Transcript Highlights:

• Locating the retail theft prevention grant program within DCJ avoids duplication of resources, eliminates
• avoids<00:43:27.280> the program within DCJ avoids the program within DCJ avoids the duplication
• <00:43:27.920> of<00:43:28.079> resources,<00:43:28.720> eliminates duplication
• of resources, eliminates duplication of resources, eliminates redundant<00:43:30.000> overhead,

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• collaborate and the data does rely on the other, and we can use and work together on it, but we won't duplicate
• thoughts as to and and work together on it but we won't and and work together on it but we won't duplicate
• . duplicate. duplicate.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 1602 HD1 drew support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Ulupono Initiative, and others, with testimony emphasizing the value of a dedicated grant writer who had secured nearly $9 million in federal funds and was pursuing additional grants. Members discussed how much time grant applications take and how the position helps position projects for implementation. The committee then moved on without objection. HB 1832, relating to aquaculture, received support from state agencies and industry groups, with one individual opposed. HB 1707 HD1, relating to agriculture, also drew broad support. A committee question focused on the bill’s definition of “necessary supplies,” and the Hawaii Farm Bureau said the language was broad enough to cover the inputs farmers need, including transportation-related costs, and would help reduce production costs and food prices. HB 2155 HD1, relating to agricultural statistics, prompted testimony in support of better data collection to help Hawaii compete for federal agriculture funding. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity explained that its role would focus on production, import, and export data, distinct from the scientific data collected by another unit, and said it wanted an electronic system tied to existing manifest and GIS tools to avoid duplicative clipboard-based collection. HB 1831 HD1, relating to agricultural lands, was heard with support and no questions. HB 1650 HD1, relating to environmental assessments, drew opposition from several individuals who argued it would weaken environmental protections and resident input; no action was taken. The committee then heard HB 1652 HD1, relating to storm water management systems. The engineering industry supported clarifying that low-risk green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavement should not be treated like detention or retention ponds subject to fencing and other safety requirements. Opponents, including family members affected by a drowning and other residents, argued the bill would weaken Act 281’s safety protections and increase liability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau questioned whether agricultural water infrastructure should be exempted from the fencing requirements and said the costs would vary by system, but the committee did not take final action during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't need to have duplication, but they do have capacity and they do have professional staff over
• We don't need<00:05:03.360> to<00:05:03.520> have<00:05:03.680> duplication,<00:
• 05:04.400> but<00:05:04.720> they<00:05:04.880> do need to have duplication, but
• they do need to have duplication, but they do have<00:05:05.440> capacity<00:05:06.479> and

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met without a quorum and did not approve minutes, but heard testimony on budget line items for Data Seam and Teach for America. Andrew McNeel of Kentucky Free and representatives from the Commonwealth Policy Center argued that both programs rely heavily on recurring taxpayer support and should be re-evaluated. McNeel cited a 2020 Office of Policy and Audit examination of Data Seam, saying the program had received more than $30 million in state support since 2006, including $3.5 million in the current budget, and that the audit raised concerns about administrative overhead, alleged threats to districts, and the use of line-item language to justify sole-source contracting. He recommended suspending Data Seam funding this biennium, directing a new special audit, and requiring reimbursement of audit costs. The witnesses also urged the committee to withhold funding for Teach for America, saying the organization’s materials and history showed a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that they opposed. They pointed to past statements, leadership titles, and program language as evidence that DEI concepts remained embedded in the organization, and suggested any funding should be redirected directly to school districts instead. Mike Harmon and Richard Nelson echoed those concerns, while also saying long-running programs should be periodically reviewed for efficiency. Teach for America Appalachia representatives then testified in support of the program. Executive director C.D. Morton described the organization as a teacher-preparation and leadership-development program serving rural eastern Kentucky, saying it had recruited and supported more than 325 teachers since 2011, with about 30 current core members in several counties and roughly 2,800 students impacted daily. He said the program helps fill hard-to-staff vacancies, that about 80% of teachers stay for a third year, and that many alumni remain in education. In response to questions from Representative Bojanowski about retention and cost, Morton said more than 60% of alumni are still in education, but he could not give a precise classroom-teacher retention number beyond the program’s broader alumni data.

