Transcript Highlights:

• These reports are submitted each January by TNCs and then validated and prepared for analysis by CPUC
• We get it in January of the next year.
• While there have been a few changes over the last 12 years, the statewide framework administered by the
• Of the 1.8 billion trips in the United States from January 2021 to December 2022, 99.9% of those ended
• Uber's CEO said in January of this year he expects to go fully autonomous in 10 years.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• State assets in response, state assets have responded to 693 fires since January 1st.
• And that starts at a. about $9 million a year on January 1st and progresses through.
• We expect delivery in 12 months for the first large air tanker.
• And I don't know if the next Palisades fire is going to happen. to happen in January, right?
• Bridger has a PC-12, a Pilatus. aircraft with the modification for one sensor.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Speaker pro tempore: Pursuant to the order of the House of January 3, 2025, the Chair will now recognize
• HOUSE OF JANUARY 3, 2025, THE CHAIR WILL NOW RECOGNIZE MEMBERS FROM LISTS SUBMITTED BY THE MAJORITY AND
• My 15th annual farm tour across 12 farms in central and western Massachusetts.
• Keep the sheet handy, because in January we want you to do that list again.
• Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2025, the gentlewoman from New Jersey, Ms.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, September 8, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12.240> Uh<00:12:12.720> moving<00:12:13.200> now<00:12:13.519> to<00:12
• <00:12:17.519> So<00:12:17.760> this<00:12:18.000> would<00:12:18.399> uh
• This is a Senate<00:12:24.240> proposal<00:12:24.800> and<00:12:25.040> is<00:12
• <00:12:32.800> Uh<00:12:33.200> and<00:12:33.440> members,<00:12:34.079>
• c> 12, 15 and 16 12, 15 and 16 uh<01:12:23.600> are<01:12:23.840> the<01:12:24.080>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Members met to review a budget bill agreement using a nonpartisan spreadsheet and summary materials. Chairs and members thanked fiscal, research, revisers, and agency staff for the collaborative process, noting the bill had been difficult and that the final product reflected compromise. The chair also said only minor technical changes were expected before final enactment, and the spreadsheet walkthrough was then turned over to fiscal staff. Fiscal staff explained that the agreement met the overall budget target and walked through major human services provisions. Key items included nursing facility payment changes, including a phased PDPM change, APS inflation, modified single-bed incentives, and a CPI-U capped payment cap; a nursing facility surcharge; workforce standards board rule costs; continuation of certain nursing facility property tax rates; regulation of for-profit acquisitions of nursing homes and assisted living facilities; repurposing assisted living special project funds; funding the SEIU self-directed worker agreement; CFSS reimbursement in acute care hospital settings; and multiple disability waiver rate and authorization changes, including CPI-U inflation caps, waiver authorization reforms, and a waiver reimagined advisory task force. The agreement also included family residential service rate increases, a temporary extension of customized living disproportionate share payments, tribal eligibility for targeted case management, positive supports training changes, out-of-home respite modifications, swimming lessons as an allowable service for certain children with disabilities, a provisional EID provider license, and program integrity services funded by licensing fee increases. Additional provisions covered MinnChoices studies and assumed savings, behavioral health fund changes, substance use disorder treatment billing and rate changes, supportive recovery housing, housing support supplemental rates for specific providers, disability determinations, enteral nutrition payment timing, temporary funding for Boundary Waters Care Center, several one-time human services grants, senior nutrition funding, and grant reductions and extensions. No formal vote was described in the transcript; the discussion focused on explaining the agreement and its fiscal effects.

