Transcript Highlights:

• You're going to see Blue Cross Blue Shield is now signed in as neutral.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Brenna Gaetan with Blue Cross and Blue Shield New Mexico.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When I say health plans, I mean entities like Kaiser Permanente or Blue Cross or Blue Shield.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 2563 is our stance, is our shield, and it's our promise that we will not let partisan attacks

Transcript Highlights:

• for ensuring that the friends, family, buddies of the folks who committed that complaint are also shielded

Summary: The hearing focused first on sexual abuse, harassment, and retaliation in California’s women’s prisons, with testimony from CDCR wardens, the Office of Inspector General, advocacy groups, and formerly incarcerated survivors. Legislators and witnesses described a pattern of staff misconduct, fear of retaliation, gaps in reporting, and the need for stronger accountability, better investigations, and more outside access for survivor support organizations. CDCR said it has expanded training, body-worn and stationary cameras, outside partnerships, and PREA-related response procedures, while the Inspector General requested additional funding and staff to monitor more grievances and staff sexual misconduct cases under SB 1069. Members pressed CDCR on why accused staff are not always placed on leave, how cases are referred to prosecutors, and whether current protections are enough; several members argued the state should aim to investigate all complaints and do more to prevent retaliation and repeat abuse. The second issue was rehabilitative and reentry programming in women’s prisons. CDCR’s Division of Rehabilitative Programs and the wardens highlighted education, vocational training, substance use treatment, peer support, and community reentry programs, citing increased enrollment and recent graduates earning diplomas, degrees, and certifications. They said these programs are intended to reduce recidivism and improve public safety. Formerly incarcerated advocates and community providers argued that current offerings are still too limited, outdated, and not aligned with today’s job market, especially around digital literacy and transferable credentials, and they urged more funding for community-based, trauma-informed, gender-responsive programming. A coalition representative asked for a $20 million continuation and expansion of the Wright Grant program, and members discussed additional budget requests for reentry and related women’s services.

Transcript Highlights:

• They could give other means, which would then have them shielded from that disclosure.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• You can see that under Blue Cross and Blue Shield. These are Medicaid providers.

Transcript Highlights:

• California will not use taxpayer dollars to shield convicted. felons, including those who illegally reside

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:23:34.199> so would lower the unfunded liability so would lower the unfunded liability
• In general, if you want to put a million dollars in today, that'll lower the unfunded liability by a
• And so we heard that the unfunded liability was going down by $98 million. Okay.
• And so we heard that the unfunded liability was going down by $98 million. Okay.
• Okay, all right, so that's it. um the unfunded liability CH is um the unfunded liability CH is recalculated

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed a proposed increase to the annual elevator certificate fee in the Department of Labor. The commissioner said the fee had been $50 for years and generated just under $300,000 annually, while the Inspection Division’s broader revenue far exceeded its expenses. Members noted the fee only covered the certificate, not the inspection itself, which is billed separately at $100 per hour. After comparing the fee to neighboring states and discussing the department’s revenue and staffing, the committee agreed to rewrite the language to set the fee at $75 and to vote on an amendment later. The committee then took up Section 139, which would expand the list of labor-law violations that can be penalized without first issuing a warning. The Department explained the change was meant to align House Bill 157 with other chapters, including youth employment and workers’ compensation provisions, where immediate civil penalties are already allowed. The section was accepted unanimously. A longer discussion followed on the Second Injury Fund. The commissioner explained that the fund reimburses insurers for certain workers’ compensation costs tied to claims involving pre-existing conditions, is financed by assessments on insurers, and requires notice within 100 weeks of injury plus a $10,000 deductible before reimbursement. He said the fund currently holds roughly $16 million to $22 million, one full-time employee administers it, and total staff involvement is about five to six people. Members questioned whether the fund should be sunset, but the department said the current House Bill 2 language does not propose a sunset; instead, it addresses increased hearing and litigation burdens after a recent Supreme Court decision. Sections 140 and 141, dealing with hearings, were then accepted unanimously. The committee also briefly discussed fines for late insurance coverage reporting, with the department noting the current rubric allows up to $50 per day but uses $112 per day, and members suggesting a lower amount.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most schools don't, yeah, but that's because of liability insurance rather than not wanting kids to have
• But in my opinion, if there was a way around that liability issue, whatever that may be, I think there's
• liability in sports as well.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The second item that we have today is related to liability.
• concerned that if this law is the basis for additional groups of employees, that counties' legal liability
• And we would suggest an exclusive revenue of a civil fine as one possible way to mitigate this liability

