Transcript Highlights:

• :40.440> issues<00:11:41.440> if<00:11:41.519> you<00:11:41.639> are<00:11
• :43.000> you<00:11:43.120> may<00:11:43.279> attempt<00:11:43.519> to<00:
• the<00:11:44.079> meeting<00:11:44.519> if<00:11:44.680> disconnected<00:11:45.200
• > testimony<00:11:46.560> you<00:11:46.720> may<00:11:46.880> be<00:11:47.000
• end<00:11:54.079> in<00:11:54.200> the<00:11:54.320> event<00:11:54.560>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 818 HD1, which would establish the Waiawa Community Development District. The Attorney General’s office said the bill may not comply with requirements for a special fund, and DLNR asked for further amendments so lease revenues would remain with DLNR while it continues managing the lands. DLNR cited ongoing costs, including the Uncle Billy’s demolition debt and management needs at Banyan Drive/Banyan Country Club. HCDA/Waiawa representatives supported the bill, agreed that DLNR should keep lease revenues while it remains the land manager, and said a future transfer of land management would change where revenues should go. Members focused on whether removing lease revenue would undercut the bill and on how existing and future revenues should be allocated. The committee then took up HB 338 HD1 and HB 339 HD1 on renewable energy-related utility transactions and procurement. Testimony came from the Consumer Advocate, the State Energy Office, the Public Utilities Commission, Hawaiian Electric, IBEW Local 1260, Ulupono Initiative, and Life of the Land. Supporters generally backed the measures, while some asked for labor-related strengthening language. Discussion centered on how the PUC should handle competing bids or offers in utility merger or acquisition situations, with concerns raised about NDAs, timing, and whether the original version or amended language better allowed public and intervenor participation. A witness from Life of the Land argued that utilities should not negotiate under NDA in a way that blocks later public competition, and a PUC-related witness said the current language was changed from the original to address PUC testimony. Finally, the committee heard HB 1467 HD1 on housing resiliency. OIP was not present, while B&F raised concerns about placing federal funds into a special fund, saying federal grant money should remain in a separate P fund for transparency, accountability, and single-audit compliance. State agencies and groups including OPSD, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Climate Advisory Team, and Hawaii Realtors supported the measure. Testimony emphasized that many older roofs lack hurricane clips and that strengthening homes could reduce disaster sheltering and temporary housing costs. IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill but argued that building to current standards upfront is preferable to retrofitting later. Members questioned funding structure, eligibility, and whether the program should be needs-based; the bill was described as limited to households under 140% AMI. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• announces<01:11:10.880> its<01:11:11.120> intent<01:11:11.440> to<01:11:11.600>
• :11:13.199> on<01:11:13.440> that<01:11:13.600> promise,<01:11:14.000> it
• employees<01:11:39.360> that<01:11:39.600> it<01:11:39.760> had<01:11:39.920>
• While<01:11:42.719> the<01:11:42.880> litigation<01:11:43.440> continues,<01:11:
• <01:11:51.679> though<01:11:51.840> the<01:11:52.000> case<01:11:52.320>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the State of Hawaii’s affirmative litigation against the federal administration, with no public testimony. Attorney General Lopez and deputies said the office’s goal is to enforce the rule of law, not make partisan points, and noted that Hawaii is involved in 27 ongoing cases. They grouped the cases into four broad areas: immigration, funding freezes and grant terminations, federal agency dismantling/reductions in force, and protecting elections, health, and safety. Several immigration-related cases were discussed in detail. These included a challenge to the federal sharing of Medicaid data with DHS for immigration enforcement, a similar challenge to USDA’s demand for SNAP applicant and recipient data, and litigation over immigration-enforcement conditions attached to federal grants. The office also described the birthright citizenship executive order, saying it conflicts with the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent; lower courts granted preliminary relief, and the U.S. Supreme Court later addressed only the scope of nationwide injunctions, not the merits. In the Department of Transportation case, the court granted a preliminary injunction against the “Duffy directive,” finding the immigration conditions lacked statutory authority, were arbitrary and capricious, and violated the Spending Clause and APA. The briefing also covered multiple funding disputes. In the education funding freeze case, the Department of Education and OMB withheld about $6 billion in formula funds, including roughly $33 million for Hawaii; after suit was filed, the funds were released. Other cases included the termination of over $11 billion in public health grants, which affected Hawaii Department of Health grants, the NIH indirect cost cap case, and NIH grant terminations tied to DEI, transgender issues, and vaccine hesitancy. The speakers said some cases have already resulted in preliminary or permanent injunctions, while others remain on appeal or are still being litigated.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:00.800> Chair<00:11:01.040> Kim<00:11:01.440> hi<00:11:01.760> and
• <00:11:06.720> We<00:11:06.959> have<00:11:07.040> another excused.