Transcript Highlights:

• :50.240> a<00:12:50.399> slightly<00:12:50.880> different<00:12:51.200> analysis
• , the answer<00:12:52.399> was<00:12:52.720> no,<00:12:52.959> they<00:12:53.200
• no, they couldn't. uh that was<00:12:54.240> a<00:12:54.480> Robert's<00:12:54.959>
• opinion<00:12:55.360> and<00:12:55.600> that<00:12:55.839> was was a Robert's
• I<00:12:58.240> guess<00:12:58.480> what<00:12:58.720> we're<00:12:58.959

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The executive committee met Thursday, January 8th, 2026, and adopted the minutes from the meeting held
• The committee reviewed 12 deferred reports and 85 current reports.
• The committee met Thursday, January 8th, 2006, and adopted the minutes from the meeting held December
• This report is for the period January to December 2024.
• So this reports for the period January to December 2024.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from the prior meeting and then heard several audit-related reports. The executive committee report noted audit and special reports were scheduled for standing committees and the full Legislative Joint Audit Committee, with one requested report still in progress. The City, County, and Local report covered delinquent private water and sewer audits, reinstatement of turnback funds for entities that filed required reports, and action involving the town of Daisy, which was directed to repay misused street funds at 10% of general fund revenue annually. The education and state agencies reports included higher education audits and state agency findings, with some reports filed and others deferred to the February meeting for additional information or corrective-action details. The committee then took up a special audit of the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at UA Little Rock. Legislative Audit reported that the program, funded with $10 million in desegregation money plus a $50,000 grant, awarded $1.87 million in scholarships to 379 students, with 116 graduates, but found numerous eligibility and disbursement problems, including scholarships to ineligible students, excessive awards, improper documentation, and unclear disposition of some assets. Committee members questioned UALR representatives about oversight, staffing, and whether funds were properly used, and also heard from Philander Smith College about its limited role in verifying enrollment. Members expressed concern about the program’s results and the lack of detail on accountability, and the committee voted to table the report until the next meeting for further review and requested additional information, including the federal court order and more detail on expenditures and oversight. Finally, the committee reviewed the annual disposition report on matters referred to prosecutors and the Attorney General for 2024. Staff said 164 matters were referred, with 28 resulting in criminal charges and convictions, 39 still under review, 96 not charged, and others dismissed or pending; 20 convictions produced fines, restitution, and audit-cost orders, and bond trust fund claims were paid in some cases. Prosecutor Coordinator and Attorney General representatives explained that some referrals do not meet criminal standards, may lack intent, or are otherwise not prosecutable, and members asked for more standardized reporting, clearer explanations of why cases are not charged, and more information on restitution efforts. The committee discussed possible templates, training, and better coordination, then voted to file the report and adjourned, with the next meeting set for February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, the more, and Representative Garratt, you understand this from the K-12, perspective.
• There is a big rush right now while the status quo is still in place, but starting January 1, it's very
• Moving on to slide 12, strategic investment in distribution and transmission can unlock savings for New
• Of policy recommendations for the legislature to consider for January 27.
• Consider the project that they're demonstrating today for your capital outlay in January.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><01:12:01.040> well<01:12:01.120> as<01:12:01.440> real<01:12:01.520> estate
• media but<01:12:03.040> we<01:12:03.199> can<01:12:03.440> look<01:12:03.600>
• <01:12:37.440> Is<01:12:37.600> the<01:12:37.840> CT<01:12:38.159> aligned
• <01:12:47.760> industries<01:12:48.560> to<01:12:48.800> bring<01:12:48.960>
• 12:10.560> have<02:12:10.800> been<02:12:11.599> very<02:12:11.920> very

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• sure<00:12:02.800> that<00:12:03.120> we<00:12:03.360> are<00:12:03.680>
• we are as close to<00:12:04.560> the<00:12:04.800> front<00:12:04.959> of<00:12:
• Um,<00:12:07.440> also<00:12:08.160> what<00:12:08.399> we<00:12:08.560> did<
• /c><00:12:09.200> is<00:12:10.079> um<00:12:10.399> we<00:12:10.800> tied
• :12:22.000> makes<00:12:22.240> any<00:12:22.560> changes<00:12:22.959> to

