Transcript Highlights:

• We think this fund is critical for us to prevent massive fires and flooding in the future.
• It's to protect our lands, the lands' right to water. Thank you. Thank you. P. Haramil.
• So this infrastructure funding will help us keep our acequias and keep them water-efficient so that we
• Additionally, I sit on the New Mexico Land Grant Council and am secretary of the San Joaquin del Rio
• de Chama land grant.

Bills: SB193

Keywords: SB193, acequia, community ditch, irrigation works construction fund, water infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, irrigation, New Mexico water law, agricultural water, farmers, Rio Grande, acequia association, forest land protection revolving fund, state fund transfer, irrigation projects, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm just curious about what authority the federal government has to tell us how we use our state tax
• The almost 150 Washington State public-use airports are crumbling.
• I represent 70 airports of the 130 public use airports in the state of Washington.
• Thank you. ...used in Washington State. Thank you. Thank you.
• Have other states used this method, and have we seen that litigation happen?

Bills: SB5989, SB5898, SB6240, SB6244, SB6231, SB6228, SB6220

Keywords: aircraft fuel tax, tax revenue distribution, aviation funding, transportation, state revenue, aeronautics, taxation, aircraft fuel, state funding, aviation fuel, hazardous substance tax, air quality, noise mitigation, environmental impact, tax exemption, agriculture, hazardous substances, crop protection, warehousing, data center

Summary: The Ways and Means Committee met on January 26, 2026, beginning with a work session on Washington’s aviation fuel tax compliance. WSDOT Aviation described its small division and explained the FAA’s long-running rules requiring aviation fuel tax revenues to be reinvested in aviation-related purposes. Staff said Washington’s current approach has been under FAA review for years, with an approved action plan in 2022, a follow-up FAA audit in 2024, and a recent FAA letter questioning some claimed offsets; the state has until February 18 to respond. Testimony emphasized that noncompliance could expose Washington to major federal grant withholding, potentially up to about $1.2 billion, and possibly litigation. Senators asked about the federal authority, who pays the taxes, and whether Boeing is affected; staff explained the taxes are state taxes paid by aircraft fuel purchasers or distributors and that the issue does not directly target Boeing manufacturing. The committee then heard three related aviation bills. SB 5989 would redirect a portion of the state sales and use tax on aircraft fuel to the aeronautics account and require reporting on the revenue shift and aviation project impacts; supporters, including the Port of Seattle, airport managers, pilots, and port officials, said it was a measured step toward FAA compliance and airport funding. SB 5898 would redirect hazardous substance tax, petroleum products tax, and oil spill-related taxes on aircraft fuel to the aeronautics account; supporters said it would bring the state into compliance, while ports, counties, Ecology, and business groups warned it would significantly reduce funding for MTCA and other environmental programs. SB 6240 would create a new aircraft noise and air quality mitigation account funded by a portion of hazardous substance tax revenue for Commerce-run grants to affected communities; it drew support from some community and environmental justice advocates and opposition from airport groups and business organizations, which argued it would further divert MTCA funds and was not the best path to FAA compliance. The committee also heard SB 6244, which would extend a hazardous substance tax exemption for certain pesticides from 2028 to 2038. Agricultural groups and warehouse/logistics representatives supported the bill, saying it helps keep crop protection products stored in-state and supports food security and rural jobs. Next, SB 6231, a governor-request bill, would repeal the sales and use tax exemption for data center refurbishments and replacement server equipment. OFM and counties supported it as a revenue-raising measure, while data center companies, utilities-related employers, and industry groups opposed it, warning of lost investment, jobs, and competitiveness. SB 6228 would repeal the preferential B&O rate for prescription drug resellers; OFM supported it as an outdated preference, while pharmacies, wholesalers, grocers, and business groups opposed it, arguing the tax would be passed through to pharmacies, hospitals, insurers, and patients and could worsen pharmacy closures. Finally, SB 6220 would broaden a property tax exemption for nonprofit low-income homeownership projects so the exemption survives certain transfers and temporary community uses; it had no public testimony, and the sponsor said it was intended to narrowly protect a community land trust project from losing its exemption because of limited community use. The last bill, SB 5880, would allow blood and breath toxicology results to be admissible if tested by certified/accredited labs, not just the state toxicologist’s lab; Seattle, prosecutors, and the State Patrol supported it as a way to reduce long DUI toxicology backlogs, while counties raised equity and cost concerns and suggested a more limited pilot approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• Stated they'd be here in the early morning. uh State Health Planning and Development uh State Health
• We also have registered to testify, David Akawa with the Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii, but
• We also have registered to testify, David Akawa with the Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii, but
• We also have registered to testify, David Akawa with the Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii, but
• </c> land law of the land. land law of the land.