Transcript Highlights:

• are struggling under an affordability crisis, the last thing that private enterprises need are duplicative
• c><01:01:33.839> are that private enterprises need are that private enterprises need are duplicative
• <01:01:35.599> regulations<01:01:36.400> that<01:01:36.720> scapegoat duplicative
• regulations that scapegoat duplicative regulations that scapegoat the<01:01:37.680> industries.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The list that I have supplied includes—I’m sorry, I actually did accidentally put a couple duplicates—but
• even with duplicates, there are over a dozen orders of plants that this QLB right now is infesting,
• The list that I have supplied includes—I’m sorry, I actually did accidentally put a couple duplicates—but
• even with duplicates, there are over a dozen orders of plants that this QLB right now is infesting,

Bills: HB1621, HB1880, HB1831

Keywords: pesticides, environmental impact, agriculture, 1,3-dichloropropene, chlorpyrifos, land management, wastewater compliance, state funding, survey issues, 910, house, all

Summary: The joint committees on Agriculture and Food Systems and Energy and Environmental Protection heard three bills. HB 1621 would create a conservation, agriculture, and soil health incentive program under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, with annual reporting and funding. Testimony was broadly supportive from the Climate Commission, University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii Farmers Union, White Alliance for Progressive Action, and the Farm Bureau, and the bill was described as a way to advance soil health and support producers. HB 1880 would prohibit, beginning in 2027, the use of pesticides containing 1,3-dichloropropene (such as Telone). The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity offered written comments, Hawaii Farmers Union supported the ban citing drift and health concerns, and the Farm Bureau opposed it, arguing growers need such tools; the bill also drew discussion about crop rotation and other pest-management practices. HB 1831 would authorize funding to address survey deficiencies and wastewater compliance issues on certain non-agricultural parklands; the Attorney General’s Office warned the bill as written may violate the U.S. Constitution’s contract clause and suggested revisions, while the department and Farm Bureau supported the measure’s intent. The committees later took up decision-making and voted to pass all three measures with amendments, with the effective dates changed to July 1, 3000 and HB 1831 amended to reflect the Attorney General’s suggested changes. The Agriculture and Food Systems committee then heard HB 1572, which would establish a four-year restorative aquaculture development program to streamline permitting, expand infrastructure and workforce capacity, create pilot sites, and convene an advisory council. The Attorney General noted a technical issue about whether council members would be compensated, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Farmers Union all expressed support for streamlining aquaculture and promoting restorative aquaculture. Members asked about the bill’s focus on restorative aquaculture, and the department said the program would give the area dedicated resources and a framework. The committee also heard HB 219, which would temporarily reestablish the coffee berry borer pesticide subsidy program and manager position; the department, Waimea Coffee Association, Farm Bureau, and Farmers Union supported it. HB 2139 would fund University of Hawaiʻi research on treatment methods for the Queensland longhorn beetle. Testimony from DLNR, the invasive species council, university researchers, farmers, and the Farm Bureau emphasized the beetle’s spread and damage to trees and crops, and described nematode biocontrol as promising but labor-intensive and in need of more research and scaling. Members asked whether the funding was for research rather than a position, whether the current nematode approach is sufficient for large orchards, and whether other controls are being explored; the response was that the bill funds testing and that more work is needed, including local production of nematodes if the method proves effective.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some key highlights of Senate Bill 7 are its renewals and duplicates only.
• are its highlights of Senate Bill 7 are its renewals<00:03:40.000> and<00:03:40.239> duplicates
• <00:03:41.280> In<00:03:41.519> this renewals and duplicates only.
• In this renewals and duplicates only.