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:12:01.040> steps<01:12:01.360> on<01:12:01.520> one<01:12:01.679> of<
• If<01:12:04.000> they're<01:12:04.239> dangerous<01:12:04.560> to<01:12:04.719><
• No<01:12:47.920> state<01:12:48.159> funds<01:12:48.480> may<01:12:48.719> be
• <01:12:51.760> drug<01:12:52.000> paraphernalia<01:12:52.719> as<01:12:52.960>
• I do<01:12:57.520> not<01:12:57.679> believe<01:12:57.840> Narcan<01:12:58.320><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:12:23.760> got<00:12:24.000> to<00:12:24.399> introduce<00:12:24.880> yourself
• > slow<00:12:40.240> down<00:12:40.880> and<00:12:41.279> make<00:12:41.519
• And<00:12:45.519> I'm<00:12:45.839> not<00:12:46.000> sure<00:12:46.240> what
• <00:12:51.360> that<00:12:52.639> they<00:12:52.880> slow<00:12:53.200> down
• Not if necessary,<00:12:57.519> but<00:12:57.839> that<00:12:58.959> when<00:12:

Bills: HB1694, HB1695, HB1986, HB1797, HB1879, HB2034

Keywords: sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, Hawaii, economic development, carbon footprint, aviation sector, renewable fuels, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation, clean fuel standard, alternative fuels, carbon intensity, emission reduction, greenhouse gases, transportation, autonomous vehicles

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures, including a two-minute oral testimony limit and that decision-making would follow after testimony. It then took up SB 20008, which would set 55 mph as the maximum speed limit on all parts of the DKI/Saddle Road highway. The bill’s introducer described it as a response to safety concerns and noted prior public opposition when the speed limit was lowered from 60 mph; the Hawaii Police Department was listed in opposition, while DOT and several individuals testified in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided. The committee next heard SB 20009, requiring new plates/tags or emblems for used motor vehicles transferred between private individuals, and SB 2026, which would require drivers approaching stationary vehicles on the shoulder or roadside to slow down and, if necessary, change lanes. The Attorney General supported SB 2026 but recommended narrowing and clarifying the language by removing references to shoulder/roadside, collision or mechanical problem, and other limiting definitions so the duty would apply more broadly and be easier to enforce; AAA and OMA also supported the measure. Members discussed the practical need for a mandatory move-over rule, especially for roadside workers and tow operators, and the committee heard concerns about enforceability on two-lane roads and in accident scenes. SB 2053 was then heard, authorizing electronic signatures on supporting documents used to transfer ownership of total-loss vehicles to insurers without notarization and requiring insurers to indemnify the finance director for claims arising from those electronic title issuances. The Hawaii Insurers Council, Copart, the City and County of Honolulu, and others supported the bill, with Copart describing it as a modernization that would reduce delays for total-loss settlements; technical amendments were requested. The committee also heard SB 2172, which would allow all-terrain vehicles to operate at night if equipped with lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem, adjust helmet requirements, define utility terrain vehicles, and include ATVs in motor vehicle insurance law. DOT said it could support the bill only if limited to low-speed areas, and the insurance industry warned it could create a new insurance scheme; the City and County of Honolulu opposed while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and an individual supported. Finally, SB 2253 was introduced to expand first-degree negligent injury to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, with DOT, county prosecutors, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office in support; Honolulu prosecutors said they would oppose a proposed amendment because they wanted the language to preserve the offense as a lesser included offense tied to negligent homicide.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are meetings scheduled in December for Yakima and January for JBLM.
• There are meetings scheduled in December for Yakima and January for JBLM.
• proposed in House Bill 1021 can help ensure equitable treatment for military families within the K-12
• This was brought up a couple of years ago in January of '24.
• This was brought up a couple of years ago in January of '24.

