certain non-conviction cannabis-related arrests, Act 159 (2023), which required automatic sealing or removal of expunged records from the judiciary’s public database, and Act 241 (2024), which created the Clean Slate Task Force. He said the committee invited the Clean Slate Initiative and Code for America because of their national experience with state-initiated record clearance systems. Phil Hickden of the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center and Attorney General’s office reported that Act 62 was implemented using existing resources and no new funding, initially covering single-charge, pre-2020 arrests in Hawaii County for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and later expanded by Act 005 (2025) to all arrests under HRS 712-1249 regardless of drug type. He said the project identified 2,268 potentially eligible records, with 1,072 processed so far, 989 granted and 83 denied, and that the work has taken about 872 staff hours and roughly 45 days per expungement. He also said the office has identified about 412,000 people who could potentially qualify for expungement under broader legislation, though that estimate does not include case-by-case research. Michelle Acasta of the judiciary explained that Act 159 changed the process so HCJDC now digitally transmits expungement certificates to the court, eliminating the applicant’s second step of filing paperwork with the court. She said the courts still manually review eligibility, but the process is easier because certificates now include a case ID and HCJDC provides additional information to help locate records. She reported that since implementation the courts received 125 certificates in July and 87 in August, with 17 court orders filed in July and August, including 81 in the First Circuit, 14 in Maui, 7 in the Third Circuit, and 15 in the Fifth Circuit. She also noted that the Hawaii Supreme Court’s State v. Rogan decision affects procedure by requiring a written request or motion, an opportunity to be heard, and written findings for sealing court records, and that new Supreme Court rules are expected for public comment. Members asked about qualitative outcomes and whether the process could be expanded statewide; staff said they do not track recidivism or personal stories, and the chair encouraged further discussion before the next session to identify barriers and capacity needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• so that um we<02:11:09.599> do<02:11:09.840> not<02:11:10.079> know<02:11:10.400
• think<02:11:30.079> we<02:11:30.320> have<02:11:30.480> to<02:11:30.719>
• :11:48.239> out<02:11:48.480> that<02:11:49.440> all<02:11:49.679> the<02
• <02:11:50.480> coming<02:11:50.719> out<02:11:50.960> is<02:11:51.199> is
• ><02:11:53.280> and<02:11:53.679> it<02:11:54.560> we<02:11:54.880> will<

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met as a special House committee on COVID response efficacy, noted absences, and restated its mission to review New Hampshire’s pandemic response, including federal guidance, federal funds, emergency use authorization vaccination efforts, long COVID treatment, patient bill of rights implementation, and vaccination policies. The main business was discussion of a proposed letter or report language concerning current COVID vaccine recommendations for young children, especially those under age two, and how to support any conclusions with cited scientific and state sources. Representative Polozov argued that the committee should ask the governor or agencies to reconsider current recommendations, saying the committee should focus on whether vaccination is needed for that age group, whether it is effective, and whether the risks outweigh the benefits. He said he had distributed articles and wanted the committee to pair its conclusions with scientific and statistical data. Other members asked him to identify the specific New Hampshire DHHS and American Academy of Pediatrics sources for the recommendation, clarify the age range being discussed, and separate any evidence about adverse effects in other age groups from the infant/toddler demographic so the letter would be transparent and not misleading. Members generally agreed the letter should be carefully sourced and refined, with citations for each claim. The chair said the committee would treat the request as urgent and try to finalize a version by the next meeting, noting that some members would be traveling. The committee also discussed scheduling additional testimony in September and October, possibly with extra meetings, to continue gathering evidence and to hear from witnesses. The chair then began reviewing supporting articles, including studies he said were new since the 2024 report, and introduced a 2025 South Korea cohort study and another 2025 Italian cohort study as examples of the evidence he wanted to incorporate into an updated 2026 report.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:11:05.279> though<00:11:05.839> really<00:11:06.480> has<00:11:06.720> to<
• And given<00:11:09.600> in<00:11:09.839> light<00:11:10.000> of<00:11:10.240>
• >> And<00:11:21.440> um<00:11:21.680> so<00:11:21.920> just<00:11:22.079><
• > you<00:11:23.760> say<00:11:23.920> a<00:11:24.079> bridge<00:11:24.320
• > too<00:11:24.480> far,<00:11:24.800> is<00:11:24.880> that<00:11:25.040

Bills: HB1604, HB1713, HB1722, HB2270, HB2401, HB2515, HB1979, HB1593, HB1743, HB2122, HB1756, HB1837, HB1729

Keywords: agriculture, housing, workforce, land use, zoning, public-private partnerships, tax credit, school impact fees, impact fee exemption, school facilities authority, residential development, housing shortage, affordable housing, infill housing, land dedication, fee in lieu, school construction, developer exactions, fair share contributions, education contribution agreement