• Okay,<00:11:16.800> I<00:11:17.040> believe<00:11:17.200> that<00:11:17.440>
• So for House Bill<00:11:22.079> 549<00:11:22.800> HD3<00:11:23.360> SD1,<00:11:23.920
• > this<00:11:24.000> is<00:11:24.160> relating<00:11:24.399> to<00:11:24.480

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:02.080> It<01:11:02.239> is<01:11:02.480> something<01:11:02.719>
• ><01:11:04.239> um<01:11:04.400> to<01:11:04.719> fix<01:11:04.960> a<01:
• <01:11:11.600> Um<01:11:11.920> thank<01:11:12.080> you<01:11:12.239> for
• , the the<01:11:19.760> studying<01:11:20.159> of<01:11:20.400> the<01:11:20.640
• >> Yeah.<01:11:31.520> I<01:11:32.880> I<01:11:33.199> would<01:11:33.360>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:25.440> things<01:11:25.679> that<01:11:25.840> are<01:11:26.080>
• different<01:11:26.719> conferences<01:11:27.360> all<01:11:27.520> kinds<01:11
• >> We<01:11:36.400> appreciate<01:11:36.800> you<01:11:36.960> being<01:11
• When<02:11:22.000> the<02:11:22.239> system<02:11:22.560> changes,<02:11:23.199>
• > take<02:11:29.599> a<02:11:29.920> minute<02:11:30.400> to<02:11:30.800

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:11:19.279> Um<00:11:20.079> the<00:11:20.320> bill<00:11:20.640> also
• 11:32.480> up<00:11:32.640> to<00:11:32.800> the<00:11:33.120> 25<00:11:33.600
• <00:11:35.440> But<00:11:35.600> if<00:11:35.839> in<00:11:36.000> four
• /c><00:11:39.839> our<00:11:40.000> lunch<00:11:40.320> on<00:11:40.560> what
• <00:11:48.000> Um<00:11:48.640> the<00:11:48.880> bill<00:11:49.120> as

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• appreciates this<01:11:05.440> the<01:11:05.600> intent<01:11:06.000> but<01:11
• A<01:11:08.719> text<01:11:09.040> origin<01:11:09.440> model<01:11:10.159> um
• .<01:11:13.520> For<01:11:13.600> example,<01:11:14.640> a<01:11:14.800> law<
• But under<01:11:22.800> this<01:11:22.960> model,<01:11:23.280> the<01:11:23.520
• <01:11:50.880> This<01:11:51.120> is<01:11:51.199> the<01:11:51.440> same

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2046, which would establish and fund an Olo Hawaii Commission to coordinate and promote initiatives supporting the use of Olo Hawaii. The Attorney General suggested adding an end date because the bill creates a temporary commission, and several supporters from the University of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the commission could improve coordination, funding decisions, and consistency across agencies. Members discussed whether the commission should include broader representation, including expertise on Niihau dialect speakers and other stakeholders, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next measure. The committee next considered House Bill 2438, creating the Hawaii Cultural Trust within DBEDT, authorizing an income tax credit for contributions to the trust and qualified cultural organizations, and creating a special license plate to support the trust. DBEDT said it would need additional resources, including staff, to administer the program. The Department of Taxation recommended changing the effective date to 2026 to allow time for implementation and adding a requirement that credits be claimed within one year. OHA supported the bill but objected to language that would require it to maintain a prequalified list of organizations, saying that could limit applicants and conflict with its grant process. The Tax Foundation said it supported cultural funding but preferred direct appropriations and grants over a trust fund and tax credit structure. The final measure discussed was House Bill 2584, which would temporarily increase public land trust revenues transferred to OHA while reaffirming the state’s obligation to the 20% pro rata share, with a repeal date of June 30, 2028. The Attorney General recommended deleting the bill’s requirement that OHA receive a minimum amount equal to the 20% share, arguing the constitution and Admission Act do not specify a precise dollar amount and that the