Summary: The committee heard updates from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Navy Region Northwest, Fairchild Air Force Base, the Coast Guard, state licensing agencies, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Washington National Guard, and a veterans behavioral health presenter. Across the military briefings, common themes were readiness, infrastructure, and quality-of-life issues for service members and families, especially child care, housing, food insecurity, medical and dental access, and military spouse employment. JBLM highlighted its role in Indo-Pacific readiness, ongoing PFAS cleanup, 212 new family housing units under construction, efforts to expand child care, and continued work to keep the Lewis Army Museum open. Navy Region Northwest discussed its major installations and economic impact, the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan, future carrier and submarine homeporting needs, and asked the legislature to continue support for licensure compacts, educational stability for military children, housing, and medical access. Fairchild emphasized its tanker and survival missions, child care shortages, food insecurity, aging housing, and concerns about wind turbine development near flight paths, while the Coast Guard focused on rebuilding Base Seattle for new icebreakers and on rural access to housing, medical care, and child care at dispersed stations like Neah Bay. Members repeatedly raised food insecurity and asked for follow-up on solutions. JBLM and Fairchild both described increased demand for food assistance during the shutdown, and committee members noted progress in getting mobile food vans onto JBLM. The presenters also praised state action on military spouse licensure and child care, including Senate Bill 5545 and related compact and portability efforts. The Department of Licensing reported about 9,000 self-identified military members or spouses licensed, with average time-to-license just under nine days, and said applications are prioritized when military status is self-identified. The Department of Health said its military-to-civilian crosswalk now covers more than 35 health professions, that temporary practice permits and expedited processing are in place, and that 1,300 credentials were issued to military spouses and domestic partners and 129 to military-trained health professionals in the last fiscal year, all within 30 days. The Professional Educator Standards Board explained that military spouses and service members can receive expedited teacher certification with reduced documentation, and that they are moved to the front of the review queue when they self-identify. Members asked about verification, and staff said the process relies on attestation with investigatory safeguards if needed. The Washington National Guard briefed on its dual state and federal mission, the impact of the recent shutdown on nearly 700 employees who worked without pay, and policy and budget requests including youth academy protections, alignment of the Washington Code of Military Justice with the UCMJ, making Civil Air Patrol a division of the Military Department, 911 funding, disaster assistance, and capital funding for headquarters and readiness facilities. The Guard also warned about drone threats and said it wants authority to identify, track, and monitor suspicious drones. A veterans behavioral health presenter, an Army combat veteran and clinical social worker, described high suicide risk, barriers to care, and the need for more culturally competent services, especially for women veterans and caregivers. He said Washington veterans’ suicide rate remains above the national average and emphasized that childcare, transportation, and provider shortages can prevent timely treatment. Members generally responded supportively throughout, asked for follow-up on food security and other issues, and encouraged agencies to bring forward legislative ideas for future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'll have you turn to page 12 if you would. Line 131 is for $104.6 million.
• However, on line 354, there is $12 million specifically for rural air service enhancement.
• We opened the portal with our mapping approvals from NTIA. on January 3rd, and it is currently open and
• This includes 12 positions that are currently in the recruitment process, 7 that are advertised, 4 about
• We have received a lot of adoption on the K through 12 and higher education side.

Transcript Highlights:

• January 2, 2026, we have 19 labs, 8 waste disposal facilities.
• We have reduced our FTEs 13% in the past 12 months. Much of that was through natural attrition.
• So that's moving In a two-step increment, it was just this month in January.
• It's sold for about 15 years ago, 12 to 15 years ago.
• They calculate our payment typically in January or February.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It would apply to forms completed on or before January 1, 2025. That is the bill.
• It has to be an enclave as It has to be an enclave as of January 1, 2025.
• I was in local government for 12 years.
• It must be declared an enclave before January 1st of 2026, actually, no, 2025, so this January.
• And quite frankly, we're going to be back here in January.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions and moments of silence, including tributes related to the FSU campus shooting, Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, John Thrasher, the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and visiting student and community groups. The chamber then moved into special order bills and adopted a resolution honoring Coach Abdur-Rahim. A number of measures were taken up and passed, including child care and early learning provider regulation updates, false reporting/swatting penalties, health care billing and collection protections, hazardous walking conditions for schoolchildren, young adult housing support for foster and homeless students, the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, trust fund interest rules for IOTA accounts, transportation-related changes, public records exemptions for AHCA investigators, JQC employees, and appellate court clerks, municipal water and sewer utility rates in Miami-Dade, motor vehicle offenses involving obscured plates and impersonating law enforcement, trespass at large-scale ticketed events, refund of patient overpayments, stem cell therapy standards, insulin administration by direct support professionals and relatives, pre-arranged transportation services, and the Uniform Commercial Code update for digital assets. Several bills were amended before passage, often by substituting House companions and adopting late-filed amendments. The transportation bill was significantly revised to remove speed-limit increases and utility-related provisions while adding beach equipment removal, flood-wake enforcement, expectant mother parking permits, and local regulation of micromobility devices; it passed 37-0. The trust fund interest bill drew the most debate, with supporters arguing it right-sized a volatile funding stream for legal aid and opponents warning it would sharply reduce support for legal aid organizations; it passed 28-10. The municipal water and sewer rate bill also prompted extended debate over fairness, fiscal impact, and accusations of racism, but passed 36-2. Public records exemption bills for AHCA investigators, JQC employees, and appellate clerks passed with varying margins, with supporters emphasizing safety and anti-doxing protections. One bill on cardiac emergencies and another on education were temporarily postponed. Most measures were adopted by wide margins, often unanimously, after brief sponsor explanations and little or no debate. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring the late USF coach Amir Abdur-Rahim and recognized several visiting groups in the gallery. After completing the day’s special order calendar, the Senate recessed for lunch until 1:30 p.m. or on call of the President.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you remember, the governor and the Senate position was that we would fund that with $12 million.
• So, we were able to use that $10 million for 10 of the 12 million.
• I was really upset with a $12 million coming from the higher education trust fund, raiding money for
• Two smaller than 12. Um, so I can live with it.
• January 31st, 2028. And Sarah Firman to VEDA from July 1st, 2026 to June 30th, 2032.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay,<02:12:08.480> we<02:12:08.719> have<02:12:08.880> a<02:12:09.199> motion
• :12:12.719> by<02:12:12.960> represent<02:12:13.440> Papovich<02:12:14.079> to
• 02:12:55.199> so<02:12:55.440> the<02:12:55.760> law one.
• > the<02:12:56.719> prior<02:12:56.960> benium<02:12:57.360> to<02:12:57.599
• :58.480> and<02:12:58.960> the<02:12:59.199> law<02:12:59.360> as<02:12:59.520

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The work session began with HB 656, as amended, which would treat federal funds received by school districts as unanticipated money unless already listed in the annual report, and would require notices and school board minutes to identify the grant and summarize any obligations attached to accepting it. Supporters said the bill was aimed at transparency so voters would understand the “strings attached” to grants, while opponents raised concerns that the amendment was new, potentially vague, and could require districts to publish lengthy or redundant information, increasing costs and administrative burden. Several members suggested alternative approaches, such as a state-level list of common grant obligations or posting grant documents online. No vote was taken, and some members argued the bill was not ready for action. The committee then moved to HB 665, which would expand eligibility for free school meals to households at up to 300% of federal poverty guidelines and use education trust fund money to cover the added cost. Representative Damon strongly supported the bill, citing food insecurity and arguing the fiscal note likely overstated costs because the bill requires at least one free meal, not necessarily both breakfast and lunch. The discussion was just beginning when the transcript ended, and no vote or final action on HB 665 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:42.240> rejoin<00:12:42.639> the<00:12:42.800> meeting.
• > may<00:12:45.440> be<00:12:45.600> allowed<00:12:45.839> to<00:12:46.000
• <00:12:48.000> that<00:12:48.160> the<00:12:48.320> House<00:12:48.560> is
• :12:51.440> testifier's<00:12:52.000> end.
• <01:12:50.880> Gerard<01:12:51.360> Elmore<01:12:51.760> followed<01:12:52.000