Keywords: 01:09 Roll Call 02:11 SB 7 12:42 SB 7 Vote 13:48 SB 30 17:26 SB 30 Vote 19:56 SB 28 46:35 SB 28 vote, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met for its first meeting of the 2026 regular session, welcomed new member Senator Gary Clemens and an intern, established a quorum, and took up several bills. Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Senator Aaron Reid, would let counties voluntarily handle driver’s license renewals and duplicates locally through county clerks, circuit clerks, sheriffs, or county judge/executive offices, with a $25 convenience fee retained locally and interlocal agreements allowed. Reid said the bill was meant to address long travel distances, long lines, and delays, especially in rural areas, and emphasized it was not a mandate or an unfunded requirement. Senators asked about fraud, local interest, and stakeholder views; Reid said the bill would not directly change fraud but would increase local accountability, and he said most agencies were neutral or supportive. The committee reported SB 7 favorably with a “shall pass” recommendation on a roll call vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 30, also sponsored by Senator Greg Elkins, a cleanup bill for the Motor Vehicle Commission that would allow restricted funds from license fees to carry forward from one fiscal year to the next instead of lapsing. Elkins said the change would let the commission use its own fee revenue for operations in future years, and the chair noted the commission’s work on dealer regulation and lemon law cases. Senator Burke asked what happened to the money under current law and whether there would be a cap on accumulation; Elkins said the bill would simply allow carryforward and did not set a cap. The committee approved SB 30 favorably with a “shall pass” recommendation. Finally, Vice Chair Douglas introduced Senate Bill 28, a hands-free/distracted driving bill sponsored by Senator Jimmy Higdon. Higdon said the measure was revised from prior versions to address concerns raised last year and would prohibit drivers from holding or supporting a mobile electronic device while driving, while still allowing hands-free use, navigation, emergency reporting, and certain device functions. He cited safety research, support from advocates, and the death of Kimberly Burns in a distracted-driving crash as motivation for the bill. The proposal also included enforcement limits, a $100 fine, no license points, signage at highway entry points, and distribution of fine revenue to trauma and veterans-related funds. The transcript cuts off during Higdon’s presentation before any committee questions or action on SB 28 are shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we removed Roman three because that is a duplication of what comes later.
• because that<02:33:27.040> is<02:33:27.920> a<02:33:28.000> a<02:33:28.240> duplication
• <02:33:28.800> of<02:33:29.040> what<02:33:29.280> comes that is a a duplication
• of what comes that is a a duplication of what comes later. later. later.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The committee of conference spent most of its time on Senate Bill 96, which deals with educator conduct and when information may be withheld from parents. The main dispute was over the House-amended language on violations and the “compelling state interest” standard. The Senate sponsor objected to extending penalties to third-party medical or mental health contractors and to language suggesting psychological or emotional injury to a child would not constitute a compelling state interest. The House side argued its draft was intended to keep the bill focused on credentialed educators and administrators, to include parents or guardians, and to avoid creating competing standards by relying on existing abuse definitions in statute. The House also added a requirement that any withholding of information be documented and reported to the school board in nonpublic session, and both sides discussed whether educators, administrators, nurses, and guidance counselors would be covered under the statutory definition of educator. The discussion also covered enforcement and penalties. The House draft proposed that an educator found to have willfully violated the law could have a credential suspended for a first offense and would face a minimum one-year suspension for multiple offenses, while the Senate raised concerns that this was too rigid and did not allow enough discretion or address revocation. The House later explained that the department would still have discretion on first offenses and that the one-year rule applied only to multiple offenses. Another point of disagreement was a three-year statute of limitations for investigations, which the House said was meant to prevent “witch hunts,” while the Senate noted New Hampshire’s constitutional prohibition on retroactive laws. After caucusing, the Senate rejected the House amendment, and the House then voted non-concur; the committee of conference adjourned without agreement. The transcript then moved to Senate Bill 87, concerning one-day liquor license requirements and allowing salons and barber shops to obtain on-premise licenses. The members discussed a House amendment that would allow two drinks instead of one, with supporters saying the change reflected the longer time customers may spend in salons and that alcohol service would still be covered by existing training requirements, including the EDGE course. Opponents worried that allowing multiple drinks would create over-serving and enforcement problems and could complicate business practices. After discussion, the Senate member agreed to go along with the House position, and the bill was reported ready for final sign-off.

Transcript Highlights:

• Painters pay a premium for these colors because their unique properties cannot be duplicated by other
• because their unique properties<00:09:16.800> cannot<00:09:17.079> be<00:09:17.240> duplicated
• <00:09:17.760> by<00:09:17.880> other properties cannot be duplicated by other properties
• cannot be duplicated by other pigments<00:09:19.040> if<00:09:19.160> there<00:09:19.279

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 737, which would amend Minnesota’s lead- and cadmium-related product restrictions and was re-referred to the Committee on Environment, Finance and Policy. Representative Bjorn Olson said the bill was prompted by a constituent who could no longer make cadmium-based art supplies in Minnesota, and he argued the law unintentionally swept in professional art materials that are used safely and are important to Western art culture. The committee first adopted the author’s A2 amendment, which broadened the bill to include additional exemptions beyond paint and pastels, including certain pens, mechanical pencils, and vehicle keys/key fobs. Testimony in support came from Darren Reenie of Wet Paint Artist Materials and Framing, who said artist paint and related supplies account for a significant share of sales and that the ban threatens independent art supply businesses and artists’ access to essential pigments. Josh Fiser of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation supported the key and key fob exemption, saying the current law is overly broad, exposure risk is minimal, and Minnesota should align with California and European Union standards. Bill Morgan of the Arts and Creative Materials Institute and Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association also supported the amendment, arguing there was little scientific basis for including pens, mechanical pencils, and professional artist materials, and citing prior reviews in the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the European Union. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, through Assistant Commissioner Kirk Kadelka, opposed broad exemptions and emphasized that no amount of lead is safe for children. He said the law was based on evidence from consumer products associated with elevated blood lead levels and argued that safer alternatives exist for many of the items in the amendment, including pens, mechanical pencils, and some key components. He also raised concerns about exposure during production and disposal. Committee members questioned the scope of the exemptions and whether the industry had workable alternatives. The A2 amendment was adopted, and the bill was then advanced for further consideration and re-referred as noted by the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I mean, the follow-up part of it is mainly to make sure that isn't it sort of duplicative?
• <00:07:48.520> it<00:07:48.639> sort<00:07:48.800> of<00:07:48.919> duplicative
• <00:07:49.720> I<00:07:49.800> mean that isn't it sort of duplicative I mean that isn't
• it sort of duplicative I mean if<00:07:50.080> you've<00:07:50.280> already<00:07:50.560