legislature must determine allocation. OHA strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently pays only about 5% and that historical records show much higher amounts are owed; OHA also pointed to a carry-forward account it said held about $55 million. DLNR opposed the bill because the fiscal impact was unspecified and could affect land management and special fund budgets. Several OHA trustees and supporters urged the committee to pass the bill, and one testifier criticized the state for underfunding Native Hawaiian obligations. No votes were taken in the portion provided, and the committee continued hearing testimony on HB 2584.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now they want the<00:11:15.760> federal<00:11:16.240> government<00:11:17.200> to
• <00:11:18.320> rate<00:11:18.880> and<00:11:19.200> extend<00:11:19.600> payment
• <00:11:23.760> Really<00:11:24.160> bad<00:11:24.560> government years.
• Signed<00:11:29.120> Donald<00:11:29.440> J.<00:11:29.760> Trump.
• <00:11:30.480> The<00:11:30.640> White<00:11:30.880> House.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, January 2, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um article 11. um article 11.
• Uh Uh Chair,<00:11:07.839> friends,<00:11:08.720> um<00:11:09.000> have<00:11:10.040
• ><00:11:17.920> of<00:11:18.000> the<00:11:18.080> global<00:11:18.480> deal,
• Most notably, the bill funds grants<00:11:22.360> for<00:11:23.120> local<00:11:23.440>
• <00:11:26.880> are<00:11:27.120> crucial<00:11:27.680> to stations.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• While<00:11:11.839> the<00:11:12.000> bill<00:11:12.160> is<00:11:12.399>
• ><00:11:13.360> want<00:11:13.440> to<00:11:13.600> emphasize<00:11:14.000> a
• First,<00:11:17.040> that<00:11:17.279> this<00:11:17.519> bill<00:11:17.760>
• I<00:11:26.240> want<00:11:26.320> to<00:11:26.399> acknowledge<00:11:26.720>
• :11:34.800> do<00:11:34.880> or<00:11:35.120> I<00:11:35.279> want<00:11:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You can always<00:11:02.959> go<00:11:03.120> to<00:11:03.279> her<00:11:03.440>
• <00:11:05.440> Her<00:11:05.680> classes<00:11:06.000> are<00:11:06.240>
• Um,<00:11:14.399> hi,<00:11:14.800> my<00:11:14.959> name<00:11:15.040>
• :00.000> gone<01:11:00.239> out<01:11:00.400> of<01:11:00.480> its<01:11:
• c><01:11:19.600> they<01:11:19.840> talked<01:11:20.000> about<01:11:20.159>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in<01:11:05.920> this<01:11:06.159> bill,<01:11:06.640> especially<01:11:07.199
• technology<01:11:17.040> both<01:11:17.280> which<01:11:17.600> directly<01:11:
• <01:11:27.840> um<01:11:28.560> our<01:11:28.880> what<01:11:29.199> is
• is our<01:11:32.000> national<01:11:32.480> our<01:11:32.800> next<01:11:33.120
• :11:23.440> stay<02:11:24.239> uh<02:11:24.480> up<02:11:24.639> to<02:11

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint Education and Higher Education committees met on February 10, 2026, first hearing HB 1676, which would create an AI and education task force, require documentation from AI vendors before procurement or use, and appropriate funds. The Department of Education, Public Charter School Commission, and University of Hawaii all supported the bill’s intent and described existing AI literacy efforts, teacher training, guidance for students and staff, and privacy/monitoring safeguards. DOE said it had already convened an AI task force, produced a report, trained over 10,000 educators, and embedded AI into computer science and broader curricular guidance. Members questioned DOE about student privacy, harmful content monitoring, personal devices, cell phone policy, teacher training, and whether AI literacy should extend beyond computer science into all subjects and across rural schools. After discussion, the chair announced HB 1676 would be deferred to Friday, February 13, and that a HD1 draft would be prepared. The chair said the committee would revisit the task force composition and