Bills: HB1838, HB1870, HB2445, HB2540, HB1886, HB1839, HB2269, HB1939, HB2037, HB1635, HB1941, HB1576, HB2568, HB2267, HB2590, HB2266, HB2597, HB2499, HB2500, HB2502, HB2607, HB2137, HB2357, HB1782

Keywords: HB1838, Hawaii, Act 142, U visa, T visa, U nonimmigrant status, T nonimmigrant status, immigration certification, visa certification, Form I-918 Supplement B, Form I-914 Supplement B, noncitizen victims, crime victim, human trafficking, victim helpfulness, law enforcement certification, prosecutor certification, judicial review, circuit court, confidentiality

Summary: The committee opened testimony on House Bill 1838, relating to visas. Testifiers from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the legal clinic, the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the ACLU, CARES, and immigrant-rights groups strongly supported the bill, saying it would bring Hawaii into compliance with federal law, standardize and speed up certification for U and T visa applicants, and better protect survivors of crime and trafficking. Supporters emphasized that delays in certification can leave eligible survivors waiting years for federal visa access and can undermine public safety by discouraging victims from reporting crimes. The chair announced there were 103 testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on the bill in the hearing. The committee next heard House Bill 1870, concerning protected locations and immigration enforcement. Testimony from the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights, ACLU of Hawaii, educators, students, and community advocates supported limiting immigration enforcement at schools and other essential-service sites, arguing that families should be able to access education, health care, shelters, libraries, and social services without fear. The Department of Education said it had already issued guidance in March 2025 for how staff should respond when law enforcement comes onto campus, and the Public Charter School Commission noted implementation would need to occur at the school level. Testifiers said the bill would create standardized protocols and protect students and families from fear and disruption; the chair reported 142 testimonies in support, one in opposition, and five comments. The committee then took up House Bill 2445, relating to student safety and law enforcement on campus. The Department of Education again said it had already rolled out statewide guidance and described its process for staff to notify administration, verify law enforcement identification and purpose, and route matters through the complex area superintendent and attorney general, while noting emergencies would be handled differently. A committee member questioned whether the procedures were sufficiently standardized and whether staff were trained for unusual situations. Student and community testifiers supported the bill, saying schools should remain safe havens and that clear procedures are needed if federal immigration enforcement appears on campus. The Department of Law Enforcement testified in opposition to parts of the measure, raising concerns about masking requirements, vehicle markings, officer safety, doxxing, retaliation, costs, and possible supremacy-clause conflicts, and suggested more exemptions and a compromise approach. The chair reported 106 testimonies in support, two comments, and no opposition for the bill before moving on to the next measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• technical difficulties, the committee will reconvene to discuss any outstanding business on February 12
• Um, as of the end of January, just at OCCC, there were approximately 690 people held pre-trial.
• I guess from Mr. ... days spent in jail can have um days spent in jail can have um life-changing<00:12
• :58.160> effects<00:12:59.120> uh<00:12:59.200> to<00:12:59.440> those<00
• :12:59.600> folks.