Bills: SCR8, SCR40, SCR83, SCR179, SCR90, SCR94, SCR159, SCR165, SCR177

Keywords: building permits, seniors, health care, disability, safety modifications, county regulations, expedited processing, environment, pollution, tourism, disposable bodyboards, polystyrene, marine ecosystems, lithium-ion batteries, environmental safety, recycling, public safety, waste management, Honolulu, Maui County

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions related to water, coastal management, and permitting. Early measures included SCR 8 on faster county action for certain home-modification permits for older adults and people with disabilities, SCR 40 on banning disposable body boards, SCR 83 on creating a lithium-ion battery disposal facility, SCR 179 on enforcing Maui fire-code provisions for brush clearance and emergency access, and SCR 90 on kupuna-friendly permit requirements. No testifiers were present for those measures, and the chair moved through them without taking votes in the portion provided. The most extensive discussion was on SCR 94, endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, and SCR 159, urging shared guiding principles for restoring and maintaining Waikiki’s beaches and shoreline. University of Hawaii testimony said the surfing-reserve designation would bring recognition, could help attract grants, and would require a stewardship committee and management plan, but would not itself block beach nourishment or shoreline restoration. Members asked about possible effects on dredging, beach nourishment, and shoreline structures; the witness said impacts on surfing were not expected to be immediate or significant. For SCR 159, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the resolution but requested clarifying amendments to broaden references to law, stakeholder collaboration, and coastal science expertise. The Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association also supported the measure, emphasizing coordinated maintenance, public access, and the economic importance of Waikiki beaches, while noting that existing legal agreements and court decisions should be reflected in the resolution. The discussion also covered whether the state and private owners share repair and maintenance obligations for Waikiki seawalls; testimony said existing agreements remain relevant but must yield to current law. The committee also heard SCR 165 designating March as Water Month, with support from the Board of Water Supply and others, and SCR 177 requesting DAGS to convene a cooperative working group on state projects needing county permits. Mary Alice Evans said the latter would help expedite permitting, especially for housing and other state projects, and would complement efforts to standardize county permitting processes. No final votes or dispositions were announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 7 by Middleton and Kolkhorst, relating to the designation and use of certain spaces and facilities
• State Affairs by Perry, relating to the provision by a political subdivision. and developers for certain
• The agency regarding certain employees of the agency to State Affairs. Senate Bill 15 by.

Bills: SB7, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB7, SB13, SB14, SB15, SB7, SB13, SB14, SB15

Keywords: gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, impact fees, water conservation, reuse projects, developers, builders, local government, infrastructure, water efficiency, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct, real property, fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2633 would also implement zoning and land-use restrictions, importantly, for alcohol-selling
• It allows the city to adopt zoning and land-use regulations for alcohol-selling businesses, ensuring
• And like I said, this could be used for, you know, plumbers. Against citizens in the United States.
• The locals pay state dues. State dues go to the national.
• states.

Bills: SB2101, SB2334, SB2633, SB2637, SB2713, SB2781, SB2782, SB3059, HB 1130

Keywords: minors, sexually explicit materials, public libraries, age verification, civil penalties, library collection review, alcohol storage, airline permits, beverage regulations, airport, commercial flights, alcoholic beverages, local option election, zoning regulations, municipality control, land use, state law, social media, bot accounts, misinformation