procurement standards, with possible elimination of the procurement section, and circulate the revised draft before the next hearing. The committee then recessed and later reconvened for HB 1811, a student loan repayment program for educators. Testimony from the Department of Education, Public Charter School Commission, University of Hawaii, Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, HSTA, and the Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus was generally supportive, with HSTA and the Teacher Standards Board emphasizing teacher recruitment and retention, student loan burden, and the need to address the teacher shortage. In decision-making on HB 1811, the committees adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the bill with amendments. The main amendment collapsed the repayment structure into a single disbursement of up to $25,000 after five years of service, with technical/non-substantive changes and a corrected effective date. Both the Education and Higher Education committees voted unanimously in favor. Later in the meeting, the Education Committee began hearing HB 1561 on student meals, which drew broad support from the Public Charter School Commission, Department of Health, HSTA, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and many individuals. Appleseed requested amendments to ensure charter schools are treated the same as other public schools if eligibility expands and to address reimbursement issues for schools already participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision; members discussed those concerns but no action was taken in the portion of the transcript provided. The committee then moved on to HB 779, on expanding student meal coverage, where DOE supported the intent but said it could not support the bill in its current form because of fiscal constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• :19.080> out<00:11:19.440> of<00:11:19.600> our<00:11:19.720> schools.
• That<00:11:21.480> law<00:11:21.640> enforcement<00:11:22.200> shouldn't<00:11:22.400
• shouldn't be afraid to<00:11:23.160> show<00:11:23.320> their<00:11:23.480> faces.
• That<00:11:25.240> people<00:11:25.600> shouldn't<00:11:25.880> be<00:11:26.040>
• shouldn't be sent to a country<00:11:26.839> they<00:11:27.000> haven't<00:11:27.280><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House first took House File 719, the capital investment or bonding bill, from the table and reconsidered its third reading so a technical correction could be made. An amendment to fix the project scope was adopted, and the bill was then read and debated as amended. Supporters described it as a good bonding bill and urged a yes vote, while the final roll call passed the bill overwhelmingly, 122 ayes to 11 nays, with its title agreed to. The chamber then considered a motion to suspend the rules and bring up House File 5149, described as a clone of a Senate-passed comprehensive ICE response package. Supporters argued the bill was needed to protect immigrant communities and sensitive spaces such as schools, hospitals, child care centers, and courthouses, and to require accountability and limit masked federal agents. Opponents said the bill misdiagnosed the problem, would create no-go zones, burden public employees, and improperly interfere with federal law enforcement. The motion failed on a roll call, 67 ayes to 63 nays. Next, the House considered an urgency motion for House File 1849, a proposed constitutional amendment to impose a two-term limit on the offices of governor and lieutenant governor beginning with candidates elected in 2026. Supporters said it had moved through committee and should be a free vote; opponents said it was not urgent and would not take effect until 2030. The motion to suspend the rules and advance the amendment failed, 64 ayes to 69 nays. The House then adjourned until the following Monday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:09.680> states<00:11:10.000> were<00:11:10.160> deprived<00:11:10.560> of