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1604, which would create an agricultural workforce housing group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to address shortages of farmworker housing. The department said it supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the group’s early work should focus on gathering data and surveying farm operators to assess actual demand, to avoid “mission creep.” Testimony from the City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce was in support, with one witness suggesting a housing advocacy nonprofit be added to the working group for balance. The committee then discussed HB 1713 on school impact fees, which would clarify exemptions for certain affordable housing projects and exempt new residential developments of fewer than 100 units. The Attorney General’s office said the bill should define “low to moderate income households” because that term is not defined in chapter 302A. HHFDC, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and others supported the measure, arguing it would reduce administrative burden and remove barriers to housing. Members questioned whether the bill should instead repeal the school impact fee entirely; supporters said they also favored full repeal but viewed this bill as a more feasible step. The School Facilities Authority also explained that about $28 million in school impact fees had been collected across four districts and none had yet been spent, and discussed how recent nexus requirements limit how the funds can be used. HB 1722, relating to residential condominiums, drew extensive testimony and questioning. HCDA supported the bill and explained that it amends the 99-year leasehold pilot program created by Act 97 of 2023 by reducing owner-occupancy restrictions from 100% of units to 60%, allowing some rental or subleasing flexibility for the owner-occupied units, and permitting up to 40% of units to be sold to qualified residents after being on the market for more than 60 days. HCDA said the original restrictions, combined with rising construction costs, higher interest rates, and competition from nearby projects, made the pilot project difficult to market and finance; it said the changes are needed to make the project feasible and competitive. Supporters including AP Hawaii, Kila LLC, and project representatives said the amendments would help make the demonstration project in Kakaʻako viable. Some members raised concerns that the changes could weaken long-term affordability and questioned why certain ownership language was being deleted if rentals would still be restricted. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

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• and implement<00:11:58.480> again<00:11:58.720> that<00:11:59.040> don't<00:11:59.279

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The interview focused on changes to security at the Minnesota Capitol complex in response to rising political violence and recent attacks on public officials, including the June 14 assassinations of Melissa and Mark Hartman and the attempted assassination of Senator Hoffman and his wife. The senator said those events, along with broader threats against elected officials, created urgency to strengthen protections for members, staff, and visitors. The discussion centered on the Axtell report, a Department of Public Safety security assessment of four priority buildings: the Capitol, Centennial Office Building, Judicial Center, and Minnesota Senate Building. The report included a public executive summary and a confidential detailed analysis. Its top recommendation was weapon screening, which the advisory committee adopted as the highest-impact measure to prevent weapons or other dangerous items from entering the buildings. The senator described visible changes such as screening at entrances, single-entry points, Evolv machines, and X-ray screening for bags, as well as a Senate rule barring guns in the gallery after concerns about member safety. She argued these measures do not significantly reduce access because most state capitols already screen visitors, and said restrictions on firearms in government buildings are consistent with constitutional limits in sensitive places. She also noted that permit holders may still enter with firearms for now, but said she plans to introduce a bill to ban guns on the Capitol complex entirely. Additional recommendations discussed included encrypted staff badges, more consistent access controls across buildings, and behavioral threat assessment training. The senator said some proposals will require legislative action and funding, citing an estimated $41 million request from the Department of Administration, while other measures could be implemented administratively from the non-public security report.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 25, which would allow New Hampshire state-chartered credit unions to choose, by member vote, to compensate their board members. Prime sponsor Senator Dan Innis said the bill is enabling only, does not require compensation, and is intended to align New Hampshire with other states that already permit this. He argued that credit union board service now requires more time and expertise, and that compensation could help attract stronger candidates and improve governance. Representatives from the Cooperative Credit Union Association and St. Mary’s Bank testified in support. They said the change would not create salaries, but could cover modest compensation or reimbursements such as daycare, education, cybersecurity, or accounting training. They emphasized that credit unions remain nonprofit and member-driven, that board members must be credit union members and elected by members, and that any compensation decision would be made by the membership at an annual meeting or through the credit union’s voting process. Witnesses also said the bill would help with recruitment and retention, especially as credit union operations have become more complex and digital, and noted that similar authority exists in 16 other states, including Rhode Island. Committee members asked about the historical reason credit unions were excluded, the amount and structure of compensation, whether there would be a cap, and how voting would work. Witnesses said the bill does not set a statutory maximum, but in practice the amount would be disclosed to members and set through the vote; they also described St. Mary’s Bank’s ballot process and said proxy or ballot procedures depend on each credit union’s bylaws. One witness noted that federally chartered credit unions are subject to different limits. After testimony and questions, the chair closed the public hearing on Senate Bill 25 and then moved on to Senate Bill 26.