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs heard several bills, mostly on alcohol regulation, ethics procedures, the Alamo, and free speech in professional associations. SB 2633 would let the City of Garland hold local option elections on alcohol sales within designated zones and use zoning/land-use rules for alcohol-selling businesses; Senator Johnson and Garland officials said it would reduce the burden of the petition process and support economic development. SB 2637 would require social media platforms to disclose when posts are made by bot accounts and allow Attorney General enforcement; supporters framed it as consumer protection against misleading automated content, while members raised questions about how platforms would identify bots and how enforcement would work. SB 2334 would allow airlines with passenger transportation permits to store sealed alcoholic beverages within five miles of an airport in the same county, which the sponsor and an American Airlines witness said would improve logistics without changing permits, taxes, or alcohol sourcing. The committee also heard SB 2781 and SB 2782, both related to Texas Ethics Commission procedures. SB 2781 would cap civil penalties tied to certain campaign contribution violations by former legislators who later lobby, and SB 2782 would require TEC to adopt discovery control plans and align discovery rules more closely with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure to limit costly, open-ended discovery. Both bills were left pending after no public testimony. SB 3059 would transfer oversight of the Alamo from the General Land Office to a new Alamo Commission beginning in 2027; Senator Campbell said it would provide long-term stewardship and transparency, while Senator Birdwell questioned the need for a change and the commission’s structure, and GLO witnesses said they were not aware of any problem prompting the shift. HB 1130, a House companion to a previously passed Senate bill, would provide liability protections for cavern entities that post warning signs, and it was also left pending. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2713, which would bar professional or trade associations from denying membership or access based on protected characteristics or lawful speech and assembly. Senator Middleton and invited witnesses described disciplinary actions by realtor associations against members for social media posts, sermons, or political speech, arguing that the National Association of Realtors’ ethics rules were being used to punish private expression and threaten livelihoods through loss of MLS access. Committee members and witnesses discussed whether the bill should be narrowed to avoid affecting religious organizations, how association discipline works, and whether the measure should address existing penalties or only future conduct. The bill was left pending after extensive invited testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we use fines and we use education.
• And so we use fines and we use education.
• in the state.
• To lower startup costs, the Texas Facilities Commission may lease state land or buildings to participating
• , email, come see us, and we'll come see us, and we'll come.

Bills: SB2101, SB2334, SB2633, SB2637, SB2713, SB2781, SB2782, SB3059, HB 1130

Keywords: minors, sexually explicit materials, public libraries, age verification, civil penalties, library collection review, alcohol storage, airline permits, beverage regulations, airport, commercial flights, alcoholic beverages, local option election, zoning regulations, municipality control, land use, state law, social media, bot accounts, misinformation

Summary: The committee first reopened public testimony on Senate Bill 2713, which concerned protections for freedom of conscience in the context of Realtor association discipline. Texas Realtors representatives testified that their organization is a separate Texas legal entity but affiliated with the National Association of Realtors through a charter and code of ethics. They said Texas Realtors is neutral on SB 2713, that their ethics process is focused on fair housing and equal professional service, and that they have not suspended or terminated anyone in Texas for religious or political speech. Senators pressed them on whether national standards could override Texas law and on examples from other states; the witnesses said state and federal law control and that they would comply with Texas law if the bill passed. Public testimony then closed and SB 2713 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1698 on e-cigarettes. Senator Parker explained a committee substitute that tightened enforcement, required distributor registration, expanded regulation to nicotine from any source, added restrictions on child-appealing packaging, authorized inspections and audits, and set compliance deadlines later in 2025 and 2026. After questions, the substitute was adopted and SB 1698, as substituted, was reported favorably to the full Senate on a 6-0 vote, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 2487 on crisis and mental health facilities. Senator Parker described a substitute that renamed the program a crisis service model, allowed multiple county facilities, added local siting limits, expanded staffing options, shortened clinical timelines, required discharge referrals, directed law enforcement and EMS to transport people there first, and created local boards and expanded reporting. The substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a 6-0 vote, also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2819, dealing with political activities of county elections administrators, was then reported favorably on a 6-0 vote and likewise sent to the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 2043 was withdrawn. The committee spent substantial time on Senate Bill 2101, which would require municipal public libraries to move sexually explicit materials out of minors’ sections and impose age-verification and review requirements. Supporters argued the bill would protect children from explicit material in public libraries and that libraries should not be left to self-regulate. Opponents, including librarians, parents, authors, and ACLU representatives, argued the definitions were vague, the bill would be costly and burdensome for small libraries, could function as a book ban, and would restrict teens’ access to classics, research materials, and other books. Several witnesses said parents should make those decisions, not the state. The bill’s author said the committee substitute was still being worked on and asked witnesses to review it; public testimony remained open in the portion provided, with no final action on SB 2101 shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do operate our land bank program, which serves the entire state of Texas, so I'm happy to answer any
• Yeah, the Veterans Land Bank is set up to do a number of different things, and I'm well-stated.
• That's what makes it a little bit different from the land bank, is that this gives us the opportunity
• Availability of surplus federal, state, and local government buildings and land, assessing the feasibility
• These are ...all the industry experts that we count on for the state to help us determine what to do

