Transcript Highlights:

• I think I saved you from going back to your seat. >> Please. Aloha.
• 46.880> your think I save you from going back to your think I save you from going back to your seat
• Can you take the seat for now? >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Okay. Uh quick question. Yes.
• you manage<01:23:35.199> to<01:23:35.600> find<01:23:35.840> a<01:23:36.080> seat
• manage to find a seat right here? manage to find a seat right here?

Bills: SB3263, SB3261

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

Summary: The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on several bills related to student health and safety, University of Hawaii programs, and workforce development. For SB 2969, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry, testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Witnesses described the ongoing physical and mental health impacts of the August 2023 Maui fires, said the study has identified serious untreated conditions and connected participants to care, and emphasized its role in serving survivors and training students. The committee also heard support from the Department of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Lung Association, Maui residents, and study staff. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then heard SB 2657, which would establish an Alzheimer disease and related dementia research center at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. University of Hawaii and Alzheimer’s Association representatives supported the bill, saying a local center would improve coordination of existing research, build state capacity, and help Hawaii compete for future NIH designation and federal funding. A family member affected by Alzheimer’s also testified in support, citing the disease’s impact in Hawaii. In response to questions, the university said the proposal would follow a five-year phased plan, with the first year funding used to recruit a senior neuroscientist and staff person, at an estimated cost of about $375,000, and that the effort would still strengthen Hawaii’s research infrastructure even if federal funding is not secured. For SB 2612, which clarifies immunity for Department of Education employees and agents who assist students with medication administration under certain conditions, the Department of Education said the bill is intended to protect volunteers and help ensure students can participate in school activities even when staffing is limited. The committee discussed how volunteers would be selected and whether every school would have someone available, and DOE said schools currently rely on health attendants, nurses, and trained volunteers. The committee also briefly discussed liability language and gross negligence exceptions. The hearing then moved to SB 2412, which would fund a bachelor’s degree program in sign language and sign language interpretation at UH Mānoa with a future master’s pathway. Testimony from interpreters, educators, and university officials emphasized the shortage of interpreters, the need to retain local talent, and the program’s role in building a pipeline; university representatives said the initial request would fund a faculty/staff position as a first step, with additional funding needed later. No final committee action or votes were announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, you're off the hot seat.
• Seeing none, you're off the hot seat.
• We'll let you guys off the hot seat.
• So, Representative Larson, I'm going to have you take the hot seat for the last bill.
• I'm going to have you take the hot seat I'm going to have you take the hot seat for<01:11:49.760

Bills: HB0026, HB0042, HB0067, HB0069

Keywords: tribal governments, vehicle registration, exemption, license plates, Wind River Indian Reservation, vehicle, accident, duty to stop, felony, personal injury, death, veterans property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax relief, military tax exemption, Wyoming National Guard, active duty, reserve members, surviving spouse, surviving parent

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know what you're talking about, but plain having maybe available seats where you can stand, but
• It's like it's not even really a seat. Serious. They're starting to outfit some things.
• I'm looking for a motion. having maybe available seats where you having maybe available seats where you
• <01:35:00.400> They're<01:35:01.199> they're<01:35:01.440> starting seat.
• They're they're starting seat. Serious.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The upstairs balcony and the seating area is still left to be finished.
• The upstairs balcony and the seating<00:36:50.560> area<00:36:51.040> is<00:36:51.680><
• c> still<00:36:52.000> left<00:36:52.240> to<00:36:52.480> be seating area is
• still left to be seating area is still left to be finished.<00:36:53.680> Uh<00:36:54.000>
• Okay, members, I guess I'm going to switch seats.

Bills: HF2411, HF2471, HF1440, HF1393, HF1631, HF1259, HF280, HF1281, HF1459

Keywords: cultural heritage, funding, White Earth Nation, tribal community, construction, Delano, sesquicentennial, community events, fall of Saigon, Saigon anniversary, Vietnam War commemoration, Vietnamese Minnesotans, Cambodian Minnesotans, Lao Minnesotans, Southeast Asian refugees, Asian American heritage, cultural heritage fund, Minnesota Humanities Center, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, equity funding