Bills: SB2040, SB2248, SB2530, SB2732, SB2871, SB2919, SB3076, SB3300, SB3301

Keywords: freedom of speech, elections, campaign finance, non-natural persons, regulated participation, constitutional amendment, financial disclosures, government transparency, public confidence, Senate confirmation, conflicts of interest, state ethics commission, campaign contributions, state contracts, transparency, conflict of interest, government ethics, pretrial release, bail reform, financial ability

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 2248 would expand financial disclosure requirements to certain gubernatorial nominees subject to Senate confirmation. The State Ethics Commission supported the measure, saying disclosures should be filed before confirmation so the public and interested parties can review them in advance. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support, with 22 supporters, no opposition, and one comment. SB 2530 would broaden Hawaii’s campaign contribution ban for state and county contractors to include officers and immediate family members, and would extend the ban to certain grantees and their officers and family members, with specified contract thresholds. The Campaign Spending Commission said the bill is its own proposal and would align the thresholds with procurement guidelines. Testimony was entirely favorable, with 30 in support, no opposition, and two comments. Members asked about conforming amendments and how the existing prohibition on soliciting contributions applies; CSC said the calendar-day language clarifies current practice and that the solicitation ban already applies to contractors, with the bill extending the same standard to officers and immediate family members. SB 2732 would require courts to consider a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail, including excluding public benefits from income calculations and clarifying the 40-hour affordability benchmark for those above 150% of the federal poverty level. The Office of the Public Defender, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing that unaffordable bail creates wealth-based disparities, contributes to jail overcrowding, and can cause severe collateral consequences for people not yet convicted. There was one opposition testimony and 18 supporters. Committee discussion focused on when the 40-hour period should begin, how income would be verified, and whether misrepresentation could affect bail; the Public Defender said the measure should be read to start from initial appearance and that judges could address false statements through existing remedies. SB 2871 would prohibit discrimination based on perceived characteristics, association with someone who has or is perceived to have protected characteristics, and intersectional combinations of characteristics. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked for clear definitions, while the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission said the bill does not add new protected classes and simply codifies the Lamb v. University of Hawaii decision on intersectional discrimination. LGBTQ+, civil rights, ACLU, and other advocacy groups testified in support, with one opposition testimony and a total of 27 in support, two opposed, and one comment. The committee then heard SB 2919, which appropriates funds for one full-time public deputy public defender position. The Public Defender’s Office said the position would provide statewide legal support and a centralized resource on constitutional, appellate, and immigration-related issues; several advocacy groups supported the measure, and committee questions focused on how the new position would complement existing training and keep staff updated on changing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Pursuant to Senate Rule 29.10(b), the following bills are referred to the Committee on Rules: Item number 12
• Back in January, our pro tem Lamone and our chair Laird led a both, Pop.
• Back in January, our pro tem Lamone and our chair Laird led a both, Pop.
• We know we need more special ed funding, particularly for our K-12 schools.
• Education and want to speak very briefly to the incredible investments that we've made in both our K-12

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the Senate journals and adopted floor amendments. Members voted on motions to advance Budget and Fiscal Review Committee measures and to suspend Joint Rule 62A so the budget committee could hear budget-related bills with shortened notice; both motions passed by roll call. The chamber then moved through the Daily File, including several second-reading bills and gubernatorial appointments. Three appointments were confirmed: Julie Lee and Ann Patterson to the Delta Stewardship Council, and Santa Cruz County Sheriff Christopher Clark to the Board of State and Community Corrections. Senators also took up Senate Joint Resolution 17, which urges Congress and the President to clarify that states may extend burial and memorial benefits in state veterans’ cemeteries to Republic of Korea veterans who served alongside U.S. troops in Vietnam; the resolution passed unanimously. The Senate then considered AB 109, the Budget Act of 2026, with extensive debate on the state’s fiscal condition and major budget priorities. Supporters said the budget is balanced, maintains reserves, reduces the structural deficit, and protects funding for child care, Medi-Cal, distressed hospitals, in-home supportive services, housing, higher education, and transit. Opponents argued it relies on future tax increases, leaves a structural deficit, and does not adequately address affordability, public safety, or repayment of unemployment insurance debt. After debate, AB 109 passed 28-9, and the chamber later approved the consent calendar items 81 through 86. The session ended with adjournments in memory of Honorable Hajan Lee, Doris Fisher, and James Leslie Barbie. The Senate announced its next floor session would be Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 9 a.m.