• c> 10th<00:11:11.200> amendment<00:11:11.600> rights<00:11:12.399> and<00:11
• of<00:11:15.279> their<00:11:15.519> first<00:11:15.680> amendment<00:11:16.160
• <01:11:12.960> that<01:11:13.199> the<01:11:13.440> agency<01:11:13.840>
• :11:17.199> name<02:11:17.280> is<02:11:17.440> John<02:11:17.679> Beler.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :38.000> Uh<01:11:38.400> but<01:11:38.560> but<01:11:39.040> still<01:11
• <01:11:46.480> We<01:11:46.560> we<01:11:46.880> had<01:11:46.960> a
• :11:58.719> But<01:11:58.880> I<01:11:59.120> just<01:11:59.280> wanted<01
• > I<02:11:07.599> don't<02:11:07.679> want<02:11:07.840> to<02:11:08.079>
• :11:30.079> why<02:11:30.320> did<02:11:30.480> we<02:11:30.880> not<02:11

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting focused on preliminary fiscal 2026 revenue estimates and the governor’s office request for an official revision to fiscal 2026, with members reminded that any estimate adopted now would not bind the December official estimates. Staff from S&P Global walked through three forecast scenarios—control, optimistic, and pessimistic—based on recent federal tax changes, tariffs, and other policy developments, emphasizing that the outlook remains highly uncertain. Under the control scenario, the presentation projected below-trend real GDP growth of 1.8% in fiscal 2026, slowing to 1.5% by fiscal 2028, with unemployment peaking around 4.5% and the Federal Reserve cutting rates three times to a long-run range of about 2.75% to 3%. The optimistic scenario assumed lower effective tariffs, stronger growth, and better labor and housing outcomes, while the pessimistic scenario assumed a broader trade war, higher effective tariffs, faster deportations, weaker employment and consumer spending, and unemployment rising to about 6.3%. Speakers also noted that the forecast was prepared before later BLS revisions and that recent data on inventories and AI-related investment made the recent quarters look unusually volatile. Members discussed how the current fiscal 2026 outlook compared with earlier assumptions and noted that the eventual revenue revision may be smaller than the spread between the optimistic and pessimistic economic scenarios. The governor’s office and committee members also reviewed sector-specific impacts, including manufacturing, housing, light vehicle production, exports, and consumer sentiment, with particular concern about Kentucky’s auto and housing-related industries. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• It<00:11:00.560> was<00:11:00.720> there<00:11:00.880> that<00:11:01.120> he<
• <00:11:03.360> And<00:11:03.600> in<00:11:03.760> the<00:11:03.920> years
• Now,<00:11:19.839> after<00:11:20.160> selling<00:11:20.480> the<00:11:20.720>
• <00:11:31.920> But<00:11:32.160> by<00:11:32.399> the<00:11:32.560> mid
• c> to<00:11:38.560> focus<00:11:38.959> on<00:11:39.200> his<00:11:39.519>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we<00:11:00.160> don't<00:11:00.399> require<00:11:01.200> that<00:11:01.920
• <00:11:09.360> It<00:11:09.600> is<00:11:09.680> a<00:11:09.839> rating
• affairs.<00:11:12.800> Therefore,<00:11:13.200> they<00:11:13.440> provide<00:11
• recognized<00:11:18.560> symbol<00:11:18.959> stays<00:11:19.279> on<00:11:19.440
• Um,<00:11:42.560> are<00:11:42.800> they<00:11:43.040> able<00:11:43.279> to<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing began with SB 12, which would let certain veterans who already qualify for a disabled veteran license plate use that VA disability determination to obtain a walking disability placard without having to undergo a second physical or submit additional proof. Senator Waters, the prime sponsor, said the bill was prompted by a constituent and would reduce redundant paperwork. Melinda Sims of United Spinal and Leo Pacquin of the State Veterans Advisory Committee both supported the bill, saying veterans already go through an extensive VA certification process