Bills: HCR7, HB1557, HB1608, HB2061, HB2201, HB2210, HB2426, HB2754, HJR165, HB2513, HCR7

Keywords: Veterans of Foreign Wars, veterans, commemoration, military service, recognition, September 29, waiver programs, toll roads, discount programs, transportation, affordable housing, land bank program, low-income households, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, HB 2061, Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 225, State Highway 242, Interstate Highway 69, Montgomery County

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 7 of the bill states that the state shall not... pay localities any of their sales or use taxes
• Section 7 of the bill states that the comptroller shall withhold sales and use taxes from cities for
• It regulates land use permitting and platting processes. Mr. Chairman, there is a substitute...
• State funding to us, cap our property taxes, and withhold our sales taxes: it's both unnecessary and
• Legally authorized to work in the state by requiring all employers, public and private, to use the e-Visa

Bills: SB324, SB1978, SB2139, SB2401, SB2587, SB2610, SB2858, SB3016

Keywords: E-verify, employment verification, state contracts, immigration, labor compliance, ERCOT, Texas electric grid, interconnection, Public Utility Commission, PUC, Public convenience and necessity, electric cooperative, municipally owned utility, electric utility, transmission, generation facilities, grid reliability, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, SERC

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> diversified agriculture on lands diversified agriculture on lands formerly<00:17:02.639><c> used
• designate the state has not designated their lands as I now in theory they are the agriculture lands
• designate the state has not designated their lands as I now in theory they are the agriculture lands
• designate the state has not designated their lands as I now in theory they are the agriculture lands
• designate the state has not designated their lands as I now in theory they are the agriculture lands

Bills: HB2425, HB2596, HB2573, HB2017, HB1931, HB1736, HB1594, HB1828

Keywords: agriculture, sugarcane, permitting process, land use, conservation district, diversified agriculture, economic impact, invasive species, plant sales, weed risk assessment, consumer protection, environmental impact, workforce development, biosecurity, training program, partnerships, tax credit, Hawaiian home lands, investment costs, nonrefundable

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and then took testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 2425 would exempt agricultural enterprises on former commercial sugarcane lands in conservation use districts from certain permitting and site plan requirements. The Department of Agriculture supported the measure and stood on written comments. The Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the intent but said the bill appeared to cite the wrong statute and suggested amending the conservation district law instead. Other testimony was generally supportive, while some witnesses raised concerns about using the right statutory vehicle. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be redirected through a different chapter. The committee then heard HB 596, which would require retail sellers of plants to disclose invasiveness risk, direct the Invasive Species Council to create a labeling system and weed risk assessments, and establish fines. The Department of Land and Natural Resources strongly supported the bill, saying point-of-sale labels would help consumers make informed choices. Supporters from the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species said the state’s noxious weed and restricted plant lists are outdated or incomplete and that the bill would help prevent harmful species from being purchased and planted. Opponents, including the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, argued the measure was too broad, could stigmatize plants and producers, and might be better implemented through voluntary education or narrower definitions. Committee discussion focused on possible amendments, including using printable labels from a website and limiting the bill to larger commercial retailers. HB 2573 would create a five-year agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program involving the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Leeward Community College, and the Department of Human Resources Development. DHRD said it supported the intent but wanted clearer responsibilities; the University of Hawaiʻi, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, and others supported the proposal. DAB said the program would help build needed biosecurity staffing and training, and that law-enforcement-related curriculum could be incorporated. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 207, which would expand the important agricultural land qualified agricultural tax credit to include certain Hawaiian homelands and additional agricultural costs such as orchards, fruit crops, and clearing former sugar and pineapple lands. The Department of Taxation and DAB stood on written comments, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands strongly supported the bill, calling it a potential game-changer for developing agricultural lands and offsetting infrastructure costs; the department also asked that the credit be broadened beyond agriculture alone.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> throughout the state. throughout the state.
• </c> decisions um using those resources. decisions um using those resources. &gt;&gt; Okay.
• </c><00:46:18.720><c> We</c> or land acquisition phases. We or land acquisition phases.
• </c><01:19:37.280><c> Everybody</c> state. Everybody has concerns. Everybody state.
• </c> the state. the state. &gt;&gt; Exactly.<01:20:32.800><c> Exactly.

Bills: SB2901, SB2902, SB2903, SB2904, SB2905, SB2906, SB2907, SB2908, SB2909, SB2910, SB2911, SB2912, SB2913, SB2914, SB2915, SB2916, SB2917, SB2918, SB2919, SB2920, SB2921, SB2922, SB2923, SB2924, SB2925, SB2926, SB2927, SB2928, SB2929, SB2930, SB2931, SB2932, SB2933, SB2934, SB2935, SB2936, SB2937, SB2938, SB2939, SB2940, SB2941, SB2942, SB2943, SB2944, SB2945, SB2946, SB2947, SB2948, SB2949, SB2950, SB2951, SB2952, SB2953, SB2954, SB2955, SB2956, SB2957, SB2958, SB2959, SB2960, SB2961, SB2962, SB2963, SB2964, SB2965, SB2966, SB2967, SB2968, SB2969, SB2970, SB2971, SB2972, SB2973, SB2974, SB2975, SB2976, SB2977, SB2978, SB2979, SB2980, SB2981, SB2982, SB2983, SB2984, SB2985, SB2986, SB2987, SB2988, SB2989, SB2990, SB2991, SB2992, SB2993, SB2994, SB2995, SB2996, SB2997, SB2998, SB2999, SB3000

Keywords: geological subsurface characterization, groundwater, geothermal resources, environmental review, Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center, scientific research, non-extractive, public trust doctrine, clean energy, greenhouse gas, carbon sequestration, climate change, energy policy, Hawaii state energy office, emissions reduction, sustainable development, fare-free transportation, greenhouse gas emissions, public transit, tax on petroleum

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we wish them luck as they go into the state tournament.
• they</c><00:02:57.519><c> go</c><00:02:57.680><c> into</c><00:02:57.840><c> the</c><00:02:58.000><c> state
• </c> them luck as they go into the state them luck as they go into the state tournament.<00:02:58.640

Bills: SB2901, SB2902, SB2903, SB2904, SB2905, SB2906, SB2907, SB2908, SB2909, SB2910, SB2911, SB2912, SB2913, SB2914, SB2915, SB2916, SB2917, SB2918, SB2919, SB2920, SB2921, SB2922, SB2923, SB2924, SB2925, SB2926, SB2927, SB2928, SB2929, SB2930, SB2931, SB2932, SB2933, SB2934, SB2935, SB2936, SB2937, SB2938, SB2939, SB2940, SB2941, SB2942, SB2943, SB2944, SB2945, SB2946, SB2947, SB2948, SB2949, SB2950, SB2951, SB2952, SB2953, SB2954, SB2955, SB2956, SB2957, SB2958, SB2959, SB2960, SB2961, SB2962, SB2963, SB2964, SB2965, SB2966, SB2967, SB2968, SB2969, SB2970, SB2971, SB2972, SB2973, SB2974, SB2975, SB2976, SB2977, SB2978, SB2979, SB2980, SB2981, SB2982, SB2983, SB2984, SB2985, SB2986, SB2987, SB2988, SB2989, SB2990, SB2991, SB2992, SB2993, SB2994, SB2995, SB2996, SB2997, SB2998, SB2999, SB3000

Keywords: geological subsurface characterization, groundwater, geothermal resources, environmental review, Hawaii groundwater and geothermal resources center, scientific research, non-extractive, public trust doctrine, clean energy, greenhouse gas, carbon sequestration, climate change, energy policy, Hawaii state energy office, emissions reduction, sustainable development, fare-free transportation, greenhouse gas emissions, public transit, tax on petroleum

Transcript Highlights:

• And really the biggest cloud that's hanging over the state right now, and I think all of us can agree
• </c> State Board of Assessors. State Board of Assessors.
• </c><01:05:03.840><c> chosen</c> states and why have other states chosen states and why have other states
• </c> Forest Lands program. Forest Lands program.
• </c> owned land is is 50 acres. owned land is is 50 acres.

Bills: HF4906, HF3971, HF4777, HF2109, HF2988

Keywords: property tax, tax refund, taxpayer relief, Minnesota taxation, one-time payment, taxation, property valuation, Tax Court, evidentiary standards, Minnesota Statutes, disparity reduction, aid payments, local government, funding, Fillmore County, education funding, managed forest land, classification, forest management plan, agricultural land

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows a landowner to monetize a portion of the asset value of the land and allows the state to preserve
• But this allows us to maintain that land in its current status.
• These changes are needed so that more New Mexican farmers can conserve their lands through the use of
• Land Trust.
• There are a lot of states who are looking toward us as we are amending our codes to look toward creating

Bills: HB186, HB92, HJM1

Keywords: tax credit, land conservation, biodiversity, agricultural preservation, historic preservation, natural resources, open space, tax exemption, Social Security, income, retirement, financial relief, Taiwan, trade, technology, education, international relations, economic partnership, New Mexico, United States

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> ...a to say a joint venture with the state to develop large tracts of land, 100, 200,000, whatever
• </c> has experience in housing policy, land has experience in housing policy, land use<01:17:09.520><
• </c> also how state county and private lands also how state county and private lands and<01:18:41.280
• Both OHA and the State of Hawaii have a fiduciary duty to ensure that the public trust lands and revenues
• within the State of Hawaii, we should be preserving those lands, not the power of the entity who oversees

Bills: SB2885, SB2174, SB2925, SB2798, SB2320, SB2800, SB1230, SB2706, SB3233, SB2405, SB2350, SB2169, SB3320

Keywords: coconut rhinoceros beetle, invasive species, biosecurity, green waste, environmental management, agriculture, quarantine, pest control, transport regulations, Hawaii Revised Statutes, coconut trees, tax credit, natural management, Hawaii, environment, agricultural enforcement, agricultural theft, farm theft, crop theft, commodity theft

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2885 SD1, which would create mandatory handling and storage rules for commercial and residential coconut rhinoceros beetle host material beginning in 2027, with penalties and an effective date. Support came from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, DLNR, Maui County Department of Agriculture, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Testifiers generally said the bill would help reduce CRB spread, though some urged additional science-backed methods, better coordination, and technical or cost-share support for smaller operations. Hawaiian Earth Recycling recommended amendments to align the bill with existing Department of Health/EPA composting rules, add other materials that can harbor CRB, allow future approved treatment methods, and replace the bill’s 60-day turning requirement with existing pathogen-reduction standards. One individual supported the goal but argued the state’s CRB strategy has lacked community and cultural consultation and should include a cultural advisement role. Department witnesses said enforcement would rely on inspection and an educate-before-regulate approach, and they noted the challenge of creating enough drop-off sites, especially in rural areas. The committee then took up SB 2174 SD2, which would authorize the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to declare an emergency quarantine, halt operations in affected areas for 96 hours with possible extension, quarantine suspected pest areas, issue notices and compensation to affected farmers, and adopt interim transportation rules for materials that may harbor high-impact invasive species. The department and DLNR supported the measure, emphasizing the need for fast action in the first hours of an invasion. Hawaii Farmers Union supported the compensation provisions but asked for stronger communication with producers and a post-action report to the Board of Agriculture after about 90 days to evaluate effectiveness and economic impacts. In response to questions, department staff said the bill would be a short-term, department-only quarantine authority distinct from the governor-declared biosecurity emergency authority enacted previously, and that it could serve as an intermediate step. They also said outreach would need to be done through farm organizations such as Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, and Cattlemen’s groups. The final measure discussed was SB 2925 SD1, relating to coconut trees. The bill would recognize coconut trees as a source of food and water and a cultural treasure, require rules for coconut tree seed banks, require signage identifying landscape palms where applicable, set labeling standards for non-consumable landscape palms, and create an income tax credit for consumable coconut trees maintained through natural management practices. The transcript ended before testimony or action on this bill was completed, and no vote was taken on any of the measures discussed in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Environmental and land use impacts are also significant.
• Environmental and land use impacts are also significant.
• We are asked to make permanent land use decisions on evolving information from applicants, with a moving
• We are asked to make permanent land use decisions on evolving information from applicants, with a moving
• If any of us had had the thought to call up our senators and our representatives all across the state

Bills: H5171, H5261, H5294, H5317, S3026, S3033

Keywords: Holyoke, municipal governance, acting mayor, city council, local government, Oxford, town charter, municipal government, town manager, residency requirement, local approval, charter amendment, home rule, local governance, municipal administration, residence of officials, Worcester County, Worthington, solar, solar photovoltaic

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the state Addison Har.
• Welcome to the Hawaii State Senate.
• Welcome to Hawaii State Linda Jury.
• Welcome to your state Senate. And Mr.
• President, can I state senate. And Mr.