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:59:33.680> please<00:59:33.960> consider<00:59:34.760> uh for only one seat
• so please consider uh for only one seat so please consider uh uh<00:59:35.960> providing<00:59
• to<01:11:04.400> add<01:11:04.560> on<01:11:04.760> the<01:11:05.199> seat
• <01:11:05.480> for those amendments to add on the seat for those amendments to add on the
• seat for the<01:11:05.840> business<01:11:06.679> right<01:11:07.199> thank<01:11

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on environmental protection and wastewater management. HB 26 HD 2, relating to environmental protection, drew support from the Department of Health, Reworld, and Energy Justice Network. Supporters said it would preserve existing standards for waste-to-energy facilities, including H-Power, even if federal EPA rules are weakened, while Energy Justice Network urged the state to go further and require stronger pollution controls on older burners at the plant. HB 734 and HB 735, both relating to wastewater systems, received broad support from state agencies, county representatives, realtors, environmental groups, and others. Testimony emphasized reducing the cost of cesspool upgrades, updating rules, and improving coordination between the Department of Health, counties, and the University of Hawaiʻi. Members raised concerns about whether some areas, such as Ewa, should be treated differently if they are not near aquifers or the ocean, but the department said the existing prioritization process already considered statewide conditions and that cesspools generally still affect water resources. On HB 735, the committee discussed the current bedroom-based limits for individual wastewater systems and whether the bill would allow more flexibility for housing configurations, with the department explaining the limits are tied to density and system capacity. HB 879, relating to cesspool conversions, was also supported by the Department of Health, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and several advocacy groups. Testimony said the bill would help low- and moderate-income homeowners in priority areas by increasing grant assistance for cesspool upgrades, but the Department of Health noted it would need three full-time positions to administer the program. Members asked for clarification on the grant amount and staffing costs, and the department indicated the grant cap should remain at $20,000 unless changed. HB 918, relating to labeling of non-flushable wipes, drew support from wastewater and industry groups, including the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, which said similar laws have passed in other states and that the bill reflects cooperation between manufacturers and wastewater officials. The Department of Health and county officials supported the concept but said enforcement and outreach would require additional staff, and senators questioned whether the state could effectively enforce the labeling requirement without a national standard.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 85 seats; it fills.
• pretty heavily subscribed um we<00:21:39.559> have<00:21:39.679> 85<00:21:40.200> seats
• fills<00:21:41.799> um<00:21:41.919> so<00:21:42.159> this we have 85 seats
• it fills um so this we have 85 seats it fills um so this would<00:21:42.520> expand<00:21:43.039
• we got to get you in the Record Man seat we got to get you in the Record Man okay okay okay I<01:39:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:12:25.360> the<00:12:25.600> department for the governor's seat, the department
• We hold a seat on the Autism Council.
• We hold a seat on the Autism Council.
• those are the unfortunately the seats those are the unfortunately the seats we're<00:42:14.800><
• But if I were in your seat, I'd money.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're looking at seats and options across all the islands, how many children are enrolled, how many
• and then we're not your seats and then we're not maximizing<02:34:21.000> the<02:34:21.120>
• Act 46 is asking us to find seats for 100% of children who are three and four by 2032, and so that's
• Right now there's over 6,000 children that have no seat anywhere, and that's my point.
• that have no seat anywhere so and<02:37:32.479> that's<02:37:32.640> my<02:37:32.840><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members and guests, please take your seats. Please silence your cell phones. Mr.
• But the caucus actually let us stay together too when we picked our seats, you know, alphabetical order
• I have two seats. Okay. Thank you.
• vacant, for example, due to death, resignation, or the lieutenant governor ascending to the governor's seat