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on SB 284, which would remove the requirement that wiretapping applications to a designated judge be accompanied by a written memorandum from the Department of the Attorney General. The Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill as drafted and instead proposed a new emergency-wiretap procedure allowing county prosecutors to seek immediate judicial authorization in exigent circumstances, followed by AG review and a follow-up application within 48 hours. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported creating an emergency exception, citing a kidnapping case involving a missing material witness and the need to obtain live phone location data quickly, but asked that the AG be required to respond clearly within the follow-up period. The AG said the current wiretap process often arrives incomplete and noted a prior Honolulu application that was returned for more information and then abandoned. The committee also heard public testimony, including one speaker in support and another in opposition, and discussed whether the proposed emergency process should include imminent danger findings and what happens if the follow-up application is not approved. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript. The committee then took up SB 295, which increases penalties for violating temporary restraining orders and orders for protection and makes related changes. The Deputy Public Defender opposed the bill’s higher penalties, arguing that not all restraining-order cases involve domestic violence and that the measure could affect family disputes, property conflicts, custody battles, and other non-domestic situations. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney supported the bill, saying it would create a more uniform and efficient charging framework and that violations of court orders can be serious even when the conduct appears minor in isolation. Domestic violence advocates also supported the measure, emphasizing the need for meaningful enforcement and deterrence; one witness cited statewide data showing thousands of TRO petitions but relatively few convictions and fines. A representative from the Domestic Violence Action Center supported the bill but requested amendments to reduce unintended consequences for survivors. During discussion, the committee focused on the proposed minimum sentence, with the Domestic Violence Action Center recommending reducing it from 15 days to 5 days. The witness explained that longer minimums can create hardships such as job loss, housing instability, and child care problems, while still allowing time for survivors to access shelter and services. The committee chair indicated support for amending the bill to reflect that recommendation. The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney also clarified that the bill is intended to address violations of already-issued protective orders after judicial review, not the initial issuance of restraining orders, and said the office supports eliminating the distinction between domestic and non-domestic protective-order violations because charging decisions are often made under time pressure. Multiple individuals and organizations signed up in support, and one witness testified in opposition. No vote or final committee action was announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• The reason why, and we don't want to be duplicative of their...
• The reason why, and we don't want to be duplicative of their efforts, but the reason why we're asking

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is almost a duplicate appropriation from last year, where all of this is money from the Consumer
• paper box full of Documents to them, and then it was shreddable documentation because it was just duplicate

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Many term-limited states also saw an increase in the number of bills introduced, including duplicate
• She added that some of the information may be duplicative of what the committee had just heard, which

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee met with a quorum, approved the previous meeting minutes, and heard an update from Garty Consulting on the interim study of legislative term limits. The consultants outlined their research plan and preliminary themes, including loss of institutional knowledge, shifts in power toward executive agencies and lobbyists, reduced long-term policy capacity, faster leadership turnover, and recruitment/support challenges. They also described possible recommendation categories ranging from constitutional and statutory changes to procedural and cultural adjustments. Committee members asked about how other states repealed term limits, how the public survey would address perceptions of term limits, and how stakeholder focus groups would be selected. The committee also heard a presentation from NCSL on term limits in other states, including examples from Nevada, Montana, and Colorado, with discussion of training programs, staffing changes, annual-session debates, bill limits, and impacts on decorum and leadership continuity. Several members requested follow-up data on part-time versus full-time legislatures, taxpayer costs, and nonpartisan staff devoted to oversight. The committee then considered revisions to the legislature’s workplace harassment policy and related forms. Legislative Council explained changes that clarified the definition of harassment, added captions for readability, extended several deadlines, allowed informal resolution before a review panel is appointed, clarified the role of Legislative Council in intake and documentation, and updated confidentiality/open-records language. Members, especially Senator Hogan, said the revisions better formalize the role of counsel and provide a less intimidating path for resolving complaints. The committee adopted the revised policy and forms by roll call vote. Finally, the committee approved a motion to enter executive session at 1:00 p.m. to review the results of a capital threat assessment and discuss legislator security, citing the applicable open-meetings exemptions. Members were instructed to limit discussion to the stated purpose and not take final action until returning to open session.