and should not have to repeat it for the state. A DMV representative said the department had no known objection and explained that the change would let the placard travel with the veteran in another vehicle. The hearing on SB 12 was then closed. The committee then took up SB 40, which would allow safe boater education certificates to be completed and tested online, rather than requiring an in-person final exam. Representative Coker and Senator Tim Lang described the bill as a cleanup measure to make a COVID-era online process permanent and said it would improve convenience and keep more revenue in New Hampshire. Tom Praol, representing the vendor, said the state lost significant revenue when the online option ended and argued that online proctoring can verify identity and prevent cheating. The New Hampshire Marine Trades Association supported the bill, saying it would help boaters learn New Hampshire-specific laws and keep dollars in-state. The Department of Safety Marine Patrol was neutral: Captain Tim Dunlvy said the current system includes classroom and online coursework followed by an in-person proctored final exam, and he raised concerns about safety, exam integrity, and lower scores in computer-only testing, while noting New Hampshire’s strong boating safety record. Committee members asked about reciprocity, proctoring methods, costs, and crash data, but no vote was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :57.959> went<00:11:58.279> on<00:11:58.600> to<00:11:59.079> the<00:11:59.279
• to<01:11:23.560> see<01:11:24.520> uh<01:11:24.880> because<01:11:25.360
• ><01:11:30.080> cost<01:11:30.280> of<01:11:30.440> disabilities<01:11:31.000>
• in 2023 and<01:11:32.320> that<01:11:32.440> was<01:11:32.600> 1%<01:11:33.280>
• paid<01:11:41.800> for<01:11:42.040> by<01:11:42.199> the<01:11:42.400>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on HB 563, which would revise the education funding formula for pupils receiving special education services by replacing the current single special education amount with three differentiated categories. Representative Rick Ladd, the prime sponsor, said the bill largely tracks a House-passed version from the prior session with minor figure adjustments, and explained that the proposal uses projected FY26 amounts for three categories based on time in general education versus more intensive placements. He also noted that the bill does not address catastrophic aid directly, but that special education aid, CAT aid, and proration all remain issues for later work sessions. Ladd and supporters argued that weighted categories better reflect actual costs and are more sustainable than treating all IEPs the same. Representative Margaret Drye said the approach was one of the best ideas from the education funding subcommittee and urged the committee to support differentiated aid. Representative Ames asked how the category amounts were derived, and Ladd said Category A follows the FY26 base, Category B is a higher weight, and Category C is a still higher weight for more intensive services, though he acknowledged the exact multipliers were developed earlier and could be revisited. He also said the committee would continue discussing whether the weights are appropriate and how they interact with CAT aid. Testimony from Bonnie Dunham strongly opposed the bill. She argued that funding based on placement rather than actual service need would create incentives to move students into more restrictive settings, could stigmatize children with labels such as "Category C," and would undermine the least restrictive environment requirements under federal special education law. She described her son’s experience in inclusive settings as beneficial and said the bill would have penalized the district for serving him there. In response to questions, she said schools and parents should base funding on the child’s actual needs and costs, not on placement, and urged the committee to recommend the bill inexpedient to legislate.