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, opened with a moment of silence for Ted Williams, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then accepted the previous day’s minutes and moved into a series of recognitions, beginning with House Resolution 27 designating June 24, 2026 as Staff Appreciation Day. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the chamber spent much of the meeting honoring legislative staff across both caucuses, with members and staff introducing themselves and being recognized for years of service and behind-the-scenes work. The House also recognized staff member Justin, who is leaving for a position with the Delaware State Board of Education, and later gave farewell remarks for Representative Kevin Hensley and Representative Charles Postles, both of whom are retiring. Numerous members spoke in tribute to their service, constituent work, and personal character, and both Hensley and Postles offered remarks thanking colleagues, staff, and family. The House then received communications from the Senate, including several bills and resolutions passed and returned, and a notice of Senate concurrence on other measures. Representative Wilson-Anton made a brief statement explaining her vote on Senate Bill 100 and reaffirming support for marriage equality and related civil rights issues. The chamber also took up Senate Joint Resolution 16 and Senate Joint Resolution 17, which set the official revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 and 2027; both were read, called to roll, and passed by constitutional majority votes of 37-4 and 40-1, respectively. Finally, the House considered Senate Bill 335, the operating budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Representative Williams presented the budget on behalf of the Joint Finance Committee, describing major funding items including raises for state and education employees, health insurance and retiree benefit funding, developmental disability services, Medicaid growth, purchase of care, and maintenance of reserve funds. Several members praised the committee’s work, while Representative Shupe said he would vote no, citing concerns about the budget’s 6.3% growth despite appreciating the committee’s effort. After the budget presentation and comments, Leader Harris moved that the House recess for party caucuses, and the House stood in recess until the call of the bell.

Transcript Highlights:

• People are getting their tickets canceled and moved to less desirable seating just so brokers can resell
• This bill bans speculative tickets—tickets for sale on a secondary site that have not been assigned seating
• an absent member, Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, who does not have anybody that will be serving in her seat
• Or you can buy them from Vivid Seats for $51.25.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to give Senator Guru a moment to ask a question while you're still in the hot seat. >> Yes,
• I don't feel like it's a hot seat at all because I hope that we're all on the same team.
• I don't feel like it's a hot seat. I feel like we're all on the hot seat trying to figure that out.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• not registered to testify, please fill out the sign-in form and return it to the committee staff seated
• So for the past five decades, I've had a front-row seat to the impact of a cruel and dysfunctional health
• The hospital didn't have a proper car seat for the cast. They gave us an expired one.
• More interest than the empty seats.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on 16 bills, with the chairs noting a busy legislative day and asking speakers to keep testimony brief. The committee first heard testimony on Senate 860/House 1405, the Medicare for All bill, with Sen. Jamie Eldridge and many advocates, clinicians, municipal officials, and patients arguing that a single-payer system would make care a right, reduce administrative waste, lower costs, and protect residents from rising premiums, medical debt, and hospital closures. Several speakers cited the Steward hospital crisis, affordability problems, and polling or ballot questions showing public support for single-payer coverage. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then took testimony on S. 863, a bill on non-opioid options for chronic pain. Pain specialists, patients, and advocates said the bill would improve care coordination for MassHealth members, expand access to non-opioid medications, require provider education, and collect data on chronic pain. Testifiers described long delays in diagnosis and treatment, stigma toward pain patients, and the need for multidisciplinary care and transportation support. Again, the committee heard testimony only and took no action. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1360/S. 869, which would prevent discrimination against people with disabilities in health care. Disability advocates, clinicians, and patients described being denied or delayed care, pressured into DNR orders, or treated based on assumptions about quality of life rather than medical facts. Speakers referenced COVID-era crisis standards of care, discriminatory metrics, and personal stories involving canceled procedures, inadequate accommodations, and poor treatment in hospitals. Committee members thanked speakers for their testimony and said they would review the bill and its implications, but no vote was announced. The committee also heard testimony on H. 1399, an individual Medicare marketplace option for municipal retirees, where supporters said it would give cities and towns a lower-cost alternative for retiree health benefits through HRAs and individual Medicare plans. The hearing then returned to Medicare for All testimony, with additional supporters repeating arguments about cost, access, municipal budget pressure, and the need for global budgeting and universal coverage. The transcript ends with continued testimony and no recorded committee vote or final action on any bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• steering committee is a first-ever of its kind to give counties truly a little bit more power at that seat
• 36:03.880> that truly a little bit more power at that truly a little bit more power at that seat
• > decision-making<00:36:05.520> and<00:36:05.800> just<00:36:06.200> a seat
• of decision-making and just a seat of decision-making and just a little<00:36:06.520> bit<00:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• They would lose Their seats if they did that. So what does this change then?
• Having the seat of majority votes, the House had a clear bill to pass this floor leader.
• It's for things that increase basically seats, so classrooms, things like that.
• Let's thank the sergeants for their hard work and ask them to open doors and take their seats.

Bills: HB3329, HR1039, HR1040, HB3413, HB3414, HB3415, HB3416, HB3417, HB3418, HB3419, HB3420, HB3706, HB3711, HB4139, HB1268, HB3660, HJR1023, HB3298, HB3056, HJR1084, HB3934, HB3919, HB4118, HB4119, HB3791, HB4260, HB4178, HB4215, HB4324, HB3270, HB4352, HB4305, HB2955, HB3315, HB3066, HB1245, HB4125, HB3075, HB3129, HB3239, HB4153, HB3265, HB4491, SB680, HB4263, HB4268, HB1675, HB3885, HB2984, HB3697, HB2959, HB3671, HB3852, HB2933, HB3057, HB3802, HB4294, HB4285, HB3708, HB3979, HB3977, HB3986, HB3985, HB3588, HB3742, HB3845, HJR1070, HB3590, HB3595, HB3391, HB3183, HB3764, HB3765, HB1002, HB4434, HJR1086, HB4060, HB3881, HB3500, HB4408, HB3648, HB3127, HB3606

Keywords: long-term care, advisory board, sunset legislation, mental health, psychologists, University of Oklahoma, gymnastics, NCAA, congratulations, sports excellence, recognition, honor, athletics, Joseph Castiglione, leadership, education, sports management, HB3413, public finance, state budget

Transcript Highlights:

• lei working group that is put together, the Division of Forestry and Wildlife would like to have a seat
• like<00:45:03.160> to<00:45:03.280> have<00:45:03.480> a<00:45:03.560> seat
• would like to have a seat at the table. would like to have a seat at the table.

Bills: SB2319, SB2407, SB2489, SB2153, SB2321, SB2805, SB3010, SB2892, SB2595, SB2781

Keywords: agriculture, biosecurity, grant funding, food security, climate resiliency, agricultural development, Hawaii Island, property manager, agribusiness, state employment, invasive species, lease provisions, environment, food safety, farmers, local food systems, rural development, livestock, forage grasses, pest management

Transcript Highlights:

• leverage our funds with the industries, again, building demand back and protecting especially our air seats
• back um and protecting especially<00:31:00.960> our<00:31:01.520> air<00:31:01.760> seats
• c><00:31:02.240> air<00:31:02.559> routes<00:31:03.520> to especially our air seats
• air routes to especially our air seats air routes to this<00:31:04.080> to<00:31:04.320> the

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of economic development, tourism, and tax measures. SB 2411 drew broad support from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, the University of Hawaiʻi, the Chamber of Commerce, and Retail Merchants, with one technical amendment suggested to change a partnership term from six to seven years. Members asked about implementation and annual costs, and the department said it would follow up with cost information. HB 2583 HD1, relating to economic development and a loan loss program, also received support, but DBED noted the state already has the CBED loan program and suggested the proposal could be placed under that existing framework rather than creating a new program. HB 1612, based on business revitalization task force recommendations, was supported by DBED and several business and advocacy groups, including the Small Business Regulatory Review Board and Grassroot Institute. Testimony emphasized improving Hawaii’s business climate and using a ranking/reporting tool to measure progress, while one senator questioned whether the bill would simply fund another study instead of direct improvements. HB 1613, relating to HTDC, was supported by HTDC, the Chamber of Commerce, and startup and industry representatives who said a permanent marketing/branding specialist would help attract tech talent, founders, and investors; a member asked why the position was not in the budget, and HTDC said federal NIST funding uncertainty affected the request. HB 1614, also on economic development, was supported by HTDC and business groups, and members discussed whether the state was missing federal funds due to lack of matching dollars; HTDC said it was difficult to know, but matching funds could help leverage more federal grants. The committee then took up HB 2590 on taxation for creative industries. The Motion Picture Association and Hawaii Film Alliance strongly supported the bill, saying it would correct GET treatment for payroll service companies, restore motion picture and TV production as manufacturing, and repeal a 2022 provision affecting qualified expenses; the Department of Taxation said it would provide revenue-impact information later. Finally, HB 1950 HD1 on the transient accommodations tax drew strong support from DBED, HTA, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, hotel and resort groups, and others, who argued for a dedicated tourism marketing fund and said the state needs more stable, long-term marketing investment. The Tax Foundation opposed the special fund approach, arguing it would reduce legislative flexibility. Members pressed witnesses on the appropriate percentage for the fund, with HTA suggesting 10% to 12% of TAT collections, and the discussion focused on how marketing spending relates to visitor spending, tax revenue, and long-term tourism competitiveness.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mens, thanks for being in the hot seat.
• Mens thanks for being in the hot seat.<00:32:32.720> You<00:32:33.120> are<00:32:33.760
• > your<00:32:34.000> district<00:32:34.240> is seat.
• You are your district is seat.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Her seat remains open. Thank you. I agree. Of Commissioner Pack. Her seat remains open. Thank you.
• Her seat remains open. Thank you. I agree. of Commissioner Pack. Her seat remains open. Thank you.

Bills: SB40, SB104, SB136, SB164

Keywords: SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance, privacy, data sharing, law enforcement data, immigration enforcement, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, civil liberties, surveillance, public records, Inspection of Public Records Act, New Mexico State Police, Department of Public Safety, data sovereignty, vehicle tracking

Transcript Highlights:

• Looks like we do have uh testimony and opposition to this as well, but you and any co-sponsor take a seat
• Looks like we do have uh testimony and opposition to this as well, but you and any co-sponsor take a seat
• Looks like we do have uh testimony and opposition to this as well, but you and any co-sponsor take a seat
• co-sponsor you and any co-sponsor you and any co-sponsor take<00:19:53.760> a<00:19:54.480> seat

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:10 Roll Call 00:00:24 HB 108 Discussion 00:03:45 HB 108 Vote 00:05:15 HB 194 Discussion 00:07:13 HB 194 Vote 00:09:45 HB 276 Discussion 00:11:53 HB 276 Vote 00:13:35 HB 290 Discussion 00:15:32 HB 290 Vote 00:18:29 HB 103 Discussion 00:20:31 HB 103 Vote 00:46:59 Adjournment 00:50:36, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its first meeting of the session and took up several local government bills, beginning with House Bill 108 on residual waste landfills. The bill would keep current rules in place when a landfill and the related company are in the same county, but would make projects subject to local determination when the landfill and industry are in different counties. The sponsor said it only affects residual waste landfills, not solid waste landfills. There was no opposition, and the bill passed with favorable expression by a 13-aye, 2-pass vote. The committee then approved House Bill 194, as amended by a committee substitute that changed a sales threshold from 15% to 25%. The bill creates a narrow exemption allowing cigar smoking inside tightly defined cigar bars, while not changing smoke-free laws for other public places. One member explained a no vote as a local control concern, but the bill passed with favorable expression. House Bill 276, which would authorize backyard chickens and prevent local governments from banning fewer than six chickens while still allowing setback rules, also passed with favorable expression. Supporters said it would not affect homeowners associations or commercial use, while one member opposed it as a local control issue. House Bill 290, dealing with county law libraries, passed unanimously with favorable expression. The sponsor said the bill would let local bar associations use their own funds for online legal research and computers instead of only books, noting that many law libraries are underused because legal research is now mostly online and that the libraries remain open to the public. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 103 on fluoride in public water systems after adopting a committee substitute that clarified an immunity clause for water districts. Sponsors said the bill would make fluoridation a local decision rather than a state mandate and argued that newer research raises health concerns, while opponents from the dental community and Kentucky Voices for Health testified that community water fluoridation is safe, cost-effective, and important for preventing cavities, especially for low-income and Medicaid populations. The transcript cuts off during the opposition testimony, before any final committee vote on HB 103.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hov, you did a fantastic job last time and please, me jumping back in this seat does not reflect
• jumping<00:06:41.520> back<00:06:41.680> in<00:06:41.919> this<00:06:42.080> seat
• and please, me jumping back in this seat and please, me jumping back in this seat does<00:06:42.560

Bills: SB115, SB131, SB93, HB319, HB163, HB268, SB115, SB131, SB93, HB319, HB163, HB268, HB181, HB153, SB132, SB26, SB189, SB196, HB140, SB197, HB117

Keywords: SB115, Alabama, impersonating a peace officer, peace officer, law enforcement impersonation, police impersonation, unauthorized police officer, fake cop, certification revoked, certification suspended, Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, APOSTC, Class C felony, law enforcement hiring, appointment of officers, federal law enforcement, arrest authority, public order, criminal offenses, Judiciary Committee