Bills: HF2300

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 3353 by day all relating to the limitation of liability of certain highway, road and street contracts
• HB 3402 by King relating to the risk mitigation, planning and associated liability for providers of electric
• One by Luther relating to the liability of a vaccine manufacturers for advertising a harmful vaccine

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1119 by Hughes, relating to liability of a water park entity for injuries arising from certain
• Senate Bill 1119 by Hughes relating to liability of a water park entity for injuries arising from certain
• Senate Bill 1135 by Hagenbuch, relating to civil liability of a commercial motor vehicle owner or operator

Summary: The Senate met briefly and referred a large number of first-reading bills and resolutions to standing committees. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including hemp regulation, dementia research funding, parental rights and public education, municipal library funding, tax and local government issues, criminal justice, health care, education, transportation, natural resources, and election law. Several constitutional resolutions were also referred, including proposals related to the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and a severance tax revenue fund. Most of the transcript consists of the reading of bill captions and committee referrals, with no substantive debate or testimony recorded. The listed measures included proposals on school uniforms, charter schools, Medicaid fraud remedies, insurance practices, occupational licensing for people with criminal convictions, water and sewer utility cybersecurity, agricultural protections, public meeting broadcasting, and various local and state governance matters. No votes were taken on the bills in this segment. The only formal action reflected was referral of the bills and resolutions to the appropriate committees, followed by adjournment of the Senate until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE MAJORITY OF OUR TAX LIABILITY IS BASED ON THAT.
• BECAUSE THE .5 PERCENT CORPORATE TAX DOES APPLY TO LIABILITY AFTER INCOME OF 50,000 WHEN YOU HAVE AN
• IT IS ONLY FOR THOSE PEOPLE THAT HAVE LIABILITY BEYOND THAT THAT YOU WOULD APPLY THIS TO.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If they had it 10 years ago, then there would not be any basis for liability.
• She said that is one of the reasons why limitation on liability is important.
• if there's an intentional liability if there's an intentional violation.<01:54:57.599> uh<01:
• <01:55:12.320> violations liability cap for intentional violations liability cap for intentional
• reasons why uh limitation on liability reasons why uh limitation on liability is<01:56:09.520>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• liability which negatively affects<01:34:29.040> our<01:34:29.280> cost<01:34:29.480><
• to do what the state wants done, and what we want done is a scenario where we could address the liability
• protection against unlimited liability protection against unlimited liability we<01:41:00.880>
• question without creating a liability question without creating a reserve<01:41:12.920> fund<
• <01:41:32.840> to accountable to unlimited liability to accountable to unlimited liability