Transcript Highlights:

• :17.320> kind<00:11:17.440> of<00:11:18.160> what<00:11:18.279> the<00:11
• <00:11:19.839> Means<00:11:20.120> Committee<00:11:20.399> Chris<00:11:20.639
• ><00:11:26.920> figures<00:11:27.480> that<00:11:27.600> you<00:11:28.040> talk
• > um<00:11:29.920> in<00:11:30.079> a<00:11:30.360> one<00:11:30.959>
• 11:44.240> here<00:11:44.680> uh<00:11:44.800> for<00:11:45.000> a<00:11:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with an overview from the Legislative Budget Assistant Office on how Ways and Means will work with agencies and leadership during the budget and revenue-estimating process. Staff explained that the governor’s budget is still being developed, agencies are cautious about going on record early, and the committee will use worksheets and updated fiscal reports to track estimates. The presentation emphasized that the fiscal year 2025 budget status is a point-in-time snapshot and remains fluid because the annual comprehensive financial report has been delayed, which could change the beginning balances for both the general fund and education trust fund. The budget update highlighted that the general fund is currently stronger than originally assumed, while the education trust fund is weaker. The speaker said the general fund began FY25 with a much larger balance than expected, while the education trust fund came in lower due to higher-than-budgeted adequacy spending and weaker business tax performance. Revenue trends showed the general fund slightly ahead year to date, but the education trust fund down significantly. The committee also discussed unbudgeted appropriations, including attorney general litigation, legal settlements, abandoned property claims, adequacy true-ups, and education freedom accounts, as well as the role of lapses and off-budget items in the final balance. Members asked about the delayed liquor commission audit and whether it could affect revenue forecasts. Staff said the delay was mainly caused by the commission’s switch in point-of-sale systems and staffing losses, but did not expect major ongoing reporting issues. They also noted that liquor fund variances are more likely tied to Medicaid expansion costs than to commission operations. The governor’s office was said to be working on possible budget reductions, but no January request to the fiscal committee was expected. Commissioner Lindsay Stepp of the Department of Revenue Administration then presented an overview of state revenue sources, focusing first on the meals and rentals tax. She explained that DRA administers 14 taxes that account for most state revenue, and that meals and rentals tax growth has slowed after strong post-pandemic gains. She described factors affecting the tax, including employment, inflation, fuel and food prices, wages, and weather, and noted that online platforms like Airbnb have improved compliance by collecting and remitting tax on behalf of hosts. Members asked about short-term rental compliance and how DRA identifies unlicensed rentals; Stepp said referrals, anonymous tips, and platform data help enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

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• 00:11:12.639> number<00:11:12.880> of<00:11:13.040> work<00:11:13.279> sessions
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• sorry 14 to 11 2 4 6 8 10 11 13 to 11 no sorry 14 to 11 2 4 6 8 10 11 13 to 11 no 14<00:50:54.319>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee first took up a nongermane amendment to House Bill 71 that would require state vendors, through contract language, to comply with the New Hampshire Patient Bill of Rights. Representative Edwards said the amendment was revised after feedback from the hospital association and DHHS, applies only to new contracts or amendments, and includes a repeal date of November 30, 2026 so it would function only for the current budget cycle. John Williams of Legislative Affairs said the changes reflected work with DHHS procurement staff and with hospital stakeholders, including the removal of the term "addenda" in favor of "amendment" and clarification on prospective application. The committee did not vote on the amendment at that time, noting it would be attached later to HB 71. The committee then moved into executive session and acted on several bills. HB 67, which converts a pilot program for accessible voting machines in local elections into a permanent program, was amended to remove a $100,000 appropriation and adjust dates; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed unanimously, 25-0, and the bill was suggested for the consent calendar. HB 111, extending the Right-to-Know Ombudsman position, was retained and slated to be incorporated into HB 2 after a unanimous 25-0 vote, with the ombudsman noting the office could expire July 1 if the budget were delayed. HB 164, creating a process for a publicly accessible website for local records retention and access, was also retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote because it carries an appropriation. HB 216 was retained for further work because the committee could not get reliable cost information from the retirement system or the Labor Department; members said the fiscal note looked alarming, though the committee believed the actual cost might be near zero. HB 282, which raises the biennium cap on critical injury benefits for first responders from $500,000 to $1 million without increasing any individual benefit, was voted ought to pass 25-0 and will require a report. HB 619, dealing with solid waste issues and a possible self-funding accounting unit, was retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote. HB 650, an annual dedicated-funds cleanup bill that also caps a robotics fund at $1 million, passed ought to pass 25-0 and was placed on consent. Finally, HB 129, defining "evidence-based" in public education, was retained 25-0 while members continued working on language, and HB 133, concerning new resident driver’s license transfer requirements and DMV notices, drew a split policy discussion: the minority raised constitutional, administrative, and fiscal concerns, while the majority moved to retain it for HB 2 consideration.