Transcript Highlights:

• TO TRY TO FIGURE OUT THAT NUMBER GIVEN FUNDING THE 24-25 STUDENTS SO WE ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT DUPLICATES
• WE DO THAT THEM, MAKE SURE IT'S NOT DUPLICATED, MAKE SURE THEY'RE OFFERING SOMETHING THAT MAY BE UNIQUE

Transcript Highlights:

• These programs have often had duplicative purposes and project availability and eligibility.
• We should focus on eliminating duplicative programs that invite regulatory overreach and increase funding

Keywords: surface transportation, infrastructure reauthorization, bipartisan collaboration, safety, federal programs, funding challenges, bureaucracy, transportation needs, critical projects, public testimony

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the development of the next surface transportation reauthorization bill. Discussions centered around key principles aimed at improving the safety and reliability of the transportation network, reforming federal programs for efficiency, and addressing the diverse transportation needs across various states. Members emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration to streamline processes, eliminate bureaucratic delays, and ensure timely funding for critical infrastructure projects. There were also notable conversations about specific projects and funding challenges, reflecting the urgency for action and commitment to modernizing America's infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess my question is on just avoiding duplication of services.
• Because it seems like it could be a little bit duplicative at times.

Summary: The Human Services Subcommittee met with a full agenda and reported all measures favorably. The committee first heard HB 1327, which would codify the Hope Florida program in state law, and HB 1329, the related public-records exemption for Hope Florida participants; both bills drew questions about oversight, duplication of services, staffing, and data privacy, and both passed 17-0 after an amendment to HB 1329. The committee then approved HB 391, allowing certified batterers intervention programs to include optional faith-based content while remaining grounded in required therapeutic models; an amendment clarified that participation in faith-based components must be strictly voluntary. Supporters argued the bill restores choice and access, while opponents raised concerns about church-state separation and uneven availability of secular alternatives; the bill passed 17-0. Members also advanced HB 1065, creating an Alzheimer’s disease awareness initiative through the Department of Elder Affairs, with broad support from members who shared personal experiences and emphasized early detection and public education. HB 1163, dealing with recovery residences, passed 12-5 after debate over local zoning authority, home rule, and whether the bill would help or hinder placement of level four recovery homes near urban cores. Several members said they supported recovery housing in principle but wanted more clarity on task force findings and local impacts before fully backing the measure. The committee next approved HB 969, which shifts evaluation of school district mental health assistance programs to OPAGA and requires reports on outcomes and effectiveness; members stressed the need to know whether substantial mental health funding is improving student outcomes. HB 1191, which decriminalizes allowing children to travel to school, play outdoors, or stay home for reasonable periods and codifies current DCF policy, passed 16-0 with support framed around parental rights and child development. Finally, HB 1207, the Tristan Murphy Act, passed 15-0 and would expand mental health diversion and treatment options, including training for first responders, a forensic hospital diversion pilot, a behavioral health data repository, and additional evaluation requirements before inmate work assignments. The meeting adjourned after all agenda bills were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• the department expect this proposal to work within the existing structure and will this program duplicate
• Well I think I'll just point out that if it does duplicate efforts and we're looking into that I mean

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to testify, please ensure that you've completed the electronic witness affirmation form at the registration
• please see our attendant, our assistant clerk, Benjamin Barnes, and he will assist you with the registration

Transcript Highlights:

• Refer the Subcommittee on Defense and Veterans Affairs, HB 102 by Wilson relating to the early registration
• The Committee on Elections HB 2503 by Derasio relating to the maintenance of the statewide voter registration

Transcript Highlights:

• to testify, please ensure that you've completed the electronic witness affirmation form at the registration
• He will assist you with that registration.

Bills: HB318, HB198

Keywords: ERCOT, interconnection, electric utilities, power grid, transmission, election administration, school board elections, trustee terms, general election, Education Code

Transcript Highlights:

• They're going to, basically, the way the current boat registration works comes in through Department
• They're going to, basically, the way the current boat registration works comes in through Department
• They're going to, basically, the way the current boat registration works comes in through Department
• <00:11:27.400> works the current boat registration works the current boat registration works
• . registrations. registrations.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all