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1077, a governor’s administration bill to increase transient accommodations tax revenue and split it between two new special funds: a climate mitigation and resiliency special fund and an economic development and revitalization special fund for tourism/resort areas. Supporters, including the Governor’s Office, recovery and resilience staff, climate and conservation groups, and several state agencies, said the bill would create a dedicated, more reliable funding stream for wildfire mitigation, coastal resilience, land clearing, infrastructure, and community-led projects. Some supporters also urged changes to the bill, including moving the fund to DLNR, adding DHHL and OHA representation, clarifying community grants, and ensuring the fund can support both state-led and community-led resilience work. The Attorney General’s office flagged a drafting issue, noting that the bill references fees deposited into the new fund even though the new chapter does not authorize fee collection, and recommended deleting that language or adding fee authority. The Climate Advisory Team representative also suggested adding DHHL to the decision-making body and requiring at-large members to have climate, resilience, conservation, or infrastructure expertise. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Kohala Coast Resort Association opposed the measure, arguing that the special fund structure does not meet statutory criteria, that the bill functions as a tax increase, and that the transient accommodations tax is not being collected equitably across all lodging types before any increase is imposed. Other opponents, including tourism and lodging interests, warned that hotels and timeshares already bear most of the tax burden and that raising the TAT could hurt an already struggling visitor industry and drive tourists away. Supporters countered that current funding is far short of what is needed and that a dedicated revenue stream is necessary to address climate impacts now. Committee members questioned why the Legislature should cede spending decisions to a separate executive-branch process, and the administration responded that the bill is intended to create a transparent, recurring mechanism for funding priorities that can be adjusted over time. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, anyway, I'm here this morning to introduce House Bill 402, which is relative to liability as taxable
• <00:04:31.919> um<00:04:32.080> as<00:04:32.280> taxable relative to liability
• <00:06:44.840> that's<00:06:45.319> both federal tax liabilities that's both federal
• For example, a 529 distribution used for tuition has no tax liability, but a 529 distribution used to
• For example, a 529 distribution used for tuition has no tax liability, but a 529 distribution used to

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 402, a bill to repeal a provision in RSA 194-F:2 stating that Education Freedom Account (EFA) funds “shall not constitute taxable income” to the parent or student. The bill sponsor argued the current language is misleading because the state cannot determine federal tax liability, and said the bill would simply remove inaccurate tax advice from state law. He cited IRS guidance and prior federal legislation, including a Ted Cruz proposal, to suggest some EFA uses may be taxable under federal law, while others may not, and said the bill could be amended if needed to avoid confusion. Testimony was sharply divided. Py Campbell opposed the bill, arguing it would unfairly single out EFA students and could amount to a tax on education funds, including for self-employed families, and recommended it be voted inexpedient to legislate. Stephen Matthew French, a tax preparer, also opposed the bill, saying IRS Publication 970 already makes clear that scholarship-type payments used for tuition and related expenses are not taxable, and that the bill addresses a problem that does not exist. He warned that adding tax reporting requirements could create administrative costs for families and the program administrator. Bill Ardinger, a tax attorney, supported the repeal of the statutory language, saying the state should not place potentially incorrect tax advice into law. He explained that under federal tax law, only certain scholarship-like uses are exempt, while many EFA-eligible expenses may not be, especially for families using the program for homeschooling or other nontraditional expenses. He said the current statute could mislead families into thinking all EFA payments are tax-free and could expose the state to future legal problems. The hearing ended after questions from committee members; no vote or final action was taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Limited liability. Principally tax benefits that human beings cannot take advantage of.
• Limited liability. Principally tax benefits that human beings cannot take advantage of.
• <01:09:54.320> So and maintain liability individually.
• So and maintain liability individually.
• This measure makes any state-chartered corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, and

Bills: SB2045, SB2354

Keywords: combat sports, boxing, mixed martial arts, health regulations, safety standards, licensing, event regulation, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees first took up SB 2071 on rent-to-own housing. Testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC and Hawaii Realtors, but Sierra Club of Hawaii and others opposed the bill unless it was amended to exclude ceded lands from the 99-year lease provision. Members discussed the scope of ceded versus non-ceded lands and whether an inventory exists. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including HHFDC’s proposal to make the fixed-price period flexible by tying it to an option period and Sierra Club’s language limiting the program to non-ceded state or county land. They then heard SB 2191 on limited profit housing associations. HHFDC supported the measure, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Office of the Auditor urged caution about tax exclusions and asked for clearer, more targeted limits and measurable outcomes. The committees adopted amendments to add a statement of purpose, include measurable metrics, apply the tax provisions to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, and delay the effective date to allow for administrative changes. SB 2191 was recommended for passage with amendments. The committees also considered SB 2197, which would have replaced the five-year fixed-price period in rent-to-own housing with an option period set by HHFDC, but deferred it indefinitely because its issues were addressed in SB 2071. SB 2180 on deposits of public funds drew comments from the Hawaii Bankers Association questioning definitions and noting banks are already subject to Community Reinvestment Act requirements; decision-making was deferred to the next day in the CPN committee and to a later date for the housing committee. Finally, SB 2210 on housing discrimination received support from disability advocates and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, which asked for one additional investigator; the committees passed it with amendments adding a blank appropriation for one full-time position and planned to notify Ways and Means for possible re-referral.