Bills: SB874, SB2098, SB2110, SB2126, SB2154, SB2160, HB818, SB2047, SB2116, SB2246, SB2250, SB2334, SB2505, SB2520, SB2561, SB2721, SB2820, SB2971, SB3019

Keywords: veterinary medicine, prescription, consumer rights, transparency, pet medication, agriculture, clean plant program, disease-free plants, Hawaii agriculture, plant propagation, conservation, soil health, climate change, food security, small farmers, technical assistance, Hawaii, grant program, small farms, midsize farms

Transcript Highlights:

• to retain the land in current use classification or to use the land for infrastructure to support uses
• to retain the land in current use classification or to use the land for infrastructure to support uses
• be a credit against the state sales and use tax.
• against the state sales and use tax.
• against the state sales and use tax.

Bills: HB1717, HB2133, HB2135, HB2140, HB2442, HB2559

Keywords: affordable housing, sales tax, housing programs, tax incentives, economic development, property tax, senior citizens, tax exemption, local government funding, permanent legislation, adaptive housing, disabled veterans, tax preferences, housing affordability, retail sales tax, governmental transfer, agriculture, land use, local government, tax authority

Summary: House Finance heard briefings on several tax and housing-related bills, including HB 1717 on a local sales and use tax remittance program for affordable housing, HB 1859 on expanding affordable housing opportunities on religious organization property, HB 1960 on a renewable energy excise tax, HB 2133 on making a senior center property tax exemption permanent, HB 2135 on extending a disabled veterans housing tax preference, HB 2140 on tax treatment for land transferred to government entities, HB 2442 on a broad package of local tax and levy authorities, and HB 2559 on a local option excise tax on short-term rentals for affordable housing. Staff also described proposed substitutes and amendments for each measure, including changes to administration, eligibility, effective dates, tax credits, voter-approval requirements, and JLARC review provisions. During executive action, the committee adopted amendments to HB 1960 clarifying tax administration and JLARC independence, while rejecting an Orcutt amendment that would have adjusted property tax levies for renewable energy projects. The committee also adopted a technical correction to HB 2133 and an effective-date amendment to HB 2135. Amendments to HB 2442 and HB 2559 that would have required voter approval or provided state tax credits were rejected. Members debated the policy impacts of local taxing authority, housing affordability, and tax burdens on property owners, veterans, seniors, and short-term rental operators. The committee voted to report HB 1717, HB 1859, HB 1960, HB 2133, HB 2135, HB 2140, HB 2442, and HB 2559 out of committee with do pass recommendations. HB 1960 passed on a recorded vote of 11 ayes and 4 nays; HB 2442 and HB 2559 each passed 9-6; the other measures were approved by voice vote, generally 15-0. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• being used against any other municipality in the state?
• could be used throughout the state.
• could be used throughout the state.
• could be used throughout the state.
• </c> that could be used throughout the state. that could be used throughout the state.

Bills: HB268, SB279, SB304, SB303, SB298

Keywords: lottery winnings, lottery prize, state lottery, income tax exemption, tax exemption, gambling, games of chance, prize proceeds, Alabama Department of Revenue, state income tax, tax relief, winnings, jackpot, lotto, Alabama State House, Montgomery, Legislative Council, demolition, state capitol, state capitol building

Transcript Highlights:

• Only can use the mic.
• Representative Lan, will you give us our Ash Wednesday message? >> Thank you.
• Help us always to the world each day.
• Many of us have learned how to braid since we were about 5 years old.
• The athletic trainer compact right now in the state of Alabama is doing a lot.

Bills: SB183, SB160, SB183, SB160

Keywords: tribal police, law enforcement, reservation safety, Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe, indigenous rights, sales tax, use tax, sales and use tax, local tax exemption, county tax, municipal tax, county commission, municipal ordinance, resolution, Alabama Department of Revenue, tax administration, fiscal year, September 1 effective date, local government, tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask your blessings on this day that you would help us and give us your wisdom, and you promise to
• have us to do.
• She's also come up with some great opportunities for us that we've been missing out on that other states
• and use tax.
• state.

Bills: SB177, HB83, HB203, HB218, HB256, HB350, HB530, HB546, HB577, HB259

Keywords: entertainment, film, music, production incentives, Alabama Film Office, tax rebates, media industry, economic development, Baptist convention, tax exemption, sales and use tax, Alabama, nonprofit, HB203, High Socks for Hope, nonprofit tax exemption, sales tax, use tax, state tax exemption, local option tax exemption