Transcript Highlights:

• feasibility costs liability feasibility costs liability environmental<01:39:44.159> impacts
• <01:40:16.280> concerns<01:40:16.800> that maintenance and liability concerns that
• The county said it did not want to risk taking on the liability of owning the project, and there were
• The county said it did not want to risk taking on the liability of owning the project, and DLNR also
• of owning right the the liability of owning right the project<01:46:52.679> and<01:46:52.960>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on March 13, 2025, and first announced that SB 1456 would be deferred to the end of the agenda and ultimately worked on later, with the chair indicating the bill would be deferred and revisited in a future measure. The committee then heard SB 841 on marine life conservation districts. DLNR supported the bill, saying it would fund carrying capacity studies to inform rules and policies. Testimony noted a pilot study already underway at the Puka Marine Life Conservation District and another nearing completion at the old Kona Airport MLCD. Members discussed costs, with DLNR estimating about $300,000 per year for one user-experience study, potentially more for ecological analysis, and also discussed possible funding from the Mālama Kai special fund. DLNR said it had no objection to consulting current operators and other users, and explained the program would be a new, ongoing adaptive-management tool. The committee next heard SB 411 on capital improvement projects at small boat harbors. DLNR supported the intent, saying the bill would help expedite use of special funds for CIP work, while the Department of Budget and Finance opposed it, arguing the draft could conflict with constitutional limits on appropriations. Public testimony from an industry representative supported the bill and urged more collaboration with commercial operators, while committee discussion focused on whether DLNR could already use special funds for repairs, how much engineering and bidding work is required before projects go out to bid, and whether the current process creates bottlenecks when bids exceed initial estimates. DLNR said it can do some repairs and maintenance within existing authority and funding ceilings, but that the bill as drafted could be too broad. The committee also heard SB 5 on historic preservation, where DLNR supported the measure and NAOP Hawaii opposed it, saying the bill’s broader definition could expand the scope beyond the stated goal of narrowing reviews and reducing backlog. The committee then took up SB 1462 on the state historic preservation income tax credit. The Department of Taxation said the revenue estimate assumes the cap would be reached each year the credit is available, and DLNR supported the bill. SHPD said the prior credit had sunset, outreach had previously been done in targeted communities such as Chinatown, and owners of eligible historic properties are notified during review. Finally, the committee heard SB 268 on island burial councils. DLNR supported the bill, and OHA strongly supported it, saying the councils have struggled with quorum and expertise and that the measure would restore the original intent of having lineal descendants and cultural practitioners as decision makers, while still allowing landowners and developers to testify and participate. OHA also said it would help provide technical support and urged continued involvement from SHPD and the Attorney General’s office.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the reasons I like the advanced credit is because it reduces the liability to 50%.
• I mean, ultimately, I'm trying to get to the front end in this process, reduce the liability the parents
• I mean, ultimately, I'm trying to get to the front end in this process, reduce the liability the parents
• I mean, ultimately, I'm trying to get to the front end in this process, reduce the liability the parents
• I mean, ultimately, I'm trying to get to the front end in this process, reduce the liability the parents

Bills: HF1, HF